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Nestled amidst the tranquil landscape of Staffordshire, the Mill Meece Pumping Station serves as a poignant testament to the area's industrial legacy. Erected during the renowned Victorian era between 1883 and 1884, this grand edifice was dedicated to supplying clean water to Stoke-on-Trent's bustling pottery industry. Its monumental presence not only facilitated manufacturing processes but also catered to the emergent population's water needs.
It commenced operations in November, 1914, with the Ashton Frost engine, the pumping station boasted two boreholes and boilers. The Hathorn Davey engine, introduced in 1928, further enhanced its efficiency by tapping into new boreholes.
Both engines dutifully served until December 22, 1979, when modern electric pumps superseded them. Presently, the station continues to deliver an average of 2.2 million gallons daily to Severn Trent Water consumers, employing potent electric pumps within its original boreholes from 1914.
The Pumping Station is an architectural marvel, featuring a resplendent red brick façade adorned with intricate gothic-style windows and elaborate ironwork. Its towering 38.4-meter (126-foot) chimney once facilitated natural draft for the boilers, harnessing the upward flow of hot flue gases.
Within the Engine House, colossal steam engines, initially coal-powered, drove formidable pumps, drawing water from underground wells to supply the region, with a stable water source for industrial and domestic purposes.
Evolution and adaptation marked the journey of the Station, transitioning from steam to electric power while retaining its iconic Victorian structure. Today, under the stewardship of the Mill Meece Preservation Trust, extensive restoration endeavours ensure the continuation of it’s rich heritage.
The successful renovation of the middle boiler in 2021, and the revival of the Ashton Frost and Hathorn Davey engines rekindled the station's historic significance.
Beyond its mechanical marvels, the station has transformed into a mesmerizing museum, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. Exhibiting a curated collection of vintage pumping machinery, it chronicles the technological evolution from steam-driven engines to contemporary electric pumps.
Beyond its engineering marvels, the Mill Meece Pumping Station holds great cultural significance and it continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s industrial heritage and it’s pivotal role in shaping the social and economic landscape of Staffordshire.

Parking is at the road side along the lane and adjacent to the train track.

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Co-ordinates: 52.90202, -2.254236 • what3words: ///protester.clots.animal

The Minster and Priory Church of St Margaret, St Mary Magdalene and all the Virgin Saints was founded as a Benedictine Priory in 1101 by Herbert de Losinga, the first Bishop of Norwich. For 400 years it was the monks’ home as well as the Parish Church for the town. It was always known as St Margaret’s

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Co-ordinates: 52.75163, 0.395465 • what3words: ///submit.trace.locked

Codnor Castle is a ruined fortification in Derbyshire, dating from around 1200. The castle was built in two phases, the first under Henry de Grey, who acquired the estate at the end of the 12th century and constructed the northern end of the structure in stone. Around 1320, his descendants developed the southern part of the castle, doubling its size

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Co-ordinates: 53.04538, -1.354558 • what3words: ///deflation.courtyard.airliners

The twin headstocks and nearby disused mineral railway track are all that remains of an extensive coal mining enterprise carried on by Barber, Walker & Company, who first leased and then bought much of the parish of Brinsley from the Duke of Newcastle. They are a memento of both Brinsley’s mining heritage, and the literary heritage of DH Lawrence, whose father worked at the colliery. Many of Lawrence’s stories are based on this area and the people who lived and worked here.

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Co-ordinates: 53.03431, -1.308661 • what3words: ///radiates.liquid.innocence

A focal point for residents and visitors, Old Market Square is where friends meet, shoppers have a rest, and many great days and nights begin. It is the largest public space in the UK after London’s Trafalgar Square and is a major hub for the city’s social scene and transport links.

From Old Market Square, Nottingham’s shopping streets spread out in every direction. Spacious avenues provide quick direct routes across the city’s compact centre, allowing you to reach even the most distant shops in no time at all.

Nottingham’s ‘beating heart’ is also the setting for major events and celebrations including the Riviera Beach every summer and the Christmas Winter Wonderland. You can also buy local produce, including artisan cheese and meats, at the regular farmers’ markets which take place throughout the year.

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Co-ordinates: 52.95346, -1.149455 • what3words: ///task.usage.gangs

The Parish Church of St John the Evangelist at Perlethorpe stands in the ancient grounds of Thoresby, as listed in the Domesday Book, later to become the ducal estate of the Pierrepont Family, viz Earls & Dukes of Kingston upon Hull and Earls Manvers, whose forebears had arrived on these shores at the time of the Norman Conquest.

The current church building provided by the 3rd Earl Manvers consists of a Chancel, Nave with north and south aisles, a western tower with spire, a south porch and a vestry.

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Co-ordinates: 53.23175, -1.034426 • what3words: ///paid.lifestyle.uniform

AN AWESOME 17th CENTURY MOATED CASTLE HIDDEN IN A CHARMING STAFFORDSHIRE VILLAGE.

Caverswall Castle is a historic, Grade I listed building located in Staffordshire, England. Built in the early 17th century on the foundations of a 13th-century medieval castle, it features a unique blend of Jacobean architecture with medieval elements, like its moated design. The original castle was constructed in the 1200s, though it fell into ruin by the 17th century. In 1615, it was rebuilt by Matthew Cradock, a local wool merchant, who retained the medieval moat and incorporated modern architectural features of the time.

The castle's history is rich, having passed through various owners over the centuries. It was at different times used as a nunnery, a private home, and even a hotel. Its stunning architecture includes towers, battlements, and an impressive gatehouse, while the interior features grand rooms, paneling, and ornamental details that reflect its long and varied history.

In recent years, Caverswall Castle has attracted attention for being on the market multiple times, sometimes for potential restoration projects or commercial use. The castle's charm lies in its combination of medieval fortress-like features and later Jacobean elegance. Its picturesque setting includes landscaped gardens and the surrounding Staffordshire countryside, making it a remarkable example of England's architectural heritage.

I parked at the curbside just down the road. There are a lot of trees about so I took off from the Church adjacent to the Property. VLOS is possible with some careful planning!

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Co-ordinates: 52.98261, -2.074871 • what3words: ///during.rainbow.appoints

Pull into the road for "The Wash" and there's a layby outside the church and a car park
No flight restrictions but the church is in use and holds funerals so a bit of common sense is advised.

Two large photogenic viaducts come together

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Co-ordinates: 53.33509, -1.918058 • what3words: ///scatters.tigers.maker

There's a layby on the mainroad or a small carpark down the single track lane.
A sailing club meets on the reservoir

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Co-ordinates: 53.31546, -1.949322 • what3words: ///magazines.vague.jungle

I don't think you need to obtain permission from anyone to fly.
Parking is on Snake Road (Snake Pass Summit) on the A57.
It's a few miles to the crash site and weather can change so be prepared.
It can be a bit treacherous under foot to reach the site.

NOTE - I made a mistake with the take off and landing location.
We took off and landed at the crash site itself.

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Co-ordinates: 53.45062, -1.865011 • what3words: ///hints.pave.dished

Dunskey Castle is a short 20min walk from Portpatrick along a public footpath.

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Co-ordinates: 54.83544, -5.109852 • what3words: ///cigar.purse.lined