It looks as if the mercury arc rectifier from the old Laxey substation will be saved after all but it will be moved from its current location to the old Goods Shed at Laxey Station where it is planned to open a Museum of Electricity with this as the star exhibit. As reported a few weeks ago a group of enthusiasts on the Isle of Man had launched a campaign to save the rare mercury arc rectifier which is being decommissioned from use as they feared that it would be either scrapped or mothballed out of the public eye over this winter, and this has now been successful with this news.
The electricity museum will be located in the old Goods Shed at Laxey Station and although the mercury arc rectifier will be the star exhibit it is planned that many other artefacts will be put on display to help show the history of electricity and to entertain the public. There will be an interactive science section where families can learn about electricity in a fun environment with the chance to make electromagnets.
The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure will lease the Goods Shed in a few weeks when a corporate body has been formed. Organisations involved in this will be the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust and the Manx Heritage Trust. Once the lease is signed work will commence on turning the building into a Museum with a hope that it will open in spring or early summer next year. It is expected to cost around £20,000 to achieve these aims and they are seeking sponsorship for this.
They are looking for anyone who can help – physically or financially – and if you can you are urged to email Richard Henthorn at henthorns@manx.net or Pete Geddes at pete.geddes@manx.net.