The Gresley Society, established in 1963, has marked the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth with a Thanksgiving Service and commemorative programme in Netherseal, Derbyshire.

Sir Nigel Gresley, former Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LNER, is widely recognised for designing the A1/A3 and A4 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ locomotives.

His work includes No. 4472 Flying Scotsman, the first steam locomotive officially recorded at over 100 mph, and A4 No. 4468 Mallard, which set the steam speed record of 126 mph on 3 July 1938.

More than 50 attendees, including members and residents, gathered at St Peter’s Church on Saturday, 11 April, close to the anniversaries of his death on 5 April 1941 and funeral on 9 April 1941.

The service was led by Reverend Derek Arnold, with contributions from Gresley’s grandson Ben Godfrey and Society chairman Philip Benham MBE.

Proceedings concluded with a cemetery visit, followed by a Village Hall reception, presentations, and the premiere of a commemorative film.

“In this 150th anniversary year, we are delighted to have been able to honour one of the Britain’s greatest railway engineers with this very special event. The day would not have been possible without the help of St Peter’s Church and the Netherseal community, to whom we give our heartfelt appreciation for their support, both on 11 April and in the weeks preceding the Thanksgiving Service.

“We also extend our grateful thanks to the Victoria Cross Trust for their generous assistance restoring the graves in preparation for the event, and to the Wythall Transport Museum for providing the heritage bus service from Tamworth Railway Station to Netherseal.”

Philip Benham, chairman, Gresley Society.