Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Good afternoon all
I thought it would be a good idea to keep everyone updated regularly on the progress at our "little hidden gem" in Shepherdswell. We have just seen record breaking Santa Specials, with more people visiting than ever before.
Now that they are over, we can concentrate on getting the site ready for the public during the closed season. Of course, the site is still open six days a week even when trains aren't running! Our Woodland and Education team have been busy constructing log cabins in the woods for Scout Groups and visitors, to act as camping accommodation and information points. This will work nicely alongside our Railway Jamboree event next year.
You may have have seen in the local paper that we are hoping to restore our iconic class 205 Thumper diesel train, although this will be a difficult task, and one that will require funding from donations. If you are interested in supporting this cause, visit
www.everyclick.com/ekr.
Progress is also being made on constructing a new toilet block and shop building, to help us cope with the planned increase i visitor numbers. Funds are being gathered for this and we aim to have something in place by the middle of 2013.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and helping us achieve our goals, visit the website for more details or send me a message. We are a friendly bunch and we need all the help we can get in order to grow and be as successful as we would like.
Have a great Christmas
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,707
Hi Josh - thanks for the update, brilliant work you guys are doing.
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Thanks Ross! Will keep you all updated
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Mr Watkins sir,If you have a welding plant on site but no welder,I can not get around like I used to but was a welder on the Railway and overseas for about 40years ,so at no cost if you need my help I have a car,I might be a help in some small ways at times just ring me and I will come out, I still have my site safety cards etc do not run out for two more years yet. Thank you.I also worked on the old p/way but could not do that now,but anyway just call me.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
Vic. I will pass that offer onto the lads with thanks.
Thats the kind of offer EKR are looking for and I'm sure your next visit will not be your last.
Why not pop over sometime, let me know and we can catch up over a coffee in Colonals Cafe?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Thank you I will just do that once the newyear is in.
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Hi Vic, that's a fantastic offer, thanks! Feel free to pop up any time for a coffee, there's always someone about to talk to, and we would be very grateful for someone like you with a wealth of experience to come and help us out with our massive list of projects.
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Thank you and yes I will do just that once we see the newyear in next week.
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Brilliant! Working days tend to be on a wednesday, although there will always be someone there Tuesday-Sunday. We have no trains running now until March, so this is the perfect time to get cracking with engineering tasks ready for the opening again. Plenty to do and I'm sure you'll enjoy it! Happy new year!
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
As I said my walking is no good but,let me come out and we will have a talk. And a happy new year to you and your helpers and family.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I was out that way today but the gate was not open but the lock was off,but I did not go in,will call again in new year.
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Ah its possible someone was there working, although we are not officially open until Wednesday. Best to come over when the cafe is open as there will be more going on
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Was out there again today,thank you to the members who made me feel at home from the start,and one of them was a man I worked with over 40years ago and not seen him again till today.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
Great to see you out there today Vic, Josh was sorry he missed you but will catch up with you soon.
Alan was pleased to meet up with you again and thanks for the coffee.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
Again thank you,I did not have time to walk the site etc,but will back,with my legs like they are, I just hope that I can play apart in helping.
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Hi Vic, I must apologise, as I arrived into the cafe I saw you chatting with Alan Coe, although I didn't realise that was you, I thought you might have been a member of public, otherwise I'd have introduced myself! Next time hopefully we'll get the chance to have a chat but I'm glad you enjoyed it down there and it is great to welcome you on to the team!
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
For any of you who may live in or near Shepherdswell, come along to the Colonel's Cafe at the EKR! Open Tuesday-Sunday!
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
I did not know till I went out there how much work they have done,it all looks great ,and I hope that I can help in some way.
Guest 813- Registered: 7 Nov 2012
- Posts: 144
Its such a great positive place to be Vic. There's not many of us, so we desperately need all the help we can get, so anything you can do will be fantastic
Josh Watkins - Youth Team Manager & Website Administrator
East Kent Railway, Shepherdswell near Dover
