Welcome to GRES

2025 AGM
2025-09-18 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Thursday 18 September – AGM
The GRES AGM 2025 will be held on Thursday 18 September from 7.45pm at our usual location of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Gravesend.

The current GRES Committee are eager to attract new members onto the new GRES Committee and the self-proposal form is available on request. If you would like the opportunity to influence and shape the direction of GRES going forward, please complete the form by Tuesday 2 September – either by email to the GRES Secretary – Bryan Puxleyor by hand at the next GRES Meeting. In answer to questions raised, completing the self-proposal form would be helpful to the current GRES Committee, although members are still able to put themselves forward at the AGM itself, provided they have a proposer and a seconder, and any current member can put themselves forward for any Committee position.

Second, I hope many of you will be able to attend the GRES AGM on Thursday 18 September. If so, please read through the minutes of the GRES AGM 2024 and the various reports as we’ll be taking a vote on each before the break for refreshments. If you are unable to attend and would like to pass on your apologies or raise any questions, please contact the GRES Secretary – Bryan Puxley.

Please ask if you have any questions.

Regular meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday and the second-to-last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Faversham Model Railway Exhibition 2025
2025-09-13 10:00 - 2025-09-14 16:00 | The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8RZ, The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8RZ, United Kingdom
Faversham Model Railway Exhibition 2025📅 13–14 September 2025
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
📍 The Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8RZ
🚂 Layouts | Trade Support | Society Stands | Refreshments | Free On-Site Parking
🎟️ Admission:
Adults (17+): £7.00
Children (5–16): £3.00
Under 5’s: Free
Cash preferred
🔗 More info: www.favershammrc.org.uk

Modelling Group Evening 11th September 2025
2025-09-11 18:00 - 20:00
GRES also has a dedicated sub-section for members who are passionate about model railways. Our focus is primarily on 00 Gauge, and we work on both personal layouts and two club layouts that we maintain collectively.
We hold meetings twice a month at our venue in Longfield, Kent, providing an opportunity for members to collaborate, share ideas, and work on layouts together. The specific meeting dates can be found here.
To become a part of the GRES Model Railway Club, you will need to have an active GRES membership as well as a subscription to the Model Railway Club.

CDMES Rail 200 - Trains Return to Ramsgate Harbour Sunday, 7th September 2025
2025-09-07 10:00 - 16:00
Trains Return to Ramsgate Harbour

About the event
The Canterbury & District Model Engineering Society (CDMES) presents a seaside model engineering day along the former Ramsgate Harbour railway terminus site. Expect ride-on model railways on portable tracks, a traction engine display in the Marina Esplanade Car Park and a model railway exhibition inside the atmospheric Ramsgate Tunnels.
Highlights

Ride-on model railways (live steam & electric) on the seafront promenade.
Live-steam traction engines on display in the marina car park.
Model railway exhibition & layouts inside Ramsgate Tunnels.
Family friendly — good for railway enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Practical information

When
Sunday, 7 September 2025 — 10:00 to 16:00
Where
Marina Esplanade (seafront promenade), Marina Esplanade Car Park & Ramsgate Tunnels.
Organiser
Canterbury & District Model Engineering Society (CDMES)

Accessibility
Ramsgate Tunnels are historic — some areas may have limited accessibility. If you require assistance, contact the organisers in advance.
Travel & parking
Public transport to Ramsgate town centre is recommended. Limited parking may be available at Marina Esplanade Car Park.

Venues

Marina Esplanade (Promenade)
Ride-on model railways and seafront displays.

Marina Esplanade Car Park
Live-steam traction engine display and family-friendly exhibits.

Ramsgate Tunnels
Indoor model railway exhibition in the Victorian tunnel complex.

London Buses in the 1960s & 1970s - Paul Hills
2025-09-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 2 September – London Buses in the 1960s & 1970s – Paul Hills
Regular meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday and the second-to-last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Days Lane Baptist Church (Sidcup) – Family Fun Weekend Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2025
2025-08-30 10:30 - 2025-08-31 15:00 | Days Lane Baptist Church, Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JX, Days Lane Baptist Church, Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JX, United Kingdom
Event Details
Location: Days Lane Baptist Church, Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JX
Saturday 30th August 2025 – Fun Day & BBQ
Time: 10:30 am – 3:00 pm

Games and prizes
Model train exhibits
Arts and crafts
Face painting
Refreshments
BBQ

Sunday 31st August 2025 – Family Service & Outdoor Picnic
Time: 11:00 am

Family service
Outdoor picnic

This is a FREE family weekend event and open to everyone!
For more information, visit www.dayslanebaptistchurch.org.uk

Ashford Train Maintenance Depot Open day 2025
2025-08-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Ashford Train Maintenance Depot, Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, Station Road, Ashford, TN23 1EZ, United Kingdom
Sunday 24th August – Southeastern are holding an open day at their Ashford Train Maintenance Depot (10am – 4pm).
Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, Station Road Ashford TN23 1EZ
The event will allow visitors to explore the depot, see heritage engines, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for children. Southeastern says that proceeds will go to Railway 200 charities.

Step Behind the Scenes: Southeastern’s Exclusive Railway 200 Depot Open Day

Celebrate 200 years of railway history – Southeastern is opening the doors to Ashford Train Maintenance Centre for an exclusive behind-the-scenes open day
Go where the public never goes – our engineering team will guide train enthusiasts of all ages through one of the region’s largest and most impressive train depots
Sunday 24th August – tickets go on sale soon, so don’t miss your chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!

To celebrate 200 years of the passenger railway in the UK; Southeastern is opening the doors to their train maintenance depot in Ashford for one very special day.
This unique event, hosted by the Southeastern engineering team, will take train enthusiasts of all ages behind the scenes of one of the largest railway depots in the region.
Meet the People Behind the Railway
Guests will have the opportunity to meet people who work in a variety of roles at Southeastern and across the wider rail industry – from engineers and drivers to safety specialists and infrastructure experts.
Get Up Close with Incredible Trains
Of course, there are also exceptional opportunities to get up close with a stunning range of trains from both today and yesterday!
Visitors can walk through the maintenance shed and see a variety of Southeastern trains, including the special Railway 200 Class 395 ‘Javelin’ train – 395015.

From there, visitors can continue outside into the operational yard to see a fantastic selection of heritage trains, including:

Clan line steam engine
MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Hastings Diesel ‘Thumper’
Balfour Beatty Tamper
Class 73
Class 66
Bluebell ‘Stepney’ Locomotive

All trains are subject to availability and may change before the event.
Discover 200 Years of Railway Heritage
It’s not just about the trains – a host of stands will tell the incredible story of 200 years of railway history.
The Southeastern Recruitment Team will be available to showcase the fantastic and varied career opportunities available, perfect for those considering joining the railway industry.
Colleagues from Network Rail will also be on hand to explain how they manage, maintain and repair the infrastructure that keeps services moving, day in and day out.
British Transport Police will be available to provide insights into their vital work keeping our railways safe – alongside the Southeastern Safeguarding Team and the Network Rail Margate Safety Team.
A special Hornby stand will be available throughout the day, giving visitors the opportunity to browse and purchase from their extensive range of model trains, including the special Railway 200 high-speed train.
Why not also take the opportunity to check out the incredible AIMREC Model Railway and meet the passionate teams who run the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and the Kent and East Sussex Railway.
Those who feel the need for speed can meet Southeastern employee and racing driver Toby Trice and see his Porsche Cayman.
Fun for All the Family
Last but not least, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained – including a roundabout ride, a miniature train, and the chance to see a selection of working diggers in action

Purchase tickets using the link below
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/southeastern-train-depot-open-day-tickets-1469564469889

Modelling Group Evening 14th August 2025
2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00

Tinkers Park Railway Gala 2025
2025-08-09 10:00 - 2025-08-10 17:00 | Tinkers Park, Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HS, Tinkers Park, Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HS, United Kingdom
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th August – Tinkers Park Railway Gala, Tinkers Park, Main Road, Hadlow Down, East Sussex, TN22 4HS (10am – 5pm both days).
Payment via cash only
Adults – £8,
Accompanied Under 16s – £2,
Family – £20.
Model railway layouts, trade stands, rides on a narrow gauge railway and a beer tent. Plus a bus rally on the Sunday.
There will be intensive train action on the Great Bush Railway, plus a special appearance from a local classic car club, as well as a small funfair for the children, also our ever popular traction engine trailer rides around the 25 acre site, along with cab rides in our Green Goddess fire engine.
For all enquiries relating to the Railway Gala, please contact: mrplus@tinkerspark.com
For Bus entry requests, especially if you would like to be in service over the weekend. please contact: busrally@tinkerspark.com
Cash-only site

Bexhill Model Railway Exhibition 2025
2025-08-09 10:00 - 17:00 | St Richards Catholic College, Ashdown Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex, TN40 1SE, United Kingdom
Saturday 9th August – Bexhill Model Railway Exhibition, St Richards Catholic College, Ashdown Road, Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex TN40 1SE (10am – 5pm).
Adults – £6,
Accompanied Under 16s – £2,
Family – £14.
22 layouts and 10 trade stands.
Attendance List

Attendance List for the up coming Exhibition

Layouts:
Out West 0n30
‘U’ Drive It
St. Petrock Quay 0 / 0-16.5
Neustist N
Gas Street Yard 0
Penmawr 00
Largar and Lime Works 0n30
Wickhambreux Road 00
Tram Layout 00
Pagham Harbour 0-16.5
Rybnik N
Richborough Port N
Queen Charlotte’s Dock 0
Fence Houses NCB 00
Canute Road Quay 00
Daconby Town 3mm
Traders
Rail Books
Mike Turner
Golden Arrow Productions
Euroscale Models
Roger Jones
Supercast
The Wagon Yard
Neale Rainer
Squires Tools
Harrison Brown
Societies
7mm Narrow Gauge Assiciation
Southern Electric Group
Hastings Tramways Group
BMRC Sales stand
BRMC Display

Gravesend West in miniature - GRES Modellers
2025-08-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 5 August – Gravesend West in miniature – GRES Modellers

Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Invicta Model Railway Exhibition Sunday 3rd August 2025
2025-08-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Bredgar & Wormshill Model Railway, The Warren, Swanton Street, Bredgar, Kent, ME9 8AT, The Warren, Swanton Street, Bredgar,, Kent, ME9 8AT, United Kingdom
Invicta Model Railway Exhibition Sunday 3rd August 2025

Our 3rd August 2025 Event day incorporates a model railway exhibition featuring layouts and trade/Society stands.
This is an indoor/outdoor event.
A favourite in the steam day calendar, the Engine Shed is converted to an exhibition among the locos. Organised by Invicta Model Rail Invicta Model Rail stockists of Hornby, Bachmann, Peco, Gaugemaster and most other leading brands, hosted in conjunction with a BWLR Steam Day, it makes a fantastic family day out. Plenty of model rail layouts to wonder at and stalls to wander around, it caters for the seasoned hobbyist to the newly inspired. Best value tickets are online up until the day before, get yours here:

Invicta Model Railway Show and Steam Day – Sunday 3rd August

Layouts

Layouts include
Rainbow Rock (GN15)
Loads Of Balls
Somewhere In France (oo9)
Neustift (N)
Stoney Shaw (016.5)
Fawcett Street (OO)
Shillingstone (N)
Frittenden Rd (O)
Holmeshurst (O)
Nonington Quay (OO)
Heathcote (N)
Crookham Vale (OO9)
Cawdor (OO)
Ore & Upless light railway

Trade/Society stand include
Invicta Model Rail, Sidcup. Tel: 0208 302 7774
Sittingbourne & Kemsley
Andy Lynch Secondhand
NGRS (Narrow Gauge Railway Society)

Bredgar & Wormshill Model Railway Show, The Warren, Swanton Street, Bredgar, Kent, ME9 8AT (10am – 4pm). Adults – £20, Under 16s – £10, Family – £50; (or £15, £7.50 and £40 respectively if tickets bought in advance). Charges include unlimited rides on the narrow-gauge steam trains

Sevenoaks Model Railway Show 2025
2025-07-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Sevenoaks Primary School Brandbourne Park Road (Entrance) Sevenoaks Kent TN13 3LB, SEVENOAKS: Sevenoaks Primary School 0 Brandbourne Park Road (Entrance) Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3LB, United Kingdom
SUNDAY 27TH JULY
10am – 4pm

Sevenoaks Primary School
Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3LB
20 fully scenic model railway layouts and 13 trade stands, Free on site parking and full wheelchair access. On site café. Ticket prices listed below include discounted entry prices for pre booking. Entry price for ticket sales on the door on the day will be slightly higher and tickets on the day are available from 10am on the Sunday. All those with pre booked tickets also get early entry from 9:45am on the day. Discounted pre booked tickets will be taken off sale at 8am on the day of the show.
ON THE DAY DOOR PRICES:
Adults £7
Over 65’s £5
Child (3 to 16) £5
Family £15 ( 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children)
PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AND PAY:
Adults £5.95
Over 65’s £3.95
Child (3 to 16) £3.95
Family ( 2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children) – £12.95
Unfortunately, we regret that dogs are not permitted at the venue, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs.
Show runs from 10am to 4pm with early entry at 9:45am for pre booked discounted ticket holders
Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult
Please note although the ample onsite car park is free, it might fill quickly and the car park will not be marshalled on the day. Parking on site is at your own risk

164th Birthday of Dover Priory railway station - 26th July
2025-07-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Priory Station Approach Road, Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB, United Kingdom, Priory Station Approach Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB, United Kingdom
Name the bear competition
Raffle
Vintage bus rides
Trades stands
Windmill Hill, child-friendly layout
..and more!

On Saturday, 26th July, customers and colleagues are invited to join the birthday celebrations at Dover Priory station as it celebrates its 164th birthday!
James Pickering, a member of the station, said:
“There will be a smaller Birthday Party to celebrate the station’s actual birthday on Tuesday 22 July from 11:30 AM at Dover Priory Station Waiting Area.
“But Saturday will be an opportunity to see the unveiling of a display on the vast Railway History of Dover, which along with a small ceremony will feature a small buffet and of course a Birthday Cake!
“This project has meant a lot to me and has seen outstanding collaboration between Southeastern’s Dover Priory team, Dover District Council’s Community Rail Partnership, Southern Electric Group, Dover Transport Museum and former railway staff.”
Dover Priory station is located here: Google Maps (link opens in new window)
Information on Dover Priory station is available here: Dover Priory Station Information Page

Saturday 26th July 10am – 4pm
Dover Priory Station
Come along to Dover Priory Station to celebrate Dover Priory’s 164th birthday and the 200th anniversary of Britain’s Railways!
Lots of things to see and do!
Name the bear competition Raffle
Vintage bus rides around Dover Trade stands and so much more!
An event not to be missed, all whilst raising money for the Railway Benefit Fund.
Sponsored by White Cliffs Community Rail Partnership & Southern Electric Group.

About the event or activity
Venue
Priory Station Approach Road, Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB, United Kingdom
Date
26 July 2025
Further information
Open to the public, no booking required
Poster or Southern Electric Group Facebook page

Modelling Group Evening 23rd July 2025
2025-07-23 18:00 - 20:00

Chatham Show Purchase Early Bird Tickets Model Railway Exhibition 19-20th July 2025
2025-07-19 10:00 - 2025-07-20 16:00 | The Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ, United Kingdom
The Chatham Show is returning to the The Historic Dockyard Chatham for 2025 following the success of 2024. Join us on 19-20th July for one of the largest events in the South East celebrating all things model railways and model engineering.

Ticket Prices – Available Online
Prices locked for 2025
£10 on the day
£9 in Advance, also allowing entry 30 mins early at 9.30am each day
Accompanied children (under 16) free
Times
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 4pm

Modelling Group Evening 10th July 2025
2025-07-10 18:00 - 20:00

Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society - Andrew Hoseason
2025-07-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 1 July – Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society – Andrew Hoseason
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second to last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

East Kent Model Railway Society Pop-up Exhibition 2025
2025-06-28 11:00 - 16:00
A special exhibition with the East Kent Model Railway Society

Saturday 28 June, 11am to 4pm Pop Up Model Railway Show with East Kent Model Railway Society
Normal admission charges apply. Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are FREE

Tickets and Pricing

£3 concessions, £4 full admission, children 16 and under FREE accompanied by an adult

Bluebell Railway Model Railway Exhibition
2025-06-28 10:00 - 2025-06-29 16:00 | The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, NR Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 3QL., The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, NR Uckfield,, East Sussex, TN22 3QL., United Kingdom
View the timetable for this event
The event starts at 10am on Saturday and Sunday and finishes at 4pm on both days.
The layouts & traders are subject to change.
Prices are for travel and event admission.
* Any child (aged between 3-15 years old) can travel on our railway for just £1 with any fare-paying adult.
Under 3’s travel for free.
On-the-day tickets for this event will be available at our booking offices.
An enhanced platform ticket will be available for purchase on the day. This permits the holder to the event at Sheffield Park and also at Horsted Keynes, it does not permit travel by train

GRES Annual Outing to the Great Central Railway
2025-06-28 08:00 - 17:00

Modelling Group Evening 25th June 2025
2025-06-25 18:00 - 20:00

GRES Family day 22nd June 2025
2025-06-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Higham Memorial Hall, Rochester, School Lane Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7JL, United Kingdom
GRES Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society Family Day 22nd June 2025
Everyone, young and old, is invited to join us for an exciting day of railway-themed fun, including:

Model Train Layouts, Demonstrations & Displays
David Wills – Model Train Sales
Bob Vine – Amazing Marble Machines
Trainmaster, Train-Themed Events & Party Hosts
We Are Beams, Play Activities
4 Sub Association
Loco DCC Chip fitting and onsite repairs
LB&L Line Layout
Windmill Hill family friendly 00 Gauge layout
Jongreg 009 Gauge Layout
Locomotive graveyard 00 Gauge Layout
Double O Gauge Association
Dartford Scale Model Club
Rue CFF Bahnweg
Medway Slot Car Club
Dovetail games presenting Train Sim World® 5

+ more
Snacks plus Hot & Cold Drinks available to purchase
Free Parking
This is a FREE event hosted by GRES, but donations are always appreciated!
We are excited to announce that Dovetail Games will be joining us to show Train Sim World® 5 and their fantastic add-ons including Networkers and Thomas!

Join us for our free Family Day event on 22nd June 2025

Maidstone vintage toy fair Market Saturday 14 June
2025-06-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Lockmeadow Car park, Lockmeadow Car park, Baker Street, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LW, United Kingdom
Maidstone vintage toy fair Market
Kent’s largest toy collectors fair
Open 9am – 3pm
Admissions £3
DATES for 2025

Saturday 12 April
Saturday 14 June
Saturday 4 Oct
Saturday 6 Dec

Modelling Group Evening 12th June 2025
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00

**** Cancelled **** Fastrack - Shane Hymers, KC **** Cancelled ****
2025-06-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 3 June – Fastrack – Shane Hymers, KC
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled
The Emmanuel Church, Gravesend, has incurred a leak, and the water has been turned off as a result. Our meeting this evening has had to be cancelled.

Tuesday 3rd – Shane Hymers, from KCC will be joining us to talk about Go Ahead’s operation of Fastrack services around Gravesend and Dartford. I’m sure he will tell us about the issues faced in introducing electric buses to these services.
Regular meetings are usually held on the first Tuesday and the second-to-last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45pm at: Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Modelling Group Evening 28th May 2025
2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:00 | GRES Model Railway Club HQ, Longfield, United Kingdom

Billericay Model Railway Exhibition 2025
2025-05-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0XP, Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay,, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0XP, United Kingdom
Billericay Model Railway Exhibition, Hannakins Farm Community Centre, Rosebay Avenue, Billericay, CM12 0XP (10am – 4pm). Adults – £5.00, Concessions – £4.50, Under 18s – £3.00, Family – £13.00.

Midland & Great Northern Railway - Bob Poole
2025-05-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Thursday 22 May – Midland & Great Northern Railway – Bob Poole
Regular meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday and the second-to-last Thursday of each month. Meetings start at 7.45 pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB

Modelling Group Evening 15th May 2025
2025-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | GRES Model Railway Club HQ, Longfield, United Kingdom
