OLDEST IN THE WORLD

A Grand Jolly Boys Trip out today with M . . . and what a trip.
Main image shows Skerne Bridge in Darlington. This is still the Oldest Working Railway Bridge In The World. 27 September 1825 . . . the inaugural train on the Stockton & Darlington Railway Line leaves, pulled by steam engine Locomotion. George Stephenson is the driver, two of his brothers are firemen. Timothy Hackworth is the guard. A man on horseback and carrying a flag warns of the approach of the train. In total, there are 39 wagons, including the coach Experiment. Behind are 4 more trains pulled by horses. They eventually reach Darlington, after three enforced stops. They all cross the Skerne Bridge and later the first train ever reaches the port of Stockton, with 350 folk on-board.  A band plays God Save The King and there is a 21 gun salute. Current UK £5 notes depict the scene and commemorate this event.
Extras show . . . OPENING DAY . . . a painting of this grand day . . . and DUNKIRK HERO . . . we moved on to Hartlepool Marina to see the ship Coronia, AKA HMT Watchful, which used to be based in Scarborough. It is one of only 55 ships still existing that took part in the Dunkirk Evacuations. The history is fascinating . . . see this link. Sorry . . . a long Blip today.
Hope you are all well. Stay safe !