MEET THE DRIVER
meet THE DRIVER :
Heidi Mowforth , Kent & East Sussex Railway
How long have you been driving ? Almost 30 years . I ’ ve been volunteering on the footplate for 40 years .
What is the highlight of a journey on the railway ? Looking out of the train , that moment when Bodiam Castle comes into view through the trees is always a lovely one , although in the past 20 years we have been gradually seeing more trees and less castle . From an engineman ’ s point of view , the steep climb up Tenterden Bank is the best bit . Nothing can beat the sound and sight of an engine attacking a gradient with a heavy train .
What are the must-do experiences of a day out on the railway ? The museum at Tenterden and the Cavell Van at Bodiam are worth a visit . If you want more than a train ride , the Pullman dining trains are an experience not to be forgotten , they get quickly booked up . If you want to find out more about volunteering , try a Behind the Scenes day and experience a ride on the engine , a look around the signal box and tours of the loco and carriage works .
What is the best time of year to book a trip ? The line is surrounded by farmland and rich in wildlife . I love watching the turning of the seasons round the agricultural year , from lambing to harvest . The best time , I think , is lambing time . I often slow the train down to watch a new lamb arriving in the world , being licked clean by mum and taking its first few shaky steps . For birders there are lots to spot . Kingfishers , heron , swans and cygnets , buzzards , kestrels and sparrowhawks , and many hedgerow species . I have seen a buzzard take an eel from the river and fly off with it , and another one cleverly using the heat from our chimney to give it thermal lift .
What is your favourite part of driving steam trains ? All drivers have their favourite engines and others that they dislike , but what really matters is the railway family of the KESR , all volunteering together to run something that we love . The Pullman trains are a prime example of this ; the guard giving the right of way with a green flag in one hand and a tea towel over one arm , then waiting at Tenterden at the end of the night ready to take the engine back to the shed at Rolvenden , the gates closed and the signal at danger because the signalman hasn ’ t finished washing up on the train ... Those are the moments that make it .
kesr . org . uk kentandeastsussex
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