Kent & East Sussex RailwayNewsletter - May 2025 |
|
|---|
| Welcome to the latest news from our Railway |
|
|---|
| 1940s Weekend - What a Performance! |  'Viv the Spiv' tempting ladies with silk stockings | | Congratulations and a huge thank you to everyone involved in our 1940s weekend - showcasing what the Kent and East Sussex Railway does best - bringing history to life!
Whether you were listening to the Angel Delights, My Favourite Things or The D-Day Darlings, the entertainment was first rate! With military vehicles including the IMPS, re-enactors, snappily dressed volunteers and staff, the Police Station and vintage stallholders, Tenterden Station was buzzing all weekend.
At Bodiam, Dad's Army was led by Captain Mainwaring, keeping the station safe from fifth columnists by checking ID cards. The Desert Rats encampment, 1940s shop and Royal Navy Commando unit we all showing off their wares, with refreshments available from the NAFFI van and the Prosecco tent.
We welcomed over 1,800 visitors across the two-day event. Thank you to all those who contributed, volunteered, entered into the spirit and made this an oustanding weekend for all involved! To relive the magnificent experience - or see for yourself if you missed anything - you can find a video summary here on our YouTube channel!
A Note for K&ESR Members We're sure you understand that planning amazing events like this is very costly. We appreciate your continued support - financial or otherwise.
A gentle reminder that K&ESR Members are not exempt from station or travel fees on Special Event Days unless you are specifically working on that Event. However, you can claim a half price discount on tickets when presenting your valid membership card at the Booking Office.
We're always looking for volunteers to help us with events - please use the form on the volunteering page Become a volunteer - Kent & East Sussex Railway to offer your support. |
|
|
|---|
| | Have You Seen Our YouTube Channel Lately?
Many of you will now have met John Bolton, our new volunteer videographer who joined us earlier in the year. John has very kindly - with our thanks - made five videos for K&ESR so far. If you haven't seen them yet, here are the links: - Introduction from our new Chairman, Derrick Bilsby
- 3,800 views, 312 likes, 15 comments - History of the Opening to Bodiam 25 Years On
- 1,800 views, 128 likes - Bodiam Event Day - 25th Anniversary Celebration
- 536 views, 43 likes, 2 comments - A Day in the Life of a Station Master - Murray Motley
- 3,400 views, 97 likes, 11 comments
- NEW! 1940s Weekend on Film
- 1,899 views, 61 likes, 3 comments
Why video? Video is highly engaging and can help us "tell the story" of our unique Railway by bringing you, our people, to life...Here's just one comment in response to our new videos..."We made our first visit to the K&ESR on Saturday 3 May. Quite simply, 10/10 in all areas. We will be back soon despite the 200-mile round trip. Well done everyone and thank you."
Please, subscribe and share today! We're looking for new volunteers to feature in the next 'A Day in the Life!' Please email newsletter@kesr.org.uk
Advance Notice: Drone Flying - Wednesday 4th June YouTube video author John and his colleague Colin will be at the Railway on Wednesday 4th June flying a drone to add to our aerial footage. A notice has already gone out on HOPS but if you're working that day, please be aware that you may see a drone in use.
|
| How Are We Planning for the Future?
| You may have already heard about a new initiative we’re calling ‘Project 28’.
Project 28 will focus on planning between now and the opening of our extension to Robertsbridge in 2028, and is led by Trustees* Neil Sime and Julie Wilkinson. This is one of a number of ‘Management Support Groups’ that will develop strategic plans for their specific areas of the business.
In response to some of the challenges we've faced so far this year, the first priority for Project 28 is to develop a Plan for 2026. The plan takes into account all our business needs - commercial, operational, financial and resourcing - balanced against external challenges and the needs of the consumer and tourism market. The plan will be published well in advance to relieve some of the frustration that's been felt in previous years - we acknowledge we need to do better.
To find out more, please look out for articles in the next issue of The Tenterden Terrier. We’ll share updates as plans develop.
*A 'Trustee' is a Director who jointly represents our commercial business, CSRE Ltd, and also K&ESR, a registered charity. |
|
|---|
| Could You be Our New Company Secretary?
| It is with regret that we accepted the resignation of our Company Secretary, John Cobbett, who expressed his desire to step back from the position on the K&ESR Board. With that decision, and with our thanks to John for his dedicated support, we are now looking for a new candidate for this important role. John has very kindly agreed to act as a caretaker until a replacement can be found.
Are you looking for a new volunteer role? One that would place you at the heart of our Railway?
We are looking for someone who has a combination of skills and experience at a senior level, a mature and discreet nature, and the ability to engage with volunteers and paid staff across our Railway.
You’ll have an interest in playing a part at the centre of the Kent & East Sussex Railway and its associated bodies at an important stage of our development.
You are likely to have a good administration background that may include legal or paralegal experience. The full role description is available on request. There may be some negotiation on the role itself, to be agreed between the Chair and the postholder.
You’ll be required to attend our monthly Board meetings – currently alternating between Tenterden (2/3) and Robertsbridge (1/3). The 2-3 hour meeting is typically held on a Saturday morning. The time commitment outside that is variable - typically no more than a few hours a week.
Guidance will be given, including a full handover from the current Company Secretary, and support from the established Assistant Company Secretary. If you are interested, please email Simon Marsh smarsh@kesr.org.uk for an initial discussion before 14th June.
|
| | The Earlybirds Spot Wildlife! | Thank you to Keith Barron who shares his delight at joining the increasingly popular early morning Bird Watching Trains. To find out more, read on:
"I had the pleasure of boarding the fully booked Bird Watching Train on 13th May. It took full advantage of the panoramic views available from the DMMU.
Our ornithological guide was David Campbell of Wildstarts. David conducted the many surveys recording in the biodiversity of our Railway in 2023 (see the report in the Winter edition of The Tenterden Terrier for details). Also providing insights into the landscape and its history, as well as key facts about the Railway, was regular guide, Colin, with his characteristic lively enthusiasm and humour.
There is clearly a market for such trains. The 8 o’clock start meant that there was time for bespoke stops along the route. As soon as the engine is switched off you can hear the smaller song birds, such as reed warblers and chiffchaffs, which are not necessarily seen as the train trundles along.
At Pope’s Crossing by the Morghew Estate, we stopped in the hope of spotting the elusive turtle dove but instead heard a cuckoo, quite common along this stretch of line. We were struck by the variety of bird song heard once the engine was stopped at Wittersham Road.
It is, of course, easier to ‘spot’ the larger species: mute swans and heron in Newmill Channel, and at Wittersham Road, on its familiar perch, a buzzard posed on a fallen tree. These large raptors are common along the line and can frequently be seen gliding away from their lineside perches. Yellowhammers can often be spotted from the train.
When the (also fully booked) Birdwatching Train ran in April, over 50 species were seen or heard, including a nightingale.
When Paul Vidler and I joined David on his surveys in 2023, we began at around 5am. I asked our passengers if they'd be willing to make an earlier start and none were deterred, even those who'd travelled from a little further afield.
They were all enthusiastic about the journey and the opportunity to enjoy an informed experience of the line, its history and its wildlife. The morning was rounded off by a hearty breakfast in the Tea Room. A big thank you to driver Terry Hannocks and guard Patrick Favell for looking after us."
Keith Barron |
| | Welcome Back, Theodora!
After months of dedicated work, our beloved Pullman car 'Theodora' made her triumphant return to service on the 11th May – just in time for a glorious spring Sunday.
Having entered the Carriage & Wagon works back in November 2024, Theodora was found to have extensive timber rot beneath the cill level. Our skilled team undertook a major overhaul, replacing all the affected timber boarding and carrying out a host of other vital tasks to preserve her elegance and integrity.
And what better way to mark her return to service than with a very special group of guests – The Pullman Society – enjoying the first ride in Theodora post-overhaul. It was a proud and fitting moment, combining sunshine, craftsmanship, heritage, and hospitality in true Pullman style.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in the restoration – your care and commitment have brought Theodora back to her best!
|
| | | Kent & East Sussex RailwayTenterden Town Station, Station Road,Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HEwww.kesr.org.ukRegistered charity 262481 | | | | |
|
|---|
|
|
