By Dana Wiffen,

Against all the odds of having the main line station closed to through railway traffic again on Sunday (7 August), and the possible effect on visitor numbers, Meridian TV came up trumps after showing the East Kent Railway (EKR) on their Saturday night local news slot.

This, and some good coverage from the local papers, including the Hawkinge Gazette's continued support, and some of the railway press, brought in the numbers hoped for and overcame the obstacles put on EKR by network rail yet again..

The first train was busy but the second carried even more passengers.

At Eythorne there was an interesting Kent mining display in a marquee detailing the history of the many Kent Collieries together with a superb model railway.

A Diesel multiple unit in service

The driver's view of the line

The station at Eythorne

Back at Shepherdswell both the shop and cafe were kept busy with customers.

The Colonel Stephen's Society had a display inside a static carriage. It was good to see the visitors taking an interest in one of the Colonel's lesser known railways.

Another great day on a great railway that will one day assume its full potential, which will only be achieved by bringing in more visitors.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©