What started as an event highlighting the crafting skills of the station partners The Oaks Specialist College for Community Rail week morphed into a Railway 200 event and station birthday celebration when the Station Manager informed that his station was 157 years old that weekend. The students, along with supporting staff set up along the footbridge displaying a variety of crafting items and were treated to some R200 chocolates.
To reflect the station’s heritage, station staff located some historic photos which were installed along the length of the footbridge. The Area Manager commissioned the artist of the station mural to update the original with a 2025 theme and further artwork within a platform waiting room reflecting the station’s heritage. We were given permission to install a copy of the artwork also used at Redhill station to highlight the SCRP’s Tonbridge, Redhill & Reigate line, designed by student, Molly McCarthy, commissioned by East Surrey Arts Society.
Banners and flags were hung, soon followed by a cake sale organised by the station staff, giving the station a real party atmosphere.
SCRP’s blue plaque banner recording members of staff from days gone by took pride of place on the footbridge.
Kent CRP’s Gary Outram and of course CRN staff members Jenni Jones and Sam Agnew attended along with Southeastern staff who took time out of their busy schedules to support the event.
The Oaks finished the event with a very depleted stock count. Tired and proud after many conversations with people who wanted to know more about them and the College.
The cake sale raised £188 for the Hospice in the Weald.
The station was able to celebrate its birthday in fitting style.
Railway 200 was acknowledged.
Both Kent and Southeast CRP’s fulfilled the CRN’s requirements to hold an event during Community Rail Network week.
“The event did the station proud – everyone enjoyed it immensely” Lee Malcolm Station Manager – Tonbridge “It was lovely to see students from The Oaks at Tonbridge for the station’s birthday. Their handicraft stall was clearly very popular with our customers and it was great to see the students interact with them. A great event, thank you for organising it. “ Matthew Fraser ACIRO (he/him/his) Community Relations Manager Hello Lee and Sharon A huge thank you to both of you and the whole of the Southeastern station team for looking after us so well at last week’s event. Gary Outram Project Officer – Kent Community Rail Partnership | England South | Sustrans