Spa Valley Railway, West
Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email: enquiriesatspavalleyrailway.co.uk
(Please
replace 'at' with the @ symbol)
News
Welcome to the
Spa Valley News Page. This is where details of the latest developments on the
railway and website are posted.
Spa
Valley Railway Locomotive Roster - See What Engines Are Rostered To Haul
The Trains On Each Running Day.
(Note: Although every effort is made to ensure the roster is
correct, the Spa Valley Railway reserves the right to alter the roster without
notification)
29th August -
ERIDGE – LAST MAJOR HURDLES OVERCOME
One of the last major hurdles in
the Spa Valley Railway’s ground breaking Eridge extension was cleared in late
August with the signing of the lease with Network Rail for use of the track and
trackbed of the former down line between Birchden and Eridge and into the down
main and down bay platforms at Eridge station. Finalisation of one of the other
major components in what has become an ever more complicated jigsaw, the station
access agreement with train operator Southern is anticipated to be finalised
imminently. The Spa Valley already holds a lease upon the platform buildings at
Eridge. This now paves the way for the use of heritage Spa Valley services to
share a mile of the former double track formation between Birchden Junction and
Eridge and similarly share Eridge station with National Rail services. There are
still a mirad of tasks to finalise but the heritage line is now looking with
greater certainty at the running of ‘preview’ services into Eridge towards
the end of this year before a formal VIP opening early in 2011.
SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER
This coming Saturday, there will
be limited accommodation available on our morning diesel train (10:50). This is
due to a shorted formation and the booking of a special party on this particular
train. Normal services will resume on the steam hauled train (12:05 onwards).
28th June -
SUMMER WALKS ON THE SPA VALLEY
The
countryside the railway runs through is noted nationally for its beauty by being
designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) called the High Weald.
The line runs many events throughout the year from the traction galas to a
Forties weekend and a local food weekend. In 2010 there has been a new kind of
event which is bringing new kinds of visitors (many of whom never knew the
railway existed). This new event is guided walks from Tunbridge Wells to
Groombridge but instead of getting a car or bus back to your start point you
catch the train back and while you enjoy the view you can sample the excellent
cream teas served to you in our bar/buffet car Kate.
Richard the walk organiser believes these walks and the partnership
created is unique on a preserved railway.
Richard
is very knowledgeable about the footpath routes around Tunbridge Wells and local
history and soaks up information like a sponge. He has received many good
comments about his walks his favourite is ‘Thats
the best walk I have ever been on’ or ‘It
was a very enjoyable experience, offering a completely different perspective of
the line. Richard's initiative is commendable, and the walk highly
recommended.’ The last comment is from the man who has helped clear vegetation
from the line so praise in deed.
In
the middle of 2010 Richard decided to expand the guided walks by offering 4
routes to groups who want a walk with the option of a cream tea on the return
journey.
After
reading this and you would like to come on Richards walks there are still places
on the walks for 2010: Sunday
August 29th 2010, Sunday September 26th 2010, Sunday October 31st 2010 and the
Christmas dinner buster - Saturday 1st January 2011. Please enquire about the
private group tours as well. The
prices for the dated walks are £10 for a walk, single ticket to return by train
and a cream tea or £6 without a cream tea.
The private tours prices are available on request and depend on the route
taken. So what are the numbers you
require: To book call 01892 537715
or email svrwalksathotmail.co.uk (please
change 'at' for @ symbol) or go to the Explore Kent Website guided walk database
where there is function to book online. If all else fails contact 01892 861332.
We hope to see you soon.
23rd June -
SPA VALLEY MARKS 25 YEARS SINCE CLOSURE
The
Spa Valley Railway will be offering what is thought to be a unique experience on
Tuesday 6th July. At an event to mark 25 years to the day since the
Eridge – Tunbridge Wells line was closed to passengers by BR the railway will
be turning out Demu 1317 to work a series of commemorative workings during the
evening. Of special significance is
the fact that 1317 was the same unit which (paired with sister 1311) worked the
majority of services on the day of closure. 1317 will also be reunited with the
original commemorative headboards that it wore on the day in 1985. 1317 is the
only Class 207 ‘Thumper’ to have survived in preservation in unrefurbished
condition. Much work has recently been done to restore the interior to a high
standard whilst the last vestiges of its Connex livery are being removed. The
evening is planned to include a live jazz band, film show, reception drink and
other refreshments. Tickets are £18 each and further details are available from
the Spa Valley at Tunbridge Wells West station.
19th May -
RAILWAY WEBSITE EMAILS
Apologies if you have been experiencing
problems with our email service over the last month or so. After some
investigations, we have identified the problem and rectified it. This has
resulted in some email addresses being suspended or replaced.
Please acceptance our sincere apologies
whilst we have had this issue.
Matt Dives - Webmaster
11th May -
SPA VALLEY WALKS
The
Spa Valley Railway Walk on 30th May will be a spectacular as the
bluebells, wood anemones and ransomes will be in full flower.
The local countryside rangers and wardens are saying it is going to be
the best year for bluebells. So if you have not yet been on Richard’s
excellent guided walks do come along before it is too late to see the bluebells
. On this walk Richard will not only
be showing you some brilliant floral displays but hopes to pass over some of his
local history knowledge to you.
Left:- The
walk on 30th May should see some spectacular displays of Bluebells - Photo
Rebecca Newman
Discover along
the way a prehistoric settlement at High Rocks, a very old farm in Tunbridge
Wells, discover the enigma to the place name Groombridge and find out why many
of the roads in the High Weald go North – South and few go East – West. This
walk is 3.61 miles long with a couple of climbs up hill and muddy ground.
The Spa Valley
Railway Walk on 19th June on this weekend, we will be taking a
new route to show you more of the military landscape of this area as part of the
1940s event on the Spa Valley. Richard will be showing you the importance of
Tunbridge Wells in World War Two, looking at Iron Age Hill Fort, an old Canadian
Army training camp. The walk starts at 12:25
from the Tourist Information Centre. This walk will involve going over difficult
terrain, with plenty of mud, steep hills and stiles. This walk is longer at 6
miles and will take 3 -4 hours to walk.
Right:- The
walk on 19th June will take in some of the local area's wartime monuments -
Photo Richard Newman
All the walks
start at 13:00 unless advertised otherwise at the Tourist Information Centre,
booking is essential as places are limited and please be prompt arriving at the
start point. The cost of the walks is £10 for a single ticket and cream tea or
£6 for a single ride back to Tunbridge Wells without a cream tea.
For more information and book your place please contact the railway on
01892 537715 or email svrwalksathotmail.co.uk
(Change 'at for the @ symbol).
In June the
Spa Valley Railway will be running many special events in date order:
·
5th June – Diesel running day (No steam trains
running on this day)
·
12th June – Meet Peppa Pig and George (Starts at
Tunbridge Wells West)
·
19th – 20th June – Steaming through the
40’s weekend
More
information about these events can be found by visiting Groombridge
or Tunbridge Wells West Stations.
19th April -
LONDON STEAM GALA UPDATE
A
taster for those attending this weekend's gala is on the right! The picture on
the right shows the freshly applied lettering on L.99's tanks on 10th April. The
photo is a work-in-progress shot as the lining was yet to receive its yellow
lining. Since then, the signwriter has completed his work and the final
finishing touches being applied in preparation for the loco's launch. On Sunday
18th April, L.99 was pulled out of the shed for its steam test following
reassembly. Apart from a couple of minor leaks that will be cured this week, the
locomotive was pronounced fit for traffic once again, and was returned to the
shed for finishing off.
Right:- A
taster of what's to come at this weekend's London Steam Gala. The lining and
lettering was well underway on L.99 in early April - Photo J. Nye
Elsewhere, the
other stars of the show have tried all the volunteer's patience over the last
few days. Spartan successfully passed her final steam test in front of the
boiler inspector on Friday 16th April, although further problems were
encountered with its air braking pump which were finally over come on Sunday
afternoon, followed by an evening test run to ensure everything was in order.
The loco was pronounced fir for traffic as a result and will appear next
weekend.
The one engine
expected to give little hassle, unfortunately threw the biggest spanner in the
works on Saturday afternoon, when its brick arch collapsed at the end of the
day. What followed was a great show of teamwork as the old arch was removed,
formwork built, and a new arch cast in concrete, all by the Sunday evening. All
being well, the Jinty should be out and about again next weekend.
Elsewhere work
has been completed on the Queen Mary brake van and the former metropolitan
T-Stock which will mean both will be in traffic and available to offer
passengers a ride next weekend. The T-Stock coach is a vehicle that dates from
the 1930s and offers passengers to travel in something a little more vintage to
our normal passenger stock.
Additional
attractions at Tunbridge Wells West next weekend will include a former
Routemaster bus on display, a miniature railway from the London Transport Museum
will be laid out in the shed offering rides about some model London Transport
trains, and book signings will take place on the Saturday. One of these is a
book relating to London Transport pannier tanks and authors John Scott-Thomas
and Kirk Morgan will be on hand to personally sign copies for visitors.
Further
details, including the timetables, are now available on our What's
On page.
31st March -
SPECIAL EVENTS ON THE SPA VALLEY
LONDON STEAM GALA - 24TH & 25TH
APRIL
This year's
Steam Gala will have a strong London suburban theme to it. The main star of the
event looks set to be former London Transport Pannier Tank L99, which has been
repainted over the winter in the railway's workshops. The locomotive which has
run as GWR 7715 since its arrival on the railway in the summer of 2008, worked
on London Underground surface lines between 1963 and 1970 before being preserved
at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton. Since then it has reappeared a
couple of times in its attractive maroon livery, making a couple of appearances
back on the London Underground as part of the famous Steam on the Met events
during the 1990s.
The gala will
be the first opportunity to see L99 in its new livery and the weekend will see
it operate with a number of former London Transport items of rolling stock now
preserved on the railway. It is hoped there will be a chance for passengers to
ride on a former London Transport T-Stock coach, built in 1938. This vehicle and
its twin have been out of traffic for ten years and it is hoped that works will
be completed in time to allow the vehicle to run once again.
L99 will be
supported by our ex-LMS Jinty 47493 which worked out of Bow on suburban
passenger trains when new on the LMS in 1927. It is also hoped that our Polish
TKh 'Spartan' will make its long awaited return to traffic following major
boiler repairs. The loco was undergoing steam tests in early March and will be
subject to a boiler inspection and running in prior to the event.
The event will
also feature late trains on the Saturday night with a Fish and Chip special and
Real Ale in Bar Car 'Kate'. Advanced booking is essential for the Fish and Chip
special.
The Saturday
of the event will feature a Readers Day for the readership of Steam Railway
magazine, so if you are a reader of this magazine, be sure to bring a copy of
the April edition (out 2nd April) to get a range of special offers, which
include a night photo shoot, brake van ride behind L99 and a chance to win a
footplate ride aboard L99.
THE BEST OF KENT AND SUSSEX
(INCLUDING BEER, WINE AND CHEESE) - 8TH & 9TH MAY
This events
will include produce from the two counties. In addition there will be
talks/Demonstrations onboard the train, entertainment during the day and on the Saturday
evening. Normal train times and Fares Come and enjoy This is not a farmers
market.
MEET PEPPA
PIG AND GEORGE - 12TH JUNE
Come
along to the Spa Valley Railway for a great day out with Peppa Pig and George!
On
Saturday 12 June, Peppa and George will be at Groombridge Station, with plenty
of time to meet everyone who arrives by steam train from Tunbridge Wells. Games
and activities add to the entertainment.
Trains
leave Tunbridge Wells West station at 1050, 1205, 1350, 1505 and 1620.
Normal
return fares apply; Adults £7.00, Children £3.50, Senior Citizens £6.00,
Family (2A+2C) £18.00.
Please
note that since car parking is not available at Groombridge station, visitors
should start their visit from Tunbridge Wells West station.
Tickets
are available on the day from the Booking Office at Tunbridge Wells West, so
please make sure you arrive in plenty of time for the train you wish to travel
on. Traffic on Saturdays in Tunbridge Wells can often be heavy, so please take
this into consideration when planning your journey.
SPA VALLEY SPRING GUIDED WALKS
After
a successful year in 2009 pioneering guided walks along the Grom Valley, the Spa
Valley Railway will once again be offering the chance to take one of their walks
in 2010.
The walk will be
like stepping back in time starting in the historic Pantiles, proceeding to the
prehistoric settlement at High Rocks and culminating a steam journey
back to Tunbridge Wells from Groombridge. Your guide will use his local
knowledge to show you some interesting and historical features that can be found
in this area. To quote a walker on the autumn walks:
“We
went on Richard's walk and besides discovering the countryside on Royal
Tunbridge Wells' doorstep we were fascinated to learn about its history, geology
and wildlife. All this followed by a ride on a steam-hauled train and a
cream tea in the dining car. A most enjoyable afternoon, and highly
recommended”.
As
well as doing a route through the Grom Valley, Richard will also be offering
additional themed walks that fit in with wider events in the South East in 2010
and with Spa Valley Railway events. For example, on June 19th during
the Spa Valley Railway’s 1940s weekend, the walk will guide you through the
wartime history of the countryside around Tunbridge Wells.
The
walks are on the following dates in Spring: 18th
April 2010, 24th April 2010, 30th May 2010, 19th
June 2010 and the 27th June 2010.
The
walks will mainly start at 13:00 and are over 3 miles long with steep hills and
muddy ground. The cost of the walk is £10 for a single ticket and cream tea or
£6 for a single ride back to Tunbridge Wells without a cream tea.
For more information and book your place please contact the railway on
01892 537715 or email svrwalks@hotmail.co.uk.
11th March -
CLOSED SEASON DEVELOPMENTS CONTINUE APACE
Over the last
month, the renovation works on the commercial department at Tunbridge Wells West
has continued to gather pace. In late February the floor had a new screeding put
over it, providing a smooth finish floor for the first time since the railway
opened. Three weeks later in early March, contractors moved on to site to start
erecting the new canopy that spans the open area between the shop/ticket office
and the toilet block. Already this has made a considerable difference creating a
spacious and welcoming environment for any event. The new floor tiles are now on
site and these will be laid in the next couple of weeks as everything is
prepared for the season opening. At the rear of the shed, a new area will be
built to store heating equipment for our dining trains.
Above:- The
commercial area in mid February with work underway on repainting the outside of
the upstairs room, completing the work that was started a number of years ago.
The end wall had also received a fresh coat of paint - Photo M. Dives
Below
Left:- Just a couple of weeks later the new canopy has been erected and the
awning cover is being fitted - Photo M. Dives
Below Right:- A view of the
public area showing how spacious and airy the area has become as a result of the
works - Photo M. Dives
Elsewhere,
behind the scenes the first phase of the shed electrical rewire is currently
approaching completion and in the next few weeks this should be commissioned to
allow the next stages to commence.
Finally the
outside canopy was completed late last year but due to the poor winter weather,
it has not been possible to complete the painting. This will be done in the
Spring when it starts to warm up a little.
Above:-
The new canopy at Tunbridge Wells, which offers visitors some shelter from the
weather when waiting for the trains - Photo S. Pay
4th February -
CLOSED SEASON DEVELOPMENTS
Although the
railway is currently closed, it doesn't mean that things are not going on. Since
the railway closed on January 1st, works have been underway to improve the
public area of the shed at Tunbridge Wells West. Since closure the temporary
marquee roof has been removed along with the original floor and interior
buildings, which has opened the area up considerably.
Over the next
few weeks the floor will be screeded, the walls of the upstairs training room
painted and finished and a new arched roof will be erected to provide a
spacious, multi-purpose public area. Finally a new tiled floor will be laid to
provide a high class finish which will be easy to clean. All these works are the
first stages towards the construction of a mezzanine floor which will follow in
the future.
Outside in the
yard, a brand new road access ramp has been built to replace the previous
sleeper ramp which having been built 14 years ago as a temporary measure, had
become life expired. The now concrete ramp will provide a consistent ramp up to
the tracks in the yard and means we won't have to worry about getting lorries in
for a number of years to come.
Above Left:- The
site after the old access ramp had been removed and the ground prepared on 21st
December - Photo R. Sharpe
Above Right:- Just over a month later and the new
concrete ramp has been completed and curing before being opened to regular
traffic - Photo R. Sharpe
In the shed,
work continues on restoring a number of our steam engines whilst giving some
vital maintenance to the running fleet. The Pannier tank has now taken up
residence in a purpose made tent, so that it can receive a fresh coat of paint
during the shutdown period. The Jinty is also receiving some well earned
maintenance on its valve gear as well as a valve exam. Over in Carriage and
Wagon, a new roof is being placed on the group's workshop. More news can be
found on the 75F pages.
At Groombridge,
work has been undertaken on the final signal base. The concrete on this base was poured
over the weekend of 30th/31st January and now means that all the bases are
complete. Work is still to be completed on retaining walls for some of the bases
as well as the important job of erecting the signal posts themselves.
Elsewhere work continues on the signal box, fitting it out and preparing the
lever frame for installation. More information can be found on our Eridge
News Page.
NEW PHOTOS
New
photographs have been added to our Photo
Gallery of the December snow showing some of the engines in operation over
the Santa Special period.
Archive
to Older Railway News
Last Updated 29th June 2010. ©M. Dives