To achieve our dual aspirations of restoring the connection between the mainline at Robertsbridge and the Kent and East Sussex (KESR) at Bodiam, and preserving railway artifacts, it is well to understand a little of the history of the line, the foundations of the RVR, and how we are organised as a group suitable to meet the objectives outlined under the ‘Aspirations’ heading.

At all levels of the organisation of the RVR we are supported by Members and unpaid Volunteers, all of which have a part to play. Membership allows us to expand our effort and spread the word whilst volunteering allows those you can spare the time and have the inclination to get more involved. Please join us, join the effort!

At the same time we hope to expand your experience of the route of the RVR by including additional materials.

A Short History

Contained here is a short history of the line, from the time it was constructed to closure and thereafter the resurrection in the form of the preservation and reconstruction group.

The websites of the KESR and the Colonel Stephens Society are recommended for further information of the heritage of the Railway and its engineer and mentor.

Although the RVR and KESR attempt to preserve the line not all of the former route can be. Several walks have been done  along the former trackbed the latest of which was performed in 2008.

The RVR Organisationally

The structure of the Rother Valley Railway is organised into three layers, with clear responsibilities in developing our Railway.

Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust RVRHT     Rother Valley Railway Ltd RVRLTD     Rother Valley Railway Supporters Association RVRSA

The objectives and aspirations are clearly defined, but how these are translated into actions and taking into account daily events, changes in legislation and compliance, changes in resources and ability are managed through an RMC = Railway Management Committee. This committee is comprised of elected members of the Supporters Association, elected annually, Directors of the Ltd company and a representative from the Trust. The RMC gather to Monthly and in this way facilitates decision making and consultation across the strata of the Railway. Any Member of the Railway can put themselves forward at the time of election.

We are also proud to host the Hastings Tramway Society dedicated to the renovation and preservation of the Former Hastings Tramway heritage

Down the Line The video’s below were taken by a volunteer in 2004, showing the extent of the line and trackbed between the station site at Robertsbridge and Northbridge Street at that time. Since then upgrading of the running line has meant that we currently do not have a running line which extends as far.                                                                                                From the RVR Station site to 1st Bridge    And returns Track Walks beyond 1st Bridge.       1st to 2nd Bridge 2nd to 3rd Bridge 3rd to 4th Bridge 4th to 5th Bridge