HELP RESTORE AND REINSTALL AN IMPORTANT PART OF

STOCKTON’S RAILWAY HERITAGE !!!

In 1925, the then Duke and Duchess of York (later to become King George VI and who many of us know as the Queen Mother) travelled to Stockton-on-Tess to help celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the world-famous Stockton & Darlington Railway.

As part of their visit, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, which more recently ‘disappeared’ from the historic buildings at Bridge House-St Johns Crossing.  Unfortunately,  the plaque was damaged to aid its removal with the obvious intention of it being melted down, but this was thwarted by the police who passed it onto William Lane Foundry, Middlesbrough, for safe keeping and possible restoration.

Although we now know that the plaque isn’t quite technically correct in its claims regarding the booking of the first passenger, it is still a hugely important artefact and a source of local pride for Stockton on Tees.  It deserves better than its current condition and status !

The plaque is not insured by the Bridge House charity and at present funding is still required to repair and re-instate the plaque.  Some funding towards re-casting costs has been secured from the local authority but match-funding is still required, plus finance to cover the cost of re-installation.

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY !!