12q2 Phoenix - Elsewhere on the former SE division…

The last issue mentioned the remodeling of London Bridge station. What hadn’t been fully appreciated is that the scheme entails removal of the Victorian train shed. This shed is one of the dwindling number left in London, with Euston, Fenchurch Street, Blackfriars, Cannon Street, and Charing Cross having lost theirs over the years (Victoria has lost much of its main roof too). The only Victorian structure remaining at London Bridge will probably be the actual viaduct on which the station sits, though some of this will be removed to create a large concourse under all platforms.

Loss of the old train shed is sad, but it’s an inescapable consequence of adding the much needed extra through platforms at the high level. These will (in about 2018) connect to the new viaduct now sitting waiting alongside the old one right outside in Station Approach. Also going it appears will be the SER building shown below, which scrubbed up so well only quite recently.

Sunday 24th June

The work was concentrated on the VSOE today continuing on the shelves for the shop. Some units were being stained while others were being built. It won't be long before this is completed. Also, I believe the new carpet is due to be fitted very soon.

Finally, this afternoon we have received a thank you note (quite a large one) from Robertsbridge Children's Services for donating logs from lineside clearance. They've been put in good use in their garden.

Sunday 10th June

The VSOE upgrade of the museum and information centre is now nearing completion. The majority of regular volunteers helped out today. The new cream blinds are fitted which compliments the redecorated walls which has very much been finished. Since the last update, all five display units are built and painting those has begun. It won't be long before the new attraction is ready, however it is still in use for the shop refurbishment which is kept open on Sundays and the displays will need to be made.

(JE)

(JE) The display shelves at the end of the day

Sunday 27th May

Sunday has been extremely hot so we didn't get much done. Not many sun worshippers (except some of us volunteers) visited the site today. Some volunteers walked along the trackbed now the track has been laid over the previous three days. All but one side of the Robertsbridge lamphut has now been painted in gloss black, more painting has been done in the VSOE, a bookcase has been stained and the first display case for the info centre has been started.



(JE) A buffer-stop's view

(JE) The experimental display case for the info centre

Sunday 6th May

Last Sunday was a slightly vintage one.
A Vintage Bus Shuttle Service ran between Robertsbridge and Northiam Stations for the K&ESR Gala Weekend and I and Bob were marshallers at the Robertsbridge end. Mike Dawes, who organised the bus service, came down to the RVR with his Routemaster for the morning as backup. We gave him a tour of the site and met some of our volunteers. Overall, only 13 people used the service but we hope to be able to offer the service at other events in the future and promote it more in order to raise the profile for the RVR.

(JE) All change for...erm...Hereford? The iconic Routemaster. Unfortunately, this was only on standby.

(JE) Hop On!

(JE) The bus waiting to leave the station yard

Some jobs were fitted in though. Some wallpapering in the VSOE was done, some paint was sampled and some preparation works were carried out for more painting.

Sunday 29th April

Today was a very busy day.



(JE) There was twice this amount of people

The railway held an open day with a powerpoint presentation by Mark Yonge about the Past, Present & Future of the RVR including tea, coffee and biscuits in the village hall. A number of us were ready to be tour guides to take the visitors down the trackbed showing them the progress, historic structures and explaining future plans. This event was aimed at the local community. Me and Bob were only planning to be reserve tour guides because most of us were only expecting about 50 people. But no, there were probably up to 300 people who attended. Due to this, all tour guides were used and there were two presentation sessions because, even with standing room, everybody still couldn't fit in the hall. The shop sold some stock, a lot of Phoenixes were brought and a majority of ice creams were taken as well.

On the VSOE refurbishment side, the corner cupboard was undercoated and some woodwork was rubbed down. Four completed bookcases make the shop look more presentable now.

It's going to be a busy few weeks. Next Sunday is the Vintage Bus Shuttle Service between Robertsbridge and Northiam Stations to connect with the K&ESR Gala Weekend. More info from the RVR news site and K&ESR site. Then in another two weeks time is the Annual SAMREX (Model Railway Exhibition).



(JE) Bob guides a group of local residents

Sunday 15th April - JE

We walked to Northbridge Street via the bridges today. Still some work left to do bridge 1 but it's nearly there. In the VSOE, painting has now started and another bookcase has been trial assembled. Some work has also commenced in preparation for the shop counter to be moved pretty soon.

(JE) Geoff walks over Bridge 1

(JE) Painting has started