WHEN I visited Darlington’s Head of Steam museum, I was horrified that its priceless, unique exhibits were so under-celebrated.

The staff were aware of its importance, but they were all elderly volunteers, fearing that when they grew too old, the museum would be lost.

This would be a tragedy, as whatever the political machinations behind the title of World Heritage Site, this museum holds artefacts of worldwide historical importance.

Darlington is the home of the world’s first passenger railway. It’s historically significant because railways were the communications and transport revolution that introduced our modern way of life.

So, ideas for the museum?

For starters, abandon the stupid name: no-one knows what it means. It’s Darlington Railway Museum: home of the world’s first passenger railway.

Put the museum in context: link it to Timothy Hackworth’s works at Shildon. Could a steam train ride link these two museums?

Show the original line to Stockton and, if it’s fit for trains, lay on trains to a cafe and interpretation centre at Stockton. If it’s not fit for trains, make it into a footpath/bridleway. Interpret the context of County Durham’s coal heritage – after all, the railway would never have been invented without coal. There are more opportunities here to link up with other museums and heritage sites.

Why not build links with companies still working in the railway/coal business?

There’s a new train-building factory coming to Newton Aycliffe – would they like to contribute? Or how about the bridges built by Cleveland Bridge?

What about celebrating the engineering skills, both of the pioneers, and today?

There’s clearly an opportunity for educational links here, with the likes of South West Durham Training.... And is there anything left of the works underneath Morrisons?

And how about showing how the railways changed Darlington as a town? The birth of the railways saw Darlington’s population spiral, with attendant problems and solutions. This led to the creation of gems such as the pumping station at Broken Scar, South Park, and Darlington’s Town Hall.

The town has many Victorian architectural gems. How about promoting Darlington’s architectural heritage, instead of trashing it? The wealth of Victorian buildings is something that many other towns do not have.

There are so many opportunities here, to celebrate a time and a place that changed Britain – and the world - from a predominantly rural population, to the urban lifestyles we lead today.

So why not get on and show a bit of pride in Darlington and its heritage?

Helen Johnson, Appleton Wiske.