Kent & East Sussex Railway

An interesting, open and transparent report has been published by Robin for the KESR's AGM.

https://kesr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/acymailing/upload/AGM_GM_Report_23.pdf

 

Well Done Robin Coombs

Interesting about the trackside wildlife, other lines please note.

Not of course to say that the rest isnt fascinating

 

That was a very interesting read, especially for an outsider (sometime visitor, but not a volunteer or member).

Three things leapt out at me:

• Like @johnofwessex I found the section on a wildlife survey interesting. I made the point on another thread that we - as a movement - should make more of the linear nature reserve concept of what we do: that is a far more positive message than a somewhat defensive "a steam train emits no more carbon than everyone doing the same journey by car". The latter is immediately fighting a defensive rearguard action, whereas stressing the point about wildlife puts you on the front foot. So very interesting to see that point stressed.
• The focus on communication shone through, and trying to improve it. I get the sense that lack of communication - particularly between board and volunteers (and members) - is at the root of many of the current live fires in the heritage railway world.
• Finally, in the strategy, point 5 - "Quality First: Quality will take precedence over quantity in our activites and services." Too right in my view! We should be batting at the National Trust level of attraction, not the seaside pier crazy golf level.

Overall, very positive in my view.

Tom

 

Agree , the whole report should be required reading for every heritage railway manager

 

I'm not 100% sure about buying it. I think the idea was that George was trying to get Mr L-E to bring his loco to the KESR for restoration. As I recall, the stumbling block was that, once restored, Mr L-E refused to consider any tie to the KESR, and wanted to move the engine wherever he saw fit. No-one was going to pay out, with the risk of seeing no benefit at all. I think discussions were ongoing when George sadly passed away. The first time I met Mr L-E myself, he spoke very highly of George.

 

Thats because George was a lovely chap.

 

I'm glad to read that the KESR managed to turn the situation round, As some of you will know, i was with the KESR, for a few years, and it seems change is slowly taking place, especially in departmental issues, its long over due in my book.

 

One of the two new Pullmans, Lydia, was seen meandering through Tenterden today. Quite what the locals made of it.....

 

Did you take a picture?

 

A bit difficult from my office, given it's 30 miles away....

 

Oh!

 

There are pictures of it on the low loader, and the KESR has put pictures of it on our rails on the Facebook page.

 

I understand that the railway will be hosting another tender loco for the Santa season.

78019

 

Nice to see Hinton O’ Manors making friends and influencing people

 

https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/the-railway/locomotives/78019-2/

 

And a cl20 has arrived already.

20087

 

And here she is:

 

Wenlock, any photos of this?

 

Given the chat a few pages back I'll be interested to hear the feedback as to how she performs!

Chris

 

'Please' goes a long way...