The Middleton Railway has commemorated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee today (25 May 2022) by planting a tree at its Moor Road headquarters.
Children from Windmill Primary and Low Road Primary schools ceremonially planted the tree in front of the railway’s “Engine House” building, witnessed by local councillors, volunteers and supporters. These schools are part of the Low Road and Windmill Music Federation who are very supportive of the railway and are active participators in the local community.
After the ceremony, the children enjoyed a train ride to Middleton Park and back hauled by one of the railway’s historic diesel locomotives.
Middleton Railway Vice President, Ian Smith, said:
“We are delighted to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne and to link her long reign with the legacy our young citizens will contribute to society over the coming years.”
The railway will be selling special cream teas to celebrate the Jubilee over the weekend of 4-5 June, when a full train service will be running between 10am and 4pm. For full details go to: middletonrailway.org.uk
The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the first railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.
