Remembrance and Festive Wrap

A little later than originally hoped, this item is a wrap on Terrier activities on the K&ESR for 2011.  As recorded on this website and elsewhere it has been an amazing and memorable year for both little engines and the railway, which recorded its second-highest passenger figures since the reopening to Bodiam in 2000.

Armistice Day is a date that seems to be slowly be carving a distinct niche into the calendar, like Easter Day – but not to the detriment of Remembrance Sunday itself.  Whilst recent conflicts, in particular in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the driving force behind this renaissance, a significant contribution must be due to the passing of the last of the Great War veterans, dwindling numbers from World War II and the popularity of living history, period dramas and themed events up and down the country.

It was therefore highly appropriate that a local wartime veteran in the shape of 32678 (or more correctly 2678 as she was back in the early 1940s) was entrusted to work the Armistice Day trains; an event that your writer hopes will continue and be developed through the years.

Following a short service at Tenterden Town led by the Reverend John Emmott, SE&CR coach 3062, that had just completed restoration under a team led by Ken Lee, was dedicated and blessed.  The vehicle is also unofficially known as the Graves Memorial Coach in memory of the late Eric Graves who for many years was the driving force of the Ashford Area Group as well as a volunteer on the railway.

At precisely 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year of this century, General Manager Graham Baldwin coordinated the sounding of 32678’s whistle by Driver Tom Featherstone.

In the presence of the little engine, also marking its and the class centenary of the A1X conversion, the ambiance of the Cavell Van and all it stands for – remembrance, peace and reconciliation – it was most memorable and profound occasion.

Other news items in brief...

At the AGM held on 20th November, Graham Hukins was elected a Trustee for the first time, replacing Rebecca Nightingale who had decided to step down.  Ian Scarlett noted that both Terriers had generally performed well throughout 2011.  There were no major issues.  The main air reservoir had been removed from 32670 for periodic examination and test, whilst the Westinghouse pump on 32678 has been using excessive lubricating oil and be prone to stalling.

Yet another feature written and photographed by Geoff Silcock has appeared in “Heritage Railway” magazine, this time featuring 32670 on the Bodiam to Junction Road section during the least-bad of the three dull days of photographic charters on 5th November.  The open countryside of the albeit narrowing Rother Valley hereabouts, the curves and the tail end of autumn colour definitely helped with the chosen images.

HN-14/01/2012