About Us
The ROBEY TRUST...
It was the acquisition of a Tandem Roller that led to the creation of the Robey Trust in 1983. Damaged and corroded after 20 years in a playground, the roller was donated by Tavistock Town Council to The Robey Trust, formed to restore it to original condition and full working order, a task that took seven years.
Other engines, boilers and plant have been donated to, or purchased by the Trust, which will continue to rescue and restore further examples of Robey manufacture as funds and manpower permit. In placing these engines and other exhibits on public display, the aim is to enhance awareness of the contribution which Robey made to the pre-eminent position of this country in mechanical engineering during a period of over a century.
The acquisition of our own museum building was achieved in 1996 with assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The money was used to purchase land and for the construction of a purpose built 'works' on the site.
It is our long term strategy to develop the Works into a museum in the proper and legal sense so that our restoration and demonstration of steam artefacts to the public can take place in a safe and accessible environment.
A further development in the evolution of the Trust was the granting of our application to become a private limited company by guarantee. A certificate of incorporation was issued on the 30th May 2001 in the name of 'The Robey Trust Limited'. An application was also made to the Charity Commission for the Company to become a Registered Charity. This was granted on the 24th October 2001. This is a major step forward for our organisation as it provides members with the powers of nominating and voting on the appointment of Directors and voting on Robey Trust Ltd matters.
Following some research into the history of Robey & Co. in 1984, the Trust now holds a growing archive of historical and technical publications, drawings and photographs and is always pleased to receive items to add to the collection or to copy and return. A 'Robey Register' is being compiled to record details of Robey manufactures known to exist world wide so members can often be furnished with information to assist them in their own research or restoration tasks.
We are open to the public on Saturdays between 11am and 5pm.
We are also able to open to groups by prior appointment. Enquiries should be emailed to our enquiries email address found on the contact us tab.
