Passengers joined Southeastern's special Network SouthEast (NSE) 40th anniversary rail tour on Saturday 12 September, raising £10,000 for the Railway 200 charities while celebrating one of Britain's most recognisable railway brands.
The sold-out tour brought together railway enthusiasts, former railway colleagues and customers for a journey aboard Southeastern's specially restored Networker train, Unit 465908, which carries the famous Network SouthEast livery.
Beginning and ending at London Victoria, the tour travelled across both Metro and Mainline routes, reaching Ramsgate and Dover while passing some of the oldest stations on the Southeastern network.
The event marked 40 years since the creation of Network SouthEast, the British Rail sector that transformed rail travel across London and the South East with its distinctive red, white and blue branding.
The funds raised from the tour will be shared between the Railway 200 charities: Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO.
Steven Higham-Gray, Operations Change and Strategy Manager at South Eastern Railway, said:
While the tour was a memorable experience for all who travelled on it, what stands out most to me is the commitment shown by the many colleagues and volunteers who gave their time, energy and expertise to make the event such a success. Their enthusiasm reflects what Network SouthEast continues to mean to so many people across the railway industry and beyond.
Forty years on, the Network SouthEast story still resonates strongly. This event was a fitting celebration of that legacy, while also supporting worthwhile causes and bringing together the railway community in a way that honours our shared heritage and passion for the railway.
Paul Glazier, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Southeastern Railway for coming together to celebrate Network SouthEast's significant impact on the region and national rail industry.
The £10,000 raised through this special anniversary tour will make a real difference to Railway 200’s charity partners, supporting railway staff, their families and communities across the UK, while helping to preserve railway memories for future generations.
The specially restored train was created through a partnership between Southeastern, Angel Trains, Wabtec, Network SouthEast Friends and Network Rail.
Unit 465908 was officially named Chris Green in 2025, honouring the former British Rail manager widely credited with creating Network SouthEast and helping transform passenger rail services across London and the South East.
