Southeast Communities Rail Partnership will be producing 200 ‘blue plaques’ to mark 200 people with connections to the railways on its lines as part of the national celebrations for 200 years of the modern railways.
Railway 200 will be a year-long nationwide partnership-led campaign to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway and inspire a new generation of young pioneering talent to choose a career in rail. It invites community, rail and other groups to get involved.
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27 September 1825, connecting places, people, communities and ideas and ultimately transforming the world.
Starting in January 2025, a wide variety of activities and events are being planned to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today and its importance to a sustainable future.
Born in Britain, rail quickly spread across the globe. Next year, Railway 200 will showcase how the railway shaped and continues to shape national life.
Each of the Line Officers for the 10 SCRP routes will work with local history groups/museums and youth organisations to research 20 stories of people or places who had some connection to the railways ranging from direct employees to local heroes and hidden histories. The information will be depicted with ‘blue plaques’ branded as Railway 200 at stations on the lines.
Posters showing the 20 local stories will be displayed during 2025 alongside a poster detailing modern railway jobs to act as a recruiting tool for the next generation.
Other activities and events are also being planned so keep an eye on our Newsletters and social media feeds for more details.
