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‍K&ESR Newsletter November 2025

Latest News from all around our Railway

Cavell Van Returns to Dover 

The Cavell Van, a 19th century ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Vehicle’, returned to Dover 105 years after it bore the body of the Unknown Warrior to London. 

The Cavell Van, built by the South Eastern & Chatham Railway, is normally based at Bodiam and was fully restored in 2010. It famously carried the bodies of nurse Edith Cavell, ship’s captain Charles Fryatt and the Unknown Warrior when they were repatriated to Britain following World War I. 

The van was installed and on display in the historic Cruise Terminal – formerly Dover Marine, then Dover Western Docks Station – from 7th to 16th November 2025 on a length of track in the exact location from where it began its historic journeys to Westminster Abbey.

The story begins in January when K&ESR volunteer and South Eastern Railway Project Manager, Elliott Waters was asked whether it would be possible for the Cavell Van to be present at South Eastern’s annual Remembrance Parade at the War Memorial in the Cruise Terminal in 2025 as part of the Rail 200 celebrations. 

Supported by both Dover Harbour Board and the K&ESR, the idea soon took on a life of its own, all co-ordinated by Elliott.

The erstwhile Dover Marine station has undergone extensive alterations to fit its new role as a cruise terminal, including infilling the platforms. Would the Cavell Van even fit? Meetings were held, measurements were taken and eventually it was agreed that there was sufficient clearance through one of the old side luggage entrances. First a section of track needed to be laid and Network Rail’s Dover Track section were called in to carry out the task on 13th October. Allelys Heavy Haulage were engaged to carry out the move with all costs being met by South Eastern. First the vehicle had to be moved from Bodiam to Wittersham Road Station and a team comprising Frim Halliwell, Cathy Crotty and Alan Crotty, together with the class 20, assembled on 16th October to carry out the task.

The final part of the jigsaw was a set of steps to allow visitors to access the Cavell Van. The existing steps at Bodiam, having reached the end of their life, were not suitable so a new set were fabricated in metal for the occasion. In a tight delivery deadline, these arrived on 4th November for the ceremony the following day. The steps have been donated to the railway and will form the new entranceway at Bodiam, having been generously donated by South Eastern.

Wednesday 5th November saw over 300 invited guests assemble, including K&ESR Chairman, Derrick Bilsby and former Chairman, Norman Brice who was responsible for the original restoration of the vehicle. The annual South Eastern Railway Service of Remembrance was led by Canon David Slater and joined by our own Reverend Sandra Marsh who gave the blessing at the end of the service. The date coincides with the Torch of Remembrance leaving UK shores before travelling onto Ypres for the ceremony on the 11th.

‘This was a particularly poignant day. It was the first time in 105 years that the Cavell Van has been back at Dover and there was a great deal of emotion from the assembled guests’ said Elliott Waters.

The event was covered by the local press and featured that night on the ITV Meridian News. It will also be included in the Channel 4 series, Britain’s Busiest Port, to be broadcast in summer 2026.

The Cavell Van was then opened for public viewing where it attracted some 1,670 visitors. Visitors included the grandson of The Rev David Railton, who conceptualised the Unknown Warrior, and the grandson of Alf Fairweather, the driver of the train that carried the Unknown Warrior.

The Cavell Van will return to the railway on 18th November. 

‍Santa Specials Update

There’s good news on the Santa front! Our most important months’ trading has achieved budget, with a couple of weeks still to go before the first train! Bookings are slightly ahead of this time last year with First Class bookings in particular holding up well. ‘We’re going to end up on a high’ predicted Commercial Manager, André Freeman. 

There’s the usual plea for help! 

Behind the scenes, Sean Webb, Jo Brice and their team of helpers are wrapping some 14,000 mince pies and making up the ‘goodie bags’. As well as that, there’s wrapping Christmas presents, assembling Christmas Activity Packs for on board entertainment, set-dressing the site (thanks to the busy Wednesday Working Group (WWG)), and Alan Jones and Duncan Buchanan who create the Winter Wonderland display…

As Graham Bridge pitched at the AGM, Santa Special days require over 100 volunteer shifts for every day we run – and that’s without all the behind-the-scenes work that’s already taken place. We are on the look-out for more help with everything from Car Parking and Train Cleaners on several days. If you, or anyone you know, can help, even for just a few hours, please contact Heather at hpackham@kesr.org.uk

Meanwhile Sean Webb needs more help in Station and On-train Catering throughout the Santa season. Please contact Sean at swebb@kesr.org.uk

Finally, the 4253 Group are looking for help to run their usual Tombola and Christmas merchandise stall, bringing in a vital £10,000 each year to aid the locomotive’s return to steam. The Group can be contacted at gwr4253news@gmail.com. 

Update from the Locomotive Shed

It was a shame to meet Rolvenden Steam Fitter, Liam Head, for the first time just two weeks before he leaves the railway for pastures new. Over the past three years he has been a force for good and will be sorely missed throughout the railway.

Liam kindly shared insight into the complex world of keeping the steam fleet operational and fit for service, the last few months having been particularly challenging. At this time of year, the team has just three weeks to fix a season’s accumulation of minor faults - those not big enough to be classified as showstoppers. And then there’s the vital work of ‘winterisation’ of the fleet. Those in use through the Santa season retain their radiant heat through the week, although at particularly cold times, a warming fire will be kept in the grate just to make sure.

Liam admitted to having no worries about using 100% of the operational fleet throughout the Santa season. ‘The fleet is in good shape overall. The standard 4 is having some minor repairs, Sapper goes very well following its overhaul at the Dean Forest Railway. An incredible machine and there have been few running-in snags. Swiftsure is into its 7th year since overhaul and has been the stalwart of the fleet through 2025. It has grown tired and is high maintenance with a 7-year overhaul due this year.’

Marcia is in for a new chimney, the old one being cracked, and a repaint in a secret new livery – watch this space! Knowle has enjoyed its second season since being put back together and has recently passed its annual boiler inspection for the final year. It remains fit for limited service, being tired mechanically.

1888-built Hunslet Hastings has a few faults but nothing major and won’t be used again until February. Yank number 65 is making slow progress, taking a back seat to keeping the operational fleet serviceable. Completion is tantalisingly close, but it won’t be for the Santa season. Pannier 1638 remains at Leaky Finders works in Devon with slow but steady progress. The plan remains to have a return to steam to coincide with the opening to Robertsbridge. ‘An efficient little machine,’ said Liam. RVR-owned Charwelton is at the Flour Mills loco works in Gloucestershire for the final stages of its restoration, with a return to steam expected in 2026.

Work is ongoing to the facilities at Rolvenden. With an annual heating bill of £28,000, the shed is being insulated, and the possibility of solar heating is being investigated. To improve the look of an otherwise industrial shed, the platform side is to be clad in weatherboard like the carriage shed at Tenterden. 

I’m grateful to Liam for his time and I’m sure everyone joins me in wishing him well for the future. We haven’t seen the last of him since he will be returning as a volunteer. He’ll be very welcome.  

‍CFBS Twinning Weekend

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Over the weekend of 11th and 12th October 2025, K&ESR volunteers once again took part in the twinning weekend with our friends at the Chemin de Fer de la Baie de la Somme (CFBS), France.

Arriving on Friday evening, volunteers staying at the CFBS’s St Valéry depot were welcomed with open arms by CFBS members after their journey across the channel. Starting on Saturday, we were joined by the rest of the KESR group to undertake a series of workshops that the respective twinning committees had devised for K&ESR volunteers to take part in. 

The first was ‘École Vapeur’, the chance to learn to prepare, fire, and then drive a CFBS meter gauge steam engine under the expert guide of CFBS drivers. Judging by the smiling faces, this proved to be a very successful activity!

The second group undertook light maintenance activities in the CFBS engine and carriage sheds. Activities included painting a carriage chassis, light maintenance to the wagon fleet, and a guided tour of the carriage fleet.

The third activity was a special treat organised specifically for our visit - ‘A Very British Teatime’. Resplendent in Pullman uniforms, volunteers from K&ESR served tea and cakes onboard the Somme Saloon car to 22 pre-booked guests for one round trip St Valery to Le Crotoy; a vision of CFBS member Freddy Sergeant brought to life. It received extremely positive feedback from customers who came along, and the Pullman uniforms created much interest and conversation from the public while we awaited departure from St Valéry Quay!

The evening concluded with the traditional speeches and toasts - including a dedication of remembrance to Michael Bunn from the K&ESR Twinning Committee who sadly passed since our last visit - ahead of an excellent meal cooked by the CFBS volunteers.

Sunday was a much more relaxed affair, with CFBS providing a charter train along the Cayeux branch so volunteers could experience the ‘Vélorail’ concept! It is a pedalo on rail wheels and proved to be both exhilarating and great fun! After a spirited run up and down the branch, the train returned to St Valéry for a pre-departure lunch and the closing of yet another successful twinning weekend.

These weekends are much more than just playing trains. They have created strong friendships, provided valuable experiences and knowledge, built confidence, and provided opportunities for learning. This all helps towards broadening horizons and providing experiences in different areas that would potentially be unreachable.

A ‘grand merci’ goes to all those at CFBS whose welcome and hospitality was, once again, exceptional, and who worked tirelessly to create a varied and enjoyable weekend for all - and to the K&ESR members, new and returning, who have supported the twinning event.

Is this something that interests you?

The next Twinning weekend is expected to be April 2027, where our CFBS friends will spend the weekend at K&ESR. However, that’s not to say there won’t be anything sooner, including marking 30 years of twinning in 2026. Further details will appear in a future issue of the Newsletter.

Elliott Waters

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Postscript – Pullman Jackets

If you regularly volunteer as an Attendant on the Wealden Pullman and you haven't already done so, please submit your measurements as we prepare our first order with a new supplier (found thanks to our Member's Newsletter) for replacement Pullman Jackets. Please email newsletter@kesr.org.uk if you haven’t already been measured up! 

‍The Awards Keep on Coming

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Great news - we’re now confirmed as finalists in this year’s Beautiful South Tourism Awards – in not just one, but two categories! These annual awards celebrate the best of the South East’s vibrant tourism industry. 

‘The Dwarves of Steam Gala’, sponsored by our friends at Rapido Trains, has been shortlisted for the Tourism Event or Festival of the Year, while the Wealden Pullman is a finalist for Restaurant of the Year. We are set to attain either a Gold, Silver or Bronze award in each category at a ceremony in Brighton on Tuesday 9th December. 

The ‘Dwarves of Steam Gala’ took place in April and celebrated the small but mighty heroes of the golden age of steam. Whilst other railways focus on the sheer size of some locomotives, we chose to showcase the humblest of historic locomotives: the small but powerful engines employed as works or depot shunters and on country branch lines. The two-day event attracted over 800 visitors.

The Wealden Pullman has been treating passengers to exceptional fine dining experiences for the last 51 years. This award follows a ‘secret shopper’ dining with us on Saturday 20th September. Commented Pullman Manager, Meg Gooch ‘That we are confirmed as a winner in the Restaurant of the Year award is testament to our dedication, professionalism and sheer hard work in upholding the very finest levels of customer service, something that George Mortimer Pullman would have approved of. I just want to say how much I appreciate your support in whatever role you undertake, we simply couldn’t do it without you’.

Time Out!

We were also advised as this edition of the K&ESR Newsletter was going to press that we have been nominated by Time Out magazine as the 'Best Day Trip from London' this winter. Describing a ‘charming’ and ‘a magical old-fashioned steam train’, accompanied by an historical photo of Yank number 65 at Bodiam, the report talks of a ‘whimsical’ journey from picture-perfect Tenterden to Bodiam! It’s all great publicity and we hope will provide a boost when we run in late December, New Year's Day, and from February half-term!

‍Is 4253 Finished Yet? 

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No, not yet! . . . here’s what’s left to do

After months of measuring, cutting, more measuring, more cutting, and a lot of ‘choice’ words, the cladding was added to the boiler and firebox. We then trial fitted the water tanks and cab roof to ensure everything fitted nicely. Now don’t be deceived, the photo above shows what appears to be a complete locomotive. In truth, it is 90% (+/-) complete. There is still a lot of pipe work to be installed together with the ashpan, and the ‘elephants’ ears’ (cladding that goes between the boiler barrel and the firebox). Once we are happy with how it all fits together, it will be completely taken apart again, to allow the boiler to be removed for its steam pressure test. On passing this, the ashpan will be fitted and the boiler repositioned within the frame. We will then rebuild the locomotive for the final time. 

By doing it this way, we reduce the time lost on the ‘ticket’. So, 4253 will not be ready anytime soon. Once reassembled, there will be testing and no doubt ‘snagging’ that will need to be addressed. 

However, on a good note, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and nearer! Our next newsletter will contain lots of photos of the work being carried out while 4253 is stripped down and put back together again. For a rundown of what is yet to be done, click here to download the full newsletter. 

Kelvin Williams

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‍Carriage and Wagon Department Update

Since the last report, the repaint of Mk1 TTO No.68 has now been successfully completed, with the carriage now resplendent in its fully lined out carmine and cream (blood and custard) livery, a superb credit to all the hard work put in by the members of the department. Following some minor finishing tasks, including the replacement of a steam heat hose and the refitting of two grab handles No. 68 was shunted out of the shed on Friday, 31st October, ready for its eventual use on the ‘Santa Specials’ commencing at the end of this month.

Meanwhile, the refurbishment of Maunsell NBO No. 54 continues to progress well, with both sides of the carriage having received further coats of green undercoat, while the ends have now been top-coated with black gloss. Amongst other work carried out, the filler pipes for the water tank have been refitted, a task that required the cutting, shortening, and rewelding of the mounting brackets that secure the pipes to the roof. 

The next major project for the department, ex-Riviera Trains Mk1 BCK No. W21245, has been moved into the shed for its heavy overhaul/restoration to begin. Preliminary dismantling work has now commenced, including the removal of the guard’s and luggage compartment doors on the north side, removal of the gangway connection at the Robertsbridge end of the carriage, and some of the interior tongue and groove panelling from the luggage compartment.

Two Mk1 carriages have had their 18-month exams. This was an opportunity to repair seat cushions in two compartments on the SK No. 63, and adjustments to improve the clearances of the bolster rubbing plates and ride height of the Robertsbridge-end bogie on BSO No. 73.

Finally, it was with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of Frank Kent, a long-standing member of the department and supporter of the Railway. Our thoughts, sympathy, and condolences are with his family.

Chris Davis 

AGM Reaches More Members

‍Two improvements were made to K&ESR's AGM this year in the hope that more members could choose to participate even if they were unable to attend.

Electronic Voting was introduced, and the AGM was streamed live from St Mildred’s Church. 

Are You a Keen Beekeeper?

Our resident beekeeper for the hives in Bodiam Station Garden is retiring.

If you are a qualified Apiarist, have time to spare and live locally to Bodiam Station, please make contact via the newsletter@kesr.org.uk inbox in the first instance. Thank you!

‍Unless otherwise stated, all articles have been written by Mark Toynbee, our volunteer Roving Reporter and based on content from contributors. Thank you, Mark! 

Enormous thanks to you all for sharing your news to better connect our Railway communities and departments. If you have any submissions or suggestions for future issues, please email newsletter@kesr.org.uk or message Mark at mtoynbee@kesr.org.uk

‍Kent & East Sussex Railway

Tenterden Town Station, Station Road,

Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HE

www.kesr.org.uk

Registered charity 262481

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