2026 celebrations – Birthday Weekend 29, 30, 31 May 2026

2026 is an important year for phillumenists. It marks 200 years since the invention of the Friction Match by John Walker in Stockton-on-Tees. The importance of John Walker’s invention to society at large, and also to us as collectors, is immeasurable.

We are planning a whole weekend of events to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the invention of the Friction Match by John Walker of Stockton on Tees in 1826. We have chosen these dates because John Walker was born on 29th May 1781.

We will be based at The Parkmore Hotel, a Best Western Hotel, at 636 Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton on Tees, TS16 0DH, England. We have chosen The Parkmore Hotel because of its location and reputation. It is a popular wedding venue located 1 mile from Preston Park Museum, 0.5 miles from Eaglescliffe Railway Station and 4 miles from the centre of Stockton on Tees. It offers 54 bedrooms, two function rooms, a restaurant, a Spa Suite and a swimming pool. Room booking details can be found in the magazine.

Friday 29th May 2026 will have the afternoon première of our documentary film about John Walker (funded by a grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund), the opening of our exhibitions, and a members’ evening meal with guest speakers
Saturday 30th May 2026 will have a daytime visit to Preston Park Museum to see their John Walker exhibits, and a river cruise in the evening with meal and guest speakers
Sunday 31st May 2026 will have a members’ meeting with grand auction

The full details are still being worked out, including ticket prices and timings, and we will provide updates about this in future magazines and here on the web site as they become finalised.

If you have information about John Walker that you would like to share with us, or you would like to help with the 2026 celebrations in any way, we would be pleased to hear from you johnwalker2026@phillumeny.com