Bodiam 25 year Anniversary Celebrations.

Commemorating a Key Moment in our History – A Special Event at Bodiam Station

We are excited to invite you to join us as we celebrate an important chapter in our railway history.

This weekend we celebrate our journey to Bodiam 25 years ago and look to the railway's future, as we continue our extension to Robertsbridge station.

Saturday 5th April

• 11:03 AM - Speeches and ceremonial cutting of a cake 
  After the first train arrives from Tenterden at 11:03 AM, speeches will be given by Derrick Bilsby, Chairman of the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR), Sue Fergusson, Mayor of Tenterden, and one of the Rother Councillors followed by the ceremonial cutting of a 25th anniversary cake

• 11:37 AM - Loco Ribbon Breakthrough
  After the speeches, the train will return to Tenterden at 11:37 AM. In a symbolic gesture, we will recreate the loco breaking through a ribbon, just as it did on the opening day on April 2, 2000

• Bodiam Station Entertainment
  As the second train arrives, enjoy live performances by a local choir and Anderida Morris, who will continue to entertain guests at intervals throughout the day.

Throughout the weekend

• Volunteers' Memories of the opening of Bodiam Station
  Watch our commemorative video created especially for the weekend, where volunteers share their memories of the opening day and involvement in the ambitious project to extend from Northiam to Bodiam. This will be available to watch in the Bodiam Waiting Room.

• Extension to Robertsbridge Station, the next chapter
  Representatives from Rother Valley Ltd will be on hand at Bodiam Station, happy to chat about the exciting extension works leading to Robertsbridge.

• Join Us for a Tour of Robertsbridge Station –

Three special tours of Robertsbridge Station will be on offer each day, lasting approximately one hour. A shuttle bus will be running between Bodiam and Robertsbridge Station (see timetable below).

Please note, a valid KESR train ticket for that day will be required to use this bus service.

For the 10:00 AM tour, passengers will be able to take the mainline train to Robertsbridge and then travel by bus to Bodiam Station to connect with the first train to Tenterden.

This tour will give you an insight into the ongoing railway development, including:

• What Has Been Done So Far: Learn about the progress made to date.

• The New Railway Line: Discover where the new railway line is being built and understand its significance for Robertsbridge and beyond.

• Station Building Works: See the exciting developments underway at the station, including key updates on the station building and facilities.

• Turntable & Mainline Link: See the giant turntable rescued from Hither Green depot and learn more about how the project will connect Robertsbridge to the mainline.

• What Still Needs to Be Done: Hear about what other works still need to be done to complete the project and welcome passengers.