By Ray Duff

The annual Christmas 'White Cliffs Luncheon circular' steam hauled excursion, operated by SteamDreams, is due to run through Kent again this Thursday 22nd December, so have your cameras at the ready!

The excursion is headed by steam loco A4 Battle of Britain class 4.6.2 - 34067- 'Tangmere' and will leave London Victoria at 0942.

The service runs via Redhill and Tonbridge line (stops:1131-1133); then to Ashford Intl (1208) and on to Canterbury West (1230).

From Canterbury West the tour leaves at 1248 and then via Deal (1321), Dover Priory (1335) and passes Folkestone Central at (1350) before heading back via Ashford International (1406), Paddock Wood (Water stop 1434-1454) and the Tonbridge to Redhill line, to London Victoria (arr 1654)

Full timings and routings are here.

This is the last steam excursion due through Kent in 2011.

Unfortunately, The 'Sussex Belle' that was scheduled for today 21st via Ashford and Marshline has been cancelled.

For proposed 2012 steam excursions see : www.uksteam.info [4]  and click on 'this week'.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©