The choir from Hook Lane Primary School helped mark a momentous occasion
today as they performed at Welling Railway Station in celebration of the
station’s 130th birthday. The event also forms part of a wider national
celebration – Railway 200, which marks 200 years since the birth of the modern
railway.
The children arrived at the station just before midday to serenade guests in
nearly 30 degree heat with an uplifting performance, culminating in a heartfelt
rendition of ‘ H a p p y B i rt h d a y W el l i n g S t at i on’
.
They were joined by Headteacher Joy Sheekey, Community Ambassador
Danielle Poole, and teacher (and choir master) Sue Edgar , who proudly
supported the pupils throughout the event.
The choir sang in front of the Mayor and councillors from the London Borough
of Bexley, adding a warm, community-focused touch to the anniversary
celebrations.
This collaborative event between Hook Lane Primary School, Discover Welling
and Welling Station is part of a wider programme of local activities celebrating
the station’s rich history since it first opened its doors on 1st May 1895. The
main event, hosted on platform 1 outside the station, featured stalls,
decorations, refreshments, goodie bags for attendees, and thankfully,
much-needed ice creams!
Railway 200 is a year-long national programme of events that celebrates the
enduring importance of rail in connecting communities, past and present.
Welling Station’s anniversary is a proud part of that journey.
“ W e w er e d el i gh t e d t h at our sch ool ch oi r coul d h el p cel eb r at e W el l i n g S t at i on’ s
1 3 0 t h b i rt h d a y i n such a s pe ci al w a y ,
’ said Headteacher , Joy Sheekey.
“ I t w as a
w ond erf ul o p port uni t y f or our pu pi l s t o sh ar e t h ei r t al ent s and conne ct wi t h
t h e l ocal communi t y – and es pe ci al l y l o v el y t o se e some of t h e r esi d ent s of
R i v er d al e C ar e H ome at t h e e v ent , as our ch i l d r en vi si t t h em once a w e ek . T h e
e v ent t rul y r efl e ct e d t h e sense of t o get h erness t h at mak es our ar e a so s pe ci al .
”
