The Kent and East Sussex Railway has had a bumper year for its Golden Anniversary but has emphasised the importance of adapting to the future.

The railway’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on the 2nd November, where Chairman, Simon Marsh, announced that he would be stepping down from the role he has been in for six years.

Simon says the reasons behind the decision are personal health reasons and to allow the railway to be steered by fresh hands and eyes at the top.

Increased revenue and the highest passenger numbers for some time have meant the railway has had an impressive season, which saw not one but two galas and an innovative collaboration with artist, Mr Doodle.

However, Simon said that rising costs and recruitment pressures, along with changing visitor habits means that embracing new solutions and innovations, which go beyond celebrating the past, must be embraced to remain successful

Mr Marsh also said that the future of the railway lies with the relationship with the Rother Valley Railway, bringing a sustainable railway between Tenterden and Robertsbridge.

General Manager, Robin Coombes has praised the achievements made by Simon Marsh during his tenure.

A succession plan is now in place and a process of appointing a new chairman will begin in November.

The future challenges faced by the K&ESR and other heritage railways, from rising costs and recruitment pressures, were considerable. Also, as visitor habits change, thriving into the future meant embracing new solutions and innovations which go beyond celebrating the past.

The future of the railway lies in this relationship and the way in which we are going to work together, deeply, in pursuit of our common aim of a thriving and sustainable heritage railway between Tenterden and Robertsbridge.”

Simon Marsh