Fundraisers walk rail-link route

The purchase of the former track bed west of Bodiam station to enable Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR) trains to access the main line at Robertsbridge continues.

The latest piece of land acquired will, when restored, allow trains to travel a further mile towards the new destination.

It means the KESR is much closer to restoring the missing link that will mean that Tenterden will be connected to the Hastings line after a closure of 50 years.

To celebrate, a track walk took place from Bodiam to Austen’s Bridge on the route that will eventually carry trains on the extension.

The 50 who took part raised more than £1,300, which will be put towards the completion of the railway’s heritage Great Western Railway (GWR) railcar, which is scheduled to form part of the new service.

GWR railcar volunteer Chris Davis said: “This sponsored walk, apart from being great fun, has raised vital funds for our restoration, and we would like to thank all those who took part.”

The Kent & East Sussex Railway’s sponsored track walk