Blue plaques have long been associated with stories of historical significance across the railway, and during the Railway 200 year, Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) wanted to deliver a project that celebrated railway history whilst also encouraging more people to consider choosing one of the myriad of career opportunities available across rail.

SCRP worked with researchers, historians, rail enthusiasts, archivists and community representatives to find stories suitable for preserving in the form of a blue plaque, producing a total of 200. 100 plaques highlighted people, places and even animals who have a connection to the development of the railways along SCRP’s 10 community rail lines. Among the well-known names that feature are Queen Victoria, railway engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, crime writer Dame Agatha Christie, Vietnam’s first president Ho Chi Minh, Winne-the-Pooh author A.A. Milne and Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb. The remaining 100 plaques illustrate the range of modern jobs available on the railways, to inspire the next general of railway staff.

The first batch of blue plaques were unveiled at Winnersh Station as part of the station’s 115^th birthday celebrations, and more unveiling events followed throughout the year, culminating in the official launch event at the Lewes Station Rail Fair held in August 2025. The 200 blue plaques were central to the day, telling the story of the railway community’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance for a sustainable and connected future.

Tyne Valley CRP aspired to deliver an educational project beyond the usual ‘try the train’ trip. With Railway 200’s focus on developing skills amongst young people and celebrating railway history, the landmark year proved to be the perfect impetus.

The partnership enlisted the support of singer songwriters Gareth and Bronwen Davies-Jones, who ran a series of workshops with pupils from Hallbankgate Village School and Lanercost CofE Primary School, helping them to write song lyrics featuring Brampton Station and Thomas Edmondson, its stationmaster in 1836 and pioneer of railway ticketing.

The project opened up many ‘firsts’ for the children. Through writing the lyrics, they learned important historical facts, as well as participating in an exciting sound engineering workshop, and several went on their first train journey to Haltwhistle to see the racks of Edmondson tickets in the Old Booking Hall and experience how tickets were sold in the 19^th century. The musical workshops culminated in the premiere of the new songs, performed by the children and their teachers, at Lanercost Priory.

Not only did this project provide the young people with skills in creativity and travel confidence, it created a lasting legacy for an incredible piece of railway history to be preserved and celebrated for generations to come. Tyne Valley CRP has subsequently applied to Historic England for a blue plaque in Edmondson’s name at the station and are embarking on a connected project with the local secondary school to create a piece of work commemorating Brampton’s link to Stephenson’s Rocket.

In July 2025, a dedicated committee of volunteers delivered a two-day community celebration that not only marked 100 years of Motspur Park Station and Railway 200, but left a lasting legacy of education, creativity and community engagement.

The project brought together schools, community groups and residents through a variety of heritage-focused activities. Highlights included a talk by railway author Christian Wolmar, displays of historical maps and photographs and a model railway construction showing the area as it was in 1925. Commemorative booklets, postcards and publicity materials were produced by the committee; a picnic in the park, organised by the Friends of Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field, featured entertainment by the West Barnes Singers; and local businesses and charities also hosted stalls, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

The Motspur Park Community Bunting Project really stole the show, engaging over 70 participants of all ages in workshops to produce over 800 meters of upcycled, reusable bunting. The flags reflected personal memories, local stories and celebratory designs, and were displayed around the library, station and park, forming a visible expression of community pride.

The event attracted 940 visitors on the first day alone, and 18 local groups were engaged prior to and during the celebration. The event at Motspur Park Station provided a meaningful cultural experience that encouraged social interaction and community cohesion, all whilst celebrating local railway heritage and the contribution of present-day station volunteers – ensuring that the centenary was remembered for years to come.