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‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Members e-newsletter No.49

‍Hello   

‍Welcome to the June issue of the e-newsletter

‍From the Chair...

‍Other examples of the flexibility that we now have are the way in which we are reviewing and amending the number of round trips for each day. This enables  targeted discounting for lightly loaded services to maximise passenger numbers.

None of this can ever be an exact science, and we shall learn how to use the new tools as we go along, but it’s all part of the “new normal”.

The comment about volunteer shortages I made in the last issue remains relevant. Please look out for requests for help from roster clerks and others, and please do consider offering yourself for tasks and duties beyond those for which you normally volunteer.

All is not doom and gloom – very far from it! Despite all the Covid disruption the Railway’s finances are in a healthy condition. Quite apart from the fact that we are now trading again, we have received another significant boost and later in this issue you will be able to read more about what it means to us. We are, however, still very much in the market for fundraising ideas, and we are confident that the Fundraising Working Party (getting the money) and the Project Assessments Committee (recommending how best to spend it) will continue to develop their productive relationship!

Our IT is now Cloud-based, and the new arrangements are settling in and already beginning to show their worth. The next stage will be the telephone system. Huge thanks are due to trustee Matt Hyner for overseeing what has proved to be a project even more challenging than at first sight; and also to Mike Winiberg for keeping the old system going against all the odds. Heritage on the outside; state of the art on the inside.

Looking forward, we play host to part of the Community Arts Project. In partnership with Tenterden Schools Trust and Tenterden Community Partnership, this will be open from 3rd to the 15th July on days that trains operate. It will be another opportunity to reach an audience beyond the traditional railway enthusiast community.

The Public Inquiry into the enabling Transport and Works Act Order for the line between Bodiam and Robertsbridge is now very close indeed. The preparation of our evidence in support of our friends at the Rother Valley Railway, has already taken up much trustee and management time. Hopefully it will have been worth it and in any event the final straight is now in sight. There is bound to be a lot of press and public comment, not all of which will be favourable or positive, and we are prepared for that.

The activity during the first half of 2021 shows no signs of abating – nor does the list of challenges – but we are planning for the future with confidence.

Simon Marsh

Chairman

‍Closure Anniversary

Last Days

The K&ESR was closed finally as a public service 60 years ago this year, indeed this month.

Fortunately perhaps for its survival today, the railway had been a long time dying. When it was nationalised some wanted to close it immediately but it was referred to a committee which took its time. Closure came for passengers and the Headcorn extension (which took less than 10% of the line's income) on Saturday 2nd January 1954, just under 50 years since opening.

The Rother Valley section continued for goods with two daily services. Hopping season special passenger trains re-commenced on 31st August and these workings continued on a diminishing basis. Lifting the Headcorn extension commenced in early 1955 from Tenterden, the last time an O1 or any BR tender loco worked there, finishing at Headcorn on 24th November. That year all the buildings at Rolvenden were torn down, leaving only watering facilities. Steam working with the immortal ‘Terrier’ locomotives, present since 1901, was however coming to an end, replaced by the, then new, Drewry locomotives (later designated class 04) on 27th May 1958. They also worked the last hop pickers’ specials that autumn. Steam still covered occasional failures and a few specials. For all this 'modernisation', the end was in sight and traffic decline was now steep. 

‍The final goods working was the 7.55 am working from Robertsbridge on Saturday 10th June 1961 (probably by loco 11223) followed the next day by an enthusiast's rail tour. So on 11th June, 1961, No 32670, the immortal 'Bodiam', along with sister No 32662, a rare visitor, topped and tailed the ceremonial 'last train' from Tenterden to Robertsbridge. This was the Locomotive Club of Great Britain's 'The South Eastern Limited' special, to mark closure of both the line to Hawkhurst and the K&ESR, both lines with strong Colonel Stephens connections.

‍This was an extremely well-filled tour. It was originally planned to have a load of seven "Hastings line" restriction corridor vehicles. With heavy bookings more vehicles were needed, but no more corridor stock of that loading gauge was available. Two ex SE&CR non-corridor coaches, 100 seaters, were added to the formation. The corridor coaches were, BSK S3687, CK S5601, Buffet Car S7874 (our Pullman Theodora), CK S5598, BSK S3690 (still remaining at Robertsbridge), CK S5592, BSK S3680. The last two were detached at Robertsbridge for the trip to Tenterden and passengers packed in the remainder.

The train left Robertsbridge 35 minutes late at 3.45pm , finally reaching Tenterden at 5.20 pm, 50 minutes late after coping with the crowds and great struggles over the last few yards. The train finally left Tenterden at 5.51 (56 minutes late) getting to Robertsbridge 1 hour 10 minutes late at 7.05pm.

Official closure came the next day, but the first meeting of the Society had already been held.....

Brian Janes

Colonel Stephens Museum Curator

Knowle's Isle of Wight Holiday

On the 27th May Knowle packed up her bucket and spade and headed to her former home on the Isle of Wight for a holiday, with Meridian TV covering her long journey. A few days later Knowle was followed by her K&ESR minders and most importantly her now tv famous mascot “Luna pup”. 

Knowle's adventure was firstly to participate in the Isle of Wight steam railway's 50th Anniversary Gala, from the 4th-6th June, alongside two other island engines O2 number 24, Calbourne and a fellow Terrier, number 11, Newport. In preparation for the Gala, Knowle was lovingly renamed with her island identity, 14, Bembridge, with transfers which were prepared by Matthew Green.

Her work during the gala included hauling passenger trains alone, double heading with number 11, working freight trains and even triple-heading early on Saturday morning for a photoshoot at Wootton station. During her time at the Gala she was admired by all who saw her, including the volunteers of IoWSR who were very fond of her.  

‍Click above image to view Meridian footage

After a long weekend of the Gala, Knowle was returned to her true identity and stored in the railway's train-story museum, where she could continue to be admired whilst she awaited her next steaming.

Two weeks later Knowle was brought back out and into steam for the Island’s Terrier Weekend, where she ran alongside number 11, Newport, once again

Sarah Tagart

Volunteer

‍[EDITORS NOTE] - Following Sarah's article, the Terrier was hijacked on the M3 and has not returned home to K&ESR metals....can you guess where she is holidaying now?... Answer at the end of this newsletter.

‍Fundraising Working Party

Members might like an update on the various grants and donations the Fundraising Working Party has achieved since COVID struck in the Spring of 2020 as the numbers are actually quite striking!

We have been awarded no less than £619,000 from a variety of public sector donors, most notably the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport through the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Culture Recovery Fund', Ashford Borough Council and Rother District Council. These monies (not all received yet) will have gone a long way towards replacing the surpluses we would have normally generated from our passenger train services and associated commercial activities (catering, shop etc.). Welcome though these grants absolutely are - and indeed without them we would not have survived - they have only kept us afloat and have not been able to be used for investments in locomotives and rolling stock etc.

For investments, we have the Garfield Weston Foundation to thank for their grant of £25,000. Garfield Weston has a particular interest in promoting heritage and education, and their grant will support the work we will be doing publicising the story – social and economic as well as engineering – of the Terriers. And there is more good news on Terriers I will be able to share with you soon.

However, I have kept the best until last! A most generous donor has bequeathed sufficient funds to allow us to complete the funding of our 60th Anniversary, the Pullman Kitchen Car and the appeals for both the Terriers, with a little bit left over! Your Board will be considering how to spend any remaining funds, taking advice of course from the Projects Assessment Committee.

LAST CHANCE TO INVEST!

With the bequest mentioned above, we will be closing the Pullman and Terrier appeals soon. For one month only, we will still be offering the generous opportunities to everyone contributing to these appeals. Monies received will, of course, release the bequest for future investment projects:

Pullman Kitchen Car Appeal

For donations of the amounts below, you will receive;

£5,000: Table for four on introductory Pullman Kitchen Car service; Life Membership of K&ESR; and invitation to Pullman Donors' Special Event.

£2,000: Table for two on introductory Pullman Kitchen Car service and invitation to Pullman Donors' Special Event.

£100: Donation Certificate

Terrier 150 Appeal

For donations of the amounts below, you will receive;

• £32,760: your own private double-headed Terrier charter train for 50 guests; five year's K&ESR Membership; VIP footplate ride for donor and guest on double-headed Terrier train; VIP Ticket on Terrier 150 Dining train; Donation Certificate; TTT Life Membership; ticket on Terrier 150 Anniversary Special; 'Bodiam Returns' print (as available); annual membership of K&ESR.
  

• £6,821: VIP footplate ride for donor and guest on double-headed Terrier train; VIP Ticket on Terrier 150 Dining train; Donation Certificate; TTT Life Membership; ticket on Terrier 150 Anniversary Special; 'Bodiam Returns' print (as available); annual membership of K&ESR.
  

• £1,872: VIP Ticket on Terrier 150 Dining train; Donation Certificate; TTT Life Membership; ticket on Terrier 150 Anniversary Special; 'Bodiam Returns' print (as available); annual membership of K&ESR.

• £650: Donation Certificate; TTT Life Membership; ticket on Terrier 150 Anniversary Special; 'Bodiam Returns' print (as available); annual membership of K&ESR.

• £150: Donation Certificate; TTT Life Membership.

 NOTE: full details of the benefits can be found via the button below for “Terrier Trust Appeal”.

Norman Brice

FWP Coordinator

Looking back, moving forward: all aboard the Tenterden community train

Starting on Saturday 3rd July, we are to play our part in one of Tenterden's largest-ever community events.  This will celebrate the reopening of the High Street after a tumultuous year and marks the 60th anniversary of preservation society for the K&ESR.

Tenterden Town station will be one of three venues holding art exhibitions as part of this Community Art Project; which will involve hundreds of people from local schools and organisations.

The event is organised by the Tenterden Schools Trust and will culminate in an art ‘take-over’ of the town from 3rd to 15th July.

Tenterden School's Trust's Alison Miles said: "The  theme Looking back, moving forward: all aboard the Tenterden community train, not only reflects the railway’s milestone but also how the Tenterden community are coming to terms with the last 12 months and moving positively into the future as a thriving environment for residents, businesses and visitors."

Railway spokesperson Helen Douglas said: ‘We treasure our role as an important part of the town community and are delighted to be involved in this amazing event.  The Covid pandemic has had a dramatic effect on all of us but, like others, we are looking forward to the good times returning.’

Students from local schools and community groups have spent months preparing artworks for the two-week celebration. They include portraits and colourful flower planters.  They will be showcased at art exhibitions at the newly re-configured St Mildred’s Church, at Tenterden Town station and along the length of the High Street itself, including shop windows and the Town Hall. 

The festival has the support of international artist and Tenterden resident Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle. He has designed a giant bespoke art installation which will only be revealed at the official opening of the event this weekend.

The exhibition at the railway is in the former Maidstone and District bus station at the rear of the site and will open to the public on Saturday, 3 July. It will then be open when trains operate (not Mondays and Fridays) until Thursday, 15th July.

Admission is free for passengers and members. Non-travellers can buy a £1 platform ticket.

Helen Douglas

Sales and Marketing Manager

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility – Can you help?

‍Sustainability forms one of the pillars of the K&ESR Strategy. We operate a heritage railway powered by coal and diesel, and will increasingly need to become more environmentally sensitive, sustainable and carbon neutral.

For many years the Railway has incorporated sustainable practice in areas such as recycling scrap metal, lineside vegetation management and sustainable drainage at Rolvenden Carriage Shed. More recently, we have planted more than 2,000 trees alongside a two-mile section of track, provided recycling bins at Tenterden station and launched our wildlife “What to see from the train” family activities and spotter trail for children. 

The K&ESR now needs to do more on sustainability and environmental responsibility because we are a responsible organisation with a vision of operating sustainably and we must play our part in protecting the planet.  This will also enable the Railway to counter negative issues around our use of fossil fuels and meet our customers’ increasing expectations.

Most of our customers travel by car – we could promote more sustainable modes of transport, provide electric vehicle charging points, cycle parking and  links to footpaths. We generate waste and could recycle/reuse more. Could we utilise our land and buildings for renewable energy production – solar panels, wind turbines? We purchase energy, water and many other goods and services – could these be bought ‘green’ or sourced locally to reduce ‘food miles’? Could we further expand our environmental education activities? These are just a few examples.

We are assembling a group of people to develop these ideas and make the K&ESR a leader, not a follower, in sustainability and environmental responsibility. Can you help please?

Are you someone with an interest or expertise in the environment and promoting sustainability? You could be a K&ESR member, or someone with links to the Railway, perhaps from within the sustainability or education sectors. Perhaps you or someone you know could input on wider sustainability or environmental issues and initiatives relating to a heritage railway, such as alternatives to burning coal and climate change initiatives?

If you have ideas and are willing to give your time, knowledge and experience, please email me at pvidler@kesr.org.uk

Paul Vidler

Trustee

‍4253 Locomotive Company

10th Anniversary Special

‍Newsletter Archive

Have you missed a newsletter? Have you recently joined us? Whatever the reason, you can browse recent editions of this newsletter at https://kesr.org.uk/members-e-newsletter-archive/

Tenterden Terrier Online

As a member of the K&ESR, you can access ‘The Tenterden Terrier’ magazine in electronic format by registering your details at https://kesr.org.uk/tenterden-terrier-online/

‍Support the K&ESR when you shop!



Did you know that whenever you buy anything online – from your weekly shop to your holiday – you could be raising free donations for the Kent & East Sussex Railway with easyfundraising?

There are over 4,000 shops and sites on board ready to make a donation – including eBay, Argos, John Lewis, ASOS, Booking.com and M&S – and it won’t cost you a penny extra to help us raise funds.

All you need to do is:

1. Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/kesr/?utm_campaign=raise-more and join for free.

2. Every time you shop online, go to easyfundraising first to find the site you want and start shopping.

3. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will make a donation to Kent & East Sussex Railway at no extra cost to you whatsoever!

There are no catches or hidden charges and we’re really grateful for your donations.

Amazon Smile

If you’re an Amazon customer, you can support the K&ESR at no additional cost by using Amazon Smile – simply click the link below and setup the K&ESR as your selected charity.

As of 14th June, the K&ESR has received £193.45 from Amazon. It's easy to setup and Amazon even remind you if you go directly to Amazon by mistake in the future.

‍If you use Chrome, there’s a browser extension that will automatically turn your everyday Amazon purchases into AmazonSmile donations https://couponfollow.com/smilematic

Thank You!

‍Where was Knowle?

‍Following some very last minute negotiations Terrier 2678 has been running at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway as part of their Railway Rally alongside "Lucie" from the NYMR.

If you have Twitter you can view a video tweet from @EmbsaySteam about the arrival here: https://twitter.com/EmbsaySteam/status/1408721922192461825?s=20

‍Click image above to play YouTube footage of Knowle's adventure!

‍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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