December 2009

THE ROCKET PRODUCTS OF THE WORKS The Newsletter of the Robert Stephenson Trust - December 2009

Our Curator, Alan Clothier, was both sur- Bogic, has added more interest to the story of talks and lectures have been given by prised and very pleased to receive recently by sending pictures of a second crane simi- an email enquiry from Ian Lawson of Glas- lar to that illustrated but which is now stored Alan Clothier, Michael Taylor, Michael gow concerning a photograph (shown be- at the station of Stanjel a short distance Bailey and John Addyman. low) which he had taken in the Railway north of Trieste, in Italy. It however may Historian Vicky Haworth is working with Museum at Ljubljana in Slovenia. The pho- well have been fitted to a more modern Mike Brown doing research and interpre- tograph was of a 4-wheel rail-borne hand underframe as the axlebox fronts bear the tation for plaques and display crane of some 2T capacity which it was letters SHS-CXC which stand for the ‘State boards.Historian, Mike Johnson has han- thought had been built in this country and railways of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats dled book sales and Tony Clamp has was numbered 756. and Slovenes’ which applied in the period ensured that financial transactions are 1918 – 1929 when the state of Yugoslavia completed efficiently. Enlarging the photograph Alan found the was proclaimed and the railways were re- axleboxes had cast into their external faces named as the JDŽ – Yugoslavian State Vicky Haworth did the research for the Art ‘R S & Co. 1874’. An exchange of emails Railways. of Engineering exhibition at Newcastle with Mr. Lawson revealed that the Curator of Arts Centre. The display was the concept the museum in Slovenia would like to know Interestingly this crane was used in railway of the Arts Centre’s professional team. more and Alan has been in touch with him to workshops in Nova Gorica, Slovenia until a Michael Taylor has curated exhibitions at let him know that it was a product of the few years ago for lifting the electro motors Ponteland and Berwick. world famous works in Newcastle upon from the bogies of the USA-built heavy Tyne and which some years earlier in 1866 diesel-electric locos during their overhauls. A number of items have appeared in the had supplied to the Egyptian Railways a As Mr. Lawson wrote, its strange to think press and on TV much to the efforts of 6-wheeled steam crane of 10T capacity for that a piece of basic equipment dating from Vicky Haworth and Graham Jellett as- breakdown purposes and which we hope to the early years of steam railways should still sisted by the regional office of the Institu- illustrate in our next edition of Rocket. be in official railway use over 120 years tion of Civil Engineers. later! It is a credit to the sturdy workmanship In replying the Slovenian curator, Mladen by the manufacturer! Genealogist and Trustee, Bob Roper con- Robert’s grave tinues to receive regular enquiries from people researching their family history. NEWS FROM THE TRUST The Trust is indebted to Mike Brown The commemoration of the 150th anniver- (Friend) for maintaining the web site in sary of the death of Robert Stephenson recent years. This task has now been has been a busy time for the Trust. Chair- taken over by Michael Taylor. man, Bob Longridge, has been engaged in developing existing partnerships and in- Three new Trustees vestigating associations with other organi- have recently been ap- sations. Bob Rennison, Jim Coulson and pointed, Colin Mike Brown (Trustee) have been assess- Wheeler, John Jeffrey ing the viability and business plans associ- and Brian Green fol- ated with various possible alternative lowing the resignation premises as a base for the Trust. of Margaret Hague. The Trust is indebted Curator, Alan Clothier has been working for her work. with staff at the mining Institute to integrate and catalogue the Trust’s book collection within the Mining Institute library. A variety

1 16 THE ROCKET December 2009

LONDON & RAILWAY particular the achievements of the great Victo- NEWCASTLE EXHIBITION rian railway engineers. The firm who acquired the drawings at the auction considered it es- Constructed between 1834 and 1838, the Lon- sential that, as they represent an important An exhibition held at Newcastle Arts Centre don & Birmingham Railway was the first major era of our heritage, as many as possible in September and October featured original rail link between the capital and the provinces. It should be purchased so as to keep them drawings from the Stephenson office, was a tour-de-force for Robert Stephenson who together in one collection. reprints of J C Bourne's illustrations, pho- was under thirty years of age and appointed Engineer-in-Chief for the works at a salary of tographs, historical information and a work- The drawings are now over 175 years old and £1500 per annum. ing model railway. Part of a historic collec- works of art in their own right. tion of toy trains was an intergral part of the exhibition. The working drawings of structures on the COMMEMORATIVE COVER London & Birmingham Railway is courtesy of the worldwide engineering design firm Arup who acquired the collection in auction having recognised their importance.

ately before photography. In 1836, a short walk from Bourne's Buckingham Covers producers of exclu- home in Lamb’s Conduit Street, London, sive first day covers and sheets have Over 111 miles of double track incorporating Robert Stephenson was beginning to en- innovative , vast viaducts, cuttings and produced their own tribute to commem- gineer the London & Birmingham Rail- tunnels were to be built concurrently and be- orate the 150th anniversary. way. It started at Euston and ran through cause Robert Stephenson insisted on superb the streets and tenements of Camden alignments and easy gradients, the project de- Endorsed by the ICE this cover is part of Town and on towards the Midlands. manded engineering skills and the scale of con- the company’s esteemed railway cover Also featured in the show, which was struction never before undertaken. series. funded by Mike Tilley of Newcastle Art Cen- At the age of 22 Bourne began a series tre supported by research from Trust Histo- of sketches and watercolour drawings of The total cost of the railway was over £5,5M Features a striking image of The High which included stations, depots and rolling stock, rian, Vicky Harworth, were new art prints Stephenson's construction work. Bourne whereas Stephenson's original estimate of Level in . made at Newcastle Arts Centre from the sent several examples of the sketches to Image reproduced with kind permission lithographs of John Cooke Bourne. £2,400,456 was for engineering the line only. John Britton a writer and patron of the Despite the engineering difficulties overcome by of ICE. John Cooke Bourne was born on 1 Septem- arts, who became his sponsor. The publi- the skilful direction of Robert Stephenson, the ber 1814, in Hatton Garden. His godfather cation of the folio 'Bourne's London and railway was completed within three months of Certified by Royal Mail was the artist and engraver, George Cooke Birmingham Railway' in 1838 is an amaz- the four-year schedule. On 24 June 1838, the With an official Westminster postmark. (1781 - 1834). ing document of the building of the rail- first train commenced its historic journey from way from which the Arts Centre have Euston Station to Curzon Street Station. Gold wording It is probable that he used a portable cam- made fresh high quality exhibition prints. era obscura as an aid in the years immedi- The Drawings The wording on the cover is embossed In 1969, a number of original working drawings in shiny gold print of structures for the London & Birmingham Rail- way were auctioned in London. Only 500 produced. Ove Arup & Partners have always maintained a keen interest in industrial archaeology and in Price from Buckingham covers £8.95

2 3 December 2009 THE ROCKET hugely impressed by the care which Network Rail and its contractors took in conserving and Dear Sirs, GETS EUROPA reconstructing the heritage features of this national monument. The bridge has been re- LETTERS I have in my possession a very large cast iron NOSTRA ACCOLADE stored to its full engineering and design glory sign which formerly was one of two which and its practical use for the present day." Dear Sirs, adorned the bridge which used to carry the In May 2008, May Gurney and Network Rail Alnmouth and Alnwick branch railway over the successfully completed seven years of com- John Chappell, director of civil engineering at Whilst searching the records of the Bagpipe old A1. It reads : " ROBERT STEPHENSON & plex strengthening and refurbishment works, Network Rail, said; "Network Rail is honoured museum at The Chantry, Morpeth I have come Co., Ltd., 1848." It was given to me by a Mr. which have extended the useful life of the High to be the steward of amazing aspects of our across a tune book with an interesting signa- Bentham, who was the Engineer and Surveyor Level Bridge by at least another 50 years. industrial heritage. A prime example of this is ture. I’ve enclosed a picture – what do you to Alnwick District Council up to its demise with the stunning High Level Bridge connecting think? the local government reorganisation of 1974. In all, since completion the project has re- Newcastle and . Restoring this ceived seven prestigious awards and recently bridge to its former glory was a very tough We do not have a date for the tune book, other than that James Hill, whose tune it is was, was If this sign would be of interest to you for representatives from Network Rail, who own challenge and it's very gratifying to see the th display, I would be prepared to let you have it the bridge, were joined by officials from Europa hard work of those involved recognised." writing early to mid 19 century. The tune is one of hill’s most famous “The High Level on extended loan, subject to terms to be Nostra, First Group, local councils, May Gur- agreed. ney, the contractors who completed the job, John Wilkinson, managing director of rail engi- Hornpipe”, presumably written in about 1849 neering project services at May Gurney added; when the bridge opened. Yours faithfully, and Mott MacDondald, designers for a cele- Michael bration. “The event today recognises strong partner- yours sincerely ship working between everyone involved in the Anne Dear Michael, Jim Cornell, Executive Director of the Railway careful restoration of this iconic bridge.” Heritage Trust, stated “I am delighted that The Trust is always delighted to become ac- Network Rail’s huge initiative to restore Robert Vicky Haworth represented the Trust at this quainted with products of the works of Robert Stephenson’s historic structure has been event. Stephenson & Co. and we thank you for letting recognised with so many awards including the us have details of the item. Unfortunately we high level Europa Nostra Award. It is a plea- are no longer in occupation of the remains of sure and an honour for the Trust to receive a the former Robert Stephenson & Co. works cheque for €10,000, part of Network Rail’s site Had all this not been the case we would award, which the Trust will use to make sure have been very pleased to discuss with you that the history of the High Level Bridge is terms for a long-term loan providing of course available to those who visit it and study the that no charges were involved on our part. I interpretation boards.” think it only fair to point out that the policy now adopted by museums is that items such as this John Ellis, chairman of the National Railway plate should never be restored by shot blasting Heritage Awards added: "The National Railway The construction team or any other abrasive means as this detracts Heritage Awards judges and adjudicators were Dear Anne from the historical value of the item quite con- siderably. Any surface dirt can be removed by At first look it appears that it could be Robert’s CITATION prescribed methods alone thus leaving the “The Jury was enormously im- through works such as the signature. Others connected with the Trust pressed with the level of engi- repainting and restoration of artefact in the condition in which it had arrived. have considered the document and opinions neering professionalism shown opened by in the cast iron lamp stands has As and when our circumstances make it again are divided. Further research will be required. in this project, from original re- 1849. Consisting of an upper also ensured that the Bridge possible to house our collection I will be search into the fatigue perfor- deck for train traffic and a lower remains a cultural landmark. Robert's mother, Fanny Henderson was fond pleased to let you know in order to see if the mance of cast-iron, down to the Techniques used have been deck for road vehicles, the of music and it is she that possibly cultivated offer you kindly made is still open. restoration of the original lamp bridge is the oldest of those in keeping with the engineer- Robert's interest. He purchased a flute and Yours faithfully, standards. The granting of a currently spanning the river ing context of the bridge and Prize represents the importance Tyne and is one of the UK’s consistent with its materials was so proficient that he played in a band Alan C. Clothier, CEng, FIMechE, FNEIMME the Jury attached to the reten- most historic railway structures. and design. which instead of an organ played at religious (Trustee & Hon. Curator) tion in day-to-day use of such services at Long Benton Church engineering icons of our indus- Repair and strengthening works The project has had a positive trial heritage.” have ensured its function as a impact on whole communities However Robert never signed Robert after strategic transport link for both within Gateshead and New- about 1827 - The S is not right although the t The High Level Bridge in North local road traffic and the na- castle and has attracted much and final n are similar. East England was built by engi- tional railway network. The interest locally and nationally. yours sincerely neer Robert Stephenson and restoration of the bridge, Editor

2 3 December 2009 THE ROCKET

Newcastle Wreath Laying Ceremony a chance to reflect, not only regionally but na- BRIDGES TO SCHOOLS David Lloyd Roach, ICE’s director of member- ship, said: “This is a scheme promoted by the The anniversary of Robert’s death was marked tionally as well, upon the legacy he has left. We The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has Institution of Civil Engineers to raise awareness by wreath-laying, prayers and thanksgiving. The have the Stephenson family to thank for such brought youngsters together from both North of the profession among primary school pupils ceremony took place at the Stephenson Monu- great feats in engineering and today has been a and South of the Border to build bridges as part and we have had around 300 youngsters taking ment in Westgate Road. real day of remembrance for those achieve- ments.” of a celebration of the life and work of Robert part in the bridge building exercises over the Plans for the monument to his father and kin- Stephenson. course of the three days. dred railway pioneer George were under way th when Robert died, and one of the figures seated To commemorate the 150 anniversary of at the monument plinth is believed to have been Robert Stephenson’s death, ICE North East modelled on Robert. and ICE Scotland have held three days of activi- ties for around 300 pupils in Berwick-Upon- The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North Tweed as part of the town’s ‘Season of East decided to mark the anniversary by laying Stephenson’ activities. wreaths in Newcastle and at Westminster Abbey in London. Pupils from P6 and P7 in Scotland and young- sters from Year 6 in England, supervised and After laying the first wreath at the Stephenson assisted by volunteer Civil Engineers, partici- Monument with the Sheriff of the City of New- pated in the construction of a 7m span cable castle councillor Brenda Hindmarsh, and Chair- stayed bridge using a special kit and then man of ICE North East, Greg Lutton, John The event was also attended by Vicky Haworth walked across it to show the strength of the McCabe, President of North East Mining Insti- construction. They also built model ‘truss’ “It’s a great way to encourage team work and tute and ICE Regional director, Stephen Larkin has lived in Robert’s former home in Greenfield Place in Summerhill, Newcastle, for 33 years. bridges using nuts, bolts and paper tubes be- raise the profile of careers in civil engineering who took a second wreath on the train to Lon- fore loading them with weights and observing while also having fun. It’s very exciting that this don for a repeat ceremony. She is the author of one book and the co-author of a second on Robert, and was also a founder their behaviour under this load. collaboration between ICE North East and ICE member of the Robert Stephenson Trust. She Scotland has allowed pupils in the North East of said: “Robert’s contribution to the world is as England to participate in this activity for the first meaningful now as it was during his lifetime. It is time especially during this significant anniver- vitally important that we strive to maintain the sary year.” reputation of the greatest engineer the region The Headmaster of Longridge Towers School, has produced. He epitomised progress and the Mr Anthony Clemit, said, spin-off from the railways was colossal. His 1833 patent design was that from which all "I am delighted that Longridge Towers School is locomotives have developed.As far as making hosting this event. It has been a great pleasure an impact on the world, he has got to be one of to work in partnership with the ICE and with the most important figures has ever local schools from both sides of the Border. All produced.” the children involved have benefitted from a valuable educational experience, and I hope Kath Lawless, head of development manage- that they have gained a fuller understanding of ment at Newcastle City Council, said: “It was The activities took place at Longridge Towers Sheriff of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, Councillor Brenda School in Berwick-upon-Tweed, with pupils from Civil Engineering whilst working together on a Hindmarsh, Chairman of ICE NE, Greg Lutton,John McCabe important that the anniversary was marked lo- spectacular construction project." President of North East Mining Institute and cally. Later in the day a special service to com- Berwick Middle School, Tweedmouth Middle Stephen Larkin, Regional director ICE NE. memorate Robert was held in St Nicholas School, Ayton Primary, Reston Primary, Chirn- Cathedral in Newcastle. side Primary, Coldingham Primary, Eyemouth Mr Larkin said: “He was arguably the greatest Primary and Longridge Towers School all taking civil engineer in the world. He not only designed part. locomotives but promoted them and the railway The achievements of Robert and were the equivalent of the techno- system. It can be argued that he is the greatest The cable stayed bridge kit was transported by logical leap forward precipitated by the invention individual the North East has produced and the BEAR Scotland, who also provided volunteers of the internet, said the Very Rev Christopher esteem in which he was held is shown by the along with Borders Council to supervise the Dalliston, Dean of Newcastle who led the monu- fact that he is buried in Westminster Abbey.” activities. This is the first time that the kit has ment ceremony. He said: “The Stephensons been built by pupils from schools in the North helped shape the city and its character and in Mr Lutton said: “This year’s celebrations of the East. life and work of Robert Stephenson have been may ways symbolise the spirit and creative tal- ent of its people.” 4 13 December 2009 THE ROCKET

th 12 October 2009 boarded the wrong train which appeared to The Reverend Robert Wright, Canon in Resi- A personal record be Northward bound. We were of course, dence arrived promptly at 3.30pm and a The Reverend Wright indicated his pleasure It was just a short walk from the Central Station crossing the by Robert Stephen- crowd gathered round the grave for the cere- that we had travelled from the North East and down Neville Street to the Mining Institute but I son’s iconic High Level Bridge. How appro- mony. Following an introduction by Reverend asked if we knew that the Percy family, The had time to pause on the pleasant October priate that the first time in 66 years I had Wright, the President of The Institution, Jean Dukes of Northumberland were the only ones Monday morning to admire the remaining been over the High Level Bridge in a train Venables outlined Robert Stephenson’s life with the right to be buried in the Abbey. colour of the summer flowers surrounding the should be the day I travelled to London to and achievements, concluding with the Stephenson Monument. commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the words of previous President, , Understandably it was Stephen and I who designer’s death. “Robert Stephenson achieved some of the wished to tarry a while in the Abbey and one of The impressive statue of the seated Nicholas greatest works of art which have been wit- the guides kindly showed us the stained glass Wood looked down on those assembled in the Our journey to London was uneventful and nessed in our day, he obtained at the same window with depictions of Robert’s bridges equally impressive library named in his mem- we emerged from Westminster underground time an eminence in the scientific world over the Nile, the St Lawrence river in Canada, ory, a man who had young Robert Stephen- station with plenty of time to spare. The rarely reached by any practical professional the Tyne and the Menai Straits. At the top of son, as apprentice ‘Viewer’. headquarters of The Institution of Civil Engi- man” the window are portrait heads of his father neers at One Great George Street is only a George, , , Before stepping outside for the wreath laying short walk across Parliament Square and Jean Venables then laid a wreath on the Robert himself, James Watt and John Rennie. ceremony to the memory of Robert Stephen- our wait in the impressive entrance hall only grave on behalf of ICE followed by Stephen The window also includes an image of the son, Councillor Brenda Hindmarsh, the Sheriff allowed a glance up the Grand Staircase to Larkin who laid a wreath on behalf of the Rocket locomotive which was added at a later of Newcastle, and others gave short ad- note Robert’s portrait painted by Samuel North East region of ICE. The Lords prayer date. dresses outlining the importance of the occa- Phillips to mark his years as President of was said, the Canon gave a blessing and the sion. ICE before we were joined by the current ceremony was over. At 9.45am the party moved to the Stephenson ICE President, Jean Venables OBE, Direc- Monument where Greg Lutton, North-East tor General, Tom Foulkes and other mem- chairman of the Institution of Civil Engineers bers of the Institution. (ICE), laid a wreath, followed by a blessing by Our walk to Westminster Abbey was very the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, the short and neither Tom Foulkes, who carried Dean of St Nicholas’ Cathedral. the National wreath or I who carried the North East Region wreath had difficulty ne- gotiating the throngs of tourists.

Once the two television crews, four photogra- But a pressing train journey back to Tyneside phers and two reporters had duly recorded the Once in the Abbey Stephen and I took the meant that the short visit had to come to an proceedings there was just time for a cup of opportunity to inspect Robert’s grave. Tom end. During the journey I was reminded that tea before the ICE Regional Director, Stephen Foulkes asked if I was a supporter of New- Robert Stephenson would be remembered in Larkin and I had to make our way to the castle United which I readily confirmed I was Central Station to catch the 11am train to the Evensong service at St Nicholas’ Cathe- but also indicated that my black and white The proceedings had been recorded by two Kings Cross. dral, in Newcastle. waistcoat was inf act Northumberland Tar- photographers and two television crews but tan, the shepherd’s plaid which George Once we were satisfied that the wreath we it was the Channel 4 Time Team researcher As the train crossed the King Edward Bridge I Stephenson is depicted as wearing on were taking to London was safely stowed we who approached me to make sure she had reflected on the previous twelve hours and Stephenson’s Monument in Newcastle settled down for the 3 hour journey only to the President’s details correct. I took the what had been a very memorable day. immediately be concerned that we had Upon Tyne. opportunity to confirm the Institution was a collection of members and not an Institute Michael Taylor, Trustee which would be a building.

8 9 December 2009 THE ROCKET

Ponteland Exhibition ROCKET ON THE ROOF 12 October 2009, Newcastle

The 14th biennial Summer festival was held at St Nicholas Cathedral, Newcastle upon Tyne was the parish church the church in Ponteland. St. Mary’s is the burial Stephenson Fact Sheet of Robert Stephenson & Co in place of William Weallens, an engineer who was The Stephenson Locomotive Society has October 1859, when over 1500 apprenticed to the firm of Robert Stephenson and updated the popular Stephenson Fact File. Co in 1838. employees attended a memorial service. It was fitting therefore Containing a summary of family history, a that the Catherdral played a prominent part in the Stephenson family tree, listings of notable 2009 commemoration of Robert’s death. Even- railway & civil engineering works, heritage song was sung by the choristers and lay clerks sites related to the Stephensons, illustra- with music by Henry Purcell for the Introit, Magnifi- tions and a bibliography the document set cat and Nunc dimittis and Matthew Locke’s posi- provides students of all ages with an tive celebratory Anthem for a man who, in Organ- overview of the most important aspects of ist and Director of Music, Michael Stoddart’s words their lives and achievements. The facts was so clever and innovative, but that he also sold given offer a starting point for more detailed the concept of study and research rather than comprehen- the railway. sive insight into any single aspect of their lives. The first hymn The fact sheet contains the following sec- ‘Lord Jesus tions: Think on Me’ was written dur- Contents He was appointed head draughtsman in 1846 ing the fourth The Stephenson Family and became a partner in the firm from 1855. The Rocket on weathervane of Crew’s Municipal Buildings century AD at exhibition about Weallens and Stephenson the time when Museums and Heritage Sites with Stephen- staged with support from the Trust created a lot Crewe first developed into a community when the Catholic son Connections of interest. Church became the railways were built in the 1830's and it George Stephenson & Son: Principal Rail- official under the was selected as the key junction for the lines way Projects serving the North West and North Wales. So Emperor Con- great were the links between Crewe and the stantine. Significant Civil Engineering Structures railways, that the Railway Company took re- Michael Stoddart Recommended Further Reading sponsibility for constructing the Town Hall and Michael Stoddart several other Council buildings- hence the also served as a The illustrations from the 1st Edition of fact ‘Rocket’ weathervane . chorister at sheet Westminster LBSC No. 329 - A that At the end of the 19th century the Crewe Abbey which when Robert carried the Stephenson name. Borough Council was probably the only Coun- http://www.stephensonloco.org.uk/ cil in the country that did not have its own was working in SLS_steph_factfile.htm Town Hall. It decided to erect its own head- Great George quarters, and in May 1902 the Borough Sur- Street London, veyor was instructed by the Council to adver- was Robert Alongside was an exhibi- tise a competition on a national basis for Stephenson's tion entitled History and architects to submit plans, specifications and parish church. Railways where Ponteland estimates for the new building with a first Henry Purcell Local History Society, lo- prize of £50. The winning design of more than was the organ- cal churches and other 40 submitted was from Henry T Hare. ist at Westmin- community groups had ster and 2009 Cover photo from latest SLS journal contributed to a display The Municipal Buildings are the offices of is also the focusing on Ponteland’s Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council. The 350th anniver- short-lived branch line and building, which was formally opened on 19th sary of his St Nicolas Cathedral, Newcastle other local railways. July 1905, was designed by the noted Edwar- birth. dian Architect Henry T Hare (1861-1921). cover of latest SLS Magazine

12 5 THE ROCKET December 2009

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION Laura, who lives in Kingston Park and studied at Newcastle University, has a Masters in civil ICE North East's Graduates & Students Com- engineering and works for Jacobs Engineering mittee organised a photography competition as in Gosforth, Newcastle. Her father, Keith, is a part of 150th anniversary events. mechanical engineer who works at Newcastle University. Entrants submitted pictures of regional engi- neering achievements and icons which in- cluded, but were not restricted to, the works of Robert Stephenson.

A touring exhibition of the shortlisted entries has taken place, concluding with an awards night in the gallery of the Discovery Museum, Newcastle where prizes totalling almost Neal McCay High Level Bridge £1,000 were awarded to the winners of six Full list of winners: main categories: Robert Stephenson Structure Robert Stephenson Structure Winner: Julian Hogg (Hexham) - Royal Border Best Photograph by an ICE Member Bridge Iconic Structure in the North East Runner Up: Karen Burnip (Stanley, Co Durham) - Steam Engines - Tanfield Railway Best Photography by an ICE Graduate & Stu- Mark Skinner winner of special award with Laura Tweedle and dent Member Chris Henderson 10 to 17 Year Olds Iconic Structure in the North East Region Under 10 Year Olds Winner: Joe Palmer (Ipswich)- Transporter Laura said: “We thought about how to bring Bridge engineering and the arts together and consid- Runner Up: Andrew Bell (Newcastle) - ered film and drama but decided that photogra- Gateshead Multi-story car park phy was something everyone can be involved with. We wanted to mark the 150th anniversary Best Photograph by an ICE Member Neal McCay High Level Bridge and also raise the profile of civil engineering in Winner: Paula McMahon (Stockton on Tees) - the region, which is for everyone and not just Hydraulics at work at Alnwick Gardens those who have studied it. The aim was to help Runner Up: Neal McCay (Whitley Bay) - Angel people appreciate the diversity of the structures Hindsight which are all around them. We have had lots of pictures from youngsters and their parents so Best Photograph by a G & Student Member people have been out and about taking part as Winner: Mark Skinner (Newcastle) - Angel At a family” Sunset Runner Up: Andrew Tryon (Newcastle) - Bridge She felt that it was important for the exhibition Inspection and competition to pay tribute to Robert Stephenson. “I think his achievements were All photographs were entered are in with a Best Photograph by a 10 – 17 year old phenomenal. He was one of the most influential Winner: Rachael Tweddle (Newcastle) -– Sage chance of a special prize for "Best Creative engineers we have ever had,” she said. Image", donated by one of the competition's Runner Up: Robert Cowburn () - The Angel of the North judges, Chris Henderson, of CHP-Photo.com. Stephen Larkin, regional director for ICE, Laura Tweddle, chairman of the ICE North Julian Hogg added: “This year has been a great opportunity Best Photograph by an under 10 year old East Graduates & Students committee, said: to celebrate Robert Stephenson’s legacy and “The number and standard of entries for the Winner: Robbie Hogg (Hexham) – Hadrian’s structures as the Royal Border Bridge, the the work of civil engineers in general. The en- Wall competition were excellent, making the photo- Sage Gateshead, Hadrian’s Wall and the thusiasm with which this competition was em- graphic exhibitions and the celebration of Transporter Bridge, have allowed us to take braced shows that there is a striking visual Robert Stephenson and North East civil engi- Special award for ‘Best Creative Image’ spon- the celebration out to the public and shout beauty to what are often very practical struc- sored by CHP-Photo.com neering a huge success. The images which about the huge impact our profession has on tures.” have been produced, showing such iconic Winner: Mark Skinner (Newcastle) - Angel At the lives of everyone in the region.” Sunset

10 11 December 2009 THE ROCKET

In August the Maltings, Berwick played host to 25 intrepid time travellers aged between eight and 13 as they hurtled back in time to the 1850s. They had been set the task to find out everything they could about the Royal Border Bridge and to devise a piece of theatre, culmi- nating in the 'opening' of the bridge by Queen Victoria, which they were to perform at the end of the week.

Berwick has held many events during the sum- mer in celebration of the life of Robert. In May, Do Architecture, the renowned Glas- gow firm undertook feasibility trials into the illumination of the Royal Border Bridge.

Michael Bailey’s lecture

The Trust took part in an Exhibition held in the Guild Hall over the last weekend of June and an Queen Victoria opens Royal Border Bridge astonishing 1250 people came on Saturday and a further 500 came on the Sunday. The Visitors entering Guild Hall event also included short dramas and presenta- tions. Everyone had adopted several characters, in- The Guildhall presentations included a lecture cluding Robert Stephenson and Queen Victoria by Michael Taylor from the Trust. Chris Green herself, lines were learned and they even had a A number of film evenings were held during presented The Witch’s Cauldron of Railway song or two, the pick pockets were ready and if the summer and amongst films shown were Horrors casting doubt about the coming of the any thing went wrong - blame it on the Navvies! Brief Encounter supported by London to railway, and Chris Cade in The Railway King, a The summer drama school week was arranged in 4 Minutes, Snowdrift at Bleath Gill short one-man show telling the story of George by Linda Bankier, from the Berwick Record and Night Mail. Hudson. Office, and director Wendy Payn. Events also held in August included the fourth An exhibition Crossing the Tweed, by Berwick Gus Fairburn Memorial Lecture, titled 'The New- Civic Society in Berwick's Main Guard building castle and Berwick Railway 1839-1850' deliv- celebrated the Tweed bridges between ered by John Addyman. The lectures pro- Berwick and Coldstream and included new gramme also included Roger Jermy who pre- information about an alternative design to the sented 'The minor railways of Berwick District' Royal Border Bridge, discovered a couple of which was attended by 80 people in July. days before the opening. The Trust were active in helping curate the In June Dr Michael Bailey gave his lecture Exhibition ‘Icons of steam’ held in September at Robert Stephenson, The Eminent Engineer Berwick Museum and Art Gallery. Many items posing the rhetorical question, "How can one from the Trust’s collection were on display. Icons of Steam descriptive panel encompass a life of the stature of Robert Exhibition in Guild Hall Stephenson in one lecture?" I

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