The
Society was pleased to accept an invitation from Mary Presland, of the
St.Helens Historical Society, to take part in a local History Workshop at the
historic Friends Meeting House in Church Street, St. Helens, on 10/11 May,
2002.
Derek
Houghton prepared publicity materials and with display boards supplied by Keith
Naylor (courtesy of St. Helens Central library) an informative display was mounted,
alongside a video presentation of Rocket 1 SO. Once again, our old
friend Glennis Parkinson helped us by assisting in the setting-up process
and the display was manned by a rota of our Committee members.
The
exercise proved to be valuable in terms of publicity and helped to strengthen
links with other heritage societies in the Borough, all those participat- ing
being fellow members of the St. Helens Heritage Network.
Earlier this year, Keith Naylor was
contacted by the BBC2 "Timewatch" team, based in Cardiff, informing
him that they were planning a programme re-enacting the Rainhill Trials of 1829.
It was to be filmed on the Llangollen Railway, using the three replica locomotives
built for 'Rocket 150'. They were looking for background information, which Keith
provided very fully, both verbally and using our publications and Heritage Trail
information pack.
During
the Summer, Producer Deborah Perkin, accompanied by Consultant Dr. Michael Bailey
of the Museum of Science & Industry (you will recall he has twice spoken to
the Society) visited the Exhibition and purchased a quantity of souvenirs for
presentation to the crews of the replica locomotives. She also extended an invitation
to attend the first day's filming at Llangollen on 29 September, 2002. Keith and
Vice Chairman Chris Tigwell, with Brian and Matthew Davis of the Rainhill Model
Railway Club (Derek Houghton had wrenched his knee and spent the day in A &
E!) duly attended the event and became 'film extras'! The B.B.C. had taken over
the Carrog Station area for filming and had built a grandstand replicating that
at Rainhill in 1829. As on that occasion a band played rousing music and
with Dr. Bailey acting as 'master of ceremonies' the three replica locomotives
were paraded in front of the invited guests. Filming took place from the ground
and from a helicopter.
After
refreshments, the guests were invited to travel in a train of replica 1829 third
class carriages pulled by the "Rocket", thus getting a taste of railway
travel in 1829! Filming was to continue at Carrog Station throughout the following
week. The identity of the 2002 winner is to remain a closely guarded secret however,
until the programme is broadcast in late January or early February 2003.
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