Latest news with #NigelWilson
Telegraph
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Train celebrating 200 years of British railways ‘is fitted with American whistle'
An exhibition train travelling across the country to celebrate 200 years of British railways has been fitted with an American whistle, it has been claimed. Nigel Wilson, a train enthusiast, told BBC Broadcasting House on Sunday he believed the Inspiration train has been fitted with an American-sounding whistle. Host Paddy O'Connell asked Mr Wilson: 'What is wrong with that hoot?' Mr Wilson responded: 'It sounded very American to me, the low tone and in particular the bells ringing in the background is something you hear in North American railways, not something here in the UK. 'It's a bit of a shame that we have got a whistle from the other side of the Atlantic when we are celebrating the UK's 200 years.' Mr Wilson was speaking from a three-day event in Derby dubbed the 'Glastonbury of railways', at which the Inspiration was on display. More than 40,000 steam train enthusiasts attended the event, which ran from Friday to Sunday. The Inspiration's year-long tour of Britain has been organised by Railway 200, the nationwide campaign to mark the anniversary, in partnership with the National Railway Museum. The train will visit 60 locations along the way, and Railway 200 estimates more than 200,000 people, including many schoolchildren, will visit it. After leaving Derby, the Inspiration will be on show to Norwich from Aug 7 to Aug 10 before heading south to Suffolk. The train's 2026 schedule has yet to be announced. The Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first steam train to transport passengers, officially launched on Sept 27 1825. The launch of the Stockton and Darlington paved the way for the expansion of the railway network in both Britain and abroad. On the bicentenary date, Inspiration will be at the Locomotion museum in Shildon, County Durham, which will also stage a recreation of the first steam-powered train journey.
Daily Mail
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rail row after train celebrating 200 years of railways in Britain is fitted with AMERICAN whistle
As part of celebrations to mark 200 years of the National Railway an Exhibition Train called Inspiration will be embarking on a year-long tour of Britain. Inspiration will travel to 60 locations to showcase the rich history of the railway but in a snub to tradition, it has been fitted with an American whistle. After listening to a segment of Broadcasting House that featured the Railway 200 Exhibition Train, a railway enthusiast spotted the vital mistake. Nigel Wilson, told Broadcasting House: 'It sounded very American to me, the low tone and in particular the bells ringing in the background on the original clip is something you hear in North American railways, not something you hear in the UK. 'So, it was a bit of a shame that we have got a whistle from the other side of the Atlantic when we're celebrating the UK's 200 years.' The Stockton and Darlington Railway - the first passenger railway to use steam trains to transport passengers - was officially launched on September 27, 1825. It was hailed as 'the first public railway in the world' - a line that kickstarted the global railway revolution. At the time, more than 10,000 spectators watched as it puttered along its inaugural 25-mile journey at 15 mph. The new touring train hopes to reinstall this pride towards trains into the nation and includes four specially-designed carriages, each with a different theme. The 'Wonderlab on Wheels' coach will allows visitors to test their engineering skills with various interactive exhibits. Meanwhile 'Your Railway Future,' will showcase less visible roles in rail and encourage a consideration of careers in the industry for the future. 'Partner Zone,' will change as the train travels across Britain and stops at different locations. And the 'Railway Firsts' coach, will highlight significant moments in the development of the railway. More than 200,000 visitors are expected to visit the train, which aims to encourage new interest in railway careers. The Daily Mail has contacted Network Rail
Bloomberg
15-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
UK Should Become an Investing Economy, Wilson Says
The UK pension and ISA system needs reforming in order to generate growth, according to Canary Wharf Chairman Nigel Wilson. Wilson speaks with Kriti Gupta and Anna Edwards on "Bloomberg: The Opening Trade". (Source: Bloomberg)
Otago Daily Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Scholarship for emerging artists
Central Otago District Arts Trust co-ordinator Rebekah de Jong (left) along with Central Otago Arts Society chairman Nigel Wilson and scholarship co-ordinator Katie Robinson are excited to launch a scholarship for visual artists. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER Artists with a Central Otago connection, who are in the early stages of their practice, are being offered the chance to apply for a $5000 scholarship. Central Otago Art Society chairman Nigel Wilson said the society was excited to launch an annual emerging artist scholarship. Open to visual artists in the first five years of their practice who show commitment, potential and originality, the scholarship would provide $5000 to support their professional development, Mr Wilson said. "This initiative recognises the vital role the arts play in shaping the region's identity and aims to nurture early-career creatives by helping them access mentorship, materials, studio space, courses, or exhibition opportunities," he said. Selection would be based on artistic merit, development potential and contribution to the cultural life of Central Otago. An artist of any age was eligible as long as they had fewer than five years' experience in their chosen field of practice. While entries did not have to depict Central Otago, those that did would have an edge, Mr Wilson said. Scholarship co-ordinator Katie Robinson said the prize could be used for anything that would help the artists develop — from hiring studio space to paying art school fees to buying materials necessary for their practice. Mr Wilson said the society's mission had always been to provide education and exhibitions for artists of the South Island, both emerging and established. The new initiative was solely for artists with a connection to Central Otago — from Raes Junction to Queensbury to the Maniototo. The inaugural scholarship recipient would be announced during the opening night of the Blossom Festival exhibition in September. "This scholarship marks an important investment in the region's creative future and reinforces the Central Otago Art Society's dedication to growing a vibrant, thriving arts community."
STV News
26-06-2025
- STV News
Iconic steam train engine to carry passengers across Forth Bridge during Fringe Festival
An iconic steam engine is set to carry passengers across the Forth Bridge this summer. The Scottish Railway Preservation Society Railtours announced it will offer passengers the chance to cross the UNESCO World Heritage Site hauled by steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. The engine last worked a train for SRPS Railtours in 2011. The operator said at least five special trains will run from Edinburgh Waverley during August. There will be two services a day running via Fife, Alloa and Stirling from Edinburgh on August 14 and 18. One trip will see the Sir Nigel Gresley haul a train to Aberdeen on August 23. Nigel Wilson, chairman of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust (SNGLT), believes the journey is the locomotive's first visit to the Granite City since 1974. SRPS Railtours and SNGLT are working with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society and Locomotive Services Ltd to provide the services. Mr Wilson said the trust was 'very pleased' to see locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley return to Aberdeen. It was based there from 1962 until 1966, when SNGLT purchased it for preservation. 'The Trust aims to make our locomotive accessible to as wide an audience as possible, and these tours will be a very special opportunity to experience a trip on the mainline network with 'Sir Nigel' at the front,' he added. Alasdair Eadington, chairman of SRPS Railtours, echoed the sentiments, saying the team was 'delighted' to offer the special journeys as the operator celebrates its 55th anniversary. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
