K&ESR Members e-newsletter No 46

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‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Members e-newsletter No.46

‍Hello   

‍Welcome to the March issue of the e-newsletter

‍From the Chair...

As before, please look out for requests for help and please do consider offering yourself for tasks and duties beyond those for which you normally volunteer.  We are certain to face shortages in some areas.

A lot has been going on behind the scenes, and much of it is summarised in the report of the February Board meeting elsewhere in this issue so I won’t repeat it here.

A word about our finances. You will have seen the sad news that the Llangollen Railway has gone into receivership, and we send them our best wishes and hope that standard gauge steam will somehow continue to run in north Wales. Thanks to our cost controls, the extraordinary effort that has gone into fundraising, and the generosity of a number of bodies and individuals we are not going to go the same way, despite some lurid headlines in local media outlets.

However, money is tight, and there are bills which need to be paid irrespective of whether we are running trains. That is why we have launched our 60th Anniversary Appeal which hopefully you will all have seen by now and which will be rolling out further in the coming weeks. In this we have already been greatly helped by Damian Green MP, whose constituency covers the Tenterden area and who is a firm friend of the Railway. We owe him our thanks. 

More from the Fundraising Working Party later in this newsletter, but for me the exciting thing is that we are trialling new ways of reaching new people. And that has to be a very positive change.    

There are plenty of challenges ahead as we recover from what will be over a year of national crisis and continue to reset ourselves for the new normal. We certainly cannot afford to be complacent and cannot assume that things will trundle on as before. They won’t, and they can’t.  If we all continue working together in a constructive spirit for the good of our Railway, we shall be able to enjoy the 60th anniversary of our preservation movement and position ourselves for the next 60 years and the challenges those will bring.

Simon Marsh

Chairman

Permanent Way train stops for a rest at Rother Bridge

Image courtesy of Alan Crotty

‍From the (virtual) Boardroom

The board of trustees, with two absentees, had its monthly meeting on Saturday 27 February. We used the K&ESR’s Zoom facility.

The e-Newsletter provides an opportunity to give a brief flavour of some of the most important points. It should not in any sense be regarded as a formal record.  

We had a careful discussion on when to re-open the Railway to the public in the light of the latest Government announcement. We noted the desirability of being seen to act responsibly, the work that would be necessary to prepare ourselves, and possible limited volunteer availability. We endorsed the General Manager’s recommendation to start a phased reopening from 17 May, with shakedown trains from 12 April, all of course subject to Government guidance nearer the time. If all went well it should be possible to run a full service by the summer. We invited Shaun to start planning on this basis with immediate effect. 

We discussed and endorsed the latest proposals from Shaun for restructuring and noted the fact that the process was now nearly complete. 

We thanked Paul Wilson, lately Carriage and Wagon manager but the previous holder of many other roles, and Martin Keable, lately Forestry and Conservation manager, for their many years’ service. 

We noted our current financial situation which had been buoyed by a number of grants and legacies; despite the loss of the Santa season we were still viable although we did need to replenish our reserves. The 60th anniversary appeal had now launched, and there was a major grant application in the pipeline. The Fundraising Working Party had got into its stride.

We noted a report from the Safety Director together with the further steps taken, and to be taken, in response to the incident in the C&W shed. We noted the Safety Director’s recent presentation to volunteers online had attracted 81 attendees and agreed that it should become an annual event.  

The Risk and Compliance Committee, in conjunction with the Safety Director, were drawing up an audit programme which would be endorsed by the next Board meeting. 

We reviewed progress towards delivering the five-year strategy and noted that this would be published and presented online to volunteers on 8 April as part of the “Second Thursday” series of virtual presentations.

We had received a significant donation to the Terrier 150 appeal, and plans were well in hand to secure further significant donations. With “Knowle” available for service we invited the General Manager to ensure that it would be used as a flagship for the appeal.

Those responsible for the kitchen car project had reported that it would be repainted by the end of March, and potentially back on the Railway for completion by the end of May.

The IT project remained on track, with delivery anticipated in the next few weeks. There were still some details to be sorted and we recognised that people would need to be trained in order to get the most from it.

The new Project Assessment Committee (PAC) was now functional. It had already recommended approval of expenditure for the 60th anniversary appeal launch, and for improved security at Rolvenden. We noted with thanks external funding that had been received for other Rolvenden security improvements, and we agreed the need to ensure that there was an overall plan.  

The PAC would shortly be asked to consider the complex Rolvenden development project; the plans for which were currently being revisited to ensure that all stakeholders had had an input.

The next scheduled board meeting would be on Saturday 27 March.  

Simon Marsh

Chairman

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‍Wealden Pullman car Barbara basks in the winter sunshine Feb 2021.  

Infrastructure  

‍I have been carrying out the annual track trolley survey, whilst also completing the writing of a track asset register, with the help of the Tenterden Station Group.

My survey trolley, in its simplest mode, measures cant/gauge/twist & distance. I record a measurement every 3m & analyse it, to identify if there are any areas that have a twist fault, or are in need of general tamping.

In its advanced mode, I can use it to create a slew design for the tamper crew to produce perfect straights.

We are lucky on our railway to have track that is in very good condition, this is down to having invested in concrete sleepers many years ago, but also by having access to tampers & other On Track Plant based on our railway.

We also have a good Permanent Way (PWay) team, that whilst small, maintain the track well – they are always in need of additional help, so come along, volunteer to join them and get to see the railway from a different perspective and work in the open air in our lovely countryside.

The track asset register I am creating, is something that all railways should have & records all features along the railway eg poles, S&C, crossings, signs, culverts etc. I am giving all these features a position chainage & a ‘What3Words’ identifier, and inputting all this information into the HOPS Asset Register, which will hold the data for easy access by anyone.

Meanwhile, I am starting to record all the infrastructure items that are in people’s heads, but not necessarily written down anywhere; this will include the location of all buried services at each station, land boundaries, meter locations etc.  I do this by carrying out a topographic survey & producing a CAD drawing, which can then have different ‘layers’ of information added to it.

Additionally, I am working on a track design for the whole railway, which will provide the PWay team & tamper crew a design to work to, eg a design radius for each curve for the track to be, which will make maintenance a lot easier, whilst also creating a smoother ride with reduced wear to wheels/rails.

This has required a huge amount of work including numerous surveys of the line, measurement of all curves by string-line, establishing locations for transitions, calculation of optimum cant etc this will all then be marked on track for tamper crew to use.

All this work has the benefit of providing assurance to the ORR that we take these matters seriously & that we know what we are doing.

What’s next? As we prepare for the re-opening in May, Tenterden will need another spruce up, as the months of being out of use haven’t been kind. I am also looking to revamp Wittersham Road station, which has been waiting for attention for some years.

If you are interested in working out in the open, the Tenterden Station Group (Andy Papworth, Kelvin Williams, John Holland, Paul Vidler & Rob Leach) meet every Wednesday - why not come along to help out our merry band or give me a call for further details.

Brian Richards

Infrastructure Manager 

07738 477579

‍"What-Three-Words" code for telegraph poles

Image courtesy of Brian Richards

Volunteering Committee

Birdcage resting at Tenterden Friday 19th February 2021

Even with stay-at-home orders in place, the Volunteering committee's work has not stopped.  The committee have continued to meet monthly via zoom which is always an experience with modern-age technology and the committee chairman’s internet often advising her that her connection has become unstable (always knew I have a bit of a loose wiring.) 

You will have previously heard about our work to introduce the volunteer’s recognition scheme and although the main piece of work towards that is done, the background work has commenced to implement the scheme, starting with recruiting a volunteer recognition officer - which will soon be announced and the implementation of the scheme will commence. 

Our main focus has moved on to looking at improving and streamlining the induction process; picking apart the process from start to end, ensuring that the process runs smoothly from the moment interest is shown, through to becoming a long-standing volunteer in whatever department they wish to join.

To aid the development of volunteering at the railway we are frequently putting recommendations to the board. Most recently we have made the following recommendations, which have been approved, subject to an action plan being created with the support of the General Manager. 

1. Processing volunteer applications

• The railway needs to be able to respond quickly to volunteer enquiries.
• Implement a new system for processing applications, recording applications and for monitoring applications.
• Provide an online that form that has a few simple questions about the volunteer, with a ‘send’ button transmits the information direct to the railway.  
• More people need to be involved in the process to reduce the risk of relying on one person.

2. What’s in it for me (WIIFM)?

• Present the benefits and rewards of volunteering.
• Explain how volunteers will be mentored and supported
• Treat all roles wd.ith equal importance.

3. Provide more information

• Explain the recruitment process up front (IOW Railway has a simple, easy to understand 3 step model for recruitment).
• Publish a schedule of volunteer recruitment tours.  We need to be seen to be serious and committed to our request for volunteers.  Don’t leave them guessing.
• Produce high level role descriptions and define general competencies.
• Explain to a potential volunteer how their skills might transfer to the railway (It is not always obvious to those on the outside).
• Communicate internally – there needs to be greater awareness of where the railway needs help (especially for back office and commercial roles).  The railway should promote the specific projects that need help from volunteers with additional skills.

4. Resource forecasting

• The Board needs to consider engaging with K&ESR management to establish future resource requirements, in terms of volunteers.  Efforts to recruit could be more effective if campaigns are targeted towards particular roles or disciplines, rather than just a wide, scattergun approach 

5. Promotional activities

• Enhance the current volunteering YouTube video to include voices from real volunteers.
• Organise publicity events for K&ESR to coincide with National Volunteers Week in June (subject to Covid restrictions)
• Volunteering opportunities should be regarded as “Vacancies” and listed as genuine opportunities.
• Investigate ways of promoting volunteering at K&ESR to staff due to retire from the various railway operating companies. 
• Promotional volunteer material should demonstrate the diversity of individuals already volunteering for K&ESR.
• Consider regular social media activity that shifts focus each month, moving between departments and roles.

6. Volunteer recognition

• Continue the role of out of the new awards for long service.
• Build a social calendar of events.  Start simple, then scale up.

7. Encourage younger volunteers

• The committee understands that work is already under way at K&ESR to establish a strategy for bringing younger volunteers to the railway.
• As the board accept our recommendation, we look at supporting the relevant people to implement them. 
• With younger volunteers being the future of our railway, it is important that we engage them early, I have often been told about the “Terrier Club” which used to run, and the committee are looking into the logistics of starting something similar again in the near future. Our next step with this would be to create a working group to focus on this.  

We have also recently carried out a survey of Heads of Departments to ascertain where our focus needs to be, to ensure that we not only retain our current volunteers but also attract budding new recruits. Our next step in this is to gain feedback in the form of a survey of our current volunteers. So, keep an eye on your inboxes for coming your way very soon. 

We are always looking for new faces to join our committee to ensure that all departments are represented, if anyone is interested in joining us and supporting our work please email stagart@kesr.org.uk 

Finally, I amongst many others, have missed the social benefits of voluntering at the railway over the last year and I am keen to plan some social opportunities for our K&ESR family over the coming months, (as restrictions allow).

Keep an eye on communications relating to social events. I look forward to seeing you all soon. 

Sarah Tagart

Chair of Volunteering Committee

Restarting public services

Following the government announcement on the phased relaxation of COVID restrictions, I’m pleased to advise that, subject to the government restrictions being eased as currently envisaged, the K&ESR will recommence public services from Saturday 22nd May 2021.

To ensure the safety of all customers and staff, the start-up will be phased. A series of competency shakedown trains will operate during April and May, culminating in a Members Special on Friday 21st May.

The Members Special will be the inaugural run for Terrier 32678 “Knowle”, following her overhaul at Rolvenden and before she leaves us for a short holiday on the Isle of Wight. Further details about our plans for the season ahead and members trains will be released in the coming weeks.

It has been a hugely difficult time for everyone and the restart news should certainly whet everyone’s appetite. We very much look forward to getting the railway safely up and running again.

Shaun Dewey

General Manager

Operating Department

With reopening now on the horizon, there's a lot to do before we can welcome our first visiors since last October. If you would like to help us to get ready and perhaps make a small contribution with tools and materials, please visit our Amazon Wish list, where there’s a list of items that you can purchase that would be extremely useful to your railway.  Several people have already kindly purchased items for us which we are extremely grateful for, thank you!

Sadly we have also been informed that former Fireman and Loco Department volunteer Graham Clifford passed away on 13th of January. Graham will be remembered by many of you as a lovely friendly man who was always keen to help and encourage others, particularly the younger volunteers. 

Graham’s volunteering days often involved travelling by public transport from Herne Bay, a long journey when taken in conjunction with a day on the footplate, but such was his dedication that he did it with no fuss. Following retirement from footplate duties Graham was often seen helping out in the Loco Department and with the restoration of 4253.

David Manger has recently retired from Signalman duties. Thank you David for your long service to the railway and we hope you’ll be able to pop in for a traditional cup of tea from time to time!

Pete Salmon

Operating Manager

Fundraising Working Party

The Fundraising Working Party has been developing a number of campaigns - principally the Heritage Lottery Fund's Culture Recovery Fund, Pullman Kitchen Car and Terrier 150 – and has had some notable successes. We have generated grants from Government (national and local) totalling in excess of £350,000 towards compensating for the closures caused by the COVID regulations, whilst donations to the Pullman Kitchen Car have amounted to £18,000 since November's campaign was launched.

We have also been very fortunate in having received some £430,000 in Bequests since March 2020. Bequests are, by their very nature, unpredictable but none-the-less welcome for that, showing that people have enjoyed visiting or volunteering enough to remember us, sometimes years later.

So the obvious question: with all this income, why have we just launched the 60th Anniversary Appeal? So the obvious question: with all this income, why have we launched a 60th Anniversary Appeal? Our trading income during 2020 was decimated as a result of the COVID pandemic - we lost over 80% of our expected visitors and the bequests received, together with the Culture Recovery Fund grant, provided an essential contribution towards sustaining our railway during this period. Our belief was that it would be possible to operate a revised programme of services during December, income from which normally funds our essential winter maintenance work programme. However continuing restrictions mean that we shall not be able to reopen until mid-May this year, resulting in losing another chunk of our annual income.

Monies donated to the Pullman and Terriers can only be used for those specific projects (they are what is known as Restricted Funds under charities law) which are ongoing, with clear completion targets.  

The FWP has applied for more Government support but that cannot be guaranteed so the 60th Anniversary Appeal is an insurance against not getting further Government grant and also contributing to the ongoing routine maintenance work of the railway until we can resume passenger services, not expected before 17 May at the earliest, and then at reduced levels of service and capacity until later in the summer.

Our newly-designed website gives a very clear exposition of why we continue to need large sums of money: £300,000 per annum on maintaining locomotives; £200,000 for carriages; £80,000 on the track; £10,000 for signalling; £25,000 for buildings; and £10,000 for the Colonel Stephens Museum. And how much have we earned since March 2020? Next to nothing! Christmas alone lost us £320,000 and during the summer we ran a much-reduced service at reduced capacity.

The 60th Anniversary Appeal will fill a hole and contribute towards preserving the Kent & East Sussex Railway for a further 60 years. So please visit our website and donate if you are able.

Norman Brice

Fundraising Working Party Coordinator

The Baie de Somme Railway Steam Festival 2021

Planning is underway for the eleventh Fête de la Vapeur which, subject to the Coronavirus situation, will take place on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th July 2021. The Fête, which is considered to be the major railway event in France, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de Somme along with the 25 years of twinning with the Kent and East Sussex Railway. However, the 2021 event will be a more modest affair compared with those of 2013 and 2016. 

It is hoped that five of CFBS's steam locomotives plus three metre gauge visiting engines will operate four coaching rakes over all lines; two standard gauge locomotives and coaches from other French preservation railways will operate in top and tail mode over the dual gauge section of the line from Noyelles to St Valery Port. The former Paris Metro Sprague diesel powered 4-car unit and a visiting engine from K&ESR will not be present on this occasion. 

There will be other activities at Cayeux, Le Crotoy and Noyelles; at the latter, if health restrictions permit, there will be an exhibition and sales marquee where the K&ESR stand will be present. 

If you are intending to visit the festival and would like to help out with manning the K&ESR stand, please contact me by e-mail  - address below. 

CFBS will make a final decision about holding the festival by the end of March. 

Further information and updates can be found on CFBS’s dedicated steam festival webpage. https://www.chemindefer-baiedesomme.fr/fr/fete-de-la-vapeur-2021-50-ans-du-cfbs 

Michael Bunn

K&ESR Twinning Committee

Farewell to two K&ESR Icons

‍As the Railway prepares to restart public services and look forward to a new future we must also take time out to thank two icons of the Railway who have made major contributions to the Railway but who are now stepping down.

‍The recruitment process for both positions are under way and we will hear from the successful candidates in the next issue.

Shaun Dewey

General Manager

‍K&ESR ‘Second Thursday’ Meetings

The virtual meetings are intended to keep everyone in touch with events on the Railway and behind the scenes and the second meeting in February "It's a Risky Business" was well attended.

In a change to the proposed schedule, the next 'Second Thursday' Zoom meeting will be held at 7pm on 11th March 2021 and will be hosted by Sales & Marketing Manager Helen Douglas and Commercial Officer Heather Packham giving a presentation entitled ‘Doing things Differently’ looking at changes to our commercial offering in 2021 and beyond.

Future '2nd Thursday' meetings planned cover Strategy, Volunteering, Signalling and the Wagon Group. If you have something you would like to see covered, or would like to volunteer to give a presentation, please contact Trustee Robin via e-mail: robin215white@btinternet.com

Helen Douglas and Heather Packham

‍Wealden Pullman Kitchen Car Project - Update

‍The Arlington contract element of the project moves ever closer to completion, with the vehicle currently being prepared for painting.

When completed, the vehicle will undergo the necessary examinations before being hauled across the mainline at Eastleigh, ready for loading onto road transport for the journey back to Tenterden.

The order for the self contained battery inverter power system is about to be placed - creating a sizeable whole in our funds. Donations towards completion of this project remain most welcome therefore! 

‍Newsletter Archive

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Tenterden Terrier Online

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‍From all of us here at the K&ESR, our very best wishes

‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Tenterden Town Station, Station Road,

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE

www.kesr.org.uk

Registered charity 262481

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