The 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain’s most famous railway engineers, Sir Nigel Gresley, is being celebrated at a special Evensong service at Doncaster Minster next Thursday, 18th June.
Sir Nigel Gresley was the former Chief Engineer of the original LNER. He was an industry pioneer who designed some of the world’s best-known steam locomotives, including Mallard, which in 1938 broke the World Speed Record for a steam locomotive, a record that still stands. Sir Nigel also designed the A3 Class Flying Scotsman, which still draws crowds wherever it appears. These, along with many other were built in at the famous Doncaster Works, next to Doncaster station.
The Evensong service, organised by the London North Eastern Railway (LNER), is the first of a weekend of events that different organisations have planned to mark Sir Nigel’s anniversary, and is being held at the Minster Church of St George in Church Street, Doncaster, at 6 pm next Thursday. The service is open to everybody, regardless of their faith or none at all. Everyone will be welcomed at the service, which will reflect on Sir Nigel’s contribution to railway history and the remarkable impact his work still enjoys.
The service will include hymns and readings, and music from the Doncaster Minster choir, the LNER Male Voice Quartet, and Doncaster Salvation Army Band@Admission to the service is by free ticket, which can be reserved here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gresley-150-service-of-celebration-tickets-1990480277091?
A Thanksgiving Service and commemorative programme to mark the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth was held on 11th April in St Peter’s Church at Netherseal, Derbyshire, where Sir Nigel is buried. Another celebration is being held next Friday, 19th June, when all surviving and new-build steam locomotives designed by Gresley will carry a specially commissioned ‘Gresley 150 Anniversary’ headboard.
“Sir Nigel Gresley is one of the most well-known names in the rail industry, and we are proud that his legacy lives on within the present-day LNER across the East Coast Main Line.
Ed Turner, Head of Public Affairs at LNER and organiser of the service
“The Evensong will be a chance to reflect on the life, work, and influence of Sir Nigel Gresley on the rail industry, ahead of a weekend full of celebrations to mark such a special milestone. We would love the people of Doncaster and beyond to join us at the city’s Minster as we look back on Sir Nigel Gresley’s legacy and celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth.”
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