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Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by lynbarn, Aug 22, 2008.

  1. nanstallon

    nanstallon Part of the furniture

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    I've heard that the local Council have had a presentation from the SKLR, and are becoming more sympathetic. Let's hope that it isn't too late.

    While SKLR will never be in the Premier League rubbing shoulders with Severn Valley, West Somerset et al, there is room in the steam movement for all sorts of railways, and the SKLR is something diffreent - we'd miss it. And for people who have given up their spare time, and often money too, for this line, closure would be anything but trivial. Let's hope they get through this.
     
  2. williamfj2

    williamfj2 Member

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    It has a unique place in the steam railway movement which alone makes it worth saving BUT is there a back up plan should the worst happen making the SKLR collection in need of a new home?
     
  3. ee1401

    ee1401 New Member

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  4. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Thanks for the link. That is one seriously overgrown railway. Haven't been to visit for a long while and I don't remember it being quite so jungle like.
    A car load of us going down on Sunday but looks like the freights are only running on Saturday if I've interpreted the timetable correctly. Bit of a shame if that's the case as they add a bit of variety.
     
  5. ipod

    ipod Well-Known Member

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  6. WB2624

    WB2624 New Member

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    Latest update is that the Swale Borough Council are now fully supporting the continued existance of the SKLR following a presentation to them by some of our Trustees and Officers. Great news - however we now have to try and open dialogue with the landlords again which hasn't been easy up to now.

    Other things going on (that are now in the public domain) are the fact that we've applied to the Secretary of State for Transport for an order under the Transport & Works act for compulsary purchase powers of the land.

    Incidentally, the weeds are not normally as bad as in the photos - a combination of wet weather and the 36 hours we have to leave the weedkiller before the public can be on site seem to have defeated us for the moment!

    Nigel
     
  7. Bongoharry

    Bongoharry Member

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    A few years ago I was involved with a football club who were told by the landlord that their lease would not be renewed.

    I consulted a lawyer and it appeared that as tenants we had an absolute right to a new lease. We had to negotiate over the terms but it was a right.

    My view is that you cannot summarily be kicked off.

    Good luck - I'll be joining on Saturday.
     
  8. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    Two of us are driving from Bath on saturday to offer our support to the gala. Thanks for the timetable details but are there any times yet for the freights? We don't want to miss any of the action! Also hopefully no headboards on the freights...

    Looking forward to the visit - it has been a few years since I was last there.
     
  9. WB2624

    WB2624 New Member

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    I am not sure of the times of the freights but there are usually 2 or 3 each gala day - you will be able to see the wagons at Kemsley anyway.

    Hope you enjoy your visit!

    Nigel
     
  10. ipod

    ipod Well-Known Member

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    That is excellent news, I wish those involved with the negotiations the very best of luck. ;-)
     
  11. lynbarn

    lynbarn Well-Known Member

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    I don't know if it would help or if it just sound's like we would all be jumping on the band wagon, but if everyone who turns up over the gala weekend was to join the SKLR support group I wonder if some might been seen this in other ways other than what is meant to be an act of support of the project itself?

    If it would help then why not, I don't mind joining to help support the cause.

    Regards

    Lynbarn
     
  12. timmydunn

    timmydunn Member

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    We'll be there tomorrow and looking forward to a day of steam and sun!
     
  13. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    Might see you there...just set the alarm for 5.45 - it is long way from Bath!
     
  14. Bongoharry

    Bongoharry Member

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    An excellent day, well done SKLR - in spite of problems coming your way you coped and gave everyone a truly memorable time. Hopefully the future will be brighter for you than it seemed it would be. Good luck.

    Good to meet you Hunslets Finest - and well done for arranging that burst of clag! It made for a very good sequence on the video.
     
  15. Hunslets Finest

    Hunslets Finest Well-Known Member

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    Thanks everyone at Sittingbourne for making us feel so welcome. If there were awards for such things you would win every year! Most bigger railways could learn a thing or two from you guys.

    For those that haven't been please support the railway - you will be very pleasantly surprised. The gala will no doubt be a massive success based on the packed trains. Now just need to keep making all the efforts necessary to secure the future of this unique railway.

    I will be back next year!

    All the best,

    PS Thanks Bongoharry for the good company - any chance of seeing the video on Youtube so everyone knows how good this railway can be?
     
  16. Bongoharry

    Bongoharry Member

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    I'll see what I can do, it's a new camera and will have to see how I get on.
     
  17. Bongoharry

    Bongoharry Member

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    I've eventually posted something on YouTube...

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WcZ2qM-fm5o

    First problem was the new camera records in widescreen but my editing software only does 4:3 so the engines look somewhat tall and thin. Also the quality is not that good on the web, I'll try saving and uploading a better version.
     
  18. papagolfjuliet

    papagolfjuliet Member

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    Wonderful day, wonderful line. The final message on the tannoy at Kemsley Down, and the sight of staff waving to the final train with tears in their eyes, was heartbreaking. The SKLR is asking that people write letters or emails of support to them in order to increase their negotiating power; I urge everybody here to do so. Tell your friends.
     
  19. timmydunn

    timmydunn Member

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    Superb day and really lovely people. Fascinating collection of stock. The staff's sense of frustration was evident and the tannoy announcements very emotional. Silence fell as the announcements were made across Kemsley Down. I did see the Mayor at the Sittingbourne end, but I don't see what can be done, even if the council is now pro-railway.

    The railway have reached the end of their lease, their landlord wants them out and they must go. I don't know what sort of pressure can be exerted - or on whom. As the railway have themselves said, the landlord doesn't wish to negotiate with the tenant (railway) or local authority. And of course the landlord is under no obligation to do so.

    Perhaps their best course of action is to concentrate their efforts into finding a new location and a programme for removing stock off the site quickly and efficiently.
     
  20. andysleigh

    andysleigh Member

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    a friend of mine posted this on another forum-

    "Talking to the driver of 'Triumph' (Michael) he said that if they are ousted from the site, they have earmarked a 3 mile stretch of former 3ft gauge trackbed in Faversham. So pretty much just down the road in some respects"
     

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