My RHA
Our own exhibition
1st November 2019 | posted in News
An exhibition celebrating 100 years of Railway Housing Association is taking place in Darlington.
The exhibition, at Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum, charts the history of Railway Housing Association, from its roots providing homes for railwaymen and their families following the end of the First World War, through to the modern day where it now has over 1,500 homes in areas such as Darlington, Durham, York, Newcastle, Doncaster and Hull.
Featuring objects from the association’s archives and the museum’s collection, as well as personal stories from those who have lived in railway housing, visitors to Head of Steam will be given a real insight into the work of Railway Association Housing over the last 100 years.
Among those present at the unveiling of the exhibition was Railway Housing Association resident Brenda Flynn, from Darlington. Brenda is also a volunteer at Head of Steam.
She said: “After all the planning of the exhibition, it is fantastic to see it now open to the public and I hope people enjoying finding out about the history of Railway Housing Association.”
Also at the unveiling was Darlington Mayor, Councillor Nick Wallis, who said: “It’s a fascinating slice of history and we’re delighted to be sharing the story of Railway Housing Association at the museum.
“Darlington will always be synonymous with the railways but it’s not just about the trains; it’s also about the workers and where they live, and how Railway Housing Association has developed to offer high quality, affordable housing for everyone.”
Leona White-Hannant, Head of Steam’s manager curator, said: “Hundreds of railwaymen and their families would have lived in the railway cottages across the region and benefited from the support offered by the fund over the years. We’re delighted the Railway Housing Association have worked with us to create this fantastic exhibition.”
Anne Rowlands, Railway Housing Association’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re very proud of our history and thrilled to be working in partnership with Head of Steam to share our story through this exhibition. It is a fitting way to end our centenary celebrations.”
The exhibition runs until Sunday 1st December 2019 and is included in normal admission.
