Hello Folks
Apologies that this month’s news is very late, as my attention has been directed on the GRES Model Railway Exhibition 2025 on 1 & 2 November and other matters that needed addressing afterwards. However, I hope you’re all keeping well and warm.
Speaking of the GRES Model Railway Exhibition 2025, it was indeed a great occasion that truly marked the 50th event as special and a good time was had by all who attended. My thanks go to all members, plus partners, family members and friends who helped across the weekend from late Friday 31 October to Sunday 2 November.
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 now have less 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.
We were pleased to welcome former GRES member, Gordon Mackley, on Tuesday 4 November who told us about Chatham & District and former C&D Bristol K5G (GKE68) which, after many years of careful restoration, is close to completion. Gordon has also had a colourful and interesting career with British Rail/Network SouthEast – so stay tuned for a future presentation. Our outstanding presentation about Fastrack will be delivered at our GRES meeting on Thursday 20 November, as follows:
Thursday 20th – Isobel Hedley-Jones will be visiting to tell us about Go-Ahead’s operation of Fastrack as well as the new Kent Country brand. So, 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, please note the following during November:
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th – Crampton Tower Model Railway Exhibition, Crampton Tower (opposite Broadstairs station), The Broadway, Broadstairs, CT10 2AB (Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 4pm). Adults – £5, Accompanied Under 16s – £3, Family – £13. Many layouts, trade stands plus other displays.
Saturday 22nd – Banstead Winter Model Railway Exhibition, 3rd Banstead Scout Group, Scout Ridge, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 1RB (10am – 5pm). Adults – £6, Concessions – £5, Accompanied Under 16s – £3, Family – £12. Up to 18 layouts, trade stands plus other displays.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Thursday 20th November. Please ask if you have any questions.
Regards
George Marcar (for GRES Committee)
