Welcome to GRES

Hello Folks

We’ve enjoyed/endured a further heatwave during July and as I write this I’m pleased to see that the temperature has dropped slightly. I hope you are all continuing to keep well, keep cool and stay hydrated.

James Willis gave us a fascinating talk on Tuesday 7th July, and there was a good bit of audience participation which meant that a good time was had by all. Again, attendance was low and it was a shame that more members did not have the opportunity to hear James’ talk peppered with photos and personal stories.

We had an enjoyable time at the Kent County Show in Detling on Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th July as well as the Big Day Out in Dartford on Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th July. Both were ideal opportunities to engage with individuals and families to talk about and promote GRES, including our model railway exhibition, to many people who would otherwise not know about the society. Iain would like to thank all the members who gave up their time to assist at both events.

We had the opportunity to do the same at the Gravesend Regatta, Gordon Promenade last weekend (1st – 2nd August) thankyou to everyone that attended.

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, 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 1st September – We have an opportunity to spend an evening with Mark Bathurst, who will be telling us about the history and preservation of the Medway Queen, 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 have already booked to attend the GRES (Tom Fletcher) Annual Outing to the Mid-Hants Railway (Watercress Line). From responses received, the following have been determined:

• 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. On the basis of getting a 53-seater coach, at a reasonable price per person, we won’t be offering a rail travel option
• Further enquiries showed that most members do not want a main meal, so we’ll leave members to make their own arrangements during the visit to the Mid-Hants Railway
• We’re asking members and guests to be at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell at 07.45 for a prompt departure at 08.00 and, with a comfort stop part-way, we’ll aim to get to Alresford station at 10.30.
• Departure from Alresford station will be around 16.30 – 17.00 and, with a comfort break part-way, we’ll aim to be back at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell around 19.15 – 19.30.

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 MacTaggart 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:

Sunday 2nd August – Bredgar Model Railway Show, Detling, ME14 3JF (8am – 6pm). Adults – £20, Accompanied 5-15s – £11, 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.

Sunday 9th – Bus Rally, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE (10am – 5pm). Either buy separate tickets or combine with a ticket to ride the trains. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

Sunday 16th – Bus & Car Show, Gamecock Meadow, London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, TN15 6BZ (10am – 4pm). Free Entry with transport related sales stands in the Village hall. Free bus rides on old and new vehicles.

Saturday 22nd August – Southwark & District MRC present a Model Railway Exhibition & Summer Fete at St Peter’s Church, Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road, London, SE17 2HH (10am – 5pm). Adults – £5, Children & Concessions – £2. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.

Saturday 22nd August – Model Railway Exhibition, Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HE (10am – 5pm). Either buy separate tickets or combine with a ticket to ride the trains. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

I look forward to seeing some of you on Tuesday 4th August. Please ask if you have any questions.

Regards

George Marcar (for GRES Committee)