BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Friends Of The Stockton & Darlington Railway - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Friends Of The Stockton & Darlington Railway X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Friends Of The Stockton & Darlington Railway REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20200329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20201025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20210328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20211031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20220327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20221030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20230326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20231029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20240331T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20241027T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231207T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231207T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20231204T215050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231204T215050Z UID:14852-1701975600-1701982800@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:December Meeting & Christmas Social DESCRIPTION:We’ve reached the final meeting of the year and as is tradition\, we will be holding  a shortened December meeting at the Railway Tavern\, High Northgate\, Darlington followed by a bring and share buffet. There will also be book stalls and Caroline will be bringing a selection of fantastic Railway Station giftware\, so you can buy S&DR themed presents for Christmas! \nPlease bring along a contribution of finger food for the buffet (there is no cutlery etc. at the tavern so please make sure that all food can be eaten with fingers!) Christmas jumpers\, Santa hats etc. are optional but highly encouraged. Good cheer is essential. \nMembers can find the papers in the members area\, non-members are welcome to come along and see what we do although will have no vote on agenda items. You can sign up for membership on the night. \nThe agenda is available to download here: 2023-12-07 FSDR Meeting Agenda URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/december-meeting-christmas-social/ LOCATION:The Railway Tavern\, Darlington\, High Northgate\, Darlington\, DL1 1UN\, United Kingdom ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20231104T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20231104T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230702T150725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230702T150725Z UID:14618-1699095600-1699106400@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Limestone Quarry\, East Thickley and Locomotion Shed 2 DESCRIPTION:Details yet to be announced. Watch this space! URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/limestone-quarry-east-thickley-and-locomotion-shed-2/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Guided walk ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231028 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230504T142758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230504T143230Z UID:14521-1698451200-1698537599@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Friends' AGM 2023 DESCRIPTION:The date for our AGM this year will be Saturday 28th of October and will be held at the Georgian Theatre in Stockton. Details still to be announced. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/friends-agm-2023/ LOCATION:Georgian Theatre\, Stockton\, Green Dragon Yard\,\, Stockton-on-Tees\, TS18 1AT ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Georgain-theatre-stockton.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230927T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230927T140000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230702T150448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230913T184028Z UID:14615-1695808800-1695823200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:198th anniversary Garden Party (members only) DESCRIPTION:At 12:12pm on the 27th September there will be a celebratory garden party at Station House\, Station Road\, St Helen Auckland\, Bishop Auckland\, County Durham\, DL14 9EX with a short walk along the line to Hummerbeck bridge. Please email John Raw (jraw2883@aol.com) if you’re intending to attend for catering purposes. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/198th-anniversary-walk-and-picnic-members-only/ LOCATION:Stationmaster’s House\, West Auckland\, DL14 9EX\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Members only ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/20220927_123659-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230923T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230924T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230702T145831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230913T194109Z UID:14613-1695463200-1695571200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:198th Anniversary event at Locomotion Shildon DESCRIPTION:The Friends of the S&DR is celebrating the 198th Anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway over the weekend of 23rd and 24th September at Locomotion\, Shildon\, Co Durham DL4 2RE from 10am to 4pm each day. \nThe Friends and its associated groups will have stalls together with heritage displays and there will be other exciting events (See Locomotion’s Website). \nWe are pleased to announce that there will be talk on Sat 23rd Sept. at 11am – \nTIMOTHY HACKWORTH\, the man who engineered a future for the Locomotive by Prof Mike Norman.                                                   \nPlease note that the talk will take place in the Sunday School Building at the historic end of Locomotion’s site (the Sunday School is situated on the corner of Soho Street and Station Street\, Shildon\, Co Durham DL4 1PQ). The talk is free and commences at 11am with doors open at 10.30am \n ‘The delivery of power to the steam locomotive  was the key to its adoption and success. What ends with the engineering accomplishments of   Sir Nigel Gresley started with the engineering achievements of Timothy Hackworth. His story includes the missed opportunity of Hackworth’s most powerful design\, the markers he laid down  for the Stockton and Darlington Railway before they were taken up and used by others and his unique contribution to the works at Shildon’. \nMIKE NORMAN:   \nMike’s background in IT was at the forefront of the technology of the Information Revolution & he now  draws on that experience in defining the pioneering key developments of the Steam Locomotive. He is  the author of ‘It Wasn’t Rocket Science’-a biography of the life and times of Timothy Hackworth which\, set during preparations for the 1893 Chicago Exposition\, is told through the eyes of a grandson. \nPLEASE BOOK A PLACE – Please go on Locomotion’s Website into Events where you can book a place for the talk at this page or email the Secretary of the Friends: Jonathan.ratcliffe@sdr1825.org.uk who can place the booking for you. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/display-at-locomotion/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230909T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230909T130000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230715T091547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230715T091547Z UID:14650-1694253600-1694264400@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Shildon Circular Railway Guided Walk DESCRIPTION:Discover Shildon’s historic place in the industrial revolution with this circular walk between the key sites in the world’s first railway town though the story of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and Timothy Hackworth. \nThis circular walk will take around 3-4 hours to complete at a gentle pace. We will start outside the collection building at Locomotion at 10am and begin our walk through the museum site discovering the history of the surviving buildings. The walk will take the route of one of the original rope hauled branch lines serving Black Boy quarry\, taking in the Shildon Tunnel and then taking a return route through town via an original coach station. The tour will then look at how the railway shaped the lives of the people who worked on it and the town of Shildon. \nComfortable walking shoes are required. We will meet outside the front of the Locomotion collection building at 10am. Museum is signed from main road. \nEmail Jonathan Ratcliffe at jonathan.a.ratcliffe@gmail.com with the name of the attendees\, a contact number and email address to book your place. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/shildon-circular-railway-guided-walk/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Walking-the-LIne-at-Locomotion-photo-Jonathan-Radcliffe.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230829T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230829T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230721T151005Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230721T151005Z UID:14672-1693306800-1693328400@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Visit to the National Railway Museum\, York DESCRIPTION:29 August (Tuesday) – Visit to the National Railway Museum\, York – guided tour around parts of the extensive archive department. \nArrive 11.00 am at the NRM – location to be decided\, will send final information for those who are on the visit. You will make your own way to the museum. \nGroup size 10 maximum\, anyone who has been previously cannot be included. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/visit-to-the-national-railway-museum-york/ LOCATION:National Railway Museum\, York ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230817T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230817T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230702T145608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230721T145011Z UID:14610-1692268200-1692291600@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Visit to Tanfield Railway DESCRIPTION:17 August (Thursday) – Visit to Tanfield Railway. \nArrive 10.30am at Andrews House car park. \nTour of yard area\, shed\, workshops\, etc. (toilets available in carriage shed) \nBuffet lunch in Andrews House Station (toilets available) \nGuided walk along the track from Andrews House to Causey. \nSee waggonway interpretation site and Causey Arch. \nContinue to East Tanfield Station and on the way see site of Engine house archaeological dig. \nhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanfield_Railway \nThe wearing of stout footwear is advisable and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. \nAnyone who does not want to walk can see inside the signal box and have extra time at Marley Hill. \nFor those attending I suggest we make a donation towards the cost of the buffet – Tanfield Railway is a registered charity. \nThis event is being organised for the Friends by Angela Pickering who is the “Bright Spark” at Tanfield Railway. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/tanfield-trip/ LOCATION:Tanfield Railway\, DH9 9UY CATEGORIES:General event ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230714T104000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230714T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230702T145338Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230702T145338Z UID:14607-1689331200-1689345000@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Walking the Line - Preston Park DESCRIPTION: URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/walking-the-line-preston-park/ LOCATION:Preston Park\, Yarm Road\, Stockton-on-Tees\, TS18 3RH ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20230524T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20230524T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20230524T201853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230524T201853Z UID:14540-1684915200-1684947600@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:The ‘HIGHLAND RAILWAY – The Line & Stations that opened from 1855 to 1863’ DESCRIPTION:The ‘HIGHLAND RAILWAY – The Line & Stations that opened from 1855 to 1863’ by KEN HODGSON \nA long time Member of the FNRM\, Ken is a fantastic photographer and speaker. \nSaturday 27th May 2023 in the SUNDAY SCHOOL BUILDING at                                               LOCOMOTION\, SHILDON\, DL4 1PG. (See location on a map) \nDoors open 10am for 10.30 am \n  \nEntrance is free and tea & coffee will be available. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/the-highland-railway-the-line-stations-that-opened-from-1855-to-1863/ LOCATION:Sunday School Building\, Locomotion Museum\, Soho Street\, Shildon\, DL4 1PG\, Sunday School Building\, Soho Street\, Shildon\, DL4 1PG END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221022 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221023 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220811T124248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221019T151553Z UID:13857-1666396800-1666483199@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Friends of the S&DR AGM 2022 DESCRIPTION:Our annual AGM will be held at the Welcome building (former Sunday School) at Locomotion from 10.30am – 4.30pm. This will include speakers on the Shildon Coal Drops\, progress towards 2025\, Edward Pease’s House in Darlington and the film The Laying of the First Rail. \nThe full programme for the day can be found here: Friends AGM 22 October 2022 \nThe papers for the AGM can be found here: Combined papers for AGM for circulation but only members can vote \n  URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/friends-of-the-sdr-agm-2022/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:General event,Meeting ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Locomotive-coal-drops.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220927T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220927T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211114T164822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211114T164822Z UID:13237-1664265600-1664298000@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:S&DR 197th anniversary walk DESCRIPTION:TUESDAY 27th SEPTEMBER – The actual 197th Anniversary – Walk Witton Colliery via Phoenix Row and Etherley to West Auckland and the Station Master’s House (To be led by Members of Etherley incline & Witton Park Group and WASH). URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/sdr-197th-anniversary-walk/ LOCATION:New Inn Crossroads at Phoenix Row\, DL14 ODQ CATEGORIES:Anniversary events,Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Etherley-Incline-Today.-Photo-Caroline-Hardie..jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220924T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220925T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211114T164531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211114T164531Z UID:13234-1664006400-1664125200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:S&DR 197th Anniversary Event DESCRIPTION:SATURDAY 24th and SUNDAY 25th SEPTEMBER – Celebrating the 197th Anniversary of the Opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway – at Shildon and Darlington.  More details to follow. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/sdr-197th-anniversary-event/ LOCATION:To be announced CATEGORIES:Anniversary events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/cropped-logotrans_red.png ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220807T113000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220807T163000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220720T165013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220720T165013Z UID:13811-1659871800-1659889800@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Visit the the gardens of Thomas Storey DESCRIPTION:Visit the gardens first laid out by Thomas Storey of the S&DR. This event is part of the National Garden Scheme and costs £4 for adults which is donated to charity. Children can attend for free and dogs are also welcome. \nStorey’s former house is at 67 Manor Road\, St. Helen Auckland. \nTHOMAS STOREY (1789-1859) \nStorey was one of the many talented people brought to the S&DR through their connections with George Stephenson. Born in Makemerich near Ponteland and educated at Stamfordham\, he served an apprenticeship as a mining engineer in Lancashire\, then Wales and Shropshire. He was related to George Stephenson through marriage to his wife Elizabeth and so he was released from his employment in 1822 in order to join Stephenson on the Stockton & Darlington Railway. He moved to St. Helen Auckland to be near his work and spent the rest of his life there. \nBetween 1822 and 1825\, Thomas was in charge of the construction of the S&DR from Witton Park to Heighington Lane (now on the edge of Newton Aycliffe). He oversaw the construction of the first enginemen’s houses. \nAs engineer to the S&DR\,  his work included supervising the construction of the Haggerleases branch line\, designing the skew bridge near the terminus\, surveying the Middlesbrough branch line (and the alternative route not chosen at Haverton Hill) in 1827. He attended parliamentary committees to be cross examined on the proposed Middlesbrough branch in 1828\, designed a stone bridge to cross the old route of the river Tees\, oversaw and contracted out the work on the Middlesbrough branch – much of his work overlapping with his work on the Haggerleases.  He also designed and oversaw the construction of the Goods Shed at North Road in Darlington between 1832-3\, designed new bridges as part of the widening of the S&DR mainline in 1831-3 and trained up the S&DR’s next engineer John Harris who took over in 1836. \nNo wonder at the opening ceremony of the Haggerleases branch\, one of the many toasts was to ‘– “Mr Storey”\, to whose professional skill and individual perseverance the Company and the public are alike indebted”. \nHe was the consulting engineer for the Prince of Wales tunnel at Shildon. He projected and formed the Great North of England Railway\, of which he was the Engineer-in-chief. That included surveying the line between Darlington and York and building 77 bridges between the two towns. Only one of them collapsed! \nHe also projected and formed the Auckland and Weardale Railway\, built the first Bishop Auckland station\, and he was engaged on various other lines. \nAfter leaving the NER he set up a smaller business in St. Helen Auckland. In that capacity he built houses including a row in Flintoff Street (off Newgate Street) in Bishop Auckland in the mid 1840s.   Flintoff was his daughter Hannah’s married name. \n‘In person\, Mr. Storey was tall and athletic\, and capable of undergoing great fatigue. He possessed great decision of character\, and was deservedly respected for his strict integrity and honesty of purpose. He was as scrupulously just\, as an employer\, towards those who served under him\, as he had been when an agent\, to those under whom he served. During the last few years\, he lived in retirement\, his health not permitting him to undertake any great public work.’ \nHe lived on what is now called 67 Manor Road in St. Helen Auckland at the time of his death (at the time this was called Main Road or Front Street).  He died after a short illness\, on the 15th of October 1859\, aged seventy years old.  This was only three days after Robert Stephenson whose death dominated the local press. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/gardens-thomas-storey/ LOCATION:67 Manor Road\, St. Helen Auckland\, DL14 9ER CATEGORIES:General event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Storey-gardens.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220727T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220727T200000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220720T164114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220720T164114Z UID:13806-1658946600-1658952000@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:BOOK LAUNCH: S&DR - THE YARM BRANCH DESCRIPTION: URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/book-launch-sdr-the-yarm-branch/ LOCATION:Cleveland Bay Pub\, Eaglescliffe\, Eaglescliffe CATEGORIES:General event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Yarm-branch-book-launch.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220717T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220717T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211114T164051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211114T164051Z UID:13232-1658066400-1658077200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Anniversary walk in Shildon DESCRIPTION:SUNDAY 17th JULY – The anniversary of the opening of the Timothy Hackworth Museum in Timothy Hackworth’s House (Soho) in 1975 –At SHILDON RAILWAY INSTITUTE with area groups .  Afternoon Walk from the STUTE to the historic buildings at Locomotion and Timothy Hackworth’s House. (To be organised by the STUTE and the Friends of the S&DR). URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/afternoon-walk-in-shildon/ LOCATION:Shildon Railway Institute\, Shildon\, DL4 2JJ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Timothy-Hackworth.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220609T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220609T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220531T102320Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220531T102320Z UID:13703-1654765200-1654776000@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY: DESCRIPTION:Invite! \nWorking with our partners the Gaunless Gateway\, there is to be a general tidy up around the Gaunless abutments and also the graveyard of St. Helen parish church DL14  (where several S&DR key players are buried) on Thursday 9th June. \nMeet for breakfast (bacon tea coffee etc) in the Arc St. Helen parish church from 9.00am. As with previous tidies\, tea /toilets will be provided care of  the former station masters house of 1872 at St Helen’s.  Sturdy footwear and a can-do attitude are essential. Do bring any hand tools you can. High Viz vests will be provided.  URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/gaunless-bridge-tidy-up/ LOCATION:Stationmaster’s House\, West Auckland\, DL14 9EX\, United Kingdom ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Friends-exploring-Stephensons-Gaunless-Bridge-abutments.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220607T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220607T123000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220531T102635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220531T102635Z UID:13705-1654596000-1654605000@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Rail Heritage Quarter Walkabout DESCRIPTION:Friends are invited to join me on a walkabout around the Rail Heritage Quarter in Darlington on Tuesday the 7th June at 10am starting at the front of the Head of Steam Museum. \nDarlington Borough Council with support from a number of other stakeholders is starting a major £25m programme of restoration and interpretation at the RHQ. As part of this a Conservation Management Plan is required to ensure better long term conservation and management of the site. This is an opportunity for the Friends to feed into that Conservation Management Plan. \nThe walkabout will concentrate on the outside of the buildings so we won’t be going inside any of them (detailed reports have already been written on many of them and these can be found on our web site). \nInstead\, the sort of things we will discuss might include: the appearance of the buildings and issues of maintenance; inter-visibility versus tree planting for wildlife; how to improve access between buildings versus vandalism; what research is still required; how to develop good working relationships between the Council and future building tenants (which could be us) and/or volunteers; options to interpret some of the structures not currently part of the proposals; does the Conservation Area capture the railway character of the area; and what opportunities does the site offer for future interpretation and research. Importantly we can also discuss what role the Friends might have in achieving any of this. I’ll introduce each building and its history as we go around. \nWe will specifically look at: \n\nSkerne Bridge\nThe site of the first Merchandising Station\nThe bridge over High Northgate\nThe gates from Gloucester Villa (time permitting)\nThe Goods Agents Offices\nThe Goods Shed\nNorth Road Station and museum building\nThe Lime Depot\nHopetown Carriageworks\nThe site of Kitching’s Foundry and\nthe big green space/ site of the former scrap yard\n\nAs with all Friends’ outings\, the duration of this will depend on how much we all have to say\, but I would allow at least 2.5 hours. Bring water and a snack; you could always bring a picnic for afterwards. \nIf you intend coming\, please email me at caroline@aenvironment.co.uk and also provide the following information: \nYour mobile phone number (in case we need to contact each other in the morning due to alterations in the programme) \nAn ICE (in Case of Emergency) contact should you find that the excitement has all been too much for you. \nI will give you my mobile phone number when you sign up in case you need to contact me on the morning of the walk. \nCaroline Hardie URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/rail-heritage-quarter-walkabout/ LOCATION:Hopetown ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Setting-out-to-walk-the-line-from-North-Road-station-in-Darlington-ed2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220523 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220524 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220503T094917Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220503T094917Z UID:13644-1653264000-1653350399@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Bicentenary of the laying of the first rail on the Stockton & Darlington Railway on the 23 May DESCRIPTION:To commemorate the bicentenary of the laying of the first rail on the Stockton & Darlington Railway on the 23 May 1822\, we are walking from Eaglescliffe Station to the Town Hall on Stockton High Street on the 23rd May 2022\, then on to St. John’s Crossing. \nFor anyone interested in doing the walk please meet at Eaglescliffe Station at 11.00 am for the start at 11.15 am. \nSome people will be coming by train which arrives in Eaglescliffe at 11.10 am. The route which will follow as near as possible to the original route with a few stops and minor detours is about 4 miles. \nWe should arrive at the Town Hall in Stockton around 2.00 pm so for anyone who does not wish to do the walk they are welcome to meet there\, but the next part of the event is only open to members as numbers need to be limited. \nTogether we will walk down the High Street\, continue along Bridge Road to St. John’s Crossing where the First Rail was laid by Thomas Meynell 200 years ago at 3.00 pm. \nAfter Mr Meynell’s “speech” we will head back up Bridge Road and for anyone who would like refreshments we are calling into the Thomas Sheraton – Thomas & Thomas. \nFor anyone who is interested please contact Peter Bainbridge – membership.sdr1825@virginmedia.com \nPlease note that there are a limited number of places on the walk from the High Street to St. John’s Crossing as there is only a small space around the interpretation board and sculptures outside the buildings at St. John’s Crossing.  Stockton Borough Council do not want large groups of visitors in this area due to it’s proximity at a very busy road junction having 2 busy 4 lane roads. Therefore this part of the event is only open to members. \n  URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/bicentenary-walk-23-may/ LOCATION:Eaglescliffe Station CATEGORIES:Anniversary events,Bicentenary,Members only ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Stockton-walk.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220401T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220401T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220401T161533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220401T161533Z UID:13601-1648800000-1648832400@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:WASH Riverbank clean DESCRIPTION:W A S H together with its partners have arranged a further clean up of the riverbank\nWednesday 6th April meet at the former station masters house St Helen 9.30 for 9.45 \nsturdy boots sturdy gloves Refreshments use of toilets courteous of W A S H\nyou will need a can do attitude For further details contact jraw2883@aol.com URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/wash-riverbank-clean/ LOCATION:Stationmaster’s House\, West Auckland\, DL14 9EX\, United Kingdom END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220324T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220324T203000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220302T135103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220302T135103Z UID:13564-1648148400-1648153800@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Zoom meeting on the 24th March to discuss HE's approach to reviewing designations at the two inclines DESCRIPTION:A zoom meeting with Eric at Historic England to discuss his approach to reviewing the designation of the two inclines and the level area across the Gaunless in between. It will be on the 24th March at 7pm. Please feel free to invite other members of the relevant area groups too. \nYou might like to think about to what extent the existing designations are appropriate and whether we need to extend them to include sample areas of features such as culverts and drains\, the reservoir at Brusselton\, approach ramps\, what to do with tunnels and level crossings and the cropmark in the field that was open casted\, but not completely! \nEmail caroline@aenvironment.co.uk for the zoom links. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/zoom-meeting-on-designation/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Meeting ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Etherely-incline-CH.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220319T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220319T153000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220313T140018Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220313T140046Z UID:13590-1647685800-1647703800@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Walking the Line - The Slack to Low Lands DESCRIPTION:Walking the Line – Haggerleases Branch Line. The Slack to Lands – Friday 19th March 10.30am \nThe second walk is from The Slack to Lands. This is 1.3 miles each way but there is much more to see so it is likely to take a while. The walk can also be extended to include the additional length of branch line added between 1839 and 1856 south of Butterknowle. Our objective and methodology is the same as walk 1. \nWe will start at the terminus of the branch line and walk across the open access area of Cockfield Fell following the branch line to Lands\, then return again. There is likely to be more criss-crossing of the area as we look for remains. You might even find wellies useful \nIf you would like to join us on This walk\, please email Caroline at caroline@aenvironment.co.uk and say which walk you’d like to join (or both). I will send you joining instructions/directions and screen shots of historic maps and some background information. \nPlease also provide your mobile phone number (in case we need to contact each other in the morning due to alterations in the programme and an ICE (in Case of Emergency) contact should you find that the excitement has all been too much for you. I will give you my mobile phone number in case you need to contact me on the morning of the walk. Please note\, I have given no finishing time for these walks as it will take as long as it takes to find the features of interest and record them. I’d certainly bring snacks and a water bottle. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/walking-the-line-the-slack-to-low-lands/ LOCATION:The Slack\, B6282\,\, Butterknowle\, DL13 5HX CATEGORIES:Guided walk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220315T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220315T120000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220309T170728Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220309T170728Z UID:13583-1647338400-1647345600@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Gaunless Bridge Cleaning Party DESCRIPTION:Welly (or sturdy boot) owning people with a can-do attitude are invited to join in a clean-up of the Gaunless Bridge abutment area at West Auckland/St. Helen Auckland on Tuesday 15th March for about 2 hours. \nYou will be supervised by representatives of Historic England and the Wear Tees River Trust. Meet at the former Stationmaster’s house (NZ 18511 26590 or DL14 9ET) at 10am. There is some parking there but it might be easier if you park on Leazes Lane and walk down to the house – the track is parallel to the right of way that leads to the abutments). \nAny questions? Email John Raw at jraw2883@aol.com. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/gaunless-bridge-cleaning-party/ LOCATION:Stationmaster’s House\, West Auckland\, West Auckland\, DL14 9EX CATEGORIES:General event ORGANIZER;CN="John Raw":MAILTO:jraw2883@aol.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220314T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220314T143000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20220313T135621Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220313T140217Z UID:13587-1647253800-1647268200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Walking the Line - Haggerleases Branch Line West Auckland to Low Lands DESCRIPTION:This is the first of two walks to explore what survives of the Haggerleases branch line opened in 1830 and whether any heritage features found require conservation. We will photograph any features found and provide an accurate grid reference and make management recommendations. We will also look at the current state of the access and interpretation and whether it needs improving. The walk will be a return trip so that we can view the remains from both directions – it is often easy to miss hidden features amongst vegetation and this helps to spot them. \nWe will walk from the former site of West Auckland Colliery heading west passed Spring Gardens\, Craggwood\, Evenwood and to Lands. Then we will turn back towards West Auckland. The total mileage will be about 6.6 miles over relatively level but sometimes muddy terrain. The main piece of rough ground is in Craggwood if we walk through the woods north of the caravan park. \nIf you would like to join us on this walk\, please email Caroline at caroline@aenvironment.co.uk and say which walk you’d like to join (or both). I will send you joining instructions/directions and screen shots of historic maps and some background information. \nPlease also provide your mobile phone number (in case we need to contact each other in the morning due to alterations in the programme and an ICE (in Case of Emergency) contact should you find that the excitement has all been too much for you. I will give you my mobile phone number in case you need to contact me on the morning of the walk. Please note\, I have given no finishing time for these walks as it will take as long as it takes to find the features of interest and record them. I’d certainly bring snacks and a water bottle. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/walking-the-line-haggerleases-branch-line-west-auckland-to-low-lands/ LOCATION:West Auckland\, Station Road\, West Auckland CATEGORIES:Guided walk ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220213T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220213T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211114T163211Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211114T163211Z UID:13226-1644739200-1644771600@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Shildon Circular Guided Walk DESCRIPTION:Saturday 13th February 2022. A walk led by the Brusselton Incline Group ending at Locomotion. Further details to follow. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/shildon-circular-guided-walk/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021-April-Hackworth-House-3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20220115T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20220121T160000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211208T155140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211208T155158Z UID:13264-1642237200-1642780800@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Exhibition and consultation events regarding the proposed new build at Locomotion\, Shildon DESCRIPTION:Next year\, Locomotion in Shildon will be putting planning permission in for their new building. This is scheduled for submission in late January/early February and as part of this they will be hosting an exhibition on-site at Locomotion from 15-20 January that explains the proposal. They will also be holding two drop-in sessions – one at Locomotion from 3-7pm on 19 January and another at Shildon Library on the 21 January. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/consultation-events-locomotion/ LOCATION:Locomotion\, Shildon\, Dale Road\, Shildon\, DL4 2RE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:General event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Photo-Locomotion.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20211204 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20211206 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20210922T143655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210922T143655Z UID:13034-1638576000-1638748799@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:Santa at the Station DESCRIPTION:Meet Santa in his magical grotto and receive a Christmas present\, entertainment includes\, face painting\, festive music\, mini train ride and arts and crafts\, museum cafe will be open serving a selection of hot and cold drinks\, sandwiches\, snacks\, crisps and biscuits\nAdults (non members) £4\, Adults (members) free\, Children £8\, Family Ticket £25.00 (2 adults and 3 children)\nBooking via https://tinyurl.com/3ebb8s2n URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/santa-at-the-station/ LOCATION:Hopetown CATEGORIES:General event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/santa.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20211102 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220130 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211029T091436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211029T091436Z UID:13177-1635811200-1643500799@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:S&DR Railway Exhibition\, Bishop Auckland November 2021-January 2022 DESCRIPTION:The Friends’ area groups from West Auckland and St. Helen’s (WASH) and Brusselton (B I G) have arranged a display of S&DR artefacts\, books and old railway maps etc\,  in the People’s Community Museum at 27 Railway Street\, Bishop Auckland (located just off Newgate Street) DL14 7LR and managed by the former B I G founder member Michael O’ Neil. \nThis display will run from November until the end of January 2022. Unfortunately the display is in the balcony area and so is NOT suitable for wheel chair access and involves stairs. \nOPENING HOURS Tuesday until Saturday  from 11.00am until  8pm. Closed Mondays plus any Bank Holidays in this period.  Enter through the Bingo Hall foyer and sign in. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/sdr-railway-exhibition-bishop-auckland/ LOCATION:People’s Community Museum\, Bishop Auckland\, 27 Railway Street\, Bishop Auckland\, DL14 7LR CATEGORIES:General event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BA-Peoples-Museum-logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211015T095500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211015T170000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20211009T110720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211009T110720Z UID:13079-1634291700-1634317200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:A return trip back to 1821. Day 3 DESCRIPTION:In October it will be 200 years since George Stephenson\, Robert Stephenson and John Dixon surveyed the land from the coalfield around Witton Castle to the Tees. \nYou are invited to re-enact the journey over three days along what became in 1825 the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Please note that these walks are one-way\, so you will need to arrange to return by train or arrange a car to bring you back.\nDay3: Friday 15th October – Meet at Skerne Bridge\, Darlington\, DL3 6LT at 9.55 am. Good parking available near Head of Steam\, DL3 6ST. \nAfter leaving Skerne Bridge the first available refreshment stop is opposite Preston Park. Suggest bringing food and drink. \nWe will walk to St. John’s Crossing\, Stockton TS18 3DG. \nFrom Skerne Bridge we will proceed through Darlington to where the S&DR crossed the East Coast Main Line. Continuing to view the recently installed railway installations – Locomotion\, Derwent\, Tornado and Prince of Wales – on Haughton Road Roundabout. \nContinuing along Tornado Way which roughly follows the route of the S&DR. Crossing over the A66 via the Blue Bridge we come down directly onto the track bed of the S&DR\, which continues to Fighting Cocks (Middleton St. George). The original station buildings are now a dwelling and opposite is the Waiting Shed awaiting restoration. The remains of several other structures are partially hidden in the undergrowth. Continuing to Oak Tree Junction where the line from Darlington Bank Top Station joined the S&DR in 1887. \nFollowing the A67 past Goosepool and Teesside Airport (formerly RAF Goosepool/Middleton St. George) we head for Urlay Nook where the road crosses the S&DR. \nWe now say goodbye to rural and hello to urban as we cut through housing developments to bring us to Allen’s West Station. \nWalking through Kingsmead where the road names are all associated with the railways we then go under what was the S&DR and the Leeds Northern Railway which brings us to what was the A19. \nContinuing to Eaglescliffe Station\, Preston Park\, Moorhouse Estate\, crossing the line (literally)\, past where the original S&DR curved to the right towards its destination of St. John’s Crossing and finally the Coal Staithes on the River Tees in Stockton. Estimated distance 12 miles. URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/return-trip-to-1821-day-3/ LOCATION:Skerne Bridge\, Darlington\, DL3 6LT CATEGORIES:Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Stockton-walk.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20211014T095500 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20211014T183000 DTSTAMP:20260404T121759 CREATED:20210930T090918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20210930T194221Z UID:13066-1634205300-1634236200@sdr1825.org.uk SUMMARY:A return trip back to 1821. Day 2. DESCRIPTION:A return trip back to 1821. Day 2.\n14th October 9.55am\nIn OCTOBER it will be 200 years since George Stephenson\, Robert Stephenson and John Dixon surveyed the land from the coalfield around Witton Castle to the Tees.\nYou are invited to re-enact the journey over three days along what became in 1825 the Stockton & Darlington Railway. Please note that these walks are one-way\, so you will need to arrange to return by train or arrange a car to bring you back.\nDay 2: Meet at Newton Aycliffe Railway Station DL5 7BG at 9.55am. Good car parking available.\nWe will walk to Skerne Bridge Darlington DL3 6LT. There will be an amount of road walking and farm land walking. The whole of this section is live line. Visit Wiley Hill crossing keeper’s cottage (dating to after 1829). We will be met by Ross Chisholm on the outskirts of Darlington. Toilet/tea stop at North Road Railway Museum Head of Steam. After visiting Skerne Bridge visit to the Railway Tavern North Road where the Friends will be having their monthly meeting at 6.30pm. Estimated distance 9-10 miles.\nYou will be able to return home via North Road Railway Station.\nPlease keep dogs under control. Also\, wear sturdy boots and bring water to drink. Wet weather gear is advisable and a hi viz vest will ensure you area visible on road sections. Walks will have been surveyed just prior to the day. This S&DR walk will have walk leader and a rear walker to make sure nobody falls behind.\nWould interested folk please register by emailing John Raw or Peter Bainbridge (contact details below). Please provide a mobile number and I C E contact in case of an emergency.\nYou are free to walk the whole day\, however\, some folk have indicated that they intend to walk only a set section; this is fine.\nTo register contact either Peter Bainbridge\, membership.sdr1825@virginmedia.com or John Raw\, Jraw2883@aol.com URL:https://sdr1825.org.uk/event/a-return-trip-back-to-1821-day-2/ LOCATION:Newton Aycliffe Station\, DL5 7BG CATEGORIES:Guided walk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sdr1825.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Setting-out-to-walk-the-line-from-North-Road-station-in-Darlington-ed2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Friends of the S&DR":MAILTO:info@sdr1825.org.uk END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR