Welcome to GRES

Modelling Group Evening 15th October 2026
2026-10-15 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | E Sussex
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.

Modelling Group Evening 23rd September 2026
2026-09-23 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

Spa Valley 2026
2026-09-19 10:00 - 2026-09-20 16:00 | E Sussex
Spa Valley Railway model railway weekend
19/20 September 2026
Tunbridge Wells West Station
Message from Spa valley:

We’re hosting our big and popular Model Railway Show in September (a smaller show is taking place in March 2026), featuring a gathering of model railways in a variety of scales, including N, OO, O, OO9, S, and other gauges. Come along to see layouts at Tunbridge Wells West, Groombridge & Eridge with trade stands, too! This event is fun for the whole family; with so much to do, it is a must-attend show in the area. Families can take part in our model railway hunt with a chance to win a prize!
Our engine shed at Tunbridge Wells West will be filled with layouts, with additional selections available at Groombridge, Eridge, and, on board the trains too!
The show is open from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, 19th September, and Sunday, 20th September 2026.
Entry tickets can be purchased on the day of the event or online. Prices are shown below.
We expect at least 30 layouts and 10 trade stands to be in attendance at the 2026 show, plus a great two-train service to match using Bulleid Pacific 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’ as one of the locomotives in service!

2026 AGM (members only)
2026-09-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Thursday 17 Sept – AGM (members only)
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 10th September 2025
2026-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

GRES Annual Outing – Mid‑Hants Railway (Watercress Line)
2026-09-05 08:00 - 19:30 | E Sussex
Saturday 5th September
Overview
Thank you to all members who have already booked to attend the GRES (Tom Fletcher) Annual Outing to the Mid‑Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line. Based on the responses received, the arrangements for the day have now been confirmed.

Travel Arrangements
Coach Travel
The vast majority of members expressed a preference to meet at our usual meeting point and travel together by coach. As a result:

We will depart from St Paul’s Church, Singlewell. DA11 7RE
A luxury 53‑seat coach (with toilet) has been booked.
Due to this arrangement, rail travel will not be offered.

Timings

07:45 – Arrival at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell DA11 7RE
08:00 – Prompt departure
Comfort stop en route
10:30 – Arrival at Alresford Station (Watercress Line)

Return journey:

16:30–17:00 – Departure from Alresford Station
Comfort stop en route
19:15–19:30 – Arrival back at St Paul’s Church, Singlewell DA11 7RE

Food Arrangements
Most members indicated they did not require a main meal. Attendees are therefore welcome to make their own arrangements for food during the visit.

Costs
GRES is pleased to cover much of the cost of hiring the coach. Attendees will pay a special group rate to GRES:

£30 for adults
£14 for under‑16s

This includes:

Entry to the Watercress Line
A contribution towards the coach hire

Booking Information
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Booking Notes (dietary requirements, accessibility needs, or anything else)Submit Booking
Bookings are now open. Members are welcome to bring friends and family, including children under 16.
Payment
Payments should be made to GRES:

Bank transfer: Ask for details
Reference: GRES Outing 2026
Cash or cheque: Accepted at any GRES meeting.

We Look Forward to Seeing You
This promises to be an enjoyable day out on one of the country’s most charming heritage railways. We hope you can join us for a relaxed and sociable outing.

Club Talk – Tuesday 1st September 2026 - 'Preserving The Medway Queen' - Mark Bathurst
2026-09-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
‘Preserving The Medway Queen’ – Mark Bathurst

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 26th August 2026
2026-08-26 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

Southwark and District MRC Exhibition and Summer Fete 2026
2026-08-22 10:00 - 17:00 | St Peter’s Church, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road London SE17 2HH, St Peter’s Church,, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road, London, SE17 2HH, United Kingdom
📅 Date & Time
Saturday 22nd August 2026 Open: 10:00 – 17:00
📍 Venue
St Peter’s Church, Walworth Liverpool Grove, Walworth Road London SE17 2HH
🎟️ Admission

£5 Adults
£2 Children & Concessions

🚉 Access & Transport

Event held over three levels within the church
Wheelchair access available to the ground floor Church and lower‑level Crypt Hall
Excellent public transport links via Elephant & Castle Rail & Tube
Multiple bus routes along Walworth Road
Some refreshments available on site

⭐ What You’ll Find

Lots of amazing model railway layouts across different scales
Summer Fête stalls with activities, games, and community stands
Friendly club members on hand to chat, demonstrate, and guide
A welcoming atmosphere for families, newcomers, and seasoned modellers

Modelling Group Evening 13th August 2026
2026-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

Club Talk – Tuesday 4th August 2026 - Preserving the Ruston & Hornsby 88DS' - Graeme Gleaves
2026-08-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Preserving the Ruston & Hornsby 88DS’ – Graeme Gleaves
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 29th July 2026
2026-07-29 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

Chatham 2026
2026-07-18 10:00 - 2026-07-19 16:00 | The Historic Dockyard Chatham, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ, United Kingdom
The Chatham Show 18th and 19th July 2026
Chatham & District Model Railway Club Layouts

Modelling Group Evening 16th July 2026
2026-07-16 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

Club Talk – Tuesday 7th July 2026- Memories of Britain's railways - James Willis and Jeremy Washington
2026-07-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 7th July – Memories of Britain’s railways – James Willis and Jeremy Washington
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

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Steam & Beer Music Festival 2026
2026-06-27 11:00 - 2026-06-28 18:00 | Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, Sittingbourne Viaduct Station, Sittingbourne, ME10 2XD, United Kingdom
Steam & Beer Music Festival 2026 – Event Details
Event Overview
The Steam & Beer Music Festival returns for 2026 with two full days of live music, real ales, ciders, and family‑friendly fun.
Dates: 27–28 June 2026
Location: Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway – access via Sittingbourne Viaduct (ME10 2XD)

Music Line‑Up
Saturday

Steam & Beer
The Paper Castles
Forever Hallie
The LKG Trio
All the Kewl Things
Trading Places

Sunday

Beer Pressure
Others TBC

Tickets
Saturday Tickets

Adults: £15 (18+ includes free glass)
Seniors: £14 (includes free glass)
Children: £8 (Under 3s free)
SKLR Members: £6

Sunday Tickets

18+ includes free glass
Tickets available in advance or on the day

QR codes for ticket purchase are available on the poster.

Drinks & Refreshments

Real ales including Beidzy Brown
Ciders: 11am until late on Saturday
Pimms: 11am until 6pm on Sunday
Spirits available
Featured brewery: Romney Marsh Brewery – A Decade in the Making (4.5%)

Travel
Visitors can catch the train from Sittingbourne Viaduct (ME10 2XD) directly to the festival site.

Contact & Socials

Phone: 01795 424899
Website: www.sklr.net
Social: @SandKLR

Modelling Group Evening 24th June 2026
2026-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

GRES Family day 21st June 2026
2026-06-21 10:00 - 16:00 | Higham Memorial Hall, Rochester, School Lane Higham, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7JL, United Kingdom
For the second year, we are proud to announce Family Day 2026, on 21st June, 2026.
The Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society is proud to host our 2nd annual Family Day – a fun-filled event for all ages!
🚂 What’s on:

Model Train Layouts, Demonstrations & Displays
Model Train Sales
Train-Themed Events & Party Hosts
Play Activities for Children
Loco DCC Chip Fitting & Onsite Repairs
Windmill Hill Family-Friendly 00 Gauge Layout

…and much more!
🍩 Snacks, hot & cold drinks available to purchase🅿️ Free parking on site
Admission:
£3 per adult and up to 2 children (Under 18)
£5 Family ticket (2 Adults and up to 3 children)
Photos from Family day 2025
A Successful GRES Family Day: A Celebration of Community, Railways, and Fun – Welcome to GRES

Fleetdown Community Centre Saturday Shopping event, Dartford 13th June 2026
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Fleetdown Community Centre, Dartford, Fleetdown Community Centre,, Swaledale Road, Dartford, DA2 6JZ, United Kingdom
GRES Will be attending this event with our Windmill Hill layout.

A friendly community shopping event bringing together local crafters, small businesses, and independent sellers for a relaxed Saturday morning market.
Event Details

Date: Saturday 13th June
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Fleetdown Community Centre, Dartford

What to Expect

Handmade crafts and unique gifts
Small business stalls
Miscellaneous sellers offering a variety of items
A welcoming community atmosphere

Why Attend

Support local creators and independent traders
Discover one-of-a-kind items
Enjoy a relaxed weekend activity with family or friends

Stall Booking
If you would like to book a table for the event, please contact:

Paula – 07891 424401

Join Us
Come along and enjoy a morning of browsing, buying, and supporting your local community.

Modelling Group Evening 11th June 2026 - Cancelled
2026-06-11 08:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex
This meeting has been cancelled – please do not attend

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.

Club Talk – Tuesday 2nd June 2026 - Roosendaal Station - Henry Harryman
2026-06-02 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Tuesday 2 June – Roosendaal Station – Henry Harryman
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 27th May 2026
2026-05-27 08:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

SAMREX Model Railway Exhibition
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-05-24 16:00 | Robertsbridge Village Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge, E Sussex, TN32 5DA, Robertsbridge Village Hall, , Station Road, Robertsbridge,, E Sussex, TN32 5DA, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th –
SAMREX Model Railway Exhibition, Robertsbridge Village Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge, E Sussex, TN32 5DA
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 4pm.
Adults – £5, Accompanied children U16 – free.
Ten layouts and two trade stands.
Parking, refreshments and a real life railway attached!

Club Talk – Thusday 21st May 2026 - John Pearson - 'B17 locomotive trust'
2026-05-21 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
John Pearson will tell us about the ‘B17 locomotive trust’
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

Hastings Model Railway Show 2026
2026-05-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Summerfields Leisure Centre, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET, Summerfields Leisure Centre, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET
Hastings Model Railway Show, Summerfields Leisure Centre, Bohemia Road, Hastings, TN34 1ET
10am – 4pm
Adults – £8, Children 3-15 – £5, Family – £15.
Discounts for pre-booked tickets: https://wegottickets.com/event/694601
Many layouts and trade stands.
Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

Pratts Bottom Model Railway Exhibition 2026
2026-05-16 10:00 - 2026-05-17 16:00 | Pratts Bottom Village Hall, Pratts Bottom Village Hall, Norsted Lane, Rushmore Hill, BR6 7PO, United Kingdom
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th – Pratts Bottom Model Railway Exhibition, Pratts Bottom Village Hall, Norsted Lane (off Rushmore Hill), BR6 7PQ
Saturday: 10am – 5pm;
Sunday:10am – 4pm
Adults – £6, Children 3-15 – £1.50, Family – £13.50.
Many layouts and trade stands.
Parking, refreshments and disabled access available.

Modelling Group Evening 14th May 2025
2026-05-14 08:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex

BIRCHINGTON Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 9 May 2026 EKMRS
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:00 | The Centre Birchington Alpha Road Birchington CT7 9EG, The Centre Birchington, Alpha Road Birchington, Kent, CT7 9EG, United Kingdom
BIRCHINGTON Model Railway Exhibition, Saturday 9 May 2026
The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9EG

Club Talk – Tuesday 5th May 2026 It’s time for a PEP talk (Part 2) George Marcar
2026-05-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Emmanuel Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church Hall, Windmill Street, Gravesend, DA12 1BB
Club Talk – Tuesday 5th May 2026 It’s time for a PEP talk (Part 2) George Marcar
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 29th April 2025
2026-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 | E Sussex
