Stockton and Darlington Railway events...

200 years ago, a steam engine changed the world. The 26-mile journey from Shildon, via Darlington, to Stockton-on-Tees was the first time a locomotive had transported members of the public. That historic journey, on 27 September 1825, is being commemorated over the area.

Coming up on Wednesday 3 September is a talk by Chris Lloyd, Chief Features Writer of the Northern Echo, on The Stockton and Darlington Railway. This is sure to be an entertaining event, packed with facts and details from a knowledgeable specialist. The talk is organised by Richmond Civic Society, and takes place at 19:30 at Richmond Methodist Church. Entry is £10 at the door.

On Saturday 6 September, there's a Railway Collectors Fair at The Station. Step back in time and celebrate 200 years of railway history in this beautifully repurposed Victorian railway terminus. More details here. Free entry. 

Meanwhile, the S&DR200 Festival, a large-scale 200th celebration of that epoch-defining first journey, is taking place all over the region. You can find more details here. And while you're at it, pay a visit to Hopetown in Darlington, where you can visit the Stockton and Darlington Railway's 1833 Goods Shed, a railway station from 1842 and a carriage works from 1853. You'll discover lots of steamy ironmongery and over 30,000 railway heritage items, and your kids will enjoy the cafe and the railway-themed adventure play park.

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