Sapper shunts the A set at Tenterden

It was such a shame. The launch of the Plastic Free Tenterden initiative as a Spring Fun Day at the Kent and East Sussex Railway was really damp spoilt by unremitting rain and cold.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Tenterden, John Crawford and Debbie Greaves MBE (https://www.tenterdentowncouncil.gov.uk/en/blog/post/debbie-greaves-to-receive-an-mbe) accompanied by the Railway’s General Manager, the resplendently dressed Robin Coombes.

The morning session went well with Tenterden Rock Choir, the Marmites, Story Telling, a dance group and the Raspberry Keytones all giving enthusiastic performances accompanied by the incessant rain thrumming on the roof.

The afternoon session was more of a damp squib as rainwater began to cause problems with the sound system and numbers dwindled. It wasn’t a washout but with a good day would have been so much better.

Nearly 200 people paid £1 platform ticket to visit the event and over £300 raised in the raffle. Many faces were painted and the other stalls and attractions did well despite everything.

The final icing on the cake for all visitors was that 256 Squadron had failed overnight and was replaced by Sapper. On the other hand the General Manager declared his satisfaction and wants to repeat the event next year