PRESS RELEASE

21 May 2024 

50^thAnniversary Gala weekend to celebrate ‘golden' past, present and future

The much-anticipated ‘golden' weekend is celebrating the future as well as the past through a collaboration with the Rother Valley Railway (RVR). For the first time a K&ESR Gala will extend to Robertsbridge with RVR opening the Robertsbridge Junction site to the public to see work in progress, which includes the newly re-commissioned Hither Green locomotive turntable, and to ride along a stretch of line not used since 2013.

And for the first time, passengers using the London to Hastings line will have the opportunity of buying tickets on the K&ESR at Robertsbridge to join the Gala celebrations: a taste of what's to come when the line extension between Bodiam and Robertsbridge Junction is eventually opened.

The Gala line-up includes two major guest locomotives which have never visited the K&ESR before, alongside popular favourites, to deliver a busy timetable across the weekend.

 
 

• U Class 31806will be the first of its type to visit the K&ESR since its sister locomotive 1618, which was restored at Tenterden, left for the Bluebell Railway in 1977. More significantly, it is the first appearance of a U Class in the county for passenger services since the end of Southern Region steam in 1967.  31806, which is owned John Bunch, has been kindly made available from its home at the Swanage Railway with the sponsorship of Rapido Trains and will be operating services between Tenterden and Bodiam during the Gala.

• GB Railfreight-owned Class 73/1, a historic British electro-diesel locomotive and 1960s rail transport icon, will be joining the Gala in a stunning new livery, developed in collaboration with GB Railfreight(GBRf)and railway heritage experts.

The Class 73/1 is being paired with a third special guest -BR Pacific No. 70000 Britannia- to operate a special shuttle service between Robertsbridge Junction and Northbridge Street - the first time this stretch of line has been in use in 11 years. The famous Pacific locomotive, often seen carrying the ‘Golden Arrow' headboard on its journeys around the country, is also having its first stay in the area.
 

 

It is hoped that both much-loved Hunslet steam locomotive‘Hastings'and Terrier locomotive‘Knowle', which has been under repair for the last few weeks, will both make their return to the rails at the Gala to join ‘Northiam' and ‘Swiftsure'.

Robertsbridge connection

As the physical line extension has yet to be built, a ‘rail replacement bus service' will operate between Bodiam and Robertsbridge Junction to connect services. Passengers embarking at Tenterden can travel to Robertsbridge on one ticket, while passengers starting their journey at Robertsbridge can make the full journey in reverse.

All along the line

K&ESR stations will open to the public at 09:45 each day, with an array of things to see and do for all ages, including:
 

• At Tenterden: The West Sussex Concert Band and Ashford Town Band will be playing sets from 11:30 till approximately 13:15 on Saturday 10:15 till 13:00 on Sunday respectively. There will be a model railway exhibition and model trader stalls to browse, plus market stalls from local business and charities. The popular ‘driver for a tenner' experienceis also plannedfor both days from 10am till 4pm, using1958-built Ruston DE locomotive Rowntree No1, for those over 18.

• At Bodiam: Explore the history of Bodiam with a visit to its hop garden, hopping hut and displays on hop picking. Watch traditional Morris dancing.

• At Robertsbridge: View displays about the Rother Valley Railway's plans to rebuild the line and ticket office whilst also learning about the K&ESR's unique and biodiverse nature corridor. See the restored, iconic turntable in action with the modern GB Railfreight Class 66 locomotive named ‘Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill of Imber in the County of Wiltshire'. Take the exclusive top and tailed shuttle (see earlier) to Northbridge Street and back.

1974 Opening Ceremony re-enactment

The weekend's celebrations will start at 09:30 on Saturday 1^stJuneon the platform at Tenterden Town Station, with a closed event, not open to the public: a re-enactment of the 1974 opening ceremony before thefirst public train leaves at 10:20.The original ceremony was conducted by the then MP for Ashford William (later Lord) Deedes, who was instrumental in ensuring that the line was reopened. The re-enactment will be performed by the current MP for Ashford, Damian Green.
 

Let the train take the strain!

Passengers travelling from outside the immediate area are being encouraged to use public transport to come to the Gala. Arriva buses to Tenterden run regularly from the closest national rail station at Headcorn, which is served by trains from London Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge. Alternatively, passengers can start their Gala experience at Robertsbridge where, in addition to normal stopping London-Hastings services, Southeastern has arranged for Saturday semi-fast services to also stop at Robertsbridge.

Visit the K&ESR website for a full Gala timetable and to book and save on Gala tickets* which start at £29.50 for a single adult freedom ticket. Children under 3 and canine family members go free.
 

Photo credits: Image of U Class 31806 by Owen Hayward; image of Britannia by Robin Coombes

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For further information please contact:

Alison Miles, Press Officer, K&ESR

amiles@kesr.org.uk/ 07900 691116

Notes to Editors:

* Tickets prices for the Gala as follows (two-day ticket prices in brackets):-

• Adult Freedom Ticket - £29.50 (£45.50)
• Senior Freedom Ticket - over 60s only - £27.50 (£43.50)
• Child Freedom Ticket - age 3-15 - £5 (£7.50) Children under 3 go free
• Family Freedom Ticket - two adults, plus up to two children aged 3-15 - £59 (£85)

About the Kent & East Sussex Railway:The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK and operates as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20^thcentury and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines which celebrates the 50^thanniversary of reopening in 2024. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel.

About the Rother Valley Railway:The Rother Valley Railway is a registered charity restoring the historic railway between Robertsbridge and Bodiam. Retaining where possible the original features of the line and using recovered equipment and materials, RVR will re-create a rural light railway to modern standards of operation. Funded by charitable donations, when complete, it will be handed over to K&ESR to run the trains.