Kent & East Sussex Railway celebrates event revival
AFTER AN absence of 14 years, the Kent & East Sussex Railway returned to the diesel gala calendar with a successful and well-attended event between April 12-14, with the homebased locomotives Class 03 D2023, Class 14 D9504 Jon Grimwood and 20087 in action.
The resident locomotives were joined by two visitors in the shape of the Diesel Traction Group’s sole-surviving Class 17 Clayton D8568, from the Severn Valley Railway, and the Heavy Tractor Group’s 37714 Cardiff Canton, attending from the Great Central Railway.
The Class 20 moved to the line a few months ago and the diesel gala was the first time it had worked passenger services along the KESR route between Tenterden Town and Bodiam, while D9504 returned to service last year following a four-year major overhaul. Speaking after the event, KESR general manager Robin Coombes said: “We are thrilled to announce that our first diesel gala for 14 years was a resounding success. We not only surpassed our revenue and passenger targets, but we also reignited a sense of confidence and community spirit within the railway. “It was a weekend where the fun and quirky elements of our light railway truly came alive, offering everyone a safe and joyful experience. Our heartfelt thanks go to the gala committee, the crews, and the owners of the visiting locomotives, especially the Heavy Tractor Group and the DTG, whose contributions were pivotal.
“A special mention must go to the Class 37 named Cardiff Canton, a locomotive that holds personal significance as it reminds me of my youth, watching these powerful machines thunder through the Welsh Valleys with their MGR trains.
“This gala was not just about celebrating our railway’s heritage; it was also about bringing people together to create unforgettable memories. We are proud to say that we’ve done just that and are excited to build on this success in the years to come.”