Doncaster, UK – 19 December 2025: The Gresley Society Trust, founded in 1963 to honour the life and works of Sir Nigel Gresley, is delighted to announce a special Thanksgiving Service and Talk on Saturday, 11 April 2026, at St. Peter’s Church, Netherseal, Derbyshire, to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of the legendary railway engineer. Renowned for designing famous steam locomotives such as Flying Scotsman, Cock O’ The North, and Mallard, Sir Nigel Gresley’s legacy of innovation, speed, and elegance continues to inspire railway enthusiasts worldwide.
This special event, held close to the 85th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s death and burial at St. Peter’s Church on 9 April 1941, will commence the Trust’s year-long celebrations under the strapline “A Legacy of Innovation, Speed and Elegance”. The service at St. Peter’s Church, where Sir Nigel and his wife are buried, will begin at 12 noon, followed by a talk in the nearby village hall exploring Gresley’s remarkable life and achievements. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Gresley family graves.
The event is expected to conclude by 16:00hrs. To enhance accessibility, the Society will provide a vintage bus service from Burton-on-Trent and/or Tamworth railway stations.
Philip Benham MBE, FCILT, Chairman of The Gresley Society Trust, said:
“Sir Nigel Gresley’s visionary designs transformed the railway industry and continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. This Thanksgiving Service and Talk at Netherseal, a place of deep personal significance, is a poignant way to begin our 150th anniversary celebrations, honouring his extraordinary contributions to engineering and his enduring legacy.”
The Gresley Society invites members, their guests and members of the public to join this unique event. To register your interest in attending, including preferences for the potential bus service and preferred station (Burton-on-Trent or Tamworth), please contact Christopher Clark on . Early registration is encouraged to secure your place and assist with planning.
This event is part of a broader programme of celebrations, including a Symposium and Gala Dinner on 20 June 2026 at the Mansion House, Doncaster, an exhibition at the Danum Gallery, a new plaque unveiling at Doncaster station, and a Gresley-focused theme at The Festival of British Railway Modelling on 7-8 February 2026. The Trust also continues its work preserving Gresley’s legacy through the ownership of Gresley class N2 No. 1744 and Buffet Lounge Car No. 1852, with ongoing restoration efforts supported by Heritage Fund applications.
