From scrap to star object: Ilkeston resident helps rescue a classic computer

A vintage BBC computer rescued at one of Derbyshire County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres has become a star of the show at the National Videogame Museum in Sheffield.

Eagle-eyed Ilkeston resident, Matthew Bostock, spotted the unusual computer at his local recycling centre. He thought it might be of some interest and alerted the staff. It turned out to be a BBC Micro Computer - an iconic 8-bit home computer launched in 1981 to improve computer literacy in schools. 

The county council donated it to The National Videogame Museum (NVM) who restored it to full working order with a new power supply, replacement of capacitors and a clean of its instantly recognisable outer shell. Fully functioning again, visitors are encouraged to have a go on it. 

The computer is now one of the star objects in a brand-new display at the Museum which chronicles 50 years of videogame history from the 1970’s to present day. It features alongside fellow iconic computers and games consoles of the 70s and 80s such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64 and the Fairchild Channel F.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick, said: “This is a great story and we’re really grateful to Matthew for spotting this important computer.  The National Videogame Museum in Sheffield is a natural new home for it where it can be kept in use for longer and enjoyed by many.

“The BBC Micro is an object that holds many memories for our audiences I can imagine parents taking their children to see it over the summer holidays – recalling the computers of their youth and introducing the youngsters to a bit of our computer heritage!”

John O'Shea Creative Director at the NVM said: “We welcome this addition to our museum and thank the county council for donating it to us. It’s a special item helping to tell a story of British innovation in the 1980's and 90’s and it shows how computing is integral to education right up to the present day."

Matthew Bostock who spotted it said: “I am just pleased that we saved this item rather than it being recycled or going for scrap. Thanks to the staff at the recycling centre for helping to rescue it when I pointed it out and to the county council for finding such a good home for it. 

“It was great to go along with my son, Travis, and see it in use at the museum. We were made really welcome and Travis enjoyed having a go at a bit of computer programming.”

The National Videogame Museum has an ever-growing collection of over 5,000 videogame artefacts with the aim of preserving, interpreting and exhibiting videogames for all to enjoy. The BBC Micro Computer donated by the county council features in a brand-new timeline display as part of the Museum's summer revamp.

Residents can recycle unwanted or old computers at the county council’s nine recycling centres making sure that all personal data is removed. Alternatively they can be offered free of charge or sale in  local newspapers or on Freecycle, What’s App and Facebook etc.