Edward Watkin Talk - The Man Who Built the Station

Sir Edward Watkin MP was one of the most fascinating characters of the Victorian Age. He was a risk-taker, who loved a challenge. Into a life of 82 years (1819 to 1901 - the same as Queen Victoria) - he packed:

Digging a Channel Tunnel

Starting an Eiffel Tower which became Wembley Stadium

Creating the first Parks for the People in Manchester and Salford

Building the Great Central Railway from Manchester to London

Helping to create Canada

Turning Grimsby into what became the biggest fishing port in the world and creating a new holiday resort next to it: Cleethorpes

And what about the lost masterpiece painting that stayed hidden in Watkin's family home in Northenden for over a century - and sold for over £4 million in New York?

Come and hear the story of 'Nimble Ned' told by the chairman of The Watkin Society, Geoff Scargill, at 7pm on Wednesday 19 April in one of Watkin's former stations on the A6 in Levenshulme, Manchester, now a thriving cafe/bar - Station South - with views onto Watkin's former Fallowfield Loop Line, a much-loved urban walk and cycle way. No charge!

Come and hear all about the man who built the station.

And why not join us for a drink in the cafe/bar afterwards?