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‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Members e-newsletter No.80

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

‍‍From the Chairman

A happy new year to everyone. 2024 is of course a big year of anniversaries for us.

The line closed to normal passengers, and completely between Tenterden and Headcorn, seventy years ago in January 1954. There are still a few people around who remember that day. 

Twenty years later, in 1974, we began the process of re-opening with a short stretch from Tenterden to just beyond Rolvenden. The first public trains ran in the February; the formal ceremony followed in June, with Lord Deedes, then Sir William Deedes and the MP for Ashford, officiating.

Some of those active fifty years ago are still volunteering today, although thankfully now joined by a couple of younger generations!

I have clear memories of the February event (I missed the June one due to O Levels). Tenterden Town station was heaving with people, including representatives of the national press. The first train was formed of the GWR railcar No 20; on the way back a Terrier was attached at Rolvenden and it was that engine which handled the rest of the day’s services, hauling two of the Maunsell coaches.  It was a short trip and trains ran every hour.  At the end of the weekend the site was locked up as the last of the volunteers left for home.

How times have changed. But it was half a century ago.

We are now facing challenges even more daunting than those overcome by the pioneers.  I like to think that for all our necessarily increased scale and professionalism we have retained much of the early spirit.

It is worth remembering that in its original form the Kent and East Sussex Railway carried passengers for around fifty years, and Colonel Stephens was in charge only for the first thirty of them. There followed twenty years of uncertainty as the final goods trains ran on the surviving portion and the preservationists became established.  And now we ourselves have been welcoming visitors for fifty years, for pretty much as long as it was a “real” railway.

Or try this perspective. In broad terms, the Mark 1 coaches, which form the mainstay of our fleet, have now been with us for twice as long as they were in BR service. The same is true of many of the steam engines on which we rely. We are no longer a bunch of preservationists trying to keep the old ways going for a few more years by patching and mending, and by getting visitors to help pay for our hobby.

We, and our fellow heritage railways up and down the country, are now serious, complicated and often underfunded businesses in an environment which can be hostile. We operate as part of a competitive heritage tourism sector.  We are heavily regulated.

If we and others can continue to rise to these challenges, we shall be fine.  Otherwise, not.

To quote Bob the Builder: “Can we do it? Yes we can!”. But only if we keep the smell of the coffee in our nostrils and act accordingly.

Let’s have a great fiftieth anniversary year, looking forward as much as back.

Simon Marsh

Chairman 

‍A Happy New Year to you all.

So, what have we been doing lately? We started the new year with our 11th Annual General Meeting, which was well attended in the Station Buffet. A comprehensive report on the engineering work and the accounts were given; details of which will be in the next 4253 Shareholders Newsletter.

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A lot of work (some unforeseen) has had to be done on 4253’s Brake System. When the vacuum test was carried out, we could not get the required 25”. This resulted in, (cutting a long story short) a pipe section being replaced and discovery that the vacuum reservoir tank had several leaks. Attempts at rectifying this were unsuccessful, so a new tank is now fitted. The Brake Cylinder showed pitting on the inside of the drum. This was removed, and it was discovered that the drum wall also had a crack in it, so a new drum section has been ordered. The top and bottom section are fine, as is the piston itself.

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Apart from the almost-all retired or nearly getting there volunteers working on 4253; we also have a teenager! Jake. He is being shown all the correct ways on how to use the various tools and is keen to learn more. Long may he stay.

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The boiler at HBSS is still being worked on, with the crown stays having been installed. Next will be the Tube Plate, followed by the boiler tubes.

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Kelvin Williams

4253

‍View from the Station Master’s office

“These are the days you’ll remember”, unashamedly cribbed from the CD that happens to be playing whilst I’m writing this – 10,000 Maniacs, Our Time in Eden for anybody who happens to be interested – seems to perfectly sum up the experience of Santa at the K&ESR.

Lots of planning required and plenty of hard work of course, but for me made memorable by how everybody pulled together to make it happen. New acquaintances were made, faces put to names seen on rosters but rarely met and much tea was drunk. During the 9 days of intensive running 163 shifts were covered by Booking Clerks, Travelling Ticket Inspectors, Platform Assistants and Station Masters, almost 40 individuals playing their part.

2024 will bring its own “opportunities” no doubt but for this time some memories of December, and as ever, if joining us appeals please do get in touch.

Geoff Colvin

Chief StationMaster

Heritage Railways in 2023, K&ESR in 2024: 

Navigating the Challenges, Grasping the Opportunities

As we reflect on the 2023 season and the broader landscape of heritage railways, it's important to place the current position of the K&ESR within the sector's own current position. This overview amalgamates insights from various sources, including my own reflections, the HRA November Conference outputs, and in particular the presentation of Paul Lewin, General Manager of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway to the December APPGHR (All Party Parliamentary Group Heritage Rail), on a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities facing heritage railways. The APPGHR visited us in September 2023.

Challenges: A Glimpse into the Turbulent Landscape

• Operational Struggles: Many heritage railways find themselves in precarious positions, with some either unaware or immobilised by the need for change. On a positive note, others are proactively acknowledging challenges and actively addressing them.
• Impact of Legislation: The unintended consequences of new legislation and regulations are amplifying costs across the board. Minimum wage legislation, in particular, has led to a doubling of associated staff costs, including sick pay, pensions, and National Insurance.
• Escalating Materials Costs: Beyond normal inflation rates, materials costs continue to surge, posing an additional financial burden.
• Soaring Fuel and Energy Costs: The loss of tax relief on red diesel and the substantial increase in energy costs, coupled with the challenges of the hospitality industry, are creating a perfect storm of financial pressure.
• Financial Strain: Ticket sales, a traditional revenue source, are struggling to cover operating expenses. Some railways grapple with debt or substantial costs associated with delayed infrastructure renewals.
• Personnel Changes: Heritage railways have witnessed several senior personnel changes, with former General Managers departing the sector during 2023.
• Insurance Challenges: The cost and availability of suitable insurance are emerging as growing threats, posing additional financial complexities.

Looking Ahead: Navigating Uncharted Territories

As we step into 2024, the challenges show no signs of diminishing. Larger railways have begun staff reductions, and an election year, while offering opportunities, can potentially stall progress temporarily.

In response, my understanding is the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) aims to:

• Unify the Sector: Efforts will continue to bring the sector together, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and experience.
• Guidance and Support: The HRA will intensify efforts to offer guidance and business support, presenting an unfiltered view of the sector.
• Advocacy for Heritage Rail: Emphasising the significance of heritage rail to local economies and cultural heritage remains a crucial part of HRA's mission.
• Addressing Funding Challenges and Governance: A Call for Change Funding, whether through fares or philanthropy, requires a renewed focus and innovative thinking. Achieving this necessitates stronger governance and the infusion of fresh perspectives at board, CEO/GM, and senior management levels.

Contrary to the belief that heritage railways are immune to closure, the changing landscape of funding criteria demands a commitment to strong governance, diversity, and environmental sustainability.

An Urgent Call for Action

While the challenges paint a realistic picture, opportunities abound. The sector needs robust governance, strategic thinking, and a willingness to embrace change. The potential for railways to cease operations or merge prompts a crucial question for heritage railway leadership:

What is our approach at the K&ESR toward these challenges?

The question of our approach toward these challenges, especially in our 50th year, is a crucial one that demands careful consideration by all of us. As the heritage railway community faces various challenges, it's essential for the K&ESR to define its stance and strategy.

As we enter our 50th anniversary, it's an opportune time for us to reflect on our journey, acknowledge our achievements, and prepare for the future. The heritage railway sector is evolving, and we, at K&ESR, are not immune to the challenges faced by our peers.

As we celebrate our 50th year, we can leverage this milestone to not only reflect on our rich history, but also to strategically plan for the future, engage stakeholders, including volunteers, in discussions about the challenges and opportunities ahead and emphasise the importance of collective efforts in navigating uncertainties and ensuring the continued success of the K&ESR.

Ultimately, the attitude toward the possibility of operational changes should align with the broader mission, values, and aspirations of the K&ESR. It's an opportunity for strategic reflection, innovation, and a commitment to preserving the heritage for generations to come.

Strategic Vision:

Our commitment to preserving the heritage of the Light Railway remains unwavering. Our 50th year is not just a celebration of the past but a declaration of our dedication to the future. We will continue to serve as a living testament to the history and experiences of the Rother Valley.

Financial Sustainability:

Financial sustainability is paramount. We've meticulously reviewed our financial standing, and while challenges persist, our proactive financial management has kept us stable. We're exploring innovative revenue streams to bolster our position.

Impact on Legacy:

Any decision we make will be grounded in our mission to preserve the KESR story for future generations. Our legacy is not just a testament to the past but a living narrative that will continue to evolve with strategic, thoughtful decisions.

Community Engagement:

Our connection with the community is a cornerstone of our existence. We'll continue fostering these relationships, listening to concerns, and involving the community in our decision-making process.

Diversity and Innovation:

Diversity and innovation are not just buzzwords for us; they're essential principles. We're exploring new ways to diversify our offerings, attract a broader audience, and ensure the KESR remains relevant in an ever-changing landscape.

Governance and Leadership:

The strength of our governance and leadership is crucial. We're committed to ensuring our leadership team reflects the diversity of thought necessary for the challenges ahead. Strengthening governance will be a continuous focus.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

Collaboration is key to our success. We're actively seeking partnerships within and beyond the heritage railway sector. Together, we can share resources, insights, and navigate the challenges more effectively.

Communication Strategy:

Communication is at the heart of our organisation. As we face uncertainties, we'll keep you informed every step of the way. Transparent communication fosters trust, and we value your trust immensely.

I accept that to many members these are just words and grand intentions, but I would argue without them we would be directionless and as we have in the past lurch from one crisis to the next. And before we can spend time on the big issues, I can assure everyone the current single most important objective is to get through our lean period between December and April when we are running few trains and have significant costs to pay out. If we do not correctly navigate this period, then it places our future at risk. For that reason, I would like to share insights from our recent Finance Review Group (FRG) meeting to provide a clear understanding of our financial situation as we step into 2024 and outline the necessary steps we are taking.

The crucial information is that by spending carefully, focusing only on essential items and addressing safety issues, our cash remains positive during the lean trading period. This is a normal occurrence as we generate little income from running trains during this time, but our spending on salaries, materials, and overheads continues.

This shows that the railway is financially stable and not in jeopardy, provided we manage our cash very tightly. We have analysed a 12-month cash flow forecast, and once we emerge from April, we will be earning income again and refilling our coffers. Barring unforeseen circumstances, we predict a more secure financial position in October 2024 than in October 2023 (the end of the financial year). Therefore, you will understand why in the interim we have introduced an approval and monitoring system for any spending during the lean period.

In conclusion, our 50th year is not just a milestone but a launchpad for the future. Challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. Let's embrace them collectively, with the same passion and dedication that have defined the K&ESR for half a century and to finish on a positive note. Leading the programme are not one but two Galas, including the K&ESR’s first Diesel Gala in 14 years. This will take place in on 12th, 13th and 14th April. The second key calendar date is a Anniversary Gala to be held on 1st and 2nd June. This will also include special guest locos and other attractions. We will also be adding exciting new events and expanding existing ones as we look to grow the railway’s appeal and connect with more potential visitors on a variety of levels. A specially commissioned 50th birthday logo, as seen at the head of this e-newsletter, has also been created & will be used in all communications and advertising throughout this year. Sunday 3rd February marks the actual anniversary of when passenger services restarted, beginning at Tenterden and finishing one mile the other side of Rolvenden – the first section of line to be reopened at that stage. The official reopening ceremony was conducted at Tenterden Town Station on 1st June by the Rt Hon William Deedes, the then MP for Ashford who subsequently became Lord Deedes.

The train which pulled the first passenger service that day in 1974, GWR Diesel Railcar W20, is currently in the final stages of its major restoration. The full 2024 programme of events will include regular K&ESR favourites such as the popular 1940s weekend and the CAMRA Real Ale & Cider festival, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day treats plus family fun events during school holidays, not to mention the award-winning Santa Specials – one of the longest continuously running visitor events on heritage rail. The K&ESR will also be holding its second Steam Punk event – bringing to life the Victorian science fiction world of Jules Verne, Mary Shelley and HG Wells - on 29th and 30th June, following the success of last year’s inaugural event. These events encapsulate the essence of K&ESR's journey — Past, Present, and Future.

Robin Coombes

General Manager

‍W20 update

Work progresses steadily with more work on interior wood varnishing and floor inspection hatch restoration ready for the eventual flooring to be laid.

Pneumatic-control pipework is virtually complete and cab control wiring continues. The re-upholstered seats have been returned from the contractor and look very smart.

Unfortunately, this was considerably ahead of expectations/agreement so they are all stacked in the small saloon - not exactly useful!... although we couldn’t resist locating one seat to see how it looked:

The batteries have also been delivered and installed. Ann and Beverly have worked out the fixing arrangement and sizing for the eventual curtains so we hope to order the material ASAP, just in case it becomes unavailable by the time that it is actually needed.

The disappointing news is that the long awaited lift and completion of the cab and dome metal work did not progress during December as we had hoped. This was due to other carriage servicing taking priority before the Santa season and, now, the work on Barbara and unexpected additional work on Diana will fully occupy the Carriage and Wagon team: both vehicles are urgently required in service for the 2024 season.  As mentioned last month, both of these activities are on the critical path and, without them being completed, work on fitting out the cabs cannot take place and neither can the floor be completed and the interior saloon fit-out progressed.

If just the Robertsbridge-end cab sheeting and dome could be finished the team could progress work that end and in the small salon, i.e. fixing the sheeting, filling screw holes and external painting, fitting the remaining windows, and fitting out the cab. Otherwise, the team will soon be short of work to do.  At the time of writing, negotiations still are in hand to see if a solution can be found in the medium term.

However, it’s not all bad news! To maintain project momentum, work is still being undertaken on other aspects of the restoration. To complete the pneumatic control system, the air reservoir cylinders are undergoing preparations for the pressure vessel inspector to test and certify them. Once this has been achieved, the cylinders will be reunited with the vehicle and initial testing of the air-control systems can be undertaken. In addition, to go alongside the pneumatic systems, the Robertsbridge drivers control instrument is being temporarily connected to the newly installed wiring to enable testing of the refurbished controller and the associated electro-pneumatic valves.

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All this essential work, which we can undertake now, will assist with the eventual formal commissioning of the vehicle, ready for its long-awaited return to traffic.

Chris Mileman / Neil Edwards

Infrastructure

‍Tenterden Station Buildings repairs.

After a huge effort from the Wednesday Working Group, (WWG), the paint was stripped & then the cladding was removed from the station building, followed by temporary boards fitted & painted.

A contractor replaced the completely rotten window frames/cills and we managed to get a coat of undercoat on before the weather turned - which seems to have thwarted us ever since! The new cladding has been purchased & is waiting to be painted as soon as our painting shed is finished at Wittersham Road.

Now that Santa’s are a mere memory & the weather is still too cold/wet to paint, our attention has turned to stripping paint & cladding off TN signal box. This has revealed terrible rot in the supporting beams along with the 4 corner posts that also need replacing, basically everything that gives the box its strength is rotten - not a simple job to replace.

‍Do please consider donating to the Heritage Building Fund 

Thanks to the Wednesday Working Group for all their hard work.

Brian Richards

Infrastructure Manager

‍Events

Santa Specials

As we move into our 2024 season, it's worth taking a minute to reflect on last year’s Santa Specials. Over ten days of operation we carried 12,814 passengers and contributed just under £335,000 to the railway finances - which goes straight back into the maintenance and running of our railway. Santa is a huge undertaking and I again wish to express my thanks to each and every one of you who helped deliver this successfully, it's a real team effort. Each year we try to refresh our offer and this year the snow machines and added lighting displays really helped add to the magical atmosphere.

Tickets for 2024 Santa Specials have already been released for sale to 2023 customers & will go on general release shortly.

The market continues to eveolve and, learnings from last year, we are increasing the amount of First Class accommodation to meet demand and reducing the price of the standard class tickets, as this market was definitely impacted by the continuing cost of living crisis. New for 2024 will be the introduction of "Premium First", where customers will be able to enjoy an enhanced catering package delivered to them at their seats.

I can’t emphasise enough how hugely important the success of Santa Specials are to the railway, both in terms of contribution to the bottom line but also the positive recommendation and repeat visits given the increasing competition and less disposable income. Even if you don’t normally get involved in the day-to-day operation of the railway, do please consider getting involved this year. To coin a Tesco phrase, every little helps!

February half term offer 10th – 18th February (not Mon 12th or Fri 16th)

Some special promotions are available this February half term to entice the struggling family market. Children can travel for £1 (when accompanied by a full paying adult or senior) and child meals in the Station Refreshment Rooms are also just £1 when an adult meal is purchased.

The theme for February half term is water birds. Rye Nature Reserve volunteers will be joining us Tuesday to Thursday, travelling on the 10:20 and 13:10 trains, and engaging with customers to help them spot the various birds as they travel along. Activity sheets will also be available over the whole week.

50th anniversary logo and merchandise

You'll notice the specially created 50th logo on our marketing materials and new merchandise in the shop including T-shirts, polo shirts, pin badges, key rings and mugs.

We are delighted to welcome Mel McClary to the team as a Commercial Assistant and will be working alongside Lin, Rosemary and Tracy in the Sales Office and proactively contacting groups to grow this important market. Do make a point of saying hello to her when you are around.

Editor’s choice

Finally congratulations to Brian Janes on achieving editor’s choice for his ‘Colonel Stephens Light Railway Locomotives' book in the latest edition of the Heritage Railway magazine. Copies of the book are available from the railway Gift Shop in person and online

Heather Packham

Visitor Experience Manager

Museum

Not all readers may be aware that your Colonel Stephens Railway Museum has many second-hand items for sale, in addition to books and model railway items, both railway and non-railway-related. For example, we have an extensive range of railway photographs and more general railway paper ephemera; framed pictures, large and small; large-scale Ordnance Survey maps (some local and others covering the wider south-east region); and some one-off items, such as two vintage typewriters (which might be of particular interest to collectors). All this material has been donated to enable us to raise funds for the Museum. Moreover, the winter season is the perfect time to come and have a rummage when the winter working parties are on site (most Tuesdays and Thursdays). Much is not individually priced so we are open to sensible offers. Get in touch via museum@kesr.org.uk

This is also the perfect time of year to get involved with running the Museum. We are particularly looking for additional museum attendants for the new season ro ensure we can keep open. The commitment need not be onerous; just once or twice a month could make a big difference. Again, please get in touch if you would like to find out more, or to get involved in other ways.

Bob Clifford

Colonel Stephens Railway Museum

Vacancy

As we venture into a new era, we are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual to join us as a Partnerships Coordinator. This volunteer role is not just about connecting; it's about weaving the threads of partnerships that will sustain our heritage for generations to come.

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/

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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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