GRES March 2026 news

George Marcar

8 March 2026

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Hello Folks

I hope you are all keeping well. And still it has rained during February, although as I write this it has stopped raining and the sun is shining!

We had two interesting and entertaining meetings during February. On Tuesday 3rd, we had the privilege of spending an evening with Adam Curtis who informed us about the selection of photos he showed to entertain us, mainly steam engines spread across mainline specials and preserved lines – and I’m certain that those who attended had their knowledge of different tank engines enhanced as a result! And, on Thursday 19th, Tony Riley returned to inform us about the the first 50 notable events, of 100, that impacted on rail travel over the past two centuries. As this was during the blockade between Gravesend and beyond Dartford station, Tony had to leave at a specific time to catch the replacement bus so we only got as far as 44 and when he returns for part two on 5 May we will learn about the further 56 notable events.

I was pleased to see a good attendance from GRES at the three ZOOM meetings that returned for the winter period.These have now concluded and we will be speaking with the LRS and SEERS to determine what we do next winter, and we may do the same again with each society taking responsibility for one meeting each – so more information nearer the time.

Here’s another reminder to invite your friends and family to subscribe to our new and improved Facebook site. If you have yet to do so, we would also like you to please subscribe and spread the word: https://www.facebook.com/people/GRES-Gravesend-Railway-Enthusiasts-Society/61552508150631/

We now have less than 20 of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions remaining. These include an individually numbered certificate signed by Ella plus a brief history of our exhibitions and would make a great present for a railway enthusiast or someone with an interest in Gravesham 😊. While the standard price is £19.99, current GRES members can obtain their wagon(s) for only £14.99 each.

November GRES Exhibition

We are still on the lookout for a new venue for our 2026 exhibition. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch. More information can be found via the link below.

Important Notice for GRES November 2026 Exhibtion

GRES meetings:

Tuesday 3rd March – Having delivered an interesting talk about the Berlin Telephone Tap last year, Robert (Bob) Gibbs returns to tell us about The luck of KoKura. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm)

Thursday 19th March – If you ever wondered about the North Downs Steam Railway and what happened to it, then wonder no more as Bryan Puxley will tell us about The Life and Death of the North Downs Railway. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).

Future GRES date for your diaries:

Tuesday 7th April – David Hanger returns to deliver another an interesting talk, this time titled A ticket to ride. What is it about, well there’s only one way to find out! So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).

For those who like their model railway exhibitions, please note the following during March:

Saturday 7th March – East Kent Model Railway Society Deal Exhibition, The Landmark Centre, High Street, Deal, CT14 6BB (Saturday: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £7, Children 5-15 – £1. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available

Saturday 14th – Beckenham Model Railway Society Exhibition, Forest Hill School, Dacres Road, Forest Hill, London, SE23 2XN (Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm). Adults – £10, Accompanied U16s – free. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd – East Grinstead Model Railway Exhibition, Sackville School, Lewis Road, East Grinstead, RH19 3TY (Saturday: 10am – 5pm & Sunday: 10am – 4pm).

Adults – £7, Concessions – £5, Under 16s – free. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd – London Model Railway Exhibition, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY. (Saturday: 10am – 5pm & Sunday: 10am – 4.30pm). Adults – £17, Children – £8, Family – £40. Up to 40 layouts, up to 90 trade stands plus many other displays.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday 3^rd March. Please ask if you have any questions.

Regards

George Marcar (for GRES Committee)

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