Last updated at 12:02, Friday, 05 March 2010

One man’s obsession could become a community asset as plans for Cumbria’s first computer museum are revealed.

Sandra Hodson and Michael Armstrong

• Video: The computer collection so far

Michael Armstrong has been fascinated by early computers since buying his first Commodore 64 in 1984.

Now the retired mechanical engineer, 48, and his partner Sandra Hodson are hoping to launch a computer museum in Wigton’s former United Reformed Church.

Michael said: “We hope to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists.”

For the past 26 years, Michael has hoarded more than 100 of the machines made between the 1930s and the 1980s.

His collection soon outgrew the couple’s Low Moor Road home with the largest being 29ft long and 30ft wide and weighing four tons.

“I just thought it was computers for the cupboards,” said Sandra, a lorry driver whose driving skills come in handy when picking up Michael’s latest computer find.

“I didn’t ever think it would become this big but I support Michael 100 per cent.”

Among the collection is one of the first computers to send an email. Dating from 1956, the computer, known as the LGP 30, was involved in the development of the internet.

The stash, which is kept in storage due to the size of some of the models, also boasts early robot examples and computer-based children’s toys.

“We’ve bought them from all over the world,” said Michael. “We find them through word of mouth, we get information, follow it up and try to find out where the computers are held.

“We recently went to Stuttgart for one and have also bought them from a university in Holland.”

The pair hope to run the museum as a not-for-profit community enterprise in the Water Street church.

The 160-year-old building held its final service last year after a dwindling congregation and the cost of refurbishing the building meant there was no other option than for it to be sold.

It was bought by Sandra and Michael three months ago and could now be given a new lease of life if the museum plans go ahead.

“It will hopefully be a learning facility for children and for the university students too,” said Sandra.

“We hope to include artifacts from the local area too and have groups in to exhibit.”

Michael added: “We are still exploring the best way forward. We’ve lost a lot of industry in the area and we want to get children enthused.

“We want to create something that will stand the test of time and go beyond our days.”

To find out more about Sandra and Michael’s collection visit the Time-Line Computer Archive website at www.t-larchive.org

First published at 09:18, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk