Date: Thursday 13th February at Newtown Methodist Chapel, Carlisle

Drop in and share your stories, photos and memories of the ‘Canal Shed’ train engine yard at Engine Lonning in Carlisle and learn about our project underway to celebrate and reveal the site’s rich industrial history. Call in at any time between 2pm and 7pm or attend a short talk at 3 pm or 6pm to find out more.

Engine Lonning is just a stone’s throw from Carlisle City Centre but a stroll through its green spaces will be disturbed by little more than the sound of its abundant wildlife and the River Eden meandering by.

But look more closely and you’ll discover signs of an industrial past. Amongst the greenery, you may stumble across a raised area of earth encircled by brick foundations; remnants of a turntable built to manoeuvre the giant steam engines of the London & North Eastern Railway.

Because, despite appearances, and for over a century, Engine Lonning served as a busy rail yard with sidings, engine sheds, a coaling tower, and a watering station until the rails were finally removed in the 1960’s.

To celebrate this history and to reveal plans for the Lonning’s future, we’re inviting people to attend our ‘drop in’ event being held adjacent to the site at Newtown Methodist Chapel on Thursday 13^th February from 2pm to 7pm.

Tania Crockett, Outdoor Learning Manager, said:

‘We’d love people to drop in and share their stories, photos and memories of the ‘Canal Shed’ train engine yard to help us piece together a picture of Engine Lonning’s industrial past.

“We’ll also be revealing details of a project underway to provide an accessible pathway on the site, additional seating and information points to celebrate the site’s rich history from rail yard to Romans.

“If you don’t have a story to bring, just bring yourself and learn more about the history on your doorstep. Hot drinks, cake, a warm welcome and a journey into the past await.”

People can call in at any time between 2pm and 7pm and are welcome to attend a short talk at 3pm and 6pm about the ‘Canal Shed’ train engine yard and current plans for improvements to the site. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you’re unable to attend, we’d still like to hear your stories and see your pictures. Contact tania.crockett@edenrt.org or call on 01768 866788. The Engine Lonning project is supported by the Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges partnership project led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks also to Cumberland Council and the Ernest Cook Trust for their support.