TEXO were delighted to attend the Opening Ceremony of the specially constructed station platform at The Dale Specialist School in Blyth on 30th March 2022.
TEXO Foundation were really pleased to support this project, providing the design, construction and installation of the entire platform, which will provide access to the former Pacer train that is being converted into a library.
Alan Conway, Divisional Director for TEXO Port Services unveiled the new station, alongside Blyth Town Council deputy mayor John Potts. The school children also performed a song before the official opening, which they had written with professional songwriter, Sam Slatcher, from Citizen songwriters. A video of this performance can be viewed here: https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2021-07-20/pacer-train-turned-into-library-for-special-educational-needs-school
The train will be used as a ‘Reading Together Library’ to help engage children with reading. The Dales School is looking for additional funding to develop a Railway course to help children develop career aspirations linked to the railway and local businesses, using a train driving simulator as a way to make learning engaging and fun. The train will be used to teach independent train travel, as well as railway safety course led by Network Rail. This will be particularly important when the new Northumberland line is opened in 2024.
“When we learned about this wonderful project, we immediately realised that it was something for the TEXO Foundation to look at supporting. We are extremely proud to be involved in such community projects, and hope that by taking this project from concept to delivery, we are able to positively affect the lives of others in our local area. I hope this unique library is enjoyed by many for years to come.”
Alan Conway – TEXO Port Services Divisional Director
