Kent & East Sussex Railway

Not a name familiar to me. Does anyone have feel for what this appointment may mean for relations with the folks on the other side of the B2244?

 

I can’t answer about Kentish B roads, but as background, during one of the recent-ish periods of, shall we say, turbulence on the WSR he was bought in to report on the governance issues within the WSRA, writing a report called “The Road Ahead” which made a number of recommendations which that organisation subsequently took forward, but not without a fight. Subsequently I believe he completed a PhD that drew on experience around heritage railways. Apart from that, I believe he is also a notable photographer of the scene.

Tom

 

I have got to know him as a fellow railway photographer. His Linkedin profile is fairly informative
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/robin-coombes-45537b2b?original_referer=https://www.google.co.uk/

The important thing is that, apart from having a lot of business acumen, he is a railway enthusiast and makes a refreshing change from the recent heritage railway management appointments of people with no knowledge of the movement at all. He was previously Company Secretary of Vintage Trains and should be a great asset to the K&ESR

 

More about Robin here see https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/...ay-appoints-robin-coombes-as-general-manager/

 

Continue in the spirit of Col Stephens eh? Could one of our number versed in PhotoShop mock up a couple of Pacers in K&ESR Green?

Seriously though, with both his experience across several related sectors (if not always closely), plus the endorsements of those here who know him, he sounds just the person for the job. I wish Mr Coombes and the line well.

 

The relevant section of the B2244 is in East Sussex and is the site of the first proposed level crossing of the extension to Robertsbridge.

 

Shall we let him get into the job first, and find out the traditional way? He doesn't even start until the 15th!

 

That's it .... go and spoil all the baseless speculation with your "common sense".

 

So calls for his resignation start on the 16th?

*This is a joke in case it isn't patently obvious to the hard of humour.

 

Trial by social media?

All the above vindictiveness does not throw the workforce or membership of the KESR into very good light. Are you trying to emulate the West Somerset?

 

What vindictiveness? Please cite exactly what you're on about.

 

I see nothing posted here to warrant such concerns. Rather the contrary.

 

I'm not connected wth the KESR in any way so not here for social agitation reasons, but I was intrigued to read that he grew up watching tank engines at Cardiff! To be ale to remember that puts him round about retirement age = it mist be getting on for 60 years since that happened, and a few years needed to be added for him to have been sentient at the time. In other words, it doesn't look to be a long term appointment!

 

Which volunteers or members of the KESR have been vindictive on here?

 

Speaking as a K&ESR Trustee / Director, we thank Shaun Dewey for his work as K&ESR GM and look forward to now working with Robin C.

The Railway has a unique history, a real place in the local community and a great collection of people.

Robin W

 

All I can say as an annual visitor when on holiday the KESR seems to have become more friendly and the staff whether volunteers or paid more interactive and pleasant over the last few years, long may it continue.

 

I made my first visit to the line since Christmas today. Bearing in mind that I normally volunteer two or three times a month in the season, this was a long gap.

A gap occasioned by some back trouble before Christmas, today was a bit of a test of myself, and an opportunity to collect my copy of the RRI updates. Since I normally spend most of my time in a signalbox, I noticed a few minor changes for the better at Tenterden.

I also enjoyed an ice-lolly and chat with a fellow volunteer who I had not spoken to for over a year. Then spent more than I had intended in the gift shop. Took a (diesel hauled) train ride, which was reasonably well patronised. And on return to Tenterden, a nice long chat with the Chief Signalling Inspector, who I had not spoken to for well over a year.

Altogether a successful trial run, and I hope to be back on the roster soon. The only fly in the ointment being that my landlord has passed away, and I have to find somewhere else to live.

 

Posted on Facebook that a Class 33 has arrived at KESR for support during the extreme fire risk.

https://www.facebook.com/9186430382...qqBmTyPEVaSBPAQQv5t3RcHAztMv7TsvLEk9mojq1hFl/


Slimjim 33202 from the North Norfolk

 

I'm guessing this means no visit from 65894 then?

 

No but next year being discussed see https://www.national-preservation.c...ors-railway-general-discussion.29732/page-125 and be scroll down.