Hello Folks
Happy Bank Holiday Weekend. And for those of you who are sci-fi fans, Happy Star Wars Day on Monday! I hope you are all keeping well.
On a sad note, many of you will remember long-time GRES member John Thorpe who lived in Luton (Chatham). John sadly passed away during April survived by his wife Anne and his 3 sons – Jerry, Jonathan and Andrew. If you have not already seen an email from Iain McTaggart, a memorial service is planned for Friday 22 May at 11.30 at Christchurch, Chatham. If you would like to attend, please contact Jerry Thorpe so that the family can manage attendance. He would also like any photos that you have of John as well as read any stories. We extend our condolences to Anne, Jerry and Andrew.
We had two interesting and entertaining meetings during April. On Tuesday 7th, it was good to see our man from Lutterworth, David Hanger, revisit Gravesend to tell us about a Ticket to Ryde whereby we learnt about different types of railway ticket as well as his many journeys not only to Ryde but to a whole array of different locations. And, on Thursday 23rd, Tony Riley delivered part two of his talk when he delivered events 45 – 100 of the 200 years of train travel – 100 notable events. Unfortunately, I could not attend the second meeting and it was a shame that attendance was only in single figures, although I understand that a good time was had by all.
David Hanger has kindly shared the LRS newsletter for April, 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/
We have less than 20 of our glorious Southern-green liveried GRES wagons in OO Gauge to celebrate 50 years of GRES model railway exhibitions remaining. 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.
GRES meetings:
Tuesday 5th May – Having had to change the date from Thursday 23 April, I will deliver part two of my It’s time for a PEP talk. So, join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm)
Thursday 21st May – We welcome John Pearson who will deliver a talk about The B17 locomotive Trust. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Future GRES date for your diaries:
Tuesday 2nd June – At the time of writing, it is unclear who will be speaking on this date as we’ve had a few people drop out. I hope to have further details in four weeks’ time. Join us at our usual venue of the Emmanuel Church Hall, 55 Windmill Street, Gravesend (from 7.45pm).
Sunday 21st June – GRES Family Day, Higham Memorial Hall, School Lane, Higham, ME3 7JL (Saturday: 10am – 4pm). Adult – £3 (including up to two free U16s), Family – £6 (including up to four free U16s). Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. GRES Family day 21st June 2026 – Welcome to GRES
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 will be 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 Family Day or 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 at a GRES meeting or on exhibition.manager@gres.org.uk
For those who like their model railway exhibitions and toyfairs, please note the following during May:
Saturday 3rd – Ditton Vintage Toyfair, Ditton Community Centre, Kiln Barn Road, Ditton, Aylesford, ME20 6AH (Saturday: 9.45am – 1.15pm). Adults – £2.50. Many trade stands plus other displays.
Saturday 9th – East Kent Model Railway Society Exhibition, The Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington, CT7 9EG (10am – 4pm). Adults – £6, Children 5-15 – £1, Family – £12. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays. Parking, refreshments and disabled access available
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.
Sunday 17th – 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.
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!
I look forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday 5th May. Please ask if you have any questions.
Regards
George Marcar (for GRES Committee)
Cover photo – 060494-110494 NSE Slade Green depot April 1994 5452 – please attribute to source for resharing of photos
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