AT Easter, for the first time in almost a quarter of a century, passenger trains will be running between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge, on the Kent and East Sussex border, thanks to the pioneering efforts of the Spa Valley Railway Society.

This first re-connection for many years of a heritage line to the national network will mean a unique mile of parallel running by 25mph steam Spa Valley trains and 75mph Southern Turbostars, which run hourly each way between London and Uckfield.

It follows the SVR’s dedicated hard work over 24 years and patient negotiation with national rail bodies since closure of the Tunbridge Wells West to Eridge line in 1985.

British Rail worked the then largely double-tracked route with an hourly diesel electric multiple unit (demu) shuttle linking the Uckfield to London line with Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge on the South Eastern main line, providing a convenient link for commuters, shoppers and schoolchildren.

But the economics of an expensively decaying infrastructure and declining patronage led to its inevitable closure.

Keen and determined SVR volunteers quickly stepped in and, with welcome co-operation from supermarket Sainsbury which redeveloped the extensive Tunbridge Wells West station site, worked hard to establish a popular heritage operation as far as Groombridge.

But despite a disused down line left in place following Uckfield line resignalling
and singling in 1989, Eridge, around two miles further on, remained tantalisingly out of reach.

Building a reputation as a safe, professional and popular attraction gave SVR the power it needed to negotiate for the extension. Network Rail and Southern then got firmly behind the bold project, which has since enjoyed generous support from engineering contractors Gramm Interlink Rail and Westinghouse/Invensys. They have helped rebuild the line to exacting national standards.  

“Our labour of love has succeeded only thanks to the generous and unstinting help of our contractors, which provided the work as a cost-price training exercise,” said SVR director Paul McKinnell.

“We’ve built the extension for just £160,000 – the cost of a Tunbridge Wells flat – a fantastic achievement that leaves us debt-free.

“And with the benefit of a £10,000 National Lottery Fund grant to restore the Eridge station buildings, on which we have a 15-year lease, we’re off to a great start.”

A volunteer since the tender age of eight, Paul has worked with his father for the SVR since its 1985 inception and has seen it go from strength to strength. As well as heading up negotiations with the rail industry, he takes a turn with the shovel as a fireman and is soon to train and qualify as a driver.

The initial through-service from Tunbridge Wells West will be a weekends-only, steam/diesel top-and-tail operation, but hoped-for future restoration of a run-round facility at Eridge may see a return to more traditional branch line working.

Sufficient rolling stock is available for two-train working, with a passing place at Groombridge, and a ‘one-engine-in-steam’ arrangement to avoid the need for signalling the section to Eridge.

Success of the project could restore commuter, schools and shopper services to Tunbridge Wells West, but this would mean taking on paid staff to supplement the volunteers.

“We’ve established commercial links with Southern and local attraction Groom-bridge Place to offer through-ticketing from London for a car-free day out in the country,” said Paul.

Having grown up in Groombridge, and working as a land and livestock assessor for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, he is very keen on environmental protection and sustainable transport.

“Despite continuing local pressure, I can’t see Network Rail wanting to re-open our line as a through route to London any time soon – a scheme last proposed by Connex – on grounds of cost and lack of main line paths.

“And, useful though it would be, I think it will be a very long time before we see Uckfield rail-reconnected to Lewes,” said Paul.

“But we can offer novel ‘fish-and chips’ and ‘wine-and-dine’ specials to a range of rail-served tourist attractions, such as the Bowles Outdoor Centre at Eridge, High Rocks for climbing and rambling, historic Groombridge Place and the quality shopping and spa of Tunbridge Wells’ Pan-tiles – a day out in glorious countryside without getting behind the wheel.
“So its perhaps not surprising that our 30,000 visitors a year are tourists rather than rail enthusiasts, even though we lease some very interesting and unusual steam locos.”

Southern is very much looking forward to welcoming the SVR to Eridge and is working closely with the society to ensure the connection is made as seamlessly as possible.

“We hope that the restored link to Tunbridge Wells will encourage many more people to use our services to Eridge, where introduction of Spa Valley services will breathe new life into disused buildings and once again make the station one of the most attractive in Kent,” said Southern’s stakeholder relations manager Ian Rashbrook.

- Safety on the new extension to Eridge is paramount, and particular focus has been placed on Forge Farm Crossing, just to the north of the station.
Scene of a serious accident some five years ago in which an elderly lady died after her car was in collision with a train, the crossing has had to be re-adapted for two-line operation.
The crossing keeper’s hut has been refurbished for use by an SVR volunteer, who will sound a warning bell on approach of all SVR trains.


Small but power-packed... the Spa Valley Railway
Route: Tunbridge Wells West-Groombridge-High Rocks-Eridge (by Easter)
Membership: 670 volunteers
Locomotives: 12 steam, 9 diesel, 2 dmus
Coaches: 11
Special Events: Days out with Thomas, Fish and Chips Specials, Wine and Dine Specials, Santa Specials, Gala Days
Visitors: 30,000 a year (at present)