Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE Royal Mint on:- Thursday, 2 January 2024 launched a new commemorative £2 coin to mark this year's 200th Anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever.

The start of rail's bicentenary celebration was heralded yesterday with a global Whistle Up of 200 locomotives blowing whistles and horns across the UK and as far away as New Zealand, Australia, South America, the USA, South Africa and Sierra Leone, spanning 5 continents.

The launch of the commemorative coin is part of a year long programme called:- 'Railway 200,' which will explore the railway's role in shaping national life. The £2 rail coin is part of The Royal Mint's annual set of five coins that celebrate upcoming national milestones and anniversaries throughout 2025. It will be available to collect individually later this year.

Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, a cross sector, partner led campaign, said:- "Coming down the tracks this year is a bumper programme of exciting initiatives and shared storytelling for everyone to get involved with and enjoy. Railway 200 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the railway, its people and communities to shout long, loud and proud about rail's many achievements and plans for a more sustainable future. It will cover the past, present and future of the railway. As well as showcasing rail's pioneering pedigree, it will excite and invite more people to consider a career in the railway."

More than 100 activities and events are currently shown on a searchable interactive map, which is regularly updated:- Railway200.Co.UK.

In addition to train naming ceremonies, public talks, heritage trails and open days, forthcoming Railway 200 highlights include:-

An Anniversary-related mega rail sale, offering discounted tickets for great days out.
The launch of a Railway 200 merchandise range early this year, developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum (NRM)
A 9 month international festival across Durham and Tees Valley, from March to November. S&DR200 https://www.sdr200.co.uk will present free, large scale outdoor spectacles, events, exhibitions and new art commissions at world class venues.
A 4 carriage touring exhibition train called:- 'Inspiration,' curated by the NRM, which will criss-cross Britain for a year from this summer, promoting rail innovation and careers.
The Greatest Gathering, a 3 day family festival in:- August at train builder Alstom's historic works in Derby, the new home of the railway, displaying the largest temporary assembly of trains and rail exhibits in a generation.
The National Railway Museum's 50th birthday celebrations, including:- the summer re-opening of its refurbished Station Hall, home to the Royal carriages.
Railway 200-related activity, including a summer festival, at the Locomotion museum in Shildon, on the route of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway.
An international competition to choose the world's favourite UK rail art, hosted online by Art UK.
A Railway 200-themed Community Rail Week in May, organised by the Community Rail Network.
A rail festival in Sussex from:- June to August, organised by the Bluebell Railway, which aims to attract more than 80,000 people, including 18,000 schoolchildren learning about STEM-related careers in the railway.
From July to September 2025, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway near Bradford (UK City of Culture 2025) will host the Olivier award winning theatre production of The Railway Children. Staged in the location where the classic film was shot, the immersive production includes a steam train ride for the audience.
A Railway 200 badge for Scouts and Guides across the world, devised by Girlguiding North East
Commemorative events at: the National Trust cottage in Wylam, Northumberland, where rail pioneer George Stephenson was born in Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, where he is buried; and Stephenson College, Durham University, where he is honoured.

In addition, as part of Railway 200's Great Rail Tales project, people are invited to share their rail stories. These could be about moments of particular significance in their lives, such as:- a chance encounter that led to a lasting relationship, an awe-inspiring journey, an act of kindness or a funny or remarkable experience.

During rail's bicentenary, Railway 200 aims to raise £200,000 for a unique charity partnership of Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Children, Transport Benevolent Fund, Rail Benefit Fund and the Railway Mission, who will be working together to protect rail memories for the future. For details and to donate visit JustGiving.Com. Fundraising packs will be available soon.

For more information and to get involved, share a story and download a toolkit of handy materials and messages visit:- Railway200.Co.UK.

It is worth adding that we would not have the railways all over the world if it was not for the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester, that opened on:- 15 September 1830. this was the the 1st inter-city railway in the world, just 5 years later! The very nearly didn't happen as it was thought impossible and kept being blocked by London!