The Railway Institute here at Shildon invoked a generations old tradition on the afternoon of Saturday 10 May, when it held a special ‘tea dance’ in celebration of the two hundredth anniversary year of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825.
The Institute’s main hall was brightly decorated and lit especially for the occasion with tables dressed, bunting draped everywhere and images of Shildon’s famous railway engineering works, workers and different models of rail wagons adorning the walls.
Opening speeches were given by the Institute Chair, who spoke of the Institute’s connection with the S&DR, it being the first and oldest railway institute in the world and the innovative figures who had attained fame through their work at Shildon, and Mick Cash, a trustee of the Railway Pension Fund and former General Secretary of the RMT, who recalled the glory days of Shildon and the proud contribution of rail workers through the years.
Afterward, around 120 guests, who had claimed their free tickets, were served tea and coffee at their tables by the hospitality team comprising committee members and volunteers, as well as a representative from the Railway Benevolent Fund, who had travelled from Derby to help out. Sandwiches, scones and cake followed.
Guests were also treated to some fine dancing music courtesy of The Little Big Band, who made the journey from Leeds for the occasion and gave two sets of exceptionally well rendered big band favourites – the highly appropriate “Take The ‘A’ Train” and a sing along version of “Minnie The Moocher” – to the delight of all.
One or two of the older attendees spoke of the memories evoked of times gone by when such entertainment was more commonly seen at the Institute.
Also present were Jonathan Clark and Becks Goodman, representatives of Railpen, the organisation that administers railway pensions, who have an administrative office in nearby Darlington.
It was thanks to their kind support that the Institute was able to stage this celebration.
Speaking after the event, the Chair of the Institute told us: “Our staff, committee and volunteers did us proud today.
“This was such an important thing for us to do.
“This institution has celebrated every major milestone of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington since the very first one, the twenty-fifth anniversary, in 1850.
“What happened today was very reminiscent of celebrations of old.
“Tea, coffee, cake, speeches, live music and dancing – all elements that featured strongly way back in time.
“We have more to come this year, but what a lovely celebration.
“In particular, it was a delight to see so many members of the Modern Sequence Dance Club who have been dancing at the Institute for over seventy years now.
“They, and the former rail workers who visit us, are still a huge part of what makes the Institute special today.
“I think if Timothy Hackworth were to have been watching today, he’d have approved of how we chose to mark the occasion.
“We’ll be celebrating again this year but really enjoyed this special moment.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
