Dear Sir,
In light of the recent and fantastic news that a very important piece of local heritage has been saved; the old Locomotion No.1 tavern at Heighington Station. I’m sure everyone must be aware by now that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the modern-day railway as we know it. Equally, I’m sure many will fondly remember that great steam cavalcade between Shildon and Heighington back in 1975, celebrating the 150th anniversary. Unfortunately, times have changed since then and, as much as we would love to see it happen again, it’s just not possible, well, not to that level of grandeur.
However, so much work has been happening along the entire route to ensure that we celebrate, cherish and preserve our mighty Stockton & Darlington Railway, from the upper reaches at Witton Park to Shildon, Darlington and Stockton and everywhere in-between. Many events have been happening with so much cooperation to mark the 200th anniversary of this highly significant railway that put the ‘world on track’.
This is not just any railway, what we have on our doorstep is the very beginnings of the modern-day railway as we know it, as 200 years ago, on the 27th September 1825, saw the maiden journey of George Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1, which was placed onto tracks at Heighington Station, prior to leaving Shildon on the historic day itself. Thousands gathered along the entire route to witness this great occasion that was pioneering, a benchmark for all to follow, and they did! Now modernisation is just a stone’s throw from where it all began, Hitachi. A sobering thought, don’t you think?
Newton Aycliffe may be a new town, but we owe our thanks to this railway for the town to even exist, as it played a major role in the wartime effort, hand in glove with ROF59. Where would the world be without this railway? And we have the very beginnings of it right here with us! In celebration of this historic event, a working replica of Locomotion No.1 will be traveling route just as the original did in 1825, but not in one go. This once in a lifetime event, as it only happens every 50 years, will be passing Newton Aycliffe Railway Station, as well as Heighington Station, on the 26th September 2025, marking 200 years, it can’t be missed! So, let’s support our heritage and gather on the banks, footpaths, stations and bridges, have a picnic and give some cheer to the railway and locomotive (replica) that started it all, right here! This will be an ideal opportunity for all of our town’s schools as well. Be proud of the railway that changed the world and witness what history looked like 200 years ago. Visit: S&DR200.co.uk
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