The city of Derby has been celebrating 175
years since the first train arrived in Derby Station. The railway
works opened a year later, and the city has been closely connected
with the history of the railway ever since.
The recent finale of the celebrations was a special service in
Derby Cathedral, with the local MP, who is the Secretary of State
for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin, as preacher. Before the service,
a miniature-railway track had been laid in the aisle, and, as the
service began, the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the Mayor of the
City of Derby, and the Secretary of State all travelled on the
miniature train up the aisle. Members of the huge congregation rose
to their feet and applauded.
