Bringing History to Life

Jeff Davidson, local railway enthusiast, shared rarely seen photos of ‘Canal Shed’ in its heyday (Engine Lonning was known as the ‘Canal Shed’ in its steam locomotive era) giving a fascinating insight into the Lonning's industrial past while Chris Brammall (CB Arts) previewed his sculptural designs which will be installed around a new accessible discovery trail coming to Engine Lonning. We also welcomed stonemason Tony and mosaic maker Helen who will be adding additional mosaic and stonework elements around the discovery trail.  

We were also joined by Matthew from Tullie House with a display of an early 1900's replica of the Roman era necklace found at Engine Lonning (on permanent display in the British Museum) and local rail enthusiast Brian with his scale model of the engine shed site. 

Thanks to everybody that came along to support the event, and to those of you who joined us in our guided walk around the site with Jeff, providing insight into the areas recent industrial past. We were delighted with how well received initial plans were and look forward to sharing more updates with you in the weeks and months to come as we work hard with project partner Cumberland Council to complete installation of an accessible path around the site and final drafts and designs for sculptural elements around the route. 

Look out for our 'Lend a Hand' volunteer days and workshop community events coming to Engine Lonning in coming months which we'll be adding to the events section of our website.

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.