Welcome to GRES

Hello Folks

Happy American Independence Day! We’ve enjoyed/endured a heatwave during June and it looks like we have another one coming next week. I hope you are all continuing to keep well, keep cool and stay hydrated.

Henry Harryman gave us a fascinating talk about Roosendaal station on Tuesday 2nd June, which we learnt has a personal, family connection. Again, attendance was low and it was a shame that more members did not have the opportunity to hear Henry’s talk peppered with many photos and anecdotes.

We had an enjoyable Family Day at the Higham Village Memorial Hall on Sunday 21st June, and Iain MacTaggart would like to thank all the members who gave up their time to assist over the day. It was a shame that we did not have more visitors but the extremely warm weather may have prompted family trips to the seaside; however, those who visited expressed their enjoyment and commented on the friendly atmosphere – something valued and synonymous with Brand GRES.

David Hanger has kindly shared the LRS newsletter for June, which is attached for your entertainment.

 

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/

With further sales of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions at the GRES Family Day, there are fewer remaining. Remember, 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.

 

Future GRES dates for your diaries:

Tuesday 4th August – We have an opportunity to spend an evening with Graeme Gleaves, celebrated preservationist, who many of you will know is part of the group helping to restore 4SUB 4732 back to pristine condition – and the first restored motor coach is now back at the 1:1 collection at Margate. However, this time, Graeme will talk about Preserving the Ruston & Hornsby 88DS, which promises to be an interesting presentation. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).

Saturday 5th September – Thank you to the members who replied to my questions about the GRES (Tom Fletcher) Annual Outing to the Mid-Hants Railway (Watercress Line). From responses received so far:

• Many members and their friends/family would like to attend on Saturday 5th September
• The vast majority of members would prefer to meet at our usual meeting point of St Paul’s Church, Singlewell and travel between there and the Mid-Hants Railway by coach
• Some members would like a meal. So, as this is not the preference of all, we’ll look to see what can be arranged during the visit to the Mid-Hants Railway.

Of course, if anyone wishes to travel by train to Alton please let me know and we can make arrangements to meet you upon arrival. More details to follow shortly.

Saturday 24th October – The date of our Model Railway Exhibition for 2026. Northfleet School for Girls are unable to host our usual exhibition at the beginning of November 2026, so this year we are holding a one-day exhibition at St George’s Church Hall, Church Street, Gravesend, DA11 0DJ. Put the date in your diary if you have not already done so. More details over the coming months. GRES Exhibition 24th October 2026 – Welcome to GRES

Any assistance that you can give at the GRES Model Railway Exhibition would be gratefully accepted – such as: monitoring the car park, looking after the pay desk, stewarding. If you are able to help, even for a short time, please advise me or Iain at a GRES meeting or on exhibition.manager@gres.org.uk

For those who like their model railway exhibitions and big events, please note the following:

Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July – The Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF (8am – 6pm). Adults – £26 (in advance – £23), Accompanied 5-15s – £8 (in advance £6), Family – £65 (in advance £55). This is the flagship event for farming, agriculture and rural life in Kent, showcasing the very best of what the ‘Garden of England’ has to offer. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

Saturday 11th – Southwark & District and Tonbridge Model Railway Clubs present an exhibition at St John’s Church & Centre, 194 Church Road, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, TN11 9HR (10am – 3pm). Free entry. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th – Dartford Big Day Out, Central Park Market Street, Dartford, DA1 1EU (Sat & Sun: 11am – 7pm). Free entry. Many fun activities across the weekend, including a GRES stand. Again, please let Iain MacTaggart know if you’re able to assist. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

 

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th – Chatham Show 2026. Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TZ (Sat: 10am – 5pm; Sun: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £11 (in advance – £10), Accompanied 5-15s – free. This is a flagship model railway exhibition, at which GRES has a presence. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

 

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August – Iain MacTaggart has secured a pitch at the Gravesend Regatta, which allows GRES to reach out to more people visiting from Gravesend and beyond. So, he would like assistance over those two days and, of course, as a willing helper you would be able to look around the event during breaks. If you would like to help on the GRES stand, please contact Iain.

I look forward to seeing some of you on Tuesday 7th July. Please ask if you have any questions.

Regards

George Marcar (for GRES Committee)