150 Years Old and Still Going Strong 31.7.2010

Monday July 19th 2010 saw the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway line between Sittingbourne and Sheerness.

This anniversary has been marked by a series of events organised by the Sheppey Rail 150 committee, led by Jonathan Fryer and assisted by the Kent Community Rail Partnership.

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at Queenborough Station by Sarah Boundy, Head of Communications at Southeastern witnessed by almost 60 people from Sheppey, Network Rail, Swale Borough Council, Southeastern and the Kent Community Rail Partnership.

“The Sittingbourne to Sheerness line has played a central role in the lives of the communities it serves for 150 years.” Said Sarah. “I am sure it will continue to do so.. Southeastern is delighted to be associated with these celebrations as well as the many improvements that are being made to services and facilities on Swalerail.”

Councillor Steve Worrall, Mayor of Swale and Cllr Jeffrey Andrews, Mayor of Queenborough also praised the role of the railway line over the last 150 year and young Ethan Collier, a pupil at Queenborough Primary School read out a poem he had written about train travel. Ethan’s poem will go on display at Queenborough Station for all to enjoy.

Also at Queenborough Railway Station passengers are now greeted by a cheery welcome as they head towards the town. The old “teardrop” traffic island in the station approach has been landscaped and planted up in a nautical theme. Using two boats provided by “Queenborough In Bloom”, Swale Borough Council have used gravel, grass and pebbles together with embedded ropes to transform an area that was previously uncared for and driven over by vans and lorries.
The project has been facilitated by the Kent Community Rail Partnership and was completed in time for the Sheppey Rail 150 celebration.

From left: Cllr Steve Worrall, Mayor of Swale; Therese Davies, Mayoress of Swale.
Val Andrews, Mayoress of Queenborough; Cllr Jeffrey Andrews, Mayor of Queenborough; Nina Peak, , Southeastern Railway; Sarah Boundy, Southeastern Railway; Caroline Wallis, Duty Station Manager, Southeastern Railway; Mr Ian Paterson , Kent CRP Project Officer. And front is Ethan Collier (Class 4, Queenborough Primary School ), who wrote and read out a poem at the plaque unveiling.

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