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Convention 2025

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

Annual Convention 2025

Saturday 4th October

Dolphin Centre - Darlington Locomotive Works - Darlington Bannatyne Hotel

Supporters and their guests are cordially invited to join the Trustees, Volunteers and Staff of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust for their annual Convention. The morning session will be held at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, where attendees will enjoy presentations on all aspects of Trust activity over the past 12 months and hear of our plans for the coming year. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.

The morning session will be followed by a visit to Darlington Locomotive Works. Here, visitors will see the latest progress on the P2 Class, No. 2007 Prince of Wales, see No. 60163 Tornado in light steam on site and have the opportunity to speak with the team.

The evening meal will be held at Darlington Bannatyne Hotel. This more social aspect of the Convention is growing in popularity year on year, with Supporters discussing the days event over a 3 course meal. There will also be a short address by our after dinner speaker, TBA.

 

BOOKING ONLINE

When booking online, there are two steps:

1. Please complete this form

2. Check out to purchase your ticket via our website.

Please ensure that you complete both steps to secure your ticket(s).

Details of the Day

ITINERARY

10:00hrs - Registration, Central Hall, Dolphin Centre.

10:30hrs - Presentations start

11:30hrs - Refreshments

13:00hrs - Lunch, Dolphin Centre

14:00hrs - Darlington Locomotive Works Visit

19:00hrs - Evening Dinner, Darlington Bannatyne Hotel.

 

ARRIVAL

By Train:

Arrive at Darlington Bank Top Station. Vintage buses will be shuttling visitors from the station to the Dolphin Center from 09:30-10.15hrs. The buses will travel via the Darlington Bannatyne Hotel to collect any supporters who have booked accommodation.
Buses will return supporters to the station and hotel on the conclusion of the Convention at 16:00hrs. 

By Car:

The nearest car park to the morning's venue is Feethams Multi-Storey Car Park, DL1 5SZ. It is a three minute walk around the corner to The Dolphin Centre, 16 Horse Market, DL1 5RP. Vintage buses will transfer all those attending to DLW for the afternoon segment of the Convention, returning to the Dolphin Centre around 16:30hrs. If you would prefer to drive across to the Works, over 200 spaces are available at the Skerne Bridge Car Park on John Street, DL1 1LG, a 5 minute walk to DLW. 

 

LUNCH DETAILS

Buffet Lunch at the Dolphin Centre includes:

Selection of sandwiches and wraps, quiche selection, sausage rolls, tomato and bean salad with dressing, samosas (v), houmous and olives with flatbreads, mini jackets filled with vegan cheese and red onion, vegan sausages with mustard dressing, crudites with dips, mini pork pies and pickle, French fries, fruit platter. 

 

EVENING MEAL DETAILS 

Darlington Bannatyne Hotel  (Discounted Rooms Available, £85.00 for B&B, please book direct on 01325 365858 quoting A1STEAM).

Three course meal (please advise menu choices when booking).

After dinner speaker TBA.

 

PRICES

£20.00   Daytime Convention Only (includes drink at intermission, only)
£30.00   Daytime Convention and Lunch
£70.00   Full Convention including Lunch and Evening Dinner
£40.00   Evening Dinner Only

Please remember to complete the form when purchasing your tickets.

You can also book by calling 01325 460163, or by returning your booking form and cheque by post.