Shildon ran riot against Whickham scoring four goals to win the Durham County FA ‘Frank Pattison’ challenge cup final for the 7th time in the club’s history Ben Reay scored the first goal of the game for the Railwaymen in the 20th minute It was then Nathan Greenwood who doubled the lead for Shildon in the 56th minute that came from substitute Oliver Green in the 89th minute of the game to make it 3-0 Green scored his second of the game only a couple minutes later in injury time to wrap up a tremendous cup final victory for the Railwaymen Shildon were looking to secure some silverware after an already impressive season where they sit second in the league Whickham on the other hand were hoping to win this cup after failing to win in the final last year putting the ball through the defenders legs and slotting home into the bottom corner of the goal at the Roker End Whickham pushed hard for an equaliser before the break but couldn’t find a way to cut open Shildon’s strong defence This would be a common occurrence that the Lang Jacks suffered for the rest of the game Shildon doubled their lead to get one hand on the trophy Greenwood smashed the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box to make it two Green came on late in the second half and managed to score a brace The first was a strike that bounced off the Whickham defender The second was a ball across the box which was tapped home by Green This secured a dominant win for Railwaymen and allowed them to take the trophy back home to Shildon attention turns back to the league where Shildon will have a play-off run for the second time in just as many seasons whilst Whickham’s bid for survival goes down to the final day Tweets by Sports_Byte The historic bronze statue of Robert Stephenson, the great railway engineer, has gone on display at the Locomotion Museum in Shildon, County Durham. Since its removal from the piazza at London’s Euston station as part of the HS2 redevelopment in October 2020, the statue of the railway pioneer has been kept by HS2 in safe storage. Now, HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and the Science Museum Group, the operator of the Locomotion Museum in Shildon, have agreed a loan which will see the 150 year old monument on display to the public for the next 10 years.  Following Stephenson’s death in 1859, this statue was commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers and was erected at London Euston station in 1871, four years after the death of its Italian-French sculptor, Carlo Marochetti. After some conservation work and cleaning, the statue – which is roughly twice life-size – has been lifted and fixed into place outside the museum. It goes on official display on Wednesday 9th April. The statue has been installed at the museum opposite Gaunless Bridge, designed by Robert’s father George, in 1823. The bridge was restored and installed at the museum in 2024.  The loan coincides with ‘Railway 200’ – the celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. Nationwide celebrations are taking place to recognise the achievements of George and Robert Stephenson, who pioneered the first public railway linking Stockton and Darlington in 1825. This railway passes through Shildon, which is recognised as being the first railway town and a fitting location for the statue to be displayed. HS2 represents an exciting new chapter in Britain's 200-year-old railway story. It will utilise the latest in rail technology and engineering to connect London and Birmingham with more reliable, faster and frequent services while supporting growing passenger demand by creating space on the existing network for more local, regional and freight services. This ensures that passengers travelling on our historic railways today will also enjoy better journeys in the future.  Laura Williams, Historic Environment Manager, HS2 Ltd said: “200 years on from the first passenger railway in Britian, HS2 is delivering the future of rail in Britain. Robert Stephenson was a pioneer of engineering and HS2 has been carefully looking after his historic statue since its removal. We are delighted that the public will get to enjoy this monument at the Locomotion Museum over the next 10 years before we can incorporate it into the future Euston station development.” “We are thrilled to welcome this magnificent statue to Locomotion. As one of the most influential engineers in railway history, Robert Stephenson’s legacy is deeply connected to Shildon, the world’s first railway town. Having this iconic monument on display alongside the pioneering locomotives and engineering marvels he helped to inspire is a fantastic boost for Locomotion and for the region during a landmark year in railway history” Robert Williamson, Head of Stations and Passenger Experience at Network Rail, said: “We’re proud to have cared for this important piece of railway heritage and to now see it displayed where Robert Stephenson’s legacy began. His achievements laid the foundations for the modern railways we manage today. The statue’s move to Locomotion Museum offers a fantastic opportunity for more people to appreciate his contribution, before it eventually returns home to the transformed Euston Station.” Tom Frater, North East and Yorkshire Regional Director at Historic England, said: “We're thrilled that this important piece of our railway heritage will be on display at the Locomotion Museum during this significant anniversary year. Historic England has worked with HS2, Network Rail and local partners to ensure this Grade II listed statue is properly cared for while temporarily away from Euston. “The move to Shildon - the world's first railway town - creates a meaningful connection between this historic monument and the birthplace of passenger railways. This collaboration showcases how we can protect our heritage while making it accessible to new audiences, before the statue returns to take pride of place in the redeveloped Euston station.” The monument has moved a number of times around Euston Station as part of various redevelopments, but this will be the first time it has gone on display outside of its home in the capital. It is owned by Network Rail and was given Grade II listed status by Historic England in 1974. The iconic statue will return to Euston once work to construct the new HS2 station and redevelop the existing Euston station is complete. One of the North East’s greatest achievers started life in a row of one-room workers’ cottages on the banks of the Tyne. But such was his stellar career Stephenson, born in 1803 at Willington Quay in what is now North Tyneside, was accorded the high honour of burial in Westminster Abbey. And in 1871, the statue was unveiled at Euston Station, which he was involved in developing. This month, the listed 8ft 10ins statue has been installed near the entrance of Locomotion’s Main Hall and coincides with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the history-making Stockton and Darlington railway. Robert Stephenson in 1856Rpbert is positioned opposite Gaunless Bridge, designed by his father George in 1823. The bridge was restored and sited at the museum last year. Sarah Price, head of Locomotion, said: “We are thrilled to welcome this magnificent statue to Locomotion. As one of the most influential engineers in railway history, Robert Stephenson’s legacy is deeply connected to Shildon, the world’s first railway town. “Having this iconic monument on display alongside the pioneering locomotives and engineering marvels he helped to inspire is a fantastic boost for Locomotion and for the region during a landmark year in railway history. “Robert built on the great achievements of his father, George. His innovative thinking allowed for the significant expansion of railways during the mid-19th century’s ‘railway mania.’ His skills in civil and mechanical engineering helped establish the railway system in this country, which was then adopted worldwide.” The statue is moved from its position at Euston stationThe monument, which stands on a base of polished Aberdeen pink granite, was commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1859, the year of Robert’s death at the age of 56, and was gifted to the London and North Western Railway. It was placed in storage in 2020 while the station undergoes its major HS2 redevelopment and has now been loaned to Shildon by its owners Network Rail. A Euston spokesman described the statue as a “tremendous part of railway history.” Among his many achievements, Robert Stephenson developed the London and Birmingham Railway which opened in 1838. It was the first intercity railway into London and sparked the “railway mania” of the mid-19th century. Robert Stephenson & Co, the world’s first locomotive works, was founded in 1823 in Newcastle. He spent three years from 1824 in Colombia in South Aerica, on a silver mines project and after returning to Newcastle he and his father entered their locomotive Rocket in the Rainhill Trials. Stephenson statue at EustonIts winning performance proved that such locomotives were the way ahead. Locomotion at Shildon is home to the largest collection of historic locomotives undercover in Europe, including Rocket, For the Chester & Holyhead Railway and the Newcastle & Berwick Railway, Robert designed four major bridges, all still in use today.- the Conway (1848) and Britannia (1850) bridges in North Wales , the High Level Bridge (1849) between Newcastle and Gateshead carrying both a railway and a roadway on cast iron spans, and the Royal Border Bridge over the River Tweed. He also worked on the Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence River in Montreal and bridges over the Nile for the Egyptian Railway between Alexandria and Suez via Cairo. On the day of his funeral, ships in the Tyne flew their flags at half mast, shops and offices closed at noon, and 1,500 people gathered at St Nicholas Church, including the workforce of the Stephenson factory. Robert Stephenson statue in place at Locomotion, County DurhamThe historic bronze statue of great engineer Robert Stephenson, has gone on display at the Locomotion, the railway museum in Shildon, County Durham. One of the North East\u2019s greatest achievers started life in a row of one-room workers\u2019 cottages on the banks of the Tyne. This month, the listed 8ft 10ins statue has been installed near the entrance of Locomotion\u2019s Main Hall and coincides with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the history-making Stockton and Darlington railway. Sarah Price, head of Locomotion, said: \u201CWe are thrilled to welcome this magnificent statue to Locomotion. As one of the most influential engineers in railway history, Robert Stephenson\u2019s legacy is deeply connected to Shildon, the world\u2019s first railway town. \u201CHaving this iconic monument on display alongside the pioneering locomotives and engineering marvels he helped to inspire is a fantastic boost for Locomotion and for the region during a landmark year in railway history. \u201CRobert built on the great achievements of his father, George. His innovative thinking allowed for the significant expansion of railways during the mid-19th century\u2019s \u2018railway mania.\u2019 His skills in civil and mechanical engineering helped establish the railway system in this country, which was then adopted worldwide.\u201D The statue is moved from its position at Euston stationThe monument, which stands on a base of polished Aberdeen pink granite, was commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1859, the year of Robert\u2019s death at the age of 56, and was gifted to the London and North Western Railway. A Euston spokesman described the statue as a \u201Ctremendous part of railway history.\u201D Among his many achievements, Robert Stephenson developed the London and Birmingham Railway which opened in 1838. It was the first intercity railway into London and sparked the \u201Crailway mania\u201D of the mid-19th century. Robert Stephenson & Co, the world\u2019s first locomotive works, was founded in 1823 in Newcastle. Stephenson statue at EustonIts winning performance proved that such locomotives were the way ahead Locomotion at Shildon is home to the largest collection of historic locomotives undercover in Europe For the Chester & Holyhead Railway and the Newcastle & Berwick Railway all still in use today.- the Conway (1848) and Britannia (1850) bridges in North Wales the High Level Bridge (1849) between Newcastle and Gateshead carrying both a railway and a roadway on cast iron spans and the Royal Border Bridge over the River Tweed He also worked on the Victoria Bridge over the St Lawrence River in Montreal and bridges over the Nile for the Egyptian Railway between Alexandria and Suez via Cairo ships in the Tyne flew their flags at half mast and 1,500 people gathered at St Nicholas Church including the workforce of the Stephenson factory Your guide to London's culture and transport news and events taking place across the city Published on 8th April 2025 by ianVisits in Transport News which stood at Euston station for nearly 150 years until it was removed for HS2 works has reappeared — this time outside the Locomotion railway museum in Shildon was commissioned by the Institute of Civil Engineers to commemorate the great engineer it was kept in storage for some years while a location was found The original plan was to erect it in Parliament Square alongside statues of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Joseph Locke the Office of Works retracted permission after deciding that Parliament Square should be reserved for politicians Robert Stephenson was erected outside the London station he engineered — at Euston The statue was moved to the east side of the station when it was redeveloped in the 1960s and moved again in 2008 when further redevelopment was proposed to stand to the west side of the station forecourt The statue was one of the few surviving elements of the original station after it was redeveloped in the 1960s However, the statue had to be removed in 2020 because of HS2 works It has now moved up north to stand for a decade or so outside the National Railway Museum in Shildon the statue — which is roughly twice life-size — has been lifted and fixed into place outside the museum The location is also particularly suitable for the statue as it’s opposite the Gaunless Bridge which was designed in 1823 by Robert’s father Planning permission to display the statue outside the museum was granted by Durham County Council on 24th Feb When Euston station ceases to be a building site the statue will end its northern holiday and return to London to stand outside Euston again This website has been running now for over a decade, and while advertising revenue contributes to funding the website, it doesn't cover the costs. That is why I have set up a facility with DonorBox where you can contribute to the costs of the website and time invested in writing and research for the news articles It's very similar to the way The Guardian and many smaller websites are now seeking to generate an income in the face of rising costs and declining advertising Whether it's a one-off donation or a regular giver every additional support goes a long way to covering the running costs of this website and keeping you regularly topped up doses of Londony news and facts If you like what you read on here, then please support the website here Talking of public art around Euston – I wonder what’s happened to Paul de Monchaux’s Time Benches and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" and the latest news published on ianVisits You can unsubscribe at any time from my weekly emails © ianVisits For editorial and advertising contributions email paul@newtonnews.co.uk Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress Shildon were well worth their three points yesterday as they edged out victors over Benfield in a tightly fought contest at home in the Ebac Northern League Division One It took the home side over 72 minutes of football to break the deadlock through Ben Errington whose late goal claimed a massive three points for The Railwaymen Both teams were on form coming into this one Shildon had scored 12 goals in their previous two matches and The Lions had won three in a row with their last one an impressive 4-0 win over Whitley Bay The hosts made full use of the home advantage and started the stronger side Benfield withstood the early pressure and that allowed them to ease into the game and have some chances of their own through Joe Ames Benfield grew into the game as the half progressed and had a few promising spells on the ball Shildon had two big chances to take the lead one forced Thomas Shanley into a great stop to keep the score level The second half was the same story with The Railwaymen having more of the ball but not being able to get through the Benfield backline Shildon had a free kick on the left-hand side which was whipped in the box with Elliot Day making contact with the cross forcing a brilliant reaction save from Shanley but Errington reacted quickest from the parry to smash into the roof of the net to give the home side the opener but Shildon saw the game out well to collect all three points The Lions are back at the MKM next Saturday where they face Seaham Red Star and Andy Ferguson will be hoping his side can get back to winning ways Benfield extended their winning streak to three as they collected another big scalp in the division beating Redcar Athletic 2-1 at home thanks to goals from Glen Hargrave and Kyle Fryatt This was another great performance for The Lions against promotion-calibre opponents which shows why the playoffs should not just be a distant dream The two sides met in early September at the MKM Stadium Fryatt put The Lions a goal to the good in the first half but that goal wasn’t enough for the three points as Benjamin Reay notched an equaliser home in the 45th minute and it ended all square Benfield sit 9th in the table on 46 points just five away from the playoffs and have been in good form but are yet to play in the new year The Railwaymen sit top of the league with 53 points from 27 games Shildon haven’t played for a few weeks and the last game they played saw them come out 3-1 winners against West Auckland on Boxing Day “Both teams haven’t played for a while due to the weather conditions so you will expect there to be a bit of ring rust from the two teams Shildon are top of the league for a reason and this will be a big test for Benfield and a good marker for Andy Ferguson to see how his team matches with one of the best sides in the league “The two teams would back themselves to have a good run in the cup due to their form in the league and both sides will be up for it It will be a tightly fought contest with Benfield nicking it 2-1 in the end.” Museums are at the heart of plans for the Stockton & Darlington Railway 200 (S&DR200) festival a major event to celebrate the bicentenary of the first steam-powered railway next year The nine-month festival will take place across County Durham and Tees Valley from March to November 2025 celebrating the beginning of modern rail travel The first three of these are situated along the original 26-mile S&DR route The area also contains one of the world’s most important groups of surviving early railway buildings such as the Grade II* Heighington Station and the Grade I Skerne Bridge in Darlington the world’s oldest operational railway bridge including the Bishop Auckland cultural hub The area received an injection of £57m in its cultural infrastructure ahead of the bicentenary £37m in Hopetown Darlington and £8m in Locomotion It is hoped that this investment will transform the region into a major heritage attraction and visitor destination Unveiled at a launch event at the Darlington Hippodrome this week the festival programme includes a range of exhibitions activities and art installations alongside large-scale live events It will kick off with a drone display at Bishop Auckland on 29 March and end with a mass street theatre performance The festivities will culminate in a three-day event on 26-28 September 2025 to mark the bicentenary date including a reenactment of the world’s first steam-powered train journey using a newly built replica of the first ever steam engine to run on the line “S&DR200 is using a world-changing historical event that took place in the region as a starting point to explore the future,” said festival director Niccy Hallifax “The festival programme will cater for all visitors including the railway enthusiasts as well as engage a younger generation by finding new and inventive ways to tell the pioneering S&DR story creativity and culture to show international audiences and young people how science arts and maths can not only change your own life but transform the world.” The festival is being led by Darlington Borough Council Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Major funders include Arts Council England the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Network Rail The S&DR200 festival is a key part of Railway 200 year-long campaign to mark the bicentenary across the UK led by a cross-industry partnership that includes Network Rail and the Science Museum Group will see special events taking place across the UK including the much-anticipated reopening of Station Hall at the National Railway Museum in York Museums, galleries and heritage sites across the UK are invited to get involved in the programme with their own railway-themed exhibitions and events; Railway 200 launched a toolkit this week for organisations that are interested in taking part The Railway 200 campaign will get underway on 1 January 2025 with a “whistle-off” of heritage locomotives at sites across the UK Most Museums Journal content is only available to members Join the MA to get full access to the latest thinking and trends from across the sector The Bishop Auckland and Shildon Business Network invites you to a fantastic networking event on Thursday at the stunning Manor House Hotel & Spa in West Auckland This is your chance to make meaningful connections and raise your profile in the local business community The event takes place from 8:30am to 10:30am With plenty of friendly faces and inspiring conversations it’s the perfect way to set your business goals in motion for the year ahead This networking event promises a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where you can meet business owners and professionals from Bishop Auckland Whether you’re an established business or just starting out you’ll find this the perfect opportunity to grow your network and share your story Business Engagement Officer from Business Durham will be on hand to offer business support and advice engaging directly with businesses to support the development of Micro and SME enterprises He focuses on enhancing skills and staffing needs to drive growth and productivity With a passion for continuous learning and adaptability Craig ensures the businesses he supports stay ahead of industry trends and succeed in an evolving market The event begins with breakfast at 8:30am—enjoy a delicious bacon sandwich while mingling with other attendees You’re welcome to join us later if needed; we’d love to see you whenever you can make it One of the highlights of the morning will be a short presentation by Daniel Pogson from Velocity who will discuss apprenticeships and how your business can access valuable funding and support Daniel will also be available to answer any questions throughout the event Stephanie Scott from Durham University Business School who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the event As the Director of the Business and Management Programme Scott is passionate about supporting local businesses and is keen to collaborate with organisations in the area Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with her during the networking session and gain valuable insights We’re thrilled to host this event at The Manor House Hotel & Spa in West Auckland a beautifully refurbished venue that provides the perfect setting to inspire connections and creativity Networking events like this one are all about creating opportunities Whether you’re looking to find new clients learn more about what’s happening in the region or simply introduce yourself to other local professionals Don’t miss out on this fantastic start to your networking year Spaces are limited, so book your free place today by clicking here.  If you have any questions or need more information, Fay is happy to help. Please email fay.gibson@durham.gov.uk Join us at The Manor House Hotel & Spa on 13 February 2025 and take the first step towards growing your network and finding exciting opportunities in the year ahead we believe that sharing positive news stories about successful businesses in County Durham is important for fostering a supportive and thriving business community We want to encourage business owners to send us their success stories so that we can share them on our website and celebrate their achievements We are committed to promoting the county as a great place to do business and providing a platform for businesses to showcase their successes +44 (0) 3000 261 261  enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk Starting a business Growing a business Moving a business Business premises About Business Durham Latest News Business Events Privacy Policy Contact Us