Kent & East Sussex Railway
Members e-newsletter No.83
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Welcome to the latest edition of the K&ESR's e-newsletter |
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 Images: Robin Coombes
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Since the last edition I have attended four events, which together have brought home to me just what a unique family we are.
First, on 29 March I had the privilege of handing out long-service framed certificates and badges on a specially organised train, with a fish and chip supper provided. It was a pleasure to talk to a range of people, some of whom I knew quite well and others I had not yet had the opportunity to know, but all of whom have contributed to the Railway over the years. It was also nice to be able to thank their partners and guests for their forbearance!
We – or rather the volunteering committee who are of course volunteers themselves – will be organising further such trains in the coming months. The next one, as befits our Golden Jubilee year, is likely to be for those who have been with us since the 1960s and 70s.
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Secondly, on a sadder note, 6th April saw the naming of Class 14 no D9504 in memory of Jon Grimwood, who was very popular around the Railway and who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last year. The ceremony was performed by his father Mike, and it was particularly poignant given that Jon and Mike had spent many hours together restoring the engine to its current peak condition. It was attended by many family guests as well as friends and supporters from the Railway.
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The middle of the month was of course dominated by the diesel gala, our first for fourteen years, and the biggest event for some time. What can I say, other than that it was superb? The team had secured two novel visiting locos to complement the home fleet, the weather was good, the attention to detail paid off, and the Railway was full of happy and smiling staff, volunteers, and visitors. For me, the atmosphere was like the 1970s, when we had something new that we were proud to show off to an appreciative audience. We had non-specialist media coverage, and we are confidently expecting plenty of pictures in the railway press.
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Of course there were stresses and strains beforehand........
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but it just shows what we can do when we all pull together.
We are certainly recovering our flair, and huge thanks to those who worked so hard to make it happen. Now for the Anniversary Gala on 1st and 2nd June!
And finally, on 20th & 21st April, our French friends from our sister railway at St Valery on the Baie de Somme visited us for a working weekend. It is always good to nurture and celebrate links such as these; the relationship was to some extent disrupted by Covid, but it is now flourishing again, and it is our intention to make it continue.
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Taken together, all these events bring out something of what our Railway is all about. It’s more than a heritage tourist attraction; it’s a community.
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From the General Manager
As April gives way to May, I am filled with profound appreciation for the incredible efforts and achievements that continue to define our railway. This past month has been a journey of celebration, collaboration, and forward-thinking that has significantly strengthened the very foundation of our railway family.
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Diesel Gala Triumph
Our Diesel Gala set a new standard for excellence, surpassing our expectations both in spirit and financial success. The creativity and dedication displayed by everyone involved, especially the organisers, George Harman and Jack Marlow, ensured a vibrant showcase of our railway’s heritage and the dynamic potential of diesel power.
Engagement and Community
From the joyous Easter celebrations to the Green Fun Day, we have demonstrated our capacity to engage and entertain. These events not only enhance visitor experience but also reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
International Collaboration
The visit from our twinned French railway, Chemin de fer de la Baie de Somme, was a highlight this month, providing a valuable exchange of ideas and strengthening international ties that enrich both our operations.
Youth and Future Focus
Our Junior Engineers weekend and the Volunteer Welcome Day are investments in the future, nurturing new talent and ensuring the sustainability of our volunteer workforce. These initiatives are critical as we think ahead to passing on our legacy.
Strategic Partnerships
The Southern Six meeting emphasised the power of collaboration across heritage railways. Sharing challenges and solutions with peers strengthens our position and fosters a more resilient heritage railway community.
Grant Proposals and Sustainability
Efforts to secure funding for enhancing our resilience through grant applications are underway. These funds are crucial for future-proofing our operations and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Operational Excellence
The relentless dedication of all our departments, from Catering to Carriage & Wagon, and amazing work at Rolvenden to repair our Flagship Terrier – Knowle - to return to traffic as well as keeping our steam fleet going including welcoming a BR Standard 4 on hire for the year.
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 76017 on a test run with the Wealden Pullman, seen approaching Rolvenden on 21st April
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Celebrating Heritage and Community
As we prepare for our 50th Anniversary Gala, we are setting the stage for a grand celebration that will not only honour our history but also showcase our vibrant community connections, including exciting events planned at Robertsbridge.
Upcoming Events
Looking forward, the much-anticipated 40s Weekend and the Star Wars themed event promise to bring fun and engagement to our railway, drawing in crowds and celebrating our unique offerings.
Railway Family
This month also brought poignant moments that remind us of the depth and strength of our railway family. We honoured the memory of Jon Grimwood, a cherished member of our team, by the naming of the Class 14 in his honour. Additionally, we celebrated the dedication of our long-serving volunteers with a special train service, acknowledging their decades of commitment.
Reflection and Gratitude
These moments of tribute and celebration strengthen the ties that bind us, ensuring that our railway remains more than just a place of work - it's a community where every member is valued, where history is lived and where every contribution builds on the legacy of those who came before us. As we move forward, let us continue to support one another with the same compassion and commitment that have been the hallmark of our 50 years of service. Thank you, each and every one of you, for being the heart and soul of this extraordinary family. While challenges remain, the strength and spirit of our railway family enable us to meet them with confidence and creativity. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and it's your resilience and commitment that fuel our continued success.
Regaining Confidence and Unity
Amidst all the successes of the past month, a particularly resounding theme has been the resurgence of confidence. The Diesel Gala exemplified this renewed spirit; quirky and innovative, it captured the essence of Colonel Stephens' vision with attractions like the Class 03 and half a DMMU shuttle to Rolvenden, and the 'driver for a tenner' experience with the robust Ruston. These attractions weren't just entertaining—they were a statement of our capability and ingenuity. Despite the presence of a very small number of sceptics and critics, the overwhelming success of these events proves that we are indeed on the right track. The railway is reclaiming its mo-jo, its sense of identity, and its belief in the potential of our collective efforts. It's a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as one team, with one heart, united by a shared passion for our heritage and a commitment to our future. Let's carry this momentum forward, emboldened by our recent achievements and united in our purpose. We are not just preserving a railway; we are revitalising our community, fostering a railway family, and building a legacy that extends beyond the tracks.
Finally
As we move into the busier summer months, let's carry forward the momentum, positivity, and community spirit that define us. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering support. Together, we're not just preserving history; we're creating a vibrant, thriving future.
Robin Coombes
General Manager
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 The comprehensive overhaul of former Wealden Pullman kitchen car 'Diana' continues to make good progress
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News from 4253
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Work continues on the boiler at HBSS Liverpool, with progress being made on the front tube plate and the fitting of all the tubes. The tube plate is currently fitted and drilling of the holes for the rivets has begun.
In the meantime, several of our team have been busy with our new project: Following on from the building of two water tanks; we have been commissioned to build a Tender for the Maunsell Locomotive Society based at the Bluebell Railway. The Tender is for their Locomotive 30541, a 541 Q Class (0-6-0) Locomotive. The monies being paid to our group for this new-build will be a much needed injection of funds towards the completion of 4253.
This next month will also be spent, as always, preparing 4253 for the return of the boiler; which will include the re-installation of the new brake cylinder currently being re-machined at SVR, having been made slightly incorrectly. All being well, the bunker can then be refitted.
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 Inside 4253s boiler, looking from firebox to tube plate.
Photo by HBSS
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 30541 drawing.
Image Maunsell Society
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 Work has commenced on the new tender build for 30541.
Photo Charles Masterson
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Commercial News |
Diesel Gala and Beerex 12 – 14 April
I wanted to share some lovely comments received from our Diesel Gala visitors, saying how much they had enjoyed the weekend and specifically mentioning the friendliness of staff:
“I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for a fantastic diesel gala, we came down from Leicester to travel on the visiting Class 37 & had a wonderful day in somewhere we very seldom visit - what a beautiful place & what a great job you've done in restoring the line. We could not have had a more enjoyable day out”
“I wanted to say thank you for a wonderful day. I went to Northiam and spent a couple of hours photographing the diesels and talking to the very helpful and friendly staff. Then down to Wittersham, more great pics and helpful staff, especially the driver of the Class 14. I had the best day as a huge diesel fan. With class 14,17,20 and 37, there will be nowhere I can go this year to beat that!”
We were also delighted to secure sponsorship from Shepherd Neame for casks and bottles of beer for the Beerex train and hope this is the start of new closer working relationship.
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We've some further 50th anniversary souvenirs coming to our Gift Shops soon, including a fantastic K&ESR branded puzzle featuring Hastings at Bodiam and artwork created by designer Rick Hatfield. We are also currently looking to introduce a special K&ESR collectable bear for each station.
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Dates to put in your diary
May 4th - Star Wars themed day
We are delighted to be welcoming UK garrison to Tenterden Town station who will be providing Star Wars characters.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in all things Star Wars including themed merchandise, face painting, badge making, selfie opportunities, Lego® displays and on-board activity sheets on the 'Ewok Express'!
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1940s weekend Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May
The return of this hugely popular event with plenty of entertainment at both Tenterden and Bodiam and several exciting new big displays added for our anniversary year, including land army displays and a police station complete with gaol!
Evacuation Day Monday 20th May
In addition to our returning schools, this May we are delighted to be welcoming a school from South East London who we worked closely with as part of the Terrier 150 Project.
We were delighted to host a group from a Chinese tour operator this week as part of a wider 3 day visit to various attractions in Kent & Sussex organised by Visit Britain.
As you can see from the picture, having talked to them about our group offers and provided a tour of the site, including the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum, we sent them off with a goody bag full of information about the railway. They were incredibly enthusiastic about building the railway into various group itineraries so we look forward to welcoming guests from this new market before too long.
Heather Packham
Visitor Experience Manager
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Forestry & Conservation
Helping to reintroduce native tree to the Weald
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The Forestry & Conservation group is helping to reintroduce an environmentally important native tree to the Weald - the Elm - which virtually disappeared from the English landscape in the 1970s, following an outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease (DED).
Kent County Council (KCC) kindly donated five ‘Rebona’ and five ‘New Horizon’ Elms to the railway as part of its Tree Establishment Strategy, which is being implemented across the county. Not only are these two Elm varieties disease-resistant, they can also happily tolerate both drought and waterlogging which makes them ideally suited to our lineside habitats. Fast-growing and resilient, the Elms will add to the overall biodiversity of their location, next to a two-acre wildflower field at Rolvenden.
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This location was carefully selected to maximise their ecological benefit as well as enable the Forestry & Conservation team to monitor, water and care for the young trees as they grow. The ‘New Horizon’ Elms are particularly important ecologically as they can provide food and a breeding habitat for the much-depleted White Letter Hairstreak butterfly, currently only found in a very limited number of locations in the South East.
While the trees were delivered earlier in the year, it is only in the last few weeks that it has been possible for the team to finally plant them, due to the exceptionally high rainfall which turned the chosen site into a quagmire. A few weeks on, and with the benefit or some drier, warmer weather, the Elms are looking healthy and settled. The team will also sympathetically enhance the immediate area surrounding the new trees as part of our overall conservation plans.
As the majority of our team are of an age who remember the outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s and the subsequent devastation it caused, it has been particularly satisfying for us to be given responsibility for the planting and caring for these new Elm trees. We've been responsible for planting some 3,000 trees around the railway in the last few years - an area equivalent to around 30 acres. There are also plans to introduce wildflower meadows to encourage pollinators and for improvements to wetlands. In this regard, we are collaborating with the Romney-Rother Catchment Partnership, the High Weald National Landscape and Kent-Medway Making Space for Nature (MS4N).
Our railway is the custodian of a remarkable nature corridor, and as a result we have a unique opportunity to protect and regenerate these linear habitats, helping to link up green corridors that benefit both nature and the people who live and farm nearby. A valuable spin-off benefit lies in engaging our visitors with the process, adding to their experience of visiting a heritage railway and educating them about the importance of biodiversity.
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Paul Davies
Forestry & Conservtion Group
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Tuesday Group Update
With the loss of a few members due to ill health and family commitments, we were pleased to welcome Jeremy Nobbs to the Tuesday Group to bolster our numbers.
The focus in recent weeks has been on the full renovation and restoration of the many benches at Northiam Station, with many of them looking ‘tired’ and neglected. This involves a full dismantling and strip down before primer, topcoat and reassembly. Once completed they look resplendent and welcoming for our customers.
The repair of the concrete slabs on platform 2 has also been completed, to include the painting of the white line on the platform edge, thus making things look fresh and safe for our Sunday Pullman customers.
The big projects going forward are the completion of the painting of the Station Canopy and the full ‘make-over’ of Number 1 Cottage, both inside and out, the adopted home of the Tuesday Group. It’s Heritage status means it needs and deserves a full redecoration, especially after the great work done by the electricians in rewiring the light and socket rings. Fingers crossed the fine weather will be with us soon.
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Steve Bunn
Tuesday Group
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Wednesday Working Group
Last month I spoke about optimism going forward with projects and actions, but little did I know that the crystal ball would become foggy and soaking wet with rain! The weather has certainly given us some challenges in as much that we have lagged behind in our expectations for the ongoing projects within K&ESR infrastructure.
There is good news however in that the painting store has been in good use and has allowed us to progress with painting of the station fencing - which will soon be finished and look resplendent when fitted.
We have also been allocated some money to forward more projects, which whilst very tight to accomplish, will mean we're on our way.
We have progressed Tenterden station building by getting rid of the "coat of many colours" by getting back to our standard colour scheme. Whilst this is ongoing, we hopefully will be able to fit some of the new cladding soon.
The Tenterden signal box became a major project, clearly demonstrating that a lick of paint now and again is not enough. The grant and appeal fund for the station buildings project is being used up very quickly due to the cost of materials. It's important to tell you that our labour is free, so the appeal funds have a very direct and visible impact: if you feel able to contribute to the appeal and keep our progress going, then please do help. Thank you
Going forwards, as our line is predominantly in an area of low-lying terrain, it has never drained well. We have already attacked Bodiam and Northiam to reduce wet areas. Despite being higher, springs in and around Tenterden station car park have always been a problem. We are clearing a lot of overgrown vegetation and have found some blocked drains, but we are going further by installing some drainage gulleys - although this will take time owing to the car park being in use again.
I think I will give the Crystal Ball up for the moment and hope that good weather will prevail so that the group can pursue their many objectives in the uplift of our infrastructure
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The image above appeared in this newsletter last month - the progress we've been able to make since is seen below
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Work underway to Tenterden Station Car Park and the station building
Images by John Holland
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John Holland
Wednesday Working Group
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At last, a Tuesday without much rain! This enabled us to complete the freshening up of the paintwork to the platform elevation of the station building (see picture). The remainder will be done as weather and services permit, but hopefully within a few weeks.
The emergence of fresh growth in and around the station has lifted everyone’s spirits and the site is becoming increasingly colourful (see picture). The flower garden adjacent to the main entrance will soon be in full bloom and will no doubt attract the usual compliments. Elsewhere grass cutting has begun in earnest, the hop poles have been strung and the ravages of the new field drains have been reinstated. Work is still needed to the ladies’ toilets to reinstate the décor, eliminate final leaks and replace defective taps.
The new concrete pad at the entrance to the waiting room will need attention to provide a smooth surface and preparations are being made for the installation of a new PA system to cover both the platform and the yard more effectively.
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Malcolm Burgess
Bodiam Group
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Work is continuing with repairs to the Ford diesel at Rolvenden. If you'd like to help return this interesting historic locomotive to service, please do get in contact with Richard Stone via rstone@kesr.org.uk Working days are usually Saturday or Sunday.
Richard Stone
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Some of the ways you can 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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- When you shop for us
We have a long list of wants on our Amazon Wish List - but you don''t have to buy them from Amazon! Take a look at the list here
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- By making a donation
We've always a variety of projects in progress that need your support. Find out more at https://kesr.org.uk/donate/
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- By volunteering
Whatever your skills, whether you've a day a week or a day a year available, there's a place for you at the K&ESR! Find out how you can enjoy your railway from a very different perspective at https://kesr.org.uk/volunteering/
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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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