Hello Folks
I hope you’re all keeping well and warm. On Tuesday, 2 December, a group of us enjoyed a delicious Christmas Meal at the Rose & Crown pub in Shorne. Following the efforts that the Chair, Ella, put into arranging the event, followed up by telephone calls, it was unfortunate that more people were unable to attend; although a good evening was had by the group, regaled with tales of being a steward from Howard and tales about James Willis from Jeremy!
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/
Following the GRES Model Railway Exhibition, we have fewer than 30 of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions. These include an individually numbered certificate signed by Ella, plus a brief history of our exhibitions and would make a great Christmas 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. There are more details on the attached GRES notice.
Future GRES date for your diaries:
Saturday 3rd January 2026 – New Year Travelcard day. Join the Thameslink train leaving as follows: Chatham – 09.10, Strood – 09.17, Higham – 09.22, Gravesend – 09.30 and/or meet at Abbey Wood ticket barriers at 10.00.
Tuesday 6th January – We welcome the New Year with a video evening. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Thursday 22nd January – Reminder: The GRES Quiz from 7.30pm onwards.
This year, John Denbury will be our quizmaster, so we’re hoping for a good number of people to form teams and find out who has the best railway-related knowledge.
Tuesday 3rd February – We are in for a treat as we get to spend an evening with Adam Curtis who will be showing some of his photo collection along with stories that go with the photos. 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 and a carol service, please note the following during December:
Saturday 13th – Carol Service on the Medway Queen, open to visitors during 16.00 – 18.00. There will be mince pies and mulled wine available, then the ship will close for the winter. Further details are available on the GRES website: Christmas Carol Service 13th December on board the Medway Queen 4-6pm – Welcome to GRES or from Matt Hills on m.hills98@yahoo.com
Sunday 14th – Clacton Model Railway Show, Clacton Leisure Centre, Vista Road, Clacton-on-Sea, England, CO15 6DB (10am – 4pm). Adults – £8, Concessions – £5, Accompanied Under 16s – £5, Family – £15. Up to 20 layouts, trade stands plus other displays.
Monday 29th & Tuesday 30th – Maidstone & Mid Kent Model Railway Exhibition, Lockmeadow Market Hall, Barker Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8LW (Monday & Tuesday: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £7, Accompanied Under 16s – £2. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.
If I don’t see you again before the end of 2025, may I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please ask if you have any questions.
Regards
George Marcar (for GRES Committee)
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