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Tuesday 25 Oct 2005

PHOTOCALL: BY GEORGE IT’S STEPHENSON!

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Date: Friday 28 October 2005 Time: 12.00 noon Location: Chesterfield Station Event: Unveiling of a statue commemorating George Stephenson Media contact: Ben Herbert, 0121 345 3100 Media are invited to the unveiling of a statue of the great railway pioneer George Stephenson at Chesterfield station. The unveiling ceremony will be performed jointly by Borough Council Mayor Cllr Keith Falconer, County Councillor Walter Burrows and Rt Hon Paul Holmes M.P. The ceremony is part of the Chesterfield market Festival and marks the completion of £2 million refurbishment of Chesterfield station. A full size replica of Stephenson’s famous ‘Rocket’ will also be putting in an appearance at the event. Dyan Crowther, Route Director, Network Rail said: “The statue will be a fitting tribute to the life and work of George Stephenson. As the nation’s foremost railway engineer he was renowned for his enthusiasm and pride in his achievements. He also took an interest in the education of young engineers. These are values that Network Rail mirrors in its commitment to rebuild Britain’s railways.” The statue created by sculptor Stephen Hicklin is cast from bronze and was funded through a partnership involving Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield Civic Society, Derbyshire County Council, Midland Mainline, Taylor Woodrow and Network Rail. Chesterfield station itself has been transformed in recent years with a new station building, refurbished waiting facilities, new lifts, improved concourse and station forecourt and new ticket office. Councillor Stuart Bray from Chesterfield Borough Council said: “I am delighted that the borough has been able to top off the excellent refurbishment of the station with this magnificent sculpture through its award winning percent for art programme in partnership with the county, private and voluntary sectors.” Councillor Walter Burrows, chair of Derbyshire County Council, said: “The county council has worked hard over the years to ensure that Derbyshire remains at the forefront of railway engineering in the country. “I am delighted to be invited to the unveiling of this magnificent statue which recognises Stephenson’s contribution to the industry and also marks the completion of a new chapter for rail travel in Chesterfield.”