## Chairmans Report AGM 25[th] April 2026 

Reflecting on the last year we can once again say we have had a year of growth and success. The railway and the museum we support saw an increase in footfall and passenger numbers again which is testament to the hard work we do to run the railway, manage our events and keep the site looking as good as it does. We continue to keep the site alive and keep the place interesting for people. 

In 2025 the region celebrated North Shields 800, an event managed locally by North Tyneside Council. Whilst we did not qualify for funding as we initially thought we were still able to put on a fantastic month long exhibition and range of small talks around the Railways of North Shields. The event also saw TIC 35 from Tanfield Railway visit us for a month which created a static display in the museum paired with our TIC wagon before taking part in a very successful diesel gala to end the event. 

Once again, we held a successful Model Rail weekend, showcasing how versatile the site can be which opens us up to more diverse visitors, volunteers and partners. August saw the return of Ale by Rail and we were blessed by the good weather to make a very memorable weekend. We really showcased what we could achieve, and it paid off with the amount of visitors we had and the amount of beer that was consumed. Our events of the year ended celebrating Rail 200, whilst the history of our site stretches back maybe 270 years we shared in the national event with a hefty line-up of every operational locomotive including visiting Coffee Pot from Beamish. 

Looking towards what we are wanting to achieve this year we have taken an ambitious decision to grow on what we have done. June will be host to a 3 engine steam gala featuring Lion, a former worker from Wallsend Slipway, returning to the North East. July will be our annual model rail weekend, this year will be paired up with the Blyth and Tyne exhibition with a joint ticket and vintage bus between venues. Ale by Rail will be growing in August with plans to get more beer and make more use of the site. 

All this is only possible with the hard work that goes into keeping everything running. Thanks are paid to the Tearoom, which not only keeps visitors happy but also enables us to do the events and work we do, whilst it’s not everybody’s cup of tea I would like to suggest that we all consider supporting and volunteering here if possible. Thanks to those who work behind the scenes managing events, it shows when we sail through them without issue and everyone enjoys 



themselves. Thank you to the people behind the miniature railway which continues to grow and not only keep the site interesting but also act as a very good resource for training volunteers who may not be able to volunteer on the full size railway yet. 

The NTSRA is still committed towards supporting the building of a carriage shed, the process is taking a long time however there are discussions lined up in the coming months to take this forward. Another major project that has been discussed in the past is the building of a replica signal box, pending other development on site which I would like to see begin this year. 

Michael Wortley, Chairman