On a mixed day for the weather, with the Olympics in full blast, nine gentlemen arrived at Tenterden who were very special indeed. Between them they had amassed 500 years worth of Membership of the Kent and East Sussex Railway. One, aged 94, is still a regular visitor to the Carriage and Wagon Department - and his opinion is much sought after.
One had travelled many miles, one had travelled just a few miles - but it took him over three hours because of "Public Transport". They all had one thing in common. They were determined to get back to Tenterden.
They were all our Founding Fathers. Some were original members of the preservation society, others even travelled on the line before it was closed to passengers! It was an honour for me to present them with their certificates and they all seemed very appreciative. After the ceremony they had their photographs taken and some went to Rolvenden to be shown around the Loco Works - a far different scene from their first memories.
I asked each of them in turn how much things had changed.
All of them replied that things had changed for the better. So well done to all of our staff, because if we can please those who were here in "the good old days", we have done well. I wrote down some of their comments. Phrases such as "much tidier", "a lot brighter" and "a family atmosphere" leap out of the page at me.
So when it seems that we are having a hard time, step back and look at the bigger picture. They did not give up when Barbara Castle said "no". They kept fighting. The Kent and East sussex Railway has a heart that keeps on beating and we will never say "no", we will just keep plugging away at it. It will all come right in the end.
On a separate note, Loco 6619 is now secured for the K&ESR.
6619 Ltd have raised over £130,000 towards it purchase and has agreed a deal whereby the K&ESR can also purchase shares, spread over a number of years.
6619 Ltd is a company especially formed to try and get the Loco. It did not succeed on it's own - but can anyone recalll an appeal which has raised so much in just a couple of months? Well done to Paul Wilson. He steered negotiations and came up with a deal which is in the best interests Railway.
