Gallery
On 18th October 2025, more than 70 guests gathered at the historic Sandfields Pumping Station in Lichfield to witness the presentation of this prestigious award. The event welcomed Dave Robertson MP, The Mayor of Lichfield Councillor Claire Pinder-Smith, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Jeremy Cotton, and The Sheriff of Lichfield Reverend Ian Hayter, alongside many local dignitaries, volunteers, and engineering enthusiasts.
Trustees David Dimeloe and Phil Bowers of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust opened the ceremony, followed by an inspiring address from Matt Garside, President of the IMechE, who spoke passionately about the organisation’s mission to improve the world through engineering innovation.
John Wood, Chairman of the IMechE Heritage Awards Committee, introduced the award and shared the remarkable history of Sandfields Pumping Station before unveiling the commemorative plaque with Matt Garside.
The plaque reads:
“The Sandfields Pumping Station was the first built for the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company to provide clean water to the industrial towns of the Black Country. The Cornish beam engine, operational from 1873 to 1927, could pump up to 2 million gallons of water per day.”
As John Wood put it during his speech, “Sandfields Pumping Station is not just another pumping station.”
The award highlights both the engineering brilliance of the site — which once pumped vast quantities of clean water 18 miles from Lichfield to the Black Country — and the dedication of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust for preserving this vital piece of Midlands heritage. The Trust was also praised for its educational outreach, inspiring young people to explore careers in engineering.
Following the formal ceremony, guests enjoyed refreshments and guided tours of the site, led by knowledgeable volunteers who shared insights into the site’s unique architecture and the impressive Cornish beam engine.
Originally constructed by John Robinson McLean and opened in 1858, Sandfields Pumping Station played a crucial role in transforming public health across the Midlands. Its pioneering technology helped combat deadly waterborne diseases like cholera by supplying clean water to towns including Walsall, Wednesbury, Darlaston, Tipton, and West Bromwich.
By 1869, more than 20,000 homes were receiving safe water — a revolutionary achievement for the time. Today, the Lichfield Waterworks Trust continues to safeguard the site, offering restoration projects, guided tours, and educational programmes that keep this incredible legacy alive for future generations.
The IMechE’s Heritage Engineering Award honours outstanding sites and artefacts that have shaped the development of mechanical engineering. With this recognition, Sandfields Pumping Station now joins an exclusive list of UK landmarks that celebrate Britain’s pioneering spirit and engineering excellence.
Located on Chesterfield Road, Lichfield, Sandfields Pumping Station is a Grade II* listed waterworks building that supplied clean water from 1873 to 1927. Today, it is lovingly maintained by the Lichfield Waterworks Trust (Registered Charity No. 1160873), which works tirelessly to preserve the site and share its history with the local community.
For more information, visit www.lichfieldwaterworkstrust.co.uk or contact:
Nichola Balmer – Volunteer, Lichfield Waterworks Trust
📧 contact@lichfieldwaterworkstrust.co.uk
* IMAGES - Photographer: Richard Case - and courtesy of Lichfield Waterworks Trust/Sandfields Pumping Station
