Santa Specials on the KESR

Extremely low temperatures, -8c overnight froze points and water columns and affected block communications between Rolvenden and Northiam leading to the departure of the first train of the day being delayed by 50 minutes.

After that, the whole timetable was 50 minutes late. However, there were no further problems and we were able to complete the 7 train service, allbeit 50 minutes late! There were no problems at Tenterden box where we were flying by the seat of our pants as we adapted to circumstances down the line.

I had a youngster in the box for the day who is very keen to become a signalman. He was excellent given this was the first time in a signalbox. He picked up working the levers and gates very quickly. Susan spent some time in the box too and also in the town.

My duties ended at 5.00pm with the arrival of the relief signalman who signed on for the evening Pullman service. We travelled to the Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury to see the Albion Christmas Band with two sets of friends. A very good evening it was too.

Glad that the drunken snowman amused you. I thought of a better phrase; “early in the evening”