Town clerk takes on assistant company secretary role at KESR
THE Kent& East Sussex Railway ( KESR) has appointedRichardStyles, the town clerkof Ramsgate, as assistant company secretary, avolunteer backroomrole described by chairmanSimonMarsh as“essential” to the smooth running of the line.
Richard is a stationmaster at the railway’s Tenterden base and an active fundraiser. He succeeds Phil Edwards.
“I think heritage railways are a bit like a theatre production,” said Richard.
“The rolling stock are the stars and the footplate and train crews are the supporting cast, but every production needs its directors, producers and stagehands to produce a successful run.”
KESR chairman Simon Marsh said Richardwas very active in developing Ramsgate as a tourist destination. “He will bring a wealth of relevant experience to the role, which is vitally important and can be very onerous.
“The work is carried out behind the scenes, and there is none of the buzz and glamour of being, for example, a footplateman. Nevertheless, backroom roles such as this are essential to the smooth running of heritage railways.”
In his new position Richard will support company secretary Charles Mavor.
Living with lockdown
ready to welcome them.”
Current work includes the installation by the volunteer permanent way team of a new siding at Rolvenden, where the railway’s locomotive depot is located.
Simon said two appeals were continuing. These are the rebuild of Mk. 1 kitchen car No. 1987, which will safeguard theWealden Pullman dining service –“and yes, we are actively looking at how to offer a servicewhile observing Government guidelines”, – and the overhaul of the two LBSCR Class A1X‘ Terriers’based on the line, Nos. 32670 and 32678.
‘ Terrier’ target
Theformer, which isowned jointly by the railway andTheTerrierTrust, is undergoinga£ 150,000 restorationat the North Norfolk Railway fromwhich it will return in its original guise asNo. 70 Poplar. This veteran0- 6- 0Twasbuiltat Brightonin1872, andthe railwayhas plans tocelebrate its 150thbirthday in 2022 onits return to steam.
No. 32678, which was built in 1880, is being overhauled at Rolvenden, and the railway plans that it too will be in steam by 2022 as SR No. 2678 to help celebrate its classmate’s birthday.
➜ Details of howtodonate to the restorations of kitchen carNo. 1987 and the twoTerriers can be foundon www. kesr. org. uk/ donate