चेस्टरफील्ड के होली ट्रिनिटी चर्च ने सप्ताहांत में 800 से अधिक लोगों का स्वागत किया, क्योंकि यहां आधुनिक रेलवे के 200 वर्ष पूरे होने के उपलक्ष्य में दो दिवसीय समारोह आयोजित किया गया था।
On Saturday, visitors packed into the church for George Stephenson Day, enjoying talks, displays and family activities that brought the ‘Father of Railways’ to life. A costumed interpreter portraying Stephenson delivered two popular talks titled “The Railway that Changed the World”, while families, railway enthusiasts and local residents discovered how one man’s vision reshaped modern transport.
The following day saw a George Stephenson Commemoration Service, attended by distinguished guests including the Duke of Devonshire. Sir Andrew Haines OBE, chief executive of Network Rail, delivered a keynote address, and Tom Ingall of BBC Look North also spoke as part of the moving tribute to the railway pioneer, who is laid to rest at Holy Trinity.
The weekend of events formed part of a wider heritage initiative supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. With further backing from EMR, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church, the project will see the church transformed into both a place of worship and a visitor destination celebrating Chesterfield’s rail and industrial heritage.
Planned developments include new interpretation displays, public engagement activities, and the transformation of the church’s community rooms into a dedicated visitor facility. The initiative will also highlight the wider industrial history of Chesterfield, from the Clay Cross Company to coal mining, and mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.
Reverend Jilly Hancock said: “Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson. To welcome over 800 visitors across the weekend, and to see such distinguished figures paying tribute, was a wonderful affirmation of Stephenson’s legacy. This project will ensure his story continues to inspire future generations.”
The initiative will explore not only Stephenson’s life and engineering achievements but also the wider industrial history of Chesterfield. It will shed light on the Victorian-era expansion of the town, the development of the Clay Cross Company, and the town’s role in railway and coal mining history. The project will also commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike, reflecting on the changes in industry that shaped the region.
More information from www.holytrinityandchristchurch.org