Welcome to GRES

The GRES Family Day, held on Sunday 21 June 2026, was a warm, lively and thoroughly enjoyable celebration of railway modelling, hands on activities and community spirit. Despite the hot weather and the added challenge of Father’s Day, the event welcomed more than 50 visitors, with a steady flow of families, enthusiasts and curious newcomers throughout the day.

From the moment the doors opened, the hall was filled with movement, conversation and the unmistakable buzz that comes from people discovering something new. A fantastic turnout of exhibitors, traders and activity leaders ensured that every corner of the venue offered something engaging to see or do. Layouts ran, children took part in the sticker challenge, and visitors of all ages enjoyed the chance to try simulators, explore displays and chat with the GRES team.

📊 Visitor Feedback

The feedback survey results reinforced just how successful the day was. Almost every respondent rated their overall experience as Good/Excellent. The event clearly appealed to families, with most visitors attending with children, and every respondent said they were likely or very likely to return next year. People discovered the event through a mix of channels, with Facebook, exhibtion flyers, recommendations by activty owners and the board outside the venue proving particularly effective.

🌟 Event Highlights

• The bright and colourful LB and L G Gauge Railway, a family focused layout that always draws a crowd and kept younger visitors captivated throughout the day
• The Medway Slot Car Club, offering a range of racing sets including the much loved vintage horse racing track, both of which proved extremely popular with children and adults
• The impressive Kotorana display, showcasing high quality kits and remote controlled vehicles, with several models demonstrated live on the day
• The Helendale Inglenook Shunting Puzzle, with Glen and Rebecca engaging brilliantly with families and helping children learn the basics of shunting in a fun and accessible way
• The hugely popular Trainmaster South London all accessible floor based Thomas playset, which became the highlight of the day for many younger visitors
• Bryan’s Gravesdown South layout, a detailed and atmospheric model that drew steady interest throughout the event
• The Dartford Scale Model Club, presenting a wide range of high quality scale models and friendly modellers who were more than happy to chat about their work
• The Double O Gauge Association, supporting and encouraging the most popular scale in the country and offering advice, demonstrations and conversation for modellers of all experience levels
• The eye catching Cool Balls marble machines, which fascinated visitors with their movement, engineering and playful design
• The GRES modelling stand, Windmill Hill and the simulators, all busy throughout the day and offering hands on fun for visitors of all ages

🙏 Special Thanks

Events like this only succeed because of the people behind them. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:

• Sue for running the front pay desk, checking in visitors, handing out guides and explaining the sticker challenge with her usual friendly professionalism
• George for his support throughout the day, collecting visitor feedback and helping run the sticker challenge alongside Ella and Sue
• Bryan for managing the car park in the heat and keeping everything organised with a calm, professional radio manner
• Alan, Henry, Bob, George (new) and Adam for running the GRES modelling stand, Windmill Hill, the simulators and for staying on to help with the end of day clean up

Their teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment helped keep the hall lively and welcoming throughout.

🎉 Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s Family Day reinforces how valuable these community events are. They showcase the creativity and variety of railway modelling, inspire young minds and bring people together in a friendly and inclusive environment.

We are already looking forward to planning the next one and hope to welcome even more visitors, exhibitors and supporters in the future.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, helped us or supported us in any way. You made the day special.

🚂 A Final Thank You From GRES

On behalf of everyone at the Gravesend Railway Enthusiasts Society, thank you to all who visited, exhibited, volunteered or supported the Family Day in any way. Your enthusiasm and kindness are what make events like this possible. We look forward to welcoming you back to future GRES meetings, open days and exhibitions.

With warm regards,

GRES