In 1846, four industrious engineers launched a small railway engineering works on the outskirts of Carlisle.

Despite their factory being described as a locomotive works by founders John Cowans, Edward Pattison Sheldon, and brothers William and Thomas Bouch, the factory at Woodbank never actually built any locomotives.

The firm, Cowans Sheldon, was staffed at that time by around 10 foundry workers and boys who made an average of 23 shillings (£1.15) for a long sixty-hour week.

Despite humble beginnings, the company evolved into one of the most significant railway and machine engineering firms globally and boasted a diverse range of products such as cranes, railway turntables, traversers, water columns, and even the steelworks for the Carlisle Market Hall.

One project the firm bagged was a short rope operated railway at St Cuthbert's Church, next to the cathedral in the heart of Carlisle city centre.

Known as the 'moving pulpit', it was brought to life by apprentices in around 1904 and has been in routine use since.

At its height, Cowans Sheldon employed around 500 people.

Sadly, the St Nicholas works had to cease operations in 1987, a little after celebrating 140 years of legacy.

A reunion for former employees, family, and friends took place in January 2010 at the Rugby Club, Carlisle, with around 150 people in attendance.

The congregation had the chance to reminisce over their shared memories, camaraderie, and pride in their product.

Former Mayor of Carlisle Bill Graham, who once worked as an electrician at Cowans, spoke highly of Simon Baker, the former managing director, crediting him for his efforts in prolonging the company's lifespan.

Fast forward to 2018, a question posed by David Killen on Facebook to Ray McCreadie led to the organisation of a second reunion.

David asked: "When is the next one?"

The event, accelerated by the success of the Friends of Cowans Sheldon Facebook page and the efforts of Gordon Dodds, will take place next month on November 11 at 7pm in Morton Manor, Carlisle.

Ray, who joined the company in 1965 as an apprentice, said: "We thought the reunion should be arranged sometime soon before all the good people who worked at Cowans joined their former friends and colleagues in the great engineering works in the sky."

The event will serve a pie and pea supper or a veggie alternative.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact Ray McCreadie at ray_mccreadie@msn.com or via the Friends of Cowans Sheldon Facebook page.