Museum of Science and Industry

Coronation Street star David Neilson, who plays train enthusiast Roy Cropper in the ITV-Granada series, got a ride on the Museum’s replica 19^th century Planet steam train this week, to celebrate his new position as honorary member of MOSI.

David, who lives in central Manchester, is a regular MOSI visitor and will join the new MOSI club, which was launched this year to celebrate the Museum’s 25 anniversary. The new scheme includes free and discounted entry to Museum events, train rides and behind the scenes tours, as well as previews to special exhibitions.

David Neilson said: “I’m a big fan of the Museum so it’s great to be asked to become an honorary member. Although I’m not as fanatical about trains as my character in Coronation Street, I’m fascinated with industrial history and heritage and I’ve always been a regular MOSI visitor, so I’ll be back soon to use some of my train passes and perhaps even learn how to drive the train! I’m keen to support the new membership scheme as it will help to fund the work the Museum is doing to protect Manchester’s heritage and tell the stories of the people who created it.”

Steve Davies MBE, Director of MOSI, said: “Coronation Street is filmed just next door to the Museum and as David’s character Roy is so passionate about trains he seemed a perfect candidate for our new membership scheme. I’m delighted to welcome him as one of our first members and I hope that others will also consider joining the scheme, to benefit from the Museum’s great discounts and offers and to support our work to protect Manchester’s heritage.”

The original Planet was built in 1830 by Robert Stephenson and ran on the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, which opened in the same year and was the first passenger railway in the world. MOSI is housed in the original buildings of the former Liverpool Road station – the end of the line for the railway, and the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station.

The MOSI membership scheme costs from £25 for adults to £50 for a family of four. For more information please contact Julie Earith on Tel: 0161 606 0177 or look up www.mosi.org.uk/get-involved/membership

For media information please call Sarah Roe, press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176 (Wednesdays to Fridays) and Diane Inglis, press and publicity officer (Mondays to Wednesdays).

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