Exclusive showing of wreckers film

Posted

by

The organisers of the Cramlington Train Wreckers project have been given exclusive access to a 30-minute 1969 BBC film of interviews with the surviving four Northumberland miners who were imprisoned after accidentally derailing the Flying Scotsman during the 1926 General Strike.

The unique film, screened as part of the Yesterday’s Witness series in 1970, hasn’t been seen on Tyneside for 53 years when it was first broadcast on television. It will be shown at Tyneside Irish Cultural Centre in Stowell Street, Gallowgate, Newcastle (NE1 4SG) as part of the popular Tyneside Irish Festival 2023. 

Eight miners from Cramlington West pit were sentenced to a total of 48 years’ penal servitude for the derailment they mistakenly believed would be a truck carrying blackleg coal on the seventh day of the 12-day General Strike

Article continues below…
Advert

Playwright Ed Waugh, of Wisecrack Productions, which is organising the event with the Tyneside Irish Cultural Society, said: “The Cramlington train crash of 1926 was probably the most notorious incident of the General Strike in May 1926 – and it happened here in the North East!

“The derailment occurred on March 10, seven days into the General Strike, which was arguably the most momentous rupture in UK society since the English Civil War, which started in 1642. 

“About 40 miners were involved in the derailment but some later turned King’s Evidence and shopped their former marras.”

Article continues below…
Advert

Eight Cramlington miners were each sentenced for up to eight years’ penal servitude for their involvement in the event

Ed continued: “My interest in the subject was piqued because the main turncoat was called Waugh. My maternal family worked in the nearby Dudley pit but our family history shows the turncoat, Lyle Waugh was no relation to me.”

The eight Cramlington miners were eventually released early due to pressure from the trade union rank and file, politicians and the judiciary itself who saw the original sentences as too harsh.

Article continues below…
Advert

The Cramlington Train Wreckers events are on Tuesday, October 24 at 2pm and 7pm and will  involve a talk by Ed, as well as songs and recitations by Micky Cochrane, who is currently touring with I Daniel Blake.

The BBC film, Yesterday’s Witness, has been digitally restored and will be shown around the region in the autumn and throughout 2024. Groups interested in the film and a speaker should contact Ed via www.wisecrackproduction.co.uk

Tickets for the Tyneside Irish Centre only £4 via eventbrite:  2pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cramlington-train-wreckers-tickets-698843709347?aff=oddtdtcreator ; 7pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-cramlington-train-wreckers-tickets-698844812647?aff=oddtdtcreator

Article continues below…
Advert

Advert

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.

Posted

in

Latest Issue

Newsletter Signup