The Weardale Railway has celebrated the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR200) in true community style – with a collaborative project that has brought together charities, students, volunteers, and local organisations, winning Gold at this year’s Northumbria in Bloom awards.
Four striking planters in the shape of iconic locomotives now take pride of place at Stanhope Railway Station, each representing a piece of rail history – from Locomotion No. 1 to the modern Hitachi Lumo.
The project was coordinated by Nigel Bryson of Cultivate 4 Life, with support from Story Train’s Sam Slatcher, who secured funding from Durham County Council’s Weardale Area Action Partnership.
Students from Bishop Auckland College’s joinery department brought the designs to life, with Teescraft transporting the planters, Weardale Railway engineers installing them, and volunteers planting them up in time for judging.
The initiative formed part of the Northumbria in Bloom competition, itself part of the national Britain in Bloom campaign, which encourages communities to improve their local environment through gardening, sustainability and creativity.
This was the railway’s first time entering the ‘Bus, Metro and Railway Stations’ category, which recognises community efforts in greening and maintaining transport hubs.
After six months of preparation by staff and volunteers, Stanhope Station was awarded Gold and named ‘Best in Class’ by judges on 17 September.
Nigel Bryson said: “This project shows what can be achieved when the community comes together. From funding to building, installing, and planting, everyone played their part – and the award is a wonderful recognition of that teamwork.”
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, added: “The planters look superb and highlight the power of community spirit – we’re proud that Stanhope Station has been recognised with this award.”
Neil Ovington, C&J Lecturer at Bishop Auckland College, said: “It’s been a pleasure supporting Weardale Railway through this hands-on project, it has given the students a link to the local community and a sense of pride seeing their hard work displayed at Stanhope Station.”
The planters are just one part of Weardale Railway’s wider commitment to the S&DR200 celebrations, the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which includes planting 200 bulbs at each station and 200 native trees and shrubs along the route.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
