THE WYLAM birthplace of the famous “Father of Railways” has been closed by the National Trust.
George Stephenson's Cottage, 1864.
A petition against closure by John Stewart
Talking of local history I am not sure if you were aware that I originally setup the online petition for the recent announcement made by the National Trust that George Stephensons Cottage is to temporary close without any consultation made to the local community and local authorities. I am delighted to say that so far 2,422 supporters have signed my petition with comments regarding the decision made by the National Trust. After contacting both the CEO and General Manager, Hadrian’s Wall & Tyne Valley (National Trust) they both agree that my petition has clearly demonstrated the strength of feeling about the birthplace and in itself adds an important ingredient to the audience research.
For the last two years the National Trust have invested in additional marketing, new signage and tea room refresh. Despite this they have continued to experience a significant drop in visitor numbers (-26% in 2016) and increasingly negative visitor feedback which provides evidence that the Stephenson story is no longer working for thier members and visitors and they are voting with their feet and now is the opportunity for a different approach to reflect on its future which will take time and potentially investment. With limited charitable resources and to prevent any further loss in the short term and they aim to direct thier resources into finding a way forward for the birthplace. In so doing they are talking to the National Railway Museum amongst others about the Great North Exhibition in 2018 and the role Wylam can play in this to celebrate its role in the North East’s history of discovery and innovation and can see this as an opportunity to relaunch the site, demonstrating the influence it had on the young pioneer and placing him in the context of the wider region and beyond.
During this time the National Trust are arranging a programme of walks around Wylam, including a visit to the cottage, with thier volunteer walks leaders to offer a different take on how it influenced young George to then go on to achieve as much as he did whereby they will monitor how successful these are and also use them as an engagement opportunity. In doing wider audience research they have also partnered with the University of Northumbria to help both add capacity and expertise and fantastic learning experience, which I’m sure George would have approved of as it was the first thing he ensured was provided for his own son.
I would encourage as many people to continue to sign the online petition as the National Trust are completely open minded about how the cottage could be presented to better reflect its importance and welcomes all feedback and suggestions to make this site the success it should be.
Please sign the petition at change.com
John Stewart
For the last two years the National Trust have invested in additional marketing, new signage and tea room refresh. Despite this they have continued to experience a significant drop in visitor numbers (-26% in 2016) and increasingly negative visitor feedback which provides evidence that the Stephenson story is no longer working for thier members and visitors and they are voting with their feet and now is the opportunity for a different approach to reflect on its future which will take time and potentially investment. With limited charitable resources and to prevent any further loss in the short term and they aim to direct thier resources into finding a way forward for the birthplace. In so doing they are talking to the National Railway Museum amongst others about the Great North Exhibition in 2018 and the role Wylam can play in this to celebrate its role in the North East’s history of discovery and innovation and can see this as an opportunity to relaunch the site, demonstrating the influence it had on the young pioneer and placing him in the context of the wider region and beyond.
During this time the National Trust are arranging a programme of walks around Wylam, including a visit to the cottage, with thier volunteer walks leaders to offer a different take on how it influenced young George to then go on to achieve as much as he did whereby they will monitor how successful these are and also use them as an engagement opportunity. In doing wider audience research they have also partnered with the University of Northumbria to help both add capacity and expertise and fantastic learning experience, which I’m sure George would have approved of as it was the first thing he ensured was provided for his own son.
I would encourage as many people to continue to sign the online petition as the National Trust are completely open minded about how the cottage could be presented to better reflect its importance and welcomes all feedback and suggestions to make this site the success it should be.
Please sign the petition at change.com
John Stewart
 High-Street House, Wylam by R P Leitch in Smiles 1879. |  Interior of Stephenson's Birthplace in Monthly Chronicle of North Country Lore & Legend (1888) p.360. |
LINKS
National Trust closes George Stephenson's birthplace in Wylam - 2nd February 2017, Hexham Courant
George Stephenson's birthplace closed by the National Trust - 4th February 2017, ChronicleLive
National Trust closes George Stephenson's birthplace in Wylam - 2nd February 2017, Hexham Courant
George Stephenson's birthplace closed by the National Trust - 4th February 2017, ChronicleLive
George Stephenson's cottage, Wylam. Photo A Curtis (2009).
UPDATES
'Outrage grows over plan to close George Stephenson's birthplace' - Hexham Courant, 15th February 2017.
'2,500-name petition calls for re-opening of George Stephenson's Birthplace' - Hexham Courant, 22nd March 2017.
'National Trust insists Stephenson's birthplace will be rejuvenated' - Hexham Courant, 4th May 2017.
‘Move in right direction’ for much-loved property' - Hexham Courant, 27th July 2017.
'Outrage grows over plan to close George Stephenson's birthplace' - Hexham Courant, 15th February 2017.
'2,500-name petition calls for re-opening of George Stephenson's Birthplace' - Hexham Courant, 22nd March 2017.
'National Trust insists Stephenson's birthplace will be rejuvenated' - Hexham Courant, 4th May 2017.
‘Move in right direction’ for much-loved property' - Hexham Courant, 27th July 2017.
RSS Feed
