Wor Jackie's Back on Track!
Jack Milburn launches the train
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Following a four year restoration project, Jackie Milburn, one of the region’s best loved steam engines, is now back on track.
Built in 1939 for the Ashington Coal Company, the engine was formerly known as the Ashington No.5. It was renamed Jackie Milburn in honour of the town’s footballing legend, who worked at Ashington Colliery before going on to play for Newcastle United and England.
Over the four year project a team of volunteers from the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association worked for 4,678 hours to complete the restoration, with additional support from staff at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. A fundraising campaign in 2006 saw the public donate over £38,000 to the restoration project, with a further £100,000 secured through a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and awards from trusts including The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Sir James Knott Trust, The Pilgrim Trust and The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust.
The locomotive was officially launched by Jack Milburn, son of footballing legend Jackie Milburn, at a ceremony at Stephenson Railway Museum on Wednesday 24 November 2010.
Jack said: “I’m proud to see a piece of our region’s mining, industrial and of course footballing heritage lovingly restored through this project and saved for future generations. This engine was in use at Ashington Colliery around the time my Father worked there, so it’s a very fitting tribute.
“I’m delighted by both the support from the public and the tremendous job the volunteer team have done in bringing this engine back to life – he would have been chuffed to bits to see this!”
Geoff Woodward, Manager of North Tyneside Museums says: “We’re thrilled that Jackie Milburn is back to its former glory. The engine will play a central role in our Christmas event programme, where I’m sure it will be a huge draw for our visitors.
“The support from both the public and the volunteer team here at Stephenson Railway Museum has been overwhelming and we’re delighted with the outcome of the project.”
It is envisaged that the newly restored Jackie Milburn will guarantee steam travel at Stephenson Railway Museum for another 10 years. This will not only benefit an estimated 30,000 visitors, school children and local community groups each year, but is also likely to attract new audiences to experience the excitement of a steam engine in action.
Linda Arkley, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside adds: “Stephenson Railway Museum helps celebrate our industrial and transport heritage. It’s fantastic that we have been able to bring steam back to the museum with the Jackie Milburn locomotive.
“I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who has helped make it happen and hope the new engine provides many years of successful service.”
For more information call the Museum on (0191) 200 7146. To find out more about North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, please visit www.ntsra.org.uk.