Bienvenue au Tour de France

The eyes of much of the sporting world will be turned on London and Kent over the weekend of 07 and 08 July when the city and county play host to the prologue and the first stage proper of this year’s Tour de France

Billed as the biggest annual free spectator sport in the world, many of Kent’s major roads will be closed or affected by rolling five hour bans as the race makes its way from the Medway towns via Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, Ashford and Stone Street to the finish at Canterbury

Tenterden is to feature significantly in this year’s tour with an intermediate sprint in its wide, tree-lined High Street and the K&ESR will play its part by ferrying spectators up to Tenterden from the car park at Rolvenden Station.
The passage to the race will also be saluted at Cranbrook Road Level Crossing where it is intended that “Bodiam” will greet Le Tour in appropriate style

Interestingly, the very first Tour was held in 1903, just two years after No.3 arrived at Rolvenden; in those days the cyclists had to carry their own spares, including tyres and make their own repairs!  Obviously, there is no equivalent of Alpe d’Huez in the county, but with plenty of twists and turns and several short but vicious ascents, expect several early breaks from the peleton and don’t be surprised if a lasting break is established. However, the very fast run into Canterbury is likely to favour the closers so whatever happens during the stage, the odds must be on the sprinters to dominate a mass bunch finish.

No.3 is also expected to see service the preceding weekend, 30 June/01 July for the Victorian event. If you’re planning to visit the railway that weekend, why not go the whole hog and hire some appropriate costume

The latest news on 32678 is that retubing is still going on ahead of its trip to Foxfield and Embsay later in the summer and early autumn. This will give enthusiasts and the general public in another part of the country an opportunity to enjoy the sight and sounds of a Brighton Terrier in action

With Terrier action rather limited at present on the Isle of Wight, Bluebell and K&ESR, why not consider a trip to the Spa Valley Railway at Tunbridge Wells West to see No.62 “Martello” in action, covering for their Jinty, which is also in for a retube.  On a fairly level playing field, last year’s visit proved that it can easily handle three Mark1 coaches. The engine is scheduled to work every weekend until the end of July, plus perhaps a couple of midweek turns. Parking is limited to 2.5 hours at Tunbridge Wells West for customers to Sainbury’s and other retail outlets on the site, but there are also pay car parks in the vicinity. Alternatively consider the free parking at High Rocks and a small car park in Groombridge, but NOT at the station which is strictly private

HN-20/06/2007

***Please note that due to family circumstances there is unlikely to be any further updates to this website for several weeks*