A WESTBURY man has received his MBE from the Queen, recognising more than 40 years devoted to the preservation of stationary engines. 
David Edgington was appointed MBE in the New Year’s Honours list, and on Friday 19th July, David and his wife Doreen attended an investiture at Windsor Castle.
David said, “It is all very humbling to receive such a prestigious award for a pastime which has provided 40 years of absolute enjoyment.”
It all started back in the 1960s when David acquired an old Lister engine from a local farm for about £2. He was well and truly hooked and overhauled and restored it during lunch breaks and evenings.
By 1974 he had amassed about 30 assorted old engines, most found locally, but didn’t know anything about them, He didn’t know how old they were, what colour they should be painted, or what they were used for. So helped by his wife Doreen, he launched a small magazine for people who collect and enthuse over old engines.
David said, “It was A3 size and very amateurish—produced on an old pasting table in a spare bedroom, using a pair of old typewriters – no computers in those days! It was all a bit foolhardy as we had little knowledge of the subject.”
However, David remained editor of Stationary Engine until 1990 when he retired. He continued as a regular contributor, as well as author and publisher of 15 extensively researched books on various makes of engine and their manufacturers — books which have become the accepted reference for preservationists worldwide.
Pictured: Doreen and David with his MBE, at the investiture at Windsor Castle.
