The Kent and East Sussex Railway has published its exciting list of events for the first 6 months of 2012.

The rural light railway winds its way from Tenterden for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

With plenty of new events added and many of the Railways most popular events continued there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

A Day Out with Thomas 11-12 & 18-19 February

Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller'. Tickets include a 1 hour train ride, the chance to enjoy "Thomas & Friends" station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children's events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Kids for a Quid 14-17 February

The Kent & East Sussex Railway and Bodiam Castle have collaborated on a special promotion to offer great days out for families at affordable prices this half term. Available between 14 and 17 February 2012, Kids for a Quid offers families the chance to enjoy rides on the Kent & East Sussex Railway whilst paying just £1 for each child. Passengers can board the beautifully restored vintage steam trains at Tenterden Station, which will take them along the 10 ½ mile line to Bodiam station, passing through the Rother Valley. Vouchers, available from the Railway's website, are required.

Mother's Day 18 March

A special Mother's Day treat can be booked for £22.50 with the Kent & East Sussex Railway where the whole family can enjoy the service and style from a more gentle time. An age when opulent surroundings and attentive staff made our railways the envy of the world. This special Mother's Day treat includes a two-hour return journey on one of the Railway's restored steam trains, a reserved table for your family for either a hearty Ploughmans Lunch or a delicious Cream Tea together with a surprise gift for every Mum to take home to remember her special day. Relax on board and enjoy some quality time with Mum, as you take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside, interrupted only by the gentle chug of the steam engine. Mothers Day Treat £22.50, Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering

Rock With The Tots 31 March

Families will enjoy a 25 minute steam train journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway along the picturesque line from Tenterden before alighting to see two of children's TV's favourite characters. Featuring popular pre-school television characters FiFi Forget-me-Not and her best friend Bumble, 'Rock With The Tots' is a high energy, sing-along stage show designed to entertain the whole family and encourage young family members to join in!
Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Family Ticket Offer Easter 2-5 & 10-13 April

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35. A Family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children

Grandparents Weekend 14-15 April

Children can treat grandparents to a nostalgic day out for FREE on the Kent & East Sussex Railway during a special grandparents' weekend, when every child rover ticket purchased entitles a grandparent to travel for free. The unlimited day travel tickets allow visitors to hop off the train and explore the many activities each destination has to offer such as the shops in Tenterden or the magnificent Bodiam Castle. Or why not visit the new Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum which can be found directly opposite Northiam station.

Spring Walks 28-29 April

On 28 and 29 April 2012 everyone can take advantage of the Kent & East Sussex Railway's special weekend summer promotion which combines a walk with a nostalgic steam train ride. Over the weekend, keen walkers can take advantage of a 25% discount on all single train fares along with a free copy of the glossy "Railtrails" guide book, featuring six different walks with maps. Those wishing not to walk can still purchase full price rover tickets and a standard train timetable will be operating over the weekend.

Steam Train Gala 5-7 May

All aboard for the annual 3 day Steam Train Gala at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden starting on Saturday 5 May 2012. The event promises visiting locomotives, plenty of excitement with a range of one-off workings and special events spread across the three days of the bank holiday weekend. Gala prices - adult £17.50, Senior £15, Child £12.50, family £50, member £10. Two day tickets: adults £30, senior £25, child £20, member £20. Three day tickets: adult £35, senior £30, child £25, member £25.

1940's Weekend 19-20 May

On 19 and 20 May 2012 the Kent & East Sussex Railway will be hosting their annual 1940's weekend when visitors of all ages can re-live the forties lifestyle along the line. This historical railway is the ideal location for this unrivalled event, when period features including steamers, bunting, spivs and characters in authentic costume create a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors enjoying the variety of activities on offer. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Family Ticket Offer 6-10 June

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35. A family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children.

CAMRA Beer Festival 16 June

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on Saturday 16 June 2012 for the annual CAMRA's Real Ale & Cider Festival. This popular social event takes place between 11:00am and 10:30pm (or until the beer runs out!) and is organised by the Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh Branches of CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale. On the day visitors can partake in a wide range of activities, from trying a diverse range of some of the finest Ale, Cider and Perry in the exclusive beer tent, or relaxing and listening to an eclectic mix of live music. There will be a delicious selection of food from a BBQ or the licenced refreshment room. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Father's Day 17 June

On Father's Day (Sunday 17 June) why not treat Dad to a day out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden for just £24.50. This special Father's Day treat includes a return journey on one of the Railway's stunning vintage steam trains and dad can choose from a delicious homemade ploughmans lunch or cream tea, served to your reserved table and complimented with a bottle of the railway's very own beer, "Dad's Delight" Fathers Day Treat £24.50. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering.

Pensioners Treat, £10 a seat 26-28 June

Take a nostalgic steam train journey with the Kent & East Sussex Railway between 26 and 28 June 2012 and if you are over 60 take advantage of the special price all day rover ticket for seniors which is only £10. Everyone travelling on the railway can enjoy a 21-mile relaxing steam train ride in beautifully restored carriages travelling through picturesque countryside between Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations.

For more details visit http://kesr.org.uk/

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©