Let’s finish the job together
Reconstruction of the 3.5 mile long missing link will extend the Kent & East Sussex Railway from its current terminus at Bodiam, in the shadow of the National Trust castle, through to Robertsbridge Junction Station and the mainline railway network. The £6m missing link construction project is being funded through the very kind generosity of three donors and well underway.
What’s not yet funded?
The completion of the facilities that will be needed at the new Robertsbridge Junction Station terminus. We need your support to ensure that, by the time the railway is ready to open, Robertsbridge is properly equipped to receive its first passengers on the extended railway.
What are those facilities?
Phase 1: The Station Building
Thanks to many supporters the £500,000 cost is already covered and construction is on the way to completion.
Phase 2: The Locomotive Shed and Servicing Facilities
Your donation will help to achieve the £600,000 needed. We have raised over a quarter of the cost and seek your help to raise the rest of the money to get the job done.
Phase 3: The Carriage Shed: Coming soon
Let’s get the loco facilities done first - but watch this space!
The New Locomotive Shed
The illustration above shows visiting locomotive ‘Britannia’ at Robertsbridge in May 2024, sat on the historic ex-Hither Green turntable, already installed on-site along with the new railway tracks. An artist’s impression adds a broad idea of the new locomotive shed to be built alongside.
The locomotive shed is far more than a mere building. It will mean a more flexible and efficient heritage train service from Robertsbridge to Tenterden which will benefit passengers arriving by the mainline.
The facility will comprise not just an engine shed, but inspection pits for the loco crew to get underneath to prepare the locomotive, with coaling and fuelling servicing points for steam and diesel locomotives. Also included will be comfortable staff rest and wash rooms. Public access to viewing areas within the shed will help add to visitor enjoyment. Solar panel power generation will be installed to help minimise whole site energy costs.
It’s going to cost £600,000 to provide all of that. We’ve already got £250,000 from gifts and grants. Given your financial help to raise the balance of £350,000, we will provide a facility we can all be proud of.
Project Progress - Station Building
Outstanding progress has been made in bringing the dream of a new station building at Robertsbridge Junction to life. Thanks to the support and generosity of private charitable trusts and legacies we’ve been able to fund and complete the structure of this building.
Interior fit-out of the building is now starting to get underway. This will provide a traditional style in the main area with booking office, souvenir shop and light refreshment facilities.
The northern end of the building already has fully finished toilets. We truly believe the quality of those facilities are probably the best you’ll find at any heritage railway across the UK, perhaps even further afield!
A new access route from the car park is also underway, incorporating a wheelchair-accessible ramp up to the station building which, along with landscaping, is planned to be complete by spring 2026.
Do come and see the latest construction progress on Sundays from 10am.
New Locomotive Shed - Your Donation Counts
Your donation will help to raise the £350,000 to cover the remaining cost of building the locomotive shed and servicing facilities.
Join us to make a real difference. Sign up for monthly subscriptions* or make a single upfront donation. If you’re a UK taxpayer Gift Aid enhances the amount of your donation by 25% at no cost to you. Thank you.
£30 per month or minimum
£1,000 donation
Benefits
Donation Certificate
Quarterly Updates
Free ticket to travel on newly reopened railway Invitations to Donors’ Days
Unique supporters’ badge
£60 per month or minimum
£2,000 donation
Benefits
Donation Certificate
Quarterly Updates
TWO tickets to travel on newly reopened railway Invitations to Donors’ Days
Unique supporters’ badge
£125 per month or minimum
£4,000 donation
Benefits
Donation Certificate Quarterly Updates
Two tickets to travel on newly reopened railway Invitations to Donors’ Days
Unique supporters’ badge Invitation to travel on the railway prior to reopening
£250 per month or minimum
£8,000 donation
Benefits
All of the Gold benefits plus: Lunch for two on board the train following reopening Limited edition print Recognition on our donor wall
If we reach our £350,000 target, every additional donation will go directly toward Phase 3 — building the carriage shed that completes our vision for Robertsbridge.
Simply subscribe via our secure banking portal at rvr.org.uk/fundraising OR complete the attached form and return it to us at Robertsbridge Junction Station.
*Each donor tier offers special recognition and rewards once your total contributions reach the full amount for that category. For example, Bronze benefits become available once your donations total £1,000 — whether given upfront or through monthly instalments. If you choose to pause or cancel your subscription before reaching the full amount, benefits won’t apply. But every contribution still helps us move closer to completion of the project and we’re deeply grateful for your support.
How can I help?
Your generosity will make this vision a reality. Here are ways to contribute to the appeal:
Spread the Word
Share our campaign with friends, family and fellow enthusiasts. The more, the merrier!
Volunteer
Become part of the Rother Valley Railway family and lend a hand in making this dream a reality.
Donate
Visit our website to make your donation today or complete the attached form and return this to us directly.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
Building Appeal: Donation Form
charity number 1088452
For official use only:
Reference:
Making a one-off donation
Personal Information
Title & Full Name
Email Address
Postal Address
Signature
Gift Aid
Please tick one box: Yes No
Contact Number
Postcode
If you’re a UK taxpayer Gift Aid will enhance the amount of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you!
Gift Aid Declaration
I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.
Please notify Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust if you want to cancel this declaration, you change your address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income or capital gains to cover your Gift Aid.
How much would you like to give?
Simply decide the amount you would like to donate and complete the section below. You can send us a cheque, make a bank transfer or donate via our online portal - but whatever you choose, please remember to complete the Gift Aid section above, as it increases your donation significantly. If you have any questions, contact the Appeals Director by email or post at the address shown at the foot of the page.
Donation by Cheque
Please write the amount you would like to give us in the box below, then post this form and your cheque to the Appeals Director. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust’
Donation
by Bank Transfer
Please use your preferred online banking method to make a payment to The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust
Please pay to The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust Sort code: 40-52-40 | Account Number: 73003551
Please confirm the amount of your donation in the box to the right then post or email this form to the Appeals Director
Donation via our website To donate £9,999 or less online visit rvr.org.uk/fundraising
Please return this completed and signed form to: Appeals Director, Rother Valley Railway, Robertsbridge Junction Station, Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5DG or complete the form on our online portal: rvr.org.uk/fundraising
Building Appeal: Subscription Form
Please quote reference
I would like to make a monthly donation
Personal Information
Title & Full Name
Email Address
Postal Address Signature
Gift Aid
Please tick one box: Yes No If you’re a UK taxpayer Gift Aid will enhance the amount of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you!
Gift Aid Declaration
I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.
Please notify Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust if you want to cancel this declaration, you change your address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income or capital gains to cover your Gift Aid.
Bankers Order Instructions - please complete, sign and return to RVR by post.
Name & Address of Bank
Please pay to The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust Sort code: 40-52-40 | Account Number: 73003551
Monthly
The sum of: £
Start date for payments:
Select day of month you wish payment to be taken:
Title & Full Name
Postal Address Postcode
Contributor Details -and thereafter make like payments every month until further notice.
Bank Sort Code Account Number
Contributor Signature
Please return this completed and signed form to: Appeals Director, Rother Valley Railway, Robertsbridge