Train operator Southeastern, which operates trains in Kent, East Sussex, and South East London, recently held a community event on Friday, 14th February at Deptford, London’s oldest station.

The event marked Railway 200, a year-long celebration of the 200th anniversary of Britain’s railway, the 189th anniversary of construction starting on building the London & Greenwich Railway, London’s oldest railway, and the birthday of Deptford station itself.

Attending the event were Steve White, Managing Director of Southeastern, and David Davidson, Network Rail Kent Route Director, who welcomed local councillors, members of the Deptford Society, and the Greenwich Society.

They launched a project to create a mural which will tell the story of the history of the railway between London Bridge, Deptford, and Greenwich and be a fitting tribute to the story of the railway and its role in shaping London.

Customers and staff had the chance to get creative and produce the mural at a workshop hosted by Patricio Forrester, a community art expert from Artmongers, and the London School of Muralism. Once completed, the mural will be displayed at Greenwich station later this year.

The railway through Deptford is one of London’s great landmarks as, although it is largely hidden from view, it represents a remarkable achievement, being London’s first railway built on 878 arches over a four-mile stretch and is a vital part of the capital’s infrastructure. Today, the line is one of the most intensively used parts of the UK’s railway.

Many events across the country are being held to celebrate Railway 200, notably The Great Gathering in August at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works at Derby. The Royal Mint is also celebrating Railway 200 by minting a commemorative £2 coin.

“In 2025 we are using Railway 200 to celebrate the rich heritage of our railway and to showcase the transformational effect that railways can have on communities through economic growth, decarbonisation and social mobility. We are a purpose driven organisation and, during this special year of celebration, we want to work with local communities and showcase opportunities that inspire young people to be a part of rail s bright future and to help write the next chapter in our history. Significant Railway 200 events taking place this year include recognition for the Network SouthEast era, the visit of a special Exhibition Train, the commemoration of our railway s contribution to war and marking the centenary of the electrification of the railway from London to Orpington.”

Steve White, Southeastern’s Managing Director