Preserving Heritage – Building the Future
Phase 2 Engine Shed Appeal – help us finish the job!
Reconnecting Robertsbridge to Tenterden
Here at Robertsbridge in East Sussex, we are working to link the long-established Kent & East Sussex Railway, back into the national railway network. The heritage railway currently runs between Tenterden in Kent and Bodiam in East Sussex. Work is underway to replace more than a dozen river bridges and reconnect 3.5 miles of track between Bodiam and Robertsbridge Junction.
Thanks to generous grant funding, the track, platform and turntable at Robertsbridge Junction Station are already completed and the station building is approaching completion.
Now, we’re reaching out to you to help us take the final steps for our Buildings appeal. Your support is crucial to ensure that facilities at Robertsbridge can fully accommodate train services. Join us in this exciting journey to bring our vision to life!
Building the Future
Construction of the new station at Robertsbridge Junction will consist of: a station building, historically-styled with modern facilities and a platform of sufficient length to handle the longest trains from the Tenterden end of the line, together with engine shed, carriage shed, water tower and water crane.
Our vision is to construct new engine and carriage sheds to provide servicing facilities and protection from the elements for our cherished rolling stock and locomotives. More than just buildings, these facilities will enable us to offer flexible and efficient train services.
Phase 1
Station Building
Outstanding progress has been made to bring the dream of a new station building at Robertsbridge Junction to life. Thanks to the support and generosity of private trusts and legacies from our supporters, we have been able to fund this wonderful facility and the structure is nearing completion and interior fitout has begun.
This achievement marks an exciting milestone in our journey, laying a strong foundation for the next phases of development.
Our blog provides regular project updates.
Phase 2
Engine Shed and Facilities
With Phase 1 funding secured and the structure of the station building close to completion, we have opened Phase 2 of this appeal: to build an engine shed with inspection pit, coaling facility and diesel servicing point.
The two-track engine shed with a viewing area, will be equipped with the workshop facilities that you expect to find in a maintenance shed. As more than a mere building, it will be an essential facility for the servicing of historic rolling stock and will provide:
Phase 3
Carriage Shed & Water Treatment Facilities
The carriage shed will be located opposite the station platform, to provide cover from the elements.
Watch this space for further details…
your donation counts
Join us in our mission to preserve and celebrate our railway heritage by becoming a valued supporter.
Your support at any level is invaluable, helping to bring Phases 2 & 3 of our project to life, ensuring the future of the railway for generations to come.
If you are a UK taxpayer please consider ‘gift aiding’ your donation. Gift Aid is a scheme where the government will add 25% to your donation at no cost to you. You tick a box and we do the paperwork. It makes a huge difference to our fundraising. To be eligible for Gift Aid you must pay UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that we, as a charity, reclaim on your donations.
bRONZE supporter
OR £1000 UPFRONT DONATION
Certificate of Donation
One Adult Ticket to travel on the newly re-opened railway
Quarterly project updates
Invitations to Donors Days
Unique Supporters Badge
SILVER supporter
or £2000 upfront donation
Certificate of Donation
Two Adult Tickets to travel on the newly re-opened railway
Bring a guest to enjoy travelling from Robertsbridge
Quarterly project updates
Invitations to Donors Days
Unique Supporters Badge
GOLD SUpporter
OR £4000 UPFRONT DONATION
Certificate of Donation
Two Adult Tickets to Travel on the newly re-opened railway
Bring a guest to enjoy travelling from Robertsbridge
Quarterly project updates
Invitations to Donors Days
Unique Supporters Badge
Donors Days Exclusives
VIP Experiences
Invitation to travel on the extended railway
Travel the line before public reopening on our supporters trains
PLATINUM SUpporter
OR £8000 UPFRONT DONATION
Certificate of Donation
Two Adult Tickets to Travel on the newly re-opened railway
Bring a guest to enjoy travelling from Robertsbridge
Quarterly project updates
Invitations to Donors Days
Unique Supporters Badge
Donor Days Exclusives
VIP Experiences
Invitation to travel on the extended railway
Travel the line before public reopening on our supporters trains
Lunch for Two
Following the reopening of the line enjoy lunch onboard the train on the extended line
Limited Edition Print
a special signed and numbered print from an original artwork
Recognition on our Donor Wall
you can choose to be recognised for your contribution
Every gift makes a difference—but if you feel inspired to contribute beyond the suggested levels, your generosity will have an even greater impact. Larger donations help us accelerate construction and bring Phases 2 & 3 of the project to life, sooner than we ever imagined. If you’re in a position to give more, we would be deeply grateful for your support.
you can help Build the future!
Get Involved
There are many ways that you can be part of the reconnection project, from regular or one-off donations, buying from our shop, joining our Supporters Association or volunteering!
DONATE TODAY
Donate via our online portal or if you prefer by post: Donation form here. Choose from upfront or monthly payments
LEGACIES
Leaving a gift in your will helps secure the long-term future of the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust.
VISIT US
Do come and see construction progress at Robertsbridge Junction station on Sundays from 10am.
THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Your support helps keep the rich heritage of our railway alive and help create memories for future generations.
Remember to follow our blog for regular project updates.
Questions? Contact our Appeals Director, Helen Douglas by email to fundraising@rvr.org.uk
Terms & Conditions of Appeal
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 £1000 – 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.
If we reach our £350,000 target, every additional donation will go directly towards Phase 3 – building the carriage shed that completes our vision for Robertsbridge. In the event that this appeal does not meet its target, we may allocate funds to other appropriate initiatives that further the Trust’s mission—ensuring your contribution continues to make a meaningful impact.
We respect your privacy and will process your personal data in accordance with GDPR regulations, solely for the purposes of this appeal.
Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust, Robertsbridge Junction Station,
Station Road, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, UK TN32 5DG
email: fundraising@rvr.org.uk
Registered charity number 108842