Wiltshire images competitors marks 200 years of contemporary rail

To mark 200 years of the trendy railway photographers are being requested to take photos that present how practice journey connects communities.

On 27 September 1825 the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway launched the beginning of a brand new period of transport utilizing steam.

Wiltshire neighborhood curiosity firm TransWilts and The Arts Society Kington Langley in Chippenham (TASKL) have launched a images competitors, with the profitable entries happening show at rail stations.

Sophie Martin from TransWilts stated: “It’s a chance for everyone, from those equipped with just a smartphone and a good eye to those who regularly snap for pleasure, to be part of a project that puts community at its heart.”

TransWilts was set as much as promote not simply rail journey but additionally methods of getting to coach stations with out utilizing a automobile.

Bob Morrison from the group stated it’s now turning its consideration to the sustainability of the trade.

“At the moment we have diesel trains but looking ahead we hope to be less reliant on fossil fuels,” he stated.

Every picture submitted to the competitors shall be included in a digital exhibition put collectively by TASKL, which helps arts in training.

Heather Leach, TASKL Arts Volunteer stated they needed to get “the greatest amount of people to celebrate the railways”.

The 200-year commemoration of contemporary railways coincides with the current renationalisation of the South Western Railway.

The railways have been initially nationalised in 1948 earlier than privatisation in 1994 by the Conservatives beneath John Major.

But on 25 May 2025 Labour took again management of South Western Railway when the operator’s contract ran out, as a part of its pledge to ‘Get Britain Moving Again’, promising “reliable, affordable and accessible transport for all”.