The 10.15 Tenterden prepares to leave Northiam

On the KESR again today, back at Northiam gates for my passing out turn. This means that you work the gates under while being observed by the Assistant Signalling Inspector and tested on the procedure and rules of operating the gates. Suffice to say that I successfully passed out and am now a qualified crossing keeper at Northiam as well as Cranbrook Road.

The crossing here is over the busy A28 to Hastings and on a hot summer Sunday there's a lot of traffic. So far the motorists have taken it in good spirit and I've not received any abuse or agression but I know it can happen. When last at Cranbrook Road a motorist got out and said something about us playing trains when some people had to work. I wonder if he said that when held up at any light or barrier?

Northiam is a lovely little station just over half way between Tenterden and Bodiam. It was especially nice today in the warm sunshine and a cooling breeze. It could become a busy place when plans to extend the line to Robertsbridge are completed. Then the station will be the intermediate crossing place for up and down services and it's quiet tranquility will only be evident when the trains have departed