Shildon Railway Institute kicks off its series of celebratory events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway with a special screening of a new film about that railway, the events leading up to its opening, and the subsequent impact that day had on the entire world.
Iron & Steam – The Dawn of the Stockton & Darlington Railway is a glossy and beautifully made film casting fresh eyes on this engineering adventure and the entrepreneurs and pioneers that made it a success.
Naturally as Shildon played such an important part in these historic events, our area features significantly and viewers will recognise many of the locations shown.
As well as explaining what happened, the film features testimony from many experts on the area’s rail history.
A spokesperson for the Railway Institute said: “Our little organisation was founded by Timothy Hackworth himself in the years after the railway opened, and we know that it has played some part in every major anniversary since, so we wanted to make sure we were honouring that tradition again this year.
“The showing of this film is the first in a programme of fringe events we have planned in for this year.
“The company that made it, Lonely Tower Film & Media, have a fantastic track record for making compelling and revealing films of this kind and have put their heart and soul into this one.
“A couple of us have had a sneak preview and it’s a really great picture that we’re proud to be the first in Shildon to show.
“Whether you’re wondering what all the fuss is about, or you think you know everything about Shildon and the railway story, there’s something in this film for you, and where better to watch it than on a big screen in our main hall.
“It’s only a few hundred yards from where the most important part of that day’s events took place; the attaching of the coal wagons to Locomotion No. 1 in readiness for its maiden journey to the coal staithes on the River Tees.
“This year is a major milestone for Shildon and its people, and though we may not have the financial clout of those two commercial centres, Stockton and Darlington, that always seem to dominate the narrative, it’s a great time to stand proud and call for recognition that it was the forefathers of the people of Shildon that powered the world’s first industrial railway town. This film is a poignant reminder and a fantastic way to get the ball rolling this year.”
As a special touch, Iron & Steam will be introduced by two of the team that made the film.
The screening will take place on Saturday 22 February with doors opening at 12 noon and the film starting at around one o’clock.
Places are limited but all are welcome, and tickets costing only £3 each to help cover costs, are available now from the Railway Institute in advance, and on the day.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
