Kent & East Sussex Railway
Members e-newsletter No.70
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Welcome to the March 2023 edition of the K&ESR's e-newsletter |
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A great boost for the start of the season is the fact that our chief stationmaster, Geoff Colvin, has won this year’s national VisitEngland Tourism Superstar Award. This was against stiff competition from the whole of the tourism sector. It’s a feather in the cap for us, and a recognition of how heritage rail has grown to be a vital part of the tourist economy.
Well done, Geoff, and thank you to everyone who voted for him.
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 Poplar in Poplar Photo: Ian Scarlett
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And although the Terrier Trust didn’t win first prize in the teams category of the Heritage Railway Association awards, for last year’s visit to the Poplar DLR depot, to have been selected as a runner-up was very creditable.
Both these successes demonstrate that the Kent and East Sussex Railway remains firmly on the map.
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We have lost another K&ESR stalwart in the past few weeks. As many will know, Dick Beckett, who joined the Railway in the early 1960s and who in recent years is perhaps best known for his association with No 12 Marcia which has recently returned to steam, has passed away. He will be missed, and we all owe him our thanks for his many decades of service.
Neil Sime, Robin Coombes and I recently attended the HRA’s spring conference in Birmingham. As ever, it was a great opportunity to network, hear some very challenging presentations, and benchmark the K&ESR against others in the sector.
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 Dick Beckett with Marcia Photo: Alan Crotty
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The basic takeaway was that none of the many issues discussed were new to us, that in general we were as well advanced as most in dealing with them, but that we had to become still more agile and not be afraid of change.
There was quite a lot about a need to rediscover the pioneering and can-do spirit of the 1970s and 1980s, but this time to ensure that our Railways were able to adapt to overcome the new but no less formidable challenges of the third decade of the 21st century. And that we all needed to see those challenges as exciting rather than the reverse. Some food for thought there.
The conference concluded that a successful Railway, as well as being a safe one, would be one that delivered quality and memorable experiences to discerning customers. The evidence is that there is considerable price elasticity for the right product. As an organisation we already knew this; all that remains is to do more of it!
My final reflection from the conference is that despite the necessary caution and building up of resilience, we at the Kent and East Sussex need to be positive in our outlook, celebrating and being proud of our successes, and shouting them from the rooftops.
Because, for all our faults and limitations, and with all our worries, we do have a lot to celebrate. And to look forward to.
Let’s start the 2023 season on that note.
Simon Marsh
Chairman
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Chuffed to bits: K&ESR Chief Stationmaster wins Tourism Superstar Award! |
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Chief Stationmaster Geoff Colvin steamed to victory, at the conclusion of English Tourism week, after received 33% of the final online vote, ahead of nine other worthy finalists from tourist venues and attractions across England.
The prestigious annual competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry and is awarded to an individual who goes the extra mile to create exceptional visitor experiences.
Geoff is the first representative from a heritage railway to not only be shortlisted but to ultimate win the coveted award in its 11-year history.
Having joined the volunteer team at the start of the pandemic - when the railway's volunteer army was needed more than ever to secure its survival - Geoff quickly proved to be both dedicated and inspirational. Promoted to Chief Stationmaster last year, Geoff is one of the friendly faces of the railway on the platform, who greets passengers and helps everyone to create wonderful memories on their days out.
Speaking after after hearing he had won, an amazed Geoff Colvin said: "The outcome, and especially the proportion of people that voted for me, was a huge surprise given how impressive all the other finalists were. I am particularly honoured to be the first representative from a heritage railway to win - a real recognition of how the preservation movement has grown to be a vital part of local tourism, bringing value to the communities it serves and to those who give their time."
"To say we are chuffed is an understatement - what a start to our 2023 season," said K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes. "Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our railway and we couldn't be more proud of Geoff. This is not only an accolade for him but important recognition for the countless contributions of the hundreds of volunteers who selflessly give their time to the railway to keep its history alive and accessible to all."
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: "English Tourism Week this year is about amazing people, businesses and destinations, and Geoff Colvin is a standout example. He gives every passenger, young and old, unforgettable experiences with his passion for our wonderful railway heritage."
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 Hastings on trial runs at Tenterden March 2023. Image: Alan Crotty
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From the General Manager |
It seems each month on the railway has its own particular theme, be it the heat of high summer, autumn rains or the biting cold, short days of Santa, March is a month of anticipation of the new season, spring is in the air, there is a freshness, a time to look forward from dark Winter days, though as we found out, Winter is not yet over, and I awoke one morning in early March to find Tenterden covered in a blanket of snow.
Each month there are different challenges to face and opportunities to grasp. This month has been no different and as hectic as ever. This month it was interesting to see the different faces of heritage railways.
On the one hand it was a visit to Birmingham to attend the Heritage Railway Conference which was a mixture of celebrating achievements at the Awards Dinner, where our Terrier Trust were runners up in the Team of the Year, to the conference itself addressing the wider strategic issues facing all heritage railways from, safety to governance, branding to succession, there was even a presentation on suicides from the Samaritans as they effect mostly the national network but heritage railways may not be immune.
On the other hand, it was being immersed in the practicalities and realities of our own railway, be it felling the tree on the platform at Tenterden, repairing platform edging, or completing locomotive repairs. All with volunteers and paid staff working together to present the railway in the best possible way for a new season to welcome our visitors. Each of these different aspects are important in their own way, the practical and the strategic to ensure we all can ensure a sustainable future and maintain the railway’s legacy.
A demonstration of how in the future I strongly believe heritage railways can be stronger and more resilient, is to cooperate. This month the ‘Southern Six’ met – Swanage, Bluebell, Spa, Isle of Wight and us, unfortunately the Mid Hants could not attend. The meeting was kindly hosted by the Bluebell Railway. It was reassuring to find we all share and face common issues – be it coal, ticketing, succession, events, communication, engineering, locos. Generating solutions and ideas collectively that we can share is a far better approach than each railway doing it individually and duplicating effort. It is an old adage but nonetheless true - ‘we are stronger together’. There were some strong positives and practical opportunities we can undertake collectively. We will now be meeting every 2 months and encouraging greater communication at all levels in our respective railways, we will host the next meeting in May.
A third outing away from the railway was again up to Birmingham, then by mainline steam charter, double headed by double chimney Castle class locos to Didcot. The was the exhilaration of travelling on the down journey at speeds touching 75mph and topping Hatton Bank at 62mph on the return. There was also the spectacle of seeing a line-up of four Castles. However, as a Light Railway we are in no way a poor cousin. Sapper or Swiftsure climbing Tenterden Bank is just as exhilarating and demanding on enginemanship. At Christmas we had our own line up of 4 Hunslet locomotives. We can beat the pants off their very mediocre Pullman service and their Stewards could learn much from the friendliness of our on-train-staff.
This is so visibly demonstrated by our very own ‘tourism superstars’. Geoff Colvin is just one representative of all our station and on-train volunteers. Geoff, our Chief Station Master has won the Visit England "Tourism Superstar" accolade for 2023.
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This win has been achieved by public vote. Geoff represents not only our volunteers and the KESR but the whole heritage railway movement - as the face of a warm welcome to our wonderful railways up and down the country. We need every visitor possible this year and national exposures helps us all. Our PR and Social Media team have been working hard to encourage those hard-earned votes for Geoff. We hosted ITV Meridian News doing an interview and some filming which was broadcast on Sunday evening (19th). |
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 Geoff Colvin being interviewed by Meridian TV. Photo: Robin Coombes
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Geoff was not the only superstar this month. The Class 03 diesel shunter D2023, which has in recent times been confined to Tenterden station yard was given the honour of hauling the Mothers’ Day Wealden Pullman, complete with headboard, between Rother River Bridge and Rolvenden. The reason for the working was in connection with the level crossing works at Northiam (see below). The special working allowed diners to enjoy river view during their lunch while Northiam Station was closed. The 03 was not the only locomotive that travelled further than it normally does. The 4 wheel ‘Ruston’ diesel shunter which is usually restricted to Rolvenden spent much of the month at Northiam also in connection with the level crossing works. |
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 The railcar returns to Tenterden. Photo: Robin Coombes
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The 03 also made a series of rolling stock moves between Rolvenden and Tenterden. This most significant being the return of the GWR Railcar W20 to Tenterden Carriage and Wagon. The Railcar had to temporary vacate C&W to undertake the planned Winter maintenance of Theodora, which included new doors and tyre turning, which involved its bogies going off the Ashford.
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Thanks to careful planning between the Railcar project team and Operations the Railcar returned as planned in time for the fitting of its new heating system. The national interest in this project builds at each stage, the fund raising has been spectacularly successful already exceeding its target.
Equally successful, the RU (Kitchen Car) after a long, at times it has to be admitted difficult, challenging, frustrating restoration has finally entered service thanks to the many midnight hours worked by Alan Brice, Richard Stone and Andre Freeman. There was a successful trial, followed by its first public service outing. It now has a state-of-the-art kitchen, and we are now, we believe, unique (heritage and mainline) in fully preparing and cooking on-board Pullman meals.
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 Northiam Level Crossing replacement work. Photo: Brian Richards
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The major project of the month and this year is the replacement of trackwork and road surface at the A28 level crossing at Northiam. This essential renewal work has become critical due to the years of poor highway drainage in the area. The road/ rail interface work was completed over the weekend of 3-5 of March, during a road closure which involved treffic making a 32-mile diversion. The road was opened on time at 21.00 on Sunday. The project costing over £90k, but it would have cost far, far more without the help of our volunteers and our supporters.
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 Northiam Level Crossing replacement work. Photo: Brian Richards
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A huge thanks to the team effort of Brian Richards, Frim Halliwell, Clive Lowe, Paul Jessett, Paul Rand & Peter Barber over the weekend & the P-Way team getting everything ready during the closure. There was still much work to do over the following weeks, including installing new pointwork, tamping & realigning the track and S&T cabling & reconnections.
The railway is very lucky to have the people who provide the equipment and have the skill base (from plant machinery to survey equipment) to do this sort of work - mostly unnoticed.
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March was also tinged with sadness, I attended with many other railway colleagues the funeral of Jon Grimwood. All Saints Church at Staplehurst was full, showing how widely he was loved and respected, a life cut cruelly short. This month we also felt the loss of one of the pioneers and true stalwarts of the railway Dick Beckett, owner of the locomotive Marcia. |
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 Jon Grimwood funeral 16th March 2023 Photo: Robin Coombes
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 A large green engine arrived on the KESR today (Bulleid Light Pacific 257 Squadron courtesy of the Spa Valley Railway and SLG). Image: Robin Coombes
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On a happier note following signing of the agreement with the Spa Valley Railway for the visit of Bulleid Light Pacific 257 Squadron to the KESR, she has arrived on KESR metals and now the commissioning process begins.
Our website is now "selling, selling, selling" tickets. Further details will follow shortly for events that will involve 257 Squadron. The new artwork has been designed by Francois, another of our new very talented volunteers.
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 Artwork by Volunteer Francois.
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Planning is well underway for our Steam Up at the end of May, which will feature some very unique workings. This will include a shuttle to Junction Road and a hoped pairing of Marcia and 257 Squadron – ‘little and large’ - that might even top a pair of Castles.
The Carriage Shed and Rolvenden will be opened to the public to see behind the scenes and as many as possible of the stored locos will be brought out into the open air.
The event will feature ‘Hastings’ which has recently returned to the railway and will be undertaking trials this week. Another locomotive returning to the railway this Spring and Summer will be the Crompton ‘Slim Jim’ Class 33, 33202.
Another enjoyable and informative experience was to join the Sustainability Group to walk the line to scope out the undertaking of a full environmental survey of the line. Effectively the railway is a 140-hectare linear wildlife reserve, this means we represent a significant nature resource for the area. Seeing the line in this way you begin to fully realise why the Weald of Kent is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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 Liam Head takes the floor at the Volunteers Meeting. Image: R M White
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 Annual Volunteers Meeting. Image: R M White
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On Saturday 25th March we held our Annual Volunteers Meeting, you can read more about our Vision, Objectives and Action plan below: |
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Robin Coombes
General Manager
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4253 Update
4253 boiler is progressing well, and we hope to have more news in time for the next Newsletter. In the meantime, we are preparing to repaint 4253.
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I’m sure you have all seen photos of 4253 in her green and black colours, but they are only ‘holding’ colours to protect the metal work from weather etc.
Over the next few months, we will be doing a ‘proper job’ with new undercoats, top coats and eventually a ‘final’ top coat.
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 Rubbing down the bunker in preparation for more coats of paint. Photo: Charles Masterton
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 Rods Photo: Kelvin Williams
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Also, the next big milestone is the fitting of the rods. All eight are ready and are just waiting for some minor detail to be completed before they are fitted.
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Apart from this Newsletter, there is a lot more information posted weekly on Facebook and on our website, 4253.co.uk where there are also ways in which you can help us get over the final hurdle.
Kelvin Williams
4253
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View from the Station Master's Office |
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We often talk about “making memories” at the Railway. The early months of 2023 have certainly done that for me.
It started with a conversation of the “how would you feel if we nominated you, there’s only a small chance it will get beyond that” type. That was followed up by a “gosh we’ve made it to the final ten – but you mustn’t tell anybody.”
The rest of the process has been somewhat surreal, a filming day in early January fortunately sunny, so that the shirt-sleeved waving and smiling had a summer aura (thank goodness for the thermals!) Early alarm for a Radio Kent interview, Caroline appearing everywhere with her camera and her handywork cropping up everywhere, including “vote for Geoff” posters in so many locations, the booking hall, on the platform and remarkably in the gents toilets (not quite so sure about that one to be truthful!).
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Lots of fun on the platform when trains were running, talking to visitors and of course touting for votes, a trip to Bodiam in the Family Saloon with Huw Merriman MP and a great return trip with an impromptu tea party for a group of local visitors having a day out, Meg’s scones being the favourite choice.
The result was a shock, no advance warning so needed a trip to the corner shop before breakfast to find out.
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 Photo Caroline Warne
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The most memorable thing though has been how supportive and encouraging the whole KESR family has been, this really is an award for all of us. I do hope that the result will be new visitors, who might not have discovered the Railway otherwise, having the chance to enjoy our corner of the Weald.
My heartfelt thanks to Alison who has steered me through my encounters with the press, Caroline and Heather for having the idea in the first place and Robin for his relentless championing of the cause.
The newsletter is usually a place for looking ahead and having rather ignored that rule a reminder to the team that there are a busy couple of months coming up, so sleeves rolled up, smiles on, it will be exciting!
Geoff Colvin
Chief Station Master - Winner of Visit England ourism Superstar 2023!
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Poplar at Poplar
Last year, Kent & East Sussex Railway participated in a partnership with The Terrier Trust and Global Learning London to create an immersive educational programme for primary school children in the Poplar area of East London. A highlight of the project was the visit of Terrier No 70 ‘Poplar’ to the Poplar depot of the Docklands Light Railway.
Over 6 days of school opening hundreds of school children visited the locomotive, learning about its history and the events it had witnessed in 150 years. It was chance to tell the story of K&ESR as the country’s first light railway and to bring that up to date with information about London’s modern light railway, the DLR.
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 Is'haaq, Saima, Izyan and Tawhid, all 10 from Class 5P at Marner Primary School, Bromley by Bow with fireman Nathan Tutty enjoying the footplate of KESR Terrier Tank locomotive Poplar on display at the Docklands Light Railway depot in its namesake borough on Wednesday. Picture: Chris Davey/KESR.
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In addition to the locomotive visit, an educational resource has been created with local schools which is now available for K&ESR use in its own school activities and through the Schools Library Services nationwide. Alongside the digital resources there is a resource box of artefacts which schools can borrow to enhance the children’s learning. |
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The idea for this innovative project came from K&ESR Trustee Robin White and the team who delivered it were named on the shortlist for the prestigious Heritage Railway Association Awards in the category of ‘Team of the Year’.
Whilst pipped for the top prize, being recognised as one of the top 5 teams in the Heritage Railway world was a great feat.
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 The ‘Tracks Through Poplar’ team with K&ESR GM Robin Coombes at the HRA Award ceremony in Birmingham, 11th March 2023 Photo: Heritage Railway Association
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An independent evaluation of the project for its funders, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
‘The project met key objectives and reached at least 2,234 local children and families through programme activities and engagement of schools. Moreover, analysis of children’s responses to programme activities, interviews with teachers and partners and observations of the process, showed evidence of positive impact on teachers’ abilities to include heritage in teaching and learning, and children’s awareness and understanding of heritage and opportunities to participate.’
We are now exploring ways to continue our relationship with schools in Tower Hamlets.
David Nibloe
‘Tracks Through Poplar’ Programme Manager
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Railcar W20 Update
As promised, and not without a great deal of co-operation, long hours and a major effort by Alan Brice and all those in the C & W team to complete the work on the R.U, W20 was returned to Carriage and Wagon workshop on Saturday 4th March. This was only just in time as the vehicle needed to cleared out and prepared on the Sunday, ready for the heating contractors to begin their installation on Monday March 6th. A real combined team effort, for which the Railcar team are very grateful to all concerned.
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 Railcar. Image: Robin Coombes.
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The installation effort over the following week was very successful, with the contractors completing the majority of the work. All the copper and flexible pipe runs are complete and the Diesel burner units have been mounted in the Guards compartment.
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 Pipework in the small saloon Photo: Neil Edwards
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The heater units have taken up the position where the original steam heat boiler was located, and the existing cabinet will be re-fitted to house the new units. With the heaters being located in the guards area and the pipe runs following the exact layout of the original steam heat pipes, this allows the installation to replicate, as near as possible, the displaced steam heat system, without having the issues of boiler certification. |
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 Luggage compartment underfloor Photo: Neil Edwards
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The contractor will return later next month to make the final connections and commission the system. This element of the work cannot be completed until the finished floor has been laid in the guards compartment, to enable the exhaust system and air intake to be properly fitted and sealed prior to testing. |
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Other achievements since the railcar returned have been the servicing and temporary re-fitting of the six, yes six, prop shafts. Final fit is awaiting the delivery of the correct Independent Competent Person (I.C.P.) approved components. In addition, the ceiling installation has commenced having also received I.C.P. approval, with the small saloon and vestibule having been completed, as far as possible and it looks very appealing in its ivory finish.
Preparations have also been made for the new wooden base layer flooring, especially for within the guards compartment, to enable the heating to be completed. This has now been approved by the I.C.P. and is on order. Once delivered this task will be prioritised.
Chris Mileman
W20 Group
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GWR Diesel Railcar restoration makes progress as ’20 for 20’ Appeal exceeds original target |
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 Railcar outside shed at Tenterden March 2023. Image: Robin Coombes
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Volunteers working on the K&ESR’s historic GWR Diesel Railcar W20 are celebrating two milestones.
Firstly, W20 has returned to the Carriage and Wagon shed at Tenterden to continue its restoration, starting with the installation of a new heating system.
Secondly, donations have not only met but significantly surpassed the ‘20 for 20’ Appeal target to reach a current total of £58,000 – almost triple the original amount.
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“We are delighted by this response,” said longstanding K&ESR volunteer Derrick Bilsby, who has been leading the fundraising campaign. “Having slowed over the Christmas and New Year period, donations picked up rapidly afterwards. However, we were taken aback by the sheer volume of new pledges and donations.
He continued: “Consistent with the stated aims of the appeal, the amazing sum raised will not only enable the completion of the restoration but will also provide a secure fund to ensure its continued conservation so that it can operate at the K&ESR for many years to come.”
“We would like to thank everyone who has so generously donated to the Appeal, especially in these challenging times,” said K&ESR General Manager Robin Coombes. “I think Andrew Webb, in whose memory the Appeal is dedicated, would have been astonished by the scale of the response but, like us, would see it as confirmation of the iconic nature of W20 and how well-loved it is by heritage railway enthusiasts everywhere.”
The Appeal will remain open, as some donors have pledged to give regularly over a set period rather than provide single sums, and will accept any further donations to add to the ring-fenced conservation fund.
Alison Miles
Press Officer
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 6619 passing WittershamRoad Photo: Alan Crotty
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Notes of 6619 Limited Shareholders Meeting of 25th March 2023 in Tenterden Town Hall
A total of 24 Shareholders, including the four directors, attended the Meeting which was chaired by Graham Hukins. A total of 20 apologies for absence had been received before the meeting.
Alan Crotty, one of the directors, gave a Power Point presentation about the engine which is currently partially dismantled in the Rolvenden Works. A summary of the history of the engine was given and the meeting was advised that a substantial sum of money would be needed so that it can run again. Three possible options were considered including scrapping the engine which would raise about £30,000, a sale to another heritage railway which may be difficult as other railways are reportedly also trying to dispose of the excess rolling stock, or storing it under cover until such time as sufficient funds can be found for a restoration.
Neil Sime, the director who represents the 51% of shares owned by KESR, indicated that KESR would like to operate the engine, even though it might be some years before restoration could be considered which would probably be have to be done by an outside contractor.
Mike Hart, another director, expressed the hope that the financial climate might improve over a period of time which would make restoration a possibility.
After some points and questions were put to the directors from the shareholders who were present, the view of the meeting was that the engine should be retained at Rolvenden and that an inventory of parts to hand should be made as well as a list of anything which is obviously missing. A further report will be given by the directors at the AGM on the morning of Saturday 4th November in St. Mildred's Church in Tenterden. However if there is a material change in the 6619 situation, a further shareholders meeting will be called before then.
John Cobbett
Company Secretary
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Dates for your diary
K&ESR AGM
Annual General Meeting in St. Mildreds Church, Tenterden on Saturday 4th November 2023. More details will be circulated in July.
John Cobbett
Company Secretary
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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 receive notification when ‘The Tenterden Terrier’ magazine is published online by registering your details at
https://kesr.org.uk/tenterden-terrier-online/
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All editions of ‘The Tenterden Terrier’ are now available to view or download from our website: to access this fascinating archive, click on the image above or visit https://kesr.org.uk/terrier/ |
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Support the K&ESR when you shop!
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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.
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Kent & East Sussex Railway
Tenterden Town Station, Station Road,
Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE
www.kesr.org.uk
Registered charity 262481
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