Relive the Fabulous Forties at the
Kent & East Sussex Railway

Capture the unique atmosphere of the 1940's at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on 19 and 20 May 2012 when our annual 1940's weekend gets into full swing.

Visitors of all ages can come along to experience the forties lifestyle as the stations along the line turn back the clock to wartime Britain with authentic memorabilia and bunting, wartime demonstrations, spivs and characters in authentic costume, flying displays, dancing, singing and a packed programme of popular entertainment. Trains will run throughout the weekend and each 1940's ticket includes unlimited steam train travel between Tenterden and Bodiam station all day.

On both days there will be an exciting flying display by iconic wartime planes. On Saturday 19th visitors will enjoy a display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's DC3 Dakota. The Douglas C-47 Dakota is without doubt one of the most successful aircraft designs in history. It became one of the world's most famous military transport aircraft and saw widespread use by the Allies during World War Two and subsequently by Air Forces and civilian operators worldwide with many still in operation around the world today. The unmistakable sound of a Rolls Royce Merlin engine will turn heads skyward on Sunday 20th. The Kent Spitfire, 'Spirit of Kent' TA805 is also booked to perform a show-stopping display.

SAT BBMF DAKOTA DISPLAY......13.30hrs at Tenterden Station..........SUN SPITFIRE DISPLAY at Bodiam Station ......13.00hrs

Tenterden station will be alive with the 'jumpin' and 'jivin' sounds of the 40's as visitors are entertained by the foot-tapping Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers together with several performances each day by Fiona Harrison, Britain's finest professional 1940's Soprano.

Dressed in full authentic costume, Fiona will be performing her popular show "We'll meet again" featuring all the favourite tunes from the 1940's with a patriotic finale to end the event each day.

History enthusiasts can also browse a range of civilian and military vehicles, privately owned and fully restored to their former war time glory. There will even be the opportunity to look inside a recreated World War II Air Raid Anderson Shelter.

Other entertainment will include fire fighting demonstration by the Fire Service Preservation Society and trade stalls featuring custom made 40's and 50's clothing.

A display of wartime kitchen memorabilia, cooking displays and interesting exhibits from nearby Lashenden Air Museum add to the atmosphere.

Visitors can also take advantage of a full steam train service and enjoy a ride in one of the beautifully restored vintage carriages.

The station refreshment rooms and gift shop will be open.

The stations at Northiam and Bodiam each host a variety of displays and entertainment. Singer Tony Rice performs his repertoire of forties favourites at Bodiam both days.

Admission: Adult £15, Senior Citizen £14, Child (3 - 15 years inc.) £10 and Family (2 adults + up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children) £42.

TIMETABLE

Trains depart from Tenterden Station every 45 minutes from 10.45 until 4.00pm

10.45, 11.30, 12.15, 1.00, 1.45, 2.30, 3.15, 4.00. The last train leaves Bodiam station at 5.00pm.

For more details telephone 01580 765155, visit www.kesr.org.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it