British 'Seagull Boy' Cooper Wallace to Embark on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Adventure in April
Darjeeling is set to welcome a unique young visitor this April. Cooper Wallace, the 10-year-old British sensation famously known as 'Seagull Boy' for his award-winning European gull-screeching performances, will explore the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). This visit marks a significant family tradition and cultural exploration for the Wallace family.
A Family Passion for Railways and Darjeeling
Cooper's fascination with the DHR is deeply rooted in his family history. His grandfather, David Charlesworth, is a longstanding member of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS), an organization based in England formed in 1997 to promote awareness and appreciation of the DHR. Cooper's mother, Lauren, shares this passion and is revisiting the DHR after more than two decades, having first visited in 1999 when she was 13 years old.
The family, hailing from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, will reach Darjeeling on the evening of April 2. Cooper will be accompanied by his younger sister, Shelby, who plans to explore Darjeeling and learn Nepali dance during their stay. Speaking to TOI from the UK, Charlesworth expressed the family's excitement, noting that Cooper's admiration for the railway stems from childhood experiences.
"Cooper even recognises Darjeeling No 19 'Alfred', the only class 'B' engine to leave India preserved at the Statfold Barn Railway Museum. He knows what the DHR looks like and is keen on seeing it in person. Shelby is excited to learn Nepali dance while we all enjoy the hills and the historic railway," said Charlesworth.
The Rise of 'Seagull Boy' and His Unique Talent
Cooper first made headlines in 2024 as the first UK participant in the European 'Meeuwenschreeuwen', or gull-screeching championship in De Panne, Belgium. He won the title twice, competing against 21 participants, including his sister Shelby, who finished fourth. His fascination with seagulls began with a personal encounter when he was pecked by one, leading to his playful moniker.
Reflecting on the moment, Cooper told the media, "Spiderman got bitten by a spider, and I got bitten by a seagull — so now I am Seagull Boy." Charlesworth shared a humorous update on the siblings' skills, noting, "Cooper's voice is starting to change, and Shelby can now hit higher pitches. She might just beat Cooper next time."
David Charlesworth: A Lifelong Dedication to the DHR
Born in 1954, David Charlesworth is an English fine arts artist, designer, and author with a wide portfolio including graphic design, illustrations, and cartoons. He is acclaimed for his paintings and drawings of transport and historical subjects and is regularly commissioned for portraits and book illustrations. Raised by his maternal grandparents, he has been fascinated by India all his life, as his grandfather was in India and Burma in 1943 and brought back books and photographs from Darjeeling.
Charlesworth was a co-founder of the DHRS and has just completed 113 issues of their magazine, 'The Darjeeling Mail'. The 10 volumes are now recognised as a highly prized source of historical reference. He is also the author and producer of 'Up the Line to Darjeeling', where he has mapped and described the whole length of the line and the current DHR guide book. His children's story book 'Baby Sivok', released by Foothills Publishing in Siliguri, aims at driving new interest in the DHR.
A Memorable Experience Ahead
DHR director Rishab Choudhary confirmed the family's visit, stating it promises to be a memorable experience combining family tradition, cultural exploration, and a young champion's quirky talent. Lauren is making her second break during the Easter holidays, finally finding time to revisit the railway she loved as a teenager.
This visit not only highlights the enduring appeal of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway but also showcases how unique talents and family passions can bridge cultures and generations, creating unforgettable moments in one of India's most scenic hill stations.
