It's a hard day's work
Recurring themes- for the Tuesday Group through-out the last quarter have been: Northiam cottage restoration and general site improvements including the "gardens".

Robin emerges from No 1 cottage with new notice-boards he's working on to replace age-expired ones. Ron is tackling yet more rot uncovered as we work round painting.

Meanwhile at the other end of the platform, Graham & Ron work on a one-off project -the building of a crossing keeper's hut next to the level crossing - to improve weather protection for staff awaiting trains.

In true Colonel Steven's style, the hut is simply constructed of rugged materials giving good views up and down the line. (Before the steel is added at least!)

Lucky we bought another ladder! The Tuesday group like busy bees, gather round the undercoated honey pot. No 1 cottage is certainly improving bit by bit.

Lonesome Ron soldiers on with yet another coat of paint on what we affectionately have come to call, "Wellington Hall" - the crossing keepers' comparatively palatial hut! (Drier than the "bath" anyway!)

Multi-tasking is not only a feature of computers! The Tuesday group has during the same period replaced the (rotted) signage at Northiam, and partly at Wittersham and Tenterden too, with a new more weatherproof design.

Regularly helping at the railway, some-times puts us on the spot when special events occur - like the first day out for that wonderful "Woolwich" coach. What an excuse to drop tools to have a good look too. WONDERFUL!

Nothing wasted - the old sign is stripped of useful materials some of which provides the "window frames" for the staff cottage.

A proud moment - bubble tested for straightness, and with the new cream paint on the front finished, John Liddell's lovely sign now graces the cottage front.

Unveiling the new Northiam sign next to the station building. Station staff do the honours whilst we all gather round.

Next stage, putting in the cottage porch support foundations.

Discussing the present: 'Sea-dogs' Stan & Tom relive their greatest Tuesday Group victory .... Probably putting the guttering up correctly!

Discussing the future: John Miller explains "how it was" when the hut was functioning as a ganger's cottage. More digging in prospect!

Moving up market! Graham polishes our fourth "window" just painted into place!

Here's some of the Tuesday regulars - enjoying a spot of summer sun and a useful task well-done.

Like to join us for interesting days on the KESR? Give Graham a ring then and he’d be happy to explain how.

Contact Graham Hopker (Evenings) on 01303 862811.

Photographs taken by John Rose