Amber Rudd MP presented a certificate to John Spencer, station partner at Winchelsea station, in recognition of his unstinting community rail work over many years.

John looks after Winchelsea station and planters, together with Friary Gardeners whose horticultural team provide the plants. He actively campaigns for improved services on the line together with the Marsh Link Action Group. John’s next project is to replace the planters with new wooden ones ready for next spring.

The presentation was made at the Marshlink community rail AGM meeting in the magnificent surroundings of Rye Town Hall. Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, is a great supporter of rail services and spoke of her determination to see improvements on the Marshlink line and links with the High Speed rail service at Ashford. The meeting heard too from Angie Doll, GTR’s Passenger Services Director, Andrew Wood of Network Rail, Barry Yates of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, and Kevin Barry, SCRP’s Development Officer.