In 2025, we mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, with a national celebration of the past, present and future of rail, entitled ‘Railway 200’. Over the course of the year, railways and rail organisations across the UK will be delivering a range of events, and BCIMO is delighted to announce its own ‘Family Day’ charity event.
On 19th September 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway in County Durham opened as the first to use steam locomotives on a line connecting to collieries to the north, with passenger carriages then introduced in 1833. The first train to run on the service was Locomotion No. 1, built by engineering pioneers George and Robert Stephenson. Over the course of two centuries of rail, evolution and innovation has changed the scope and scale of the sector, across networks throughout the UK and indeed the world – all inspired by that first journey – and, as we celebrate the bicentenary, the journey of rail itself continues apace, with BCIMO at the forefront.
Dudley Station opened in May 1850, at the junction of the Oxford-Worcester-Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire lines and, although it was closed following the Beeching Review in the 1960s, much of the original Victorian architecture was left in situ, including the arched station walls and famous ‘Dudley Railway Tunnel’. Although the site then became Dudley Freightliner Depot, it ultimately closed in 1989 and remained so until conversations began in 2013 to develop a facility focused on the emerging ‘very light rail’ concept and inspired by development of the regional Coventry Very Light Rail system. Ground was broken for the build seven years later, and the landmark Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre was officially opened in 2023.
So, with its own incredibly proud 175-year history in such a unique place, the team at BCIMO was determined to celebrate the Railway 200 anniversary in style. After much deliberation and a veritable plethora of great ideas, the final decision was made to host a ‘Family Day’ for charity at the VLRNIC, to be held on Saturday 17th May; when the doors will be opened to welcome visitors from across both the rail industry and enthusiast fraternity, and local and regional communities within Dudley and the broader Black Country.
In addition to showcasing the Centre, its past history and its future vision, the busy event will encompass a variety of attractions and activities. This will include stalls from local and sector-based businesses and organisations in the Exhibition Hall and Auditorium, entertainment throughout the day both inside and outside the building adjacent to the Rail Development & Test Site, plenty of options for food and drinks from a range of caterers, and traditional fairground rides… with a definitive rail theme of course. There will also be exclusive opportunities to try out the CVLR Transport Systems Simulator, and for alumicart rides along the Test Track and into the Tunnel!
There will also be presentations and talks in the Exhibition Hall – the agenda includes a formal welcome to BCIMO and the Family Day, discussions on both the history and future of rail, fun and games in ‘children’s hour’, and special guests – watch this space for more information! – and guest speakers from each of our four nominated charities. It was an important mission for the event that profits from the day were donated to charity, and each was chosen as they are close to the hearts of the BCIMO team – the charities are:
The Kaleidoscope Plus Group provides a broad range of mental health and wellbeing services, including generic and specialist counselling, bereavement support for families, independent living and community-based support, and mental health training courses for organisations.
Railway Children supports vulnerable children who are alone and at risk of harm whilst living on the streets and around transport hubs in the UK, and also overseas in India and Tanzania, by providing direct one-to-one support, runaway prevention, advocacy and education programmes.
4Louis is a UK charity that works across the country, including in local hospitals, to support those who have been affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a baby or child; and work to improve the quality of care bereaved families receive from health care and other professionals.
Young Lives vs. Cancer provides comprehensive day-to-day support for young people and their families who are affected by cancer, from information and guidance on diagnosis, throughout the treatment journey, including practical and financial help, and following the loss of a child.
Following the national launch of Railway 200 in Darlington on 19th September, tickets for the BCIMO Family Day are now available to buy on Eventbrite – for more information on events around the UK, click on the interactive map. So, if you’re passionate about all things ‘rail’, its heritage and its hope for the future; live locally in the Black Country and want a fun day out with the family; or just want to find out a little more about what happens behind closed doors at BCIMO, the team look forward to seeing you.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, speaking at the launch of Railway 200, said: “Since the first passenger train entered service almost two hundred years ago, our railways have become integral to millions of lives, bringing communities closer together, opening up new opportunities for business and driving economic growth across the country.
“Railway 200 presents an exciting opportunity to unite the wider public in recognition of our rail network and the brilliant people who keep it running. I hope this year-long series of events and celebration encourages the next generation to consider a career in rail.”
Speaking on behalf of Railway 200, Jake Kelly, Managing Director of Network Rail Eastern, said: “Railway 200’s ambitious programme not only embraces the railway’s historic roots, but also looks to future innovations and how the industry adapts to modern-day challenges to get people and goods to where they need to be.
“Whether you are a frequent traveller, simply live by the railway, or are an engineer of the future, all are invited to take part in this huge programme of events, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of an invention born in the North East which has gone on to transform communities across the globe.”
Olivia Brown, Operations & Marketing Manager, who is leading the Family Day team, also said: “The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre plays an important dual role in honouring the history of rail in the Black Country and leading future innovation for the sector both here and around the world. But although we are proud of our contribution to regional business, we are also proud to be part of our own local community and so it was essential for us to have this opportunity to open the doors at BCIMO and welcome people in to celebrate the 200th anniversary of rail with us.”
For more information on BCIMO or the VLRNIC, please visit the BCIMO website or Contact Us to make an enquiry / sign up to our mailing list.
