‍  Read this online 

‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Members e-newsletter No.78

‍Welcome to the latest edition of the K&ESR's e-newsletter

‍‍From the Chairman

A shorter piece from me this time. We have had our Annual General Meeting, which saw three trustees standing down by rotation and being re-elected, the adoption of last year’s annual report and accounts, and several presentations and reports about our Railway and plans for the future. The General Manager’s report has already been published, and you’ll find my own later in this edition.

Talking of which, I would like to pay a huge tribute to Graham, Helen, and André who between them have kept the e-newsletter going. We started it during Covid as a means of keeping us all in touch, and since then it has become an established part of the Kent and East Sussex scene. It’s now got to the stage where if it is to continue we need additional volunteers, both to edit and produce and also to contribute news articles and other items of interest. Like everything else on the Railway, it belongs to all of us, and it doesn’t magically happen by itself!

If you think you can help, do please contact either André or the newsletter team via newsletter@kesr.org.uk

It's good to be able to announce that in response to a similar appeal a couple of months ago, Patrick Favell has kindly offered to use his skills to become chair of the Project Assessment Committee, thus releasing Andy Papworth for other tasks. The handover is now almost complete.

There will be further requests for help in the coming months, so do keep your eyes open.

‍This may well be the final full newsletter before Christmas. So in case there isn’t another opportunity I’d like to thank everyone who over the year has helped our Railway be the marvellous place it is, and wish you all a peaceful and happy season. And of course that applies to your families too, without whose patient support nothing would be possible.

All we have to do between now and then is to deliver the 2023 Santa season!

Simon Marsh

Chairman 

‍2023 AGM Chairman Speech

I’d like to start by paying tribute to those of us who have passed away since the last AGM. It would be wrong to try to name them all, but I shall mention two. Dick Beckett, who was with us from the earliest days, and former Chairman David Stratton.

One thing I remember about Dave is when he said, some time after he had retired, that the Railway had lost its “flair”. He might have been right then. But I think we are rediscovering it now.

We will all have our memories of Dick and David, and other members of our family no longer with us.

Secondly, I’d like to make an apology. We are not always good at the admin tasks; and there have been some examples of this recently. We know this. I am sorry. The reason is that most of it is done by volunteers who are hard pressed and have other things in their lives. I’ll return to that later.

This has not been an easy year for heritage railways. We are certainly no exception. But some, despite the galas and glossy headlines, are really struggling.

As for us, we are “doing OK”. Our income this year is about 25% up on the same period last year. A good performance in present times. We have met our 2023 budget predictions which were deliberately stretching. We continue to out-perform 2022 for average passenger loadings, which is a good measure of efficiency.

This is due to a lot of hard work; and in the face of continual cost pressures that will have to continue. And we have to protect ourselves from possible future shocks. As I have said before, there is no crystal ball, and certainly no magic wand.

Our excellent General Manager Robin Coombes will give more detail on what we are doing and will do. I don’t want to steal his thunder. And I’m sure you don’t want to hear the same thing twice.

After all, it’s Robin and his managers, volunteer and paid, who actually run the Railway. The Board sets the strategy and tone; it enables, challenges, and supports. And takes overall responsibility, including to all our regulators. It doesn’t second-guess or micromanage. Otherwise confusion sets in.

We have got much right this year. I’ll mention just a few things.

Stakeholder engagement, with some very useful contacts made. Positioning ourselves at the centre of local life, in a way that hasn’t been the case for many years. Getting good media coverage. Delivering quality services, with a range of new products. Northiam level crossing – out of the blue but a text-book job. Good customer reviews.

Volunteer recruitment. Better at matching capacity to demand. Fundraising, especially, but not only, for the Great Western Railcar. Partnerships, with wildlife and other non-railway groups – good in themselves, but also a means of accessing money. Bringing in the budget.

Some things haven’t gone right. Delivering serviceable locos continues to be a struggle – and I’d like to say that this is absolutely not the fault of those who are at Rolvenden. Robin, with Board support and assistance, is busily developing solutions. We are working on it, and we hope it will be resolved shortly.

And some things we are already doing but need to take further, and faster. Documentation including the all-important safety documentation. Boring, unexciting but necessary. Increasing the secondary spend per visitor. Getting better still at marketing, to flush out every last potential customer. Keeping up with the never-ending maintenance tasks.

All of this raises two major issues. We have dedicated paid staff, but we are mainly a volunteer organisation. We all know what needs to be done, but it needs resource, including more people with the right skills in the right places.

We’re good at recruiting volunteers; and we need more in leadership and the bigger, behind the scenes, unsung, roles. If you think you can help, do please get in touch with Robin or me, or respond to one of the pleas that go out from time to time.

‍The second issue is that we are a family – and as we all know any family has different personalities and overlapping sub-groups. Although we share the same basic aim we can come at things from different angles; and we don’t always have the same priorities. Many of us have very strong opinions.

That is a strength. But it does mean that we must take care in our relationships with others and remember that we are here for the Whole Railway.

We can help with this; we have published Values and Behaviours, and we are putting the final touches to whistleblowing and neurodiversity policies. Ultimately however it is all down to us, the members. None of us is bigger than the whole.

What of the future?

We’ve already set a budget for 2024. It’s challenging but we have to do what it takes to deliver it. We shall be formally reviewing it each month. We know the areas which need focus, and we shall concentrate on them. We are examining our business model – it’s not sustainable in the longer term and we need to change it before we hit the buffers. We must become more businesslike without losing what makes us special.

We are also putting in place the structures for maximising the benefits and minimising the risks of Robertsbridge. Our friends in the Rother Valley Railway deserve huge credit for having got so far, and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver the dream.

We need to continue to broaden our appeal, in many cases to those whose parents weren’t even born when we started in 1961. Just think about that statement. People – volunteers and visitors – expect different things now. That’s not a middle-aged complaint; it’s an observation. We shall continue to modernise and keep up with the times.

We are also going to make more of the fact that we are a charity. We are not a profit-making visitor attraction. We have a collection of historic artefacts, and we want to display them, operate them, and use them to give people Memories that Matter. And that costs money – a lot of it, and which we have to raise by one means or another.

Nor is there, as I have heard people say, a “Company” run by a small group of people sitting on a huge pot of money and making wrong decisions. After five years I can assure you that it’s just not like that. It’s all of us.

So there are never going to be the broad sunlit uplands where everything is easy and lovely. In the heritage railway world they simply don’t exist. Hard choices will always have to be made.

We can make those choices because of our people. We work hard. Increasingly we are working together and as part of one Railway family. Of course we have our differences, but they are small compared to what we all have in common. We are beginning to propose solutions as well as pointing out problems. We enjoy ourselves. Let that continue.

I’ll end on an important point. Thank you. To all our membership, working and non-working. To those who undertake often demanding volunteer roles. To our General Manager and other paid staff.

And, of course, to my Board colleagues who are all volunteers too and for whom the load and responsibility sometimes seems overwhelming.

Without everyone’s input, large or small, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Next year will be fifty years since our first passenger train. I was there on that day and so were many others in this room. Let’s mark it by building for the next fifty years.

Simon Marsh

Chairman

‍General Manager

‍Embracing Change and Welcoming Traditions

As the echoes of our final trains for the main 2023 season fade away, we find ourselves at the threshold of November, a month traditionally marked by a pause in our regular operations, allowing us to catch our breath before the festive season commences.

Season Reflections

Looking back, our 2023 season has been a resounding success. Passenger numbers soared by an impressive 13%, and our average loadings per train increased each month compared to 2022. This positive momentum significantly contributed to turning a £380k operating loss into a near break-even situation. The success of our half-term activities and the spine-chilling Fright Night Train on the last Friday of October added to the season's triumph. Ghouls, ghosts, witches, and wizards, accompanied by the mesmerising performance of a fire eater, created an unforgettable experience for all.

Preparations for Christmas

November, a month usually characterised by a temporary halt in train operations, has been anything but quiet. The need for flexibility and adaptability has been evident as we faced the unexpected challenge of finding a replacement for the Santa Loco after GWR Pannier 0-6-0 No.9466 faced a setback. Enter BR Standard Class 2 No. 78019 curtesy of the Great Central Railway and the loco owning group, graciously stepping in and scheduled to arrive at the end of November. An exciting addition eagerly anticipated by many.

Wittersham Road Buzzing with Activity

Wittersham Road has been a hive of activity this month. The departure of Class 33 No.33202 marked the end of a successful another season’s stint on the KESR, supporting various services. Farewell, but we hope to see you again soon!

‍A Touch of Nostalgia: Pullman Cars Lydia and Isle of Thanet

Transporting us back in time, Pullman Cars Lydia and Isle of Thanet, both dating from 1925, graced us with their arrival. Formerly used by Churchill and Eisenhower during WW2 planning and post war by the Royal Family, these cars will offer our customers an immersive all-Pullman experience. Witnessing Isle of Thanet pass through Tenterden High Street at night and the unloading process at Wittersham Road was a truly memorable experience.

‍

Newly arrived Pullman Car 'Isle of Thanet' is pictured during shunting at Tenterden Town

Gala Plans and Grant Opportunities

Looking ahead, excitement builds for two galas next year—an anticipated diesel gala led by Jack Marlow and George Harman and our 50th Anniversary Festival led by Ben Goodsall and his dedicated gala team. Grant opportunities for the railway are being explored in collaboration with stakeholders at the East Sussex end of the line.

Insurance Insights and Benchmarking Excellence

An open presentation at the Town Hall by our insurance broker on November 16 shed light on how insurance valuations are calculated. Understanding this process is crucial for ensuring the proper coverage of our beloved railway. On a broader stage, attending the HRA Conference in Newcastle provided valuable insights into topics such as climate change and sustainability, volunteer engagement, and preparations for the 2025 celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate these exciting developments, a personal note—having experienced the Spa Valley Railway Polar Express dress rehearsal, I'm inspired by their innovations in carriage lighting and onboard experiences. It sets a new benchmark for us to consider in planning our own offerings.

In conclusion, a heartfelt plea: If you haven't booked your roster turns for Santa, please do so. Every helping hand contributes to making the season special for our visitors. Let's come together and create more Christmas magic!

Dr. Robin Coombes

General Manager

Navigating Safety at the K&ESR:

A Comprehensive Strategy

‍For Heritage Railways, safety is not just a protocol; it needs to be a commitment etched in the railway's DNA. The Safety Management System (SMS) is the key document, ensuring that everyone entering our railway leaves as they arrived—safe, both physically and mentally. On the K&ESR our singular objective is: ‘Nobody Gets Hurt Today.’

The SMS is not a mere paper trail; it needs to be a living, breathing guide—a roadmap to safety deeply ingrained in our culture. It should be written for everyone, from the fresh-faced 16-year-old volunteer to the seasoned staff member with four decades of railway service. Safety is a shared responsibility, and each one of us is a guardian of our collective well-being.

Our railway, a mosaic of tracks, trains, stations, and more, pulsates with potential dangers. The SMS should meticulously manage these elements, their connections, and their purpose—juxtaposing enjoyment, public good, and education within a safe system and culture.

How do we weave safety into the fabric of KESR? It's by constantly reviewing our SMS to guide us through the network of legislation, company policies, training, and collective knowledge. We must anticipate risks, manage change, and embed safety in every interaction through a robust risk register and assessments.

The major risk areas—working at height, slips and trips, equipment misuse, incomplete decision-making, public exposure to unknown risks, insufficient information, external events, and managing change—have to be robustly addressed. The safety management system must ensure compatibility and consistency across all operations.

Understanding the driving forces on our system is paramount. Commercial pressures, financial constraints, aging assets, turnover of staff and volunteers, changing weather conditions, societal shifts, and increased legislation are constant companions. The Board shoulders the responsibility of comprehending these forces, aligning them within a strategic plan, and reviewing annually, with myself being responsible for the operational railway, although everyone has responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them.

The railway is constantly evolving and the current SMS is being reviewed to ensure it remains relevant and covers the emerging risks, such as climate change and ever increasing technology. This process will continue over the winter period with a view to having a new, more user friendly document available by the start of next season.

An early part of this review covered how we manage safety and one of the first decisions was to amend the committee structure that has oversight of safety to more realistically align the strategic and tactical elements of safety management.

The new Safety Structure will consist of:

Safety Review Committee (SRC):

· Chaired by the Safety Director, responsible for Safety.

· Comprises senior personnel internally and externally.

· Sets strategic direction, reviews high level risks and oversees SMS performance, accountable to the Board.

Safety Action Group (SAG):

· Operationally focused.

· Comprises managers and front-line staff, chaired by the GM.

· Monitors operational safety performance, conducts safety risk management activities.

· Reports to and takes direction from SRC, reviewing safety data, management of change, and safety events.

System and Process v Culture and Values: The Two Sides of the Same Coin

The new SMS will stand alongside the culture and values of the K&ESR. It's not just about following rules; it's about embodying the way we do things. Alignment between the system and culture is our goal—practicing what we preach.

However, in the 21st century, aligning these can be challenging. The timeless goal of "Nobody getting hurt today" doesn't always sync with the attitudes of yesteryears. Our culture is a blend of charity responsibilities and safety critical regulations, creating a safe space physically, socially, and psychologically.

Cultivating Safety Culture and Values at K&ESR

The culture and values at K&ESR are crafted through broad engagement and consultation, reflecting a blend of charity and safety critical railway operations. Approved by the Board, they demand equality of opportunity and a safe space for everyone. They adhere to recognised best practices across sectors and aim to be fair, just, and inclusive.

These values are non-negotiable. Anyone not fully embracing them risks the integrity of our safety culture. Ingrained poor behaviours can lead to accidents, injuries, and, due to the nature of railways, potential fatalities.

Golden Rules for ‘Nobody Gets Hurt Today’

Priority is Safety:

Your safety and that of others should be the top priority.

Do it Safely or Not at All:

Only undertake tasks you can do safely.

Stay Where Allowed:

Be where you're permitted to be.

Obey Signs and Warnings:

They are there for a reason.

Trust Your Instincts:

If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Training is Your Shield:

Training and awareness are your best defences against dangers like fatigue and distraction.

Use Safe Tools:

Only use tools and equipment you know are safe.

Own Your PPE:

Take responsibility for your Personal Protective Equipment.

Report Safety Concerns:

You have an absolute duty to report anything safety-wise you are concerned about or go to help others as long as you do not place yourself in danger.

This set of rules forms the backbone of our safety initiatives. They're simple yet profound, a constant reminder that safety is everyone's responsibility at K&ESR.

Neil Sime

Safety Director

‍‍Railcar W20 Update

Things move on, things that are not easily visible to the passer-by.

Work continues fitting, sealing and testing the pneumatic-control pipework under the vehicle. As was mentioned last month, this is proving to be complicated work and physically very demanding (see photo). In addition, the wiring in the Robertsbridge-end junction box has been number-tagged for easier reference, as has already been done in the Headcorn cab. The two, specialised batteries have been specified, approved and ordered and more rail-use approved cable is also on order to enable the completion of the outstanding control and cab wiring.

Internally, work continues on window surrounds and cappings and also boxing-in some of the exposed heating pipes. (The decorative covers can’t be fitted until the finished flooring (Lino/carpet) is down). Two kind members, Ann and Beverley, have come along and measured up for the eventual curtains. They are now getting a few more samples of material for comparison and intend to make a mock-up curtain in order to identify the best method of fixing to the curtain rail.

With all the decorative trim and furnishings being attended to, internally the vehicle is beginning to come back to life. So, although externally it may seem as though not much progress is being made, internally, and beneath, the vehicle is getting much nearer to completion. Once the underfloor pipe-work is finished, the last of the fireproof flooring in the large saloon will be laid. As soon as this is achieved, the next phase will be the lino and carpets, followed by the seating: job done! 

‍The latest Wednesday volunteer in C&W (Jo) has identified an external scumbling course, and will be undertaking training in this specialist skill. Once she has completed the course, she intends to utilise her new-found knowledge and skills to the benefit of the Railcar project. (The luggage van interior is a big job for one person so, if you want to learn something new and help out, do get in touch).

The driver’s adjustable seats have been overhauled and re-painted and now await a decision on how to upholster them.

Externally, Alan and Martin continue to progress the cab sheet replacement effort, as and when they can. Unfortunately, the time that is available to the Railcar project is limited by the other resource pressures and demands within C&W. This, and lifting the railcar (for bogie examination, fitting sand boxes etc.), are now firmly on the critical path toward eventual completion and running.

As ever, extra hands would be very welcome as the deadline comes steadily towards us.

Please contact Chris Mileman chris_mileman@hotmail.com

Thank you.

Chris Mileman / Neil Edwards

GWR Railcar Team

Tuesday Group

‍The focus recently and for the foreseeable future is to ensure Northiam is looking its best for the Santa Specials. The first batch of Christmas lights have gone up on platform 1 booking office and toilet block. The rest of the lights for platform 1 will be up shortly. The tree is due to arrive imminently and will be fixed in place then adorned in its Christmas finery with lights and baubles.

The Tuesday Group will be undertaking its annual event of playing ‘trolley dolly’ on the trains over the weekend of 9/10 December, so if you’re on those trains do give us a shout out and say hello. You may even see one or two of us working in the shop at Tenterden…………all in the name of volunteering.

The weather has pretty much put any further decorating on hold but I’m sure the list of jobs will be a long one once things improve.

Merry Christmas

Steve Bunn

News from Bodiam

‍Although we are effectively “cut off” from further up the line until the end of the year the team continues to maintain the station which, following the recent persistent heavy rain, should perhaps be renamed Bodiam-on-Sea. The view northward is essentially across a lake. Inevitably the weather has affected our ability to undertake outdoor work but jobs on the list include painting the crossing gate lamp holders, washing down and repainting the station building cladding, painting window and door frames on the platform side (until repairs are undertaken on the yard side). Unfortunately we have been denied access to both the CCT van and the PMV so that this year the platform benches cannot be brought indoors out of the winter weather to avoid deterioration. Because of operational restrictions the Cavell Van returned to Rolvenden for the winter early so no Remembrance Service was possible.

Large amounts of cut down vegetation and tree prunings have accumulated over the summer but with consideration for the camping coach occupants we have not been able to have bonfires. Given a reasonable dry spell this may be remedied before long now that the bees are dormant. We should replace at least one of the hop poles in the hop garden but have yet to find a supplier. Any suggestions will be welcome. Spring bedding plants have been placed to brighten the yard when passengers return.

Indoor jobs that can be still tackled include further repairs to platform trolleys (we still have a surplus of these which need new homes), refurbishing signs and servicing tools and equipment ready for next year.

Malcolm Burgess

Bodiam Station

Sad news

‍We were saddened to hear that long-term K&ESR member and C&W volunteer, Peter Carey, had passed away after a short illness. Peter is seen second from left in the image below, on the occassion of outshoping 'Barbara' in full Pullman livery for the first time in preservation. Although this photograph dates from 1984, Peter never seemed to look any different as the years slipped by. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

Rest in Peace Peter.

‍Paul Ramsden, Peter Carey, Gordon Young, Malcolm Webb, Philip Whiteman, Malcom Brunger, Andre Freeman, Doug Lindsay © Brian Stephenson

Date for your diary

‍The Annual Volunteers Meeting will be held on the afternoon of Saturday 16th March in the Tenterden Club.

V‍acancy (Volunteer Post)

There is a vacancy in the Tenterden Terrier team for an Editorial Assistant.

Duties mainly consist of proof reading but the successful applicant will also be welcome to commission or submit suitable articles or photographs for publication. All work is undertaken via email.

It is essential that applicants are computer literate, broadband connected, have an eye for detail and a reasonable knowledge of the K&ESR as it presently operates.

Experience of writing for publication or of publishing is desirable.

Please apply to Nick Pallant, Editor, at terrier@kesr.org.uk 

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/

‍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/

‍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.

‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Tenterden Town Station, Station Road,

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE

www.kesr.org.uk

Registered charity 262481

‍ Unsubscribe