London’s First Free Public Nightlife Concierge Service

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

London’s First Free

Public Nightlife Concierge Service
     23 Dec 11

Design my night is the UK’s first ever price comparison site for nightlife with a search for over 1,800 venues, launched by two former City professionals, Nick Telson and Andrew Webster.

In the current economic climate, consumers are having to be more and more savvy about the way they spend their money. The hospitality sector is today worth £46 billion to the UK economy* showing that despite the economic doom and gloom, consumers are placing a high value on having a good time.

However, with individuals feeling the squeeze from low wages and high inflation, it’s never been more important to plan your evening’s expenditure.

The most savvy savers are 23 – 29 year olds, with a massive 73 per cent of designmynight users falling into this age category. And women are more likely than men to plan ahead when it comes to spending on going out – 57 per cent of all users of the price comparison service are female.

Price comparison is becoming an integral part of consumers’ spending decisions in so many areas, including gas, electricity, insurance, flights and holidays – so it’s no wonder that designmynight is having huge interest from the public who are looking to save money or plan budgets on nightlife expenditure. With the average price of a cocktail at a massive £8.00 in London, going out without planning can be an expensive affair.

In designmynight, Telson and Webster have harnessed the diverse potential of London nightlife to create the first bespoke search engine geared specifically towards price comparison. The search criteria uniquely include specific drinks drinks prices, the type of night you can expect to have there and even when to beat the bar queues, and when you find your ideal venue there will often be an exclusive discount voucher too.

designmynight’s portal is as indispensible for student misadventures as it is for luxuriant cocktail nights. The reach of the website expands to cover great daytime haunts for lazy afternoon drinks, the best spots to catch the big game, where to have that critical business lunch, and of course charting the ever-evolving line-up  of nightlife hotspots across the city.

Nick Telson comments: “Although Londoners can pride themselves on the sheer breadth of choice available in the city, often this eclecticism can become overwhelming, and costly. In today’s current climate, pre-planning spend before a night out is massively important so consumers can go to venues that fit their budget without any surprises.

With the price of a cocktail ranging from £4 to £17 in London, there is massive scope for unexpected overspending and we launched designmynight as an easy to use portal for tailored social planning, whatever your budget.”

designmynight’s comparative price search and booking service make it the definitive online destination for tailored social planning, using three different budget categories for their venue database.

designmynight also boasts a complementary Concierge Service, which brings Nick and Andrew’s expertise to all client briefs, from intimate parties to large-scale corporate events. Previous corporate clients of the designmynight Concierge have included, among others, Armani, L’Oreal and Garnier UK.

From basement Speakeasies to pop-ups, and East End warehouses to glorious rooftops, designmynight is the definitive source for the inside curve on all that’s new in one of the world’s most rapidly evolving capitals.

The multi-faceted draw of designmynight’s offerings will further diversify with the launch of designmynight Deals, an industry first for social buying, bringing group discounts across the board to a plethora of London nightspots. Details to be announced soon.

To have access to the concierge simply email requirements to [email protected] or find the form on the site’s homepage.

Explore! Launches Dedicated Cycling Adventures Brochure With 19 New Tours

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

Explore! Launches Dedicated Cycling
Adventures Brochure With 19 New Tours
     29 Dec 11

For the first time in two years, Explore has released a brochure dedicated to its cycling portfolio. The collection features trips for all experience and activity levels, but contains an increased focus on challenging tours for keen cyclists. As well as a number of new tours in Europe, Explore has responded to customer demand for more cycling trips further afield, with new trips in Burma, India, Cuba, Sri Lanka, as well as a trip that journeys through Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. What’s more, Explore is offering 5% off any of the 19 new cycling tours, when booked by 31st January, 2012.*

For those inspired by Mark Cavendish’s recent award as the BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year, the challenging new Provence and the Ventoux eight-day tour journeys through the heart of the Provencal plains, incorporating the classic Tour de France hill climbs of Mont Ventoux and Col du Murs. Graded tough, this tour covers 430km with several steep sections. Departing in September 2012, the cost, from £955 per person, includes flights; seven nights’ hotel accommodation (mostly b&b); hire of a 21-gear Trek T10 Navigator bike; back-up vehicle and tour leader.

For something less physically challenging, but more off-the-beaten-track, Explore’s new nine-day Cycle Iceland tour explores some of Iceland’s most remote mountain tracks. From the wild centre to the South Coast, the route takes customers across black deserts, contrasted by towering, green volcanoes and white glaciers. This ‘rough and ready’ trip incorporates camping by remote mountain lakes and bathing in natural hot springs. Graded as moderate, 155km is covered on off-road and varied terrain. The price, from £1,689 per person, includes flights; b&b camping and guesthouse accommodation; 11 other meals; mountain bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

New tours in Eastern Europe offer exceptional value for money. As well as the new Cycle Ukraine and Cycle Serbia trips (detailed in the notes to editors), the unique Cycle Albania tour allows customers to get to the heart and soul of this fascinating and picturesque country, over eight days. Graded moderate to strenuous, 365km is covered on quiet, undulating roads, with some steeper sections. Costing from £997 per person, this includes flights; accommodation, mostly on a b&b basis; three dinners; hybrid bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

Further afield, the first Explore customers started returning to Burma last month, after a 16-year absence. The country is proving exceptionally popular and Explore now offers four different tours there, including the new and unique 16-day Cycle Burma trip. Cycling between the major highlights of Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay and Rangoon, this tour provides the opportunity to truly immerse in the local culture, passing from village to village. Graded moderate, 510km is covered on generally flat and quiet roads. With departures from January to March and October to December, the price, from £2,397 per person, includes flights; b&b accommodation; mountain bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

The Cycle Nicaragua to the Panama Canal tour takes a fascinating journey across three countries over 15 days. The tour passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in Central America – past smoking volcanoes and lakes and through national parks. A particular highlight is cycling along the Panama Canal. Chill-out time is included in the tropical islands of Bocas del Toro. Graded moderate to strenuous, 650km is covered on undulating and sometimes mountainous roads. The price, from £2,570 per person, includes flights; b&b accommodation; hybrid bike hire; tour leader and support vehicle.

Ashley Toft, Managing Director of Explore, commented, “This new brochure contains our biggest and most innovative collection of cycling holidays yet. In addition to the 5% saving for new trips booked by 31st January, it should also be noted that our cycling trips offer exceptional value for money, due to the fact that the hire of high-quality bikes is included in the cost of all of our trips.”

For more information about Explore, or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk or call 0844 499 0901.

A Japanese Calendar Of Culture For 2012

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

A Japanese Calendar Of Culture For 2012
     30 Dec 11

InsideJapan Tours recommends when to go to Japan for new openings,
festivals and fun in the Year of the Dragon.

January: See ancient sites, such as Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion Temple, sparkle with a dusting of snow or head to the Alps to watch snow monkeys bathe in hot spring pools; on Hokkaido, see the graceful Japanese red cranes perform dances as the orange sun sets over the pure white snowfields of Tsurui.

15 January – Nozawa Fire Festival, Nagano
This intense celebration of health and growth brings heat to the snowy slopes of Nozawa, the country’s oldest ski resort. Fireworks and bonfires light up the village and the skies above whilst large amounts of sake are consumed by the locals and visitors alike.

How to get there:
The ‘Alpine Winter Culture’ self guided adventure heads from Tokyo to the Japanese Alps for a 9 night trip taking in the exciting Fire Festival, visits the ‘Snow monkey’ of Yudanaka, stays in the atmospheric Zenkoji temple and the alpine castle town of Matsumoto. Costs £1,450pp (two sharing), departs 9th January.

February: In the north, after a day in the sublime snow, relax in outdoor hot spring pools, surrounded by snow-covered rocks; meanwhile, in the southern sub-tropical Okinawa islands, bathe in warm sea waters as the cherry tree blossom awakens.

6-12 February – Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido
One of the country’s most sense-assaulting festivals with spectacular snow sculptures, bright lights, traditional and pop music, and a vast array of food, beer and sake.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Winter Highlights’ small group tour incorporates the excitement of the snow festival and a host of winter wildlife-watching opportunities including dancing Japanese cranes and sea eagles on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula. Costs £3,250 pp (two sharing), departs 3 February, see details here.*

March: Plum tree blossom provides the first sign of the transition to spring and is a pretty prelude to the more celebrated cherry tree blossom.

11 March – first anniversary of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

24-25 March – Tokyo International Anime Fair
This quirky fair brings some of the most famous artists, film studios, manga characters and creators from the animation world together and is visited by fanatics in their hordes.

How to get there:
The 13-night ‘Spring Elegance’ small group tour takes in pulsating Tokyo, followed by time in the Alps to appreciate pristine nature and to see the cherry blossom. Costs £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 25 March, see details here.*

April: As the country looks pretty in pink, the country enters the ‘hanami’ season, when the nation gathers in groups under the cherry blossom to drink, eat and be merry.

14-15 April – Takayama Festival
The ancient castle town of Takayama hosts this most popular celebration of spring. The streets are lined with magnificent floats (yatai) crafted by local artisans and are crowded with people carrying colourful portable shrines (mikoshi).

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Traditional Japan’ self-guided adventure winds through the heart of the Japanese Alps and includes a stay in a traditional ryokan in Takayama. Costs £2,370 pp (two sharing), see details here.*

May: The ideal time to see Japan, when the temperature is perfect for sightseeing. The foliage in temple gardens, castle grounds and vast public parks is stunning at this time of year.

22 May – opening of The Tokyo Sky Tree
This 643 metre-tall structure will ensure a seamless transition to digital broadcasting. The Tokyo Sky Tree will be one of the tallest towers in the world, providing unforgettable views over and beyond the metropolis.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Tom Orman, the 11-night ‘Emperor’s Footsteps’ itinerary takes participants into the mountains, along the parts of the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path and to ancient shrines, with stays in traditional Japanese ryokan and dips in hot springs along the way. Costs £2,150 pp (two sharing), departs 22 May, see details here.*

June: As the snow melts away across Hokkaido, this remote wilderness, unaffected by the rainy season, becomes a little-known haven for hikers, cyclers and campers. Walk amidst tulips, pink moss and lavender, and savour local seafood dishes and Hokkaido cheeses.

1-2 June – Takigi Noh
Head to the Heian Shrine in culture-rich Kyoto to see graceful Takigi Noh theatre performances taking place by flaming torch-light

How to get there:
The 16-night ‘Hokkaido Fly Drive’ self-guided adventure is highly recommended for those who wish to appreciate the panoramic beauty of Hokkaido. Costs £2,830 pp (two sharing), see details here.*

July: As the level of humidity soars during the Japanese summer, head to fresh air at altitude with a climb up Mt Fuji. The official climbing season is from 1 July – 31 August, and is popular with pilgrims who aim to reach the sacred mountain’s summit of 3,776 metres in time for sunrise.

27-29 July – Fuji Rock festival
Japan’s answer to Glastonbury – without the litter-strewn surroundings – takes place in the mountains of Niigata.  2012’s line-up includes The Stone Roses.

How to get there:
The 7-night ‘Fuji Rock’ self-guided adventure starts in Tokyo and includes the Fuji Rock festival experience. Costs £902 pp (two sharing), including accommodation in Tokyo, festival ticket, tent and transfers. Departs 24 July, see details here.*

August: Matsuri (festival) madness sets upon Japan in August with the Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto and Sendai Tanabata Festivals in the Tohoku region. Fireworks, kimonos, takoyaki (fried octopus), taiko drummers, flute players and floats create an unforgettable and kaleidoscopic picture of Japanese culture.

29 July – 17 September – The triennial Echigo-Tsumari Art Festival
A sprawling display of modern art covering 760km2 across the Echigo region in the mountainous Niigata prefecture – nearly 600 artists from 40 countries scatter their works across terraced rice fields, amidst forested hills and throughout tiny rural villages.

How to get there:
The ten-night ‘Festivals of Japan’ self-guided adventure is designed to give travellers a taste of Tohoku’s summer extravaganzas and more. Costs £1,254 pp (two sharing), see details here*. Meanwhile, the 14-night ‘A Northern Soul’ small group tour heads up through the rural Tohoku region at £2,650 pp (two sharing), departs 12 August, see details here*

September: Stay in the samurai castle city of Matsumoto and spend time in the mountains, where you might catch a glimpse of the rare Asiatic black bear that inhabits the forests of central Honshu.

22-23 September – Tokyo Game Show
Welcoming a record number of visitors last year (over 222,668), the Tokyo Game Show is an awesome forum for computer gamers and geeks to try out the latest innovations, including products for smart phones, future phones and PCs.

How to get there:
A new signature tour from InsideJapan Tours’ guide Liam Chawdhary, the 14-night ‘Hands on Japan’ itinerary includes a plethora of cultural experiences from kimono-wearing, pottery-making and the tea ceremony, to a trip to a wasabi farm, taiko-drumming and the chance to see a Sumo wrestling match, plus foodie experiences. Costs £2,700 pp (two sharing), departs 9 September, see details here.*

October: The ‘koyo’ (autumn leaf viewing) season sees Japan ablaze with colour. Steeped in history and home to the Toshu-gu-shrine, the national park of Nikko, located at 1,269 metres above sea level, boasts glorious ‘koyo’ opportunities near the Chuzenji Lake.

23-30 October – Tokyo Fashion Week
A feast for the eyes but in a completely different format – the world’s top designers and fashionistas descend upon the capital city for this week of global glamour.

How to get there:
The 14-night ‘Essential Honshu’ small group tour heads to the stunning Kamikochi National Park for an appreciation of autumnal aesthetics, to the hot springs in Hakone National Park plus Osaka and then Tokyo, in time for fashion week. Costs £2,400pp (two sharing), departs 13 October, see details here.*

November: The district of Arashiyama is one of the most cultural parts of Kyoto and, in the autumn, the most colourful, too, as the mountain-covering maple trees turn red, gold and yellow.

1-10 November – Gion Odori (autumn dances)
Tickets to these enchanting performances by Kyoto’s geisha are highly sought after.

How to get there:
The nine-night ‘Tokaido Trail’ incorporates the classic sights of Tokyo and Kyoto, including ‘Gion Odori’, Mt Fuji, the Hakone National Park and the coastal temple town of Kamakura, with smooth transfers by shinkansen. Costs £1550pp (two sharing), departs 3 November, see details here.*

December: Join the Japanese as they wind down for the most important annual celebration – New Year. Bonenkai (literally translated as ‘parties to forget the year’) are held amongst colleagues and friends, and on New Year’s Eve itself, families eat buckwheat noodles symbolizing longevity and visit temples at midnight.

31 December – shogatsu (Japanese New Year)
New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together.

How to get there:
The ‘7 Night Price Cruncher’ covers the classic sights of Japan on a budget taking in Tokyo, the Hakone national Park and the cultural capital of Kyoto on a self guided adventure. Costs £648pp (two sharing) departing throughout the year. See details here*

TALKING IT OUT

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

TALKING IT OUT

“Anger blows out the lamp of the mind,” said Robert Ingersoll.

It may be true. I heard a story about one woman who ran a classified
ad in order to sell her brand new car. It had only 3,000 miles.

“Like new,” the ad boasted. “Mint condition. $75.00.”

He laughed to himself, and said, “There goes the newspaper, making
another mistake.” But he decided to call the number anyway and ask
about it.

“Is it really brand new?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Three thousand miles?”

“Yes.”

“The price?”

“Seventy-five dollars,” she answered.

“Seventy-five dollars! Lady, what’s wrong with it?” he asked.

“Nothing is wrong with it. And, amazingly, you’re the first to call.
I suppose nobody else believes the ad.”

He decided to look at it. She let him take a test drive. The car
looked exquisite and ran perfectly. He just couldn’t believe his
luck.

“The car is yours for $75.00. Just drive it away.”

He paid her and took the keys. “Please tell me, lady,” he persisted.
“You could have sold this car for $35,000, at least.
What is going on?”

She told her story: “I bought the car for my husband on our fortieth
wedding anniversary. Two weeks later he ran off with somebody else.
Last week I got a text from him. They are in a resort in Miami
Beach, Florida. The text said,
‘Need money, sell car, send cash.’
I did.”

What do you do when you are angry?

Some people “act it out.” They break something. Or they say
something they later regret. They strike back. Or they sell the car
for $75.00.

Other people “wait it out.” Waiting it out seemed to be her husband’s
strategy. Let her cool down – it will blow over. But the avoidance
of conflict usually never ends well. It just doesn’t go away by
itself.

Others “take it out.” They kick the dog or scream at the kids. They
lash out at the next unlucky person they come across.

Still others “fight it out.” Humorist Bob Orben says, “Who can ever
forget Winston Churchill’s immortal words: ‘We shall fight on the
beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in
the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills’? It
sounds exactly like our family vacation.” With friends and family,
fighting it out becomes bickering. On a larger scale, it’s called
warfare.

Of course, the best idea is to “talk it out.” Nothing new here – we
have to bring it up before we can get it out. But talking it out isn’t
shouting it out. I think some people believe that if they just say
it loudly enough, they can make it so.

Talking it out is about bringing it up – saying what needs to be
said clearly, calmly and kindly. But it is also about listening. I
think it’s interesting that the word “listen” contains the same
letters as the word “silent.” I know that I can’t listen when I’m
talking. I can’t listen when I’m figuring out what I want to say
next. I have to be still. I have to be silent.

And when I’m silent, something almost magical happens. Walls come
down and I can begin to see my way through. When I’m silent I create
space for something new to grow between us.

ACT IT OUT and your actions will become a block to good
communication.

WAIT IT OUT and you just let it build up inside.

TAKE IT OUT and you cause more hurt and anger.

FIGHT IT OUT and you create winners and losers.

But TALK IT OUT and you can get it out. Be honest. Be clear. But, be
reasonable. And then be silent. Let the magic of the moment ferment
so that understanding can grow.

Maybe then you can keep the car.

Find Steve Goodier here: http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/.
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Leading South East Attraction Announces 2012 Events

by editor | Dec 31, 2011 | Lifestyle

Leading South East Attraction

Announces 2012 Events
     23 Dec 11

 The latest events list for the Kent & East Sussex Railway has been released.
With plenty of new events added and many of the Railways most popular events continued
there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy this coming year,
whether it is a trip with Thomas the Tank Engine or a step back to times gone by at the 1940’s weekend.

A Day Out with Thomas 11-12 & 18-19 February

Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’. Tickets include a 1 hour train ride, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Kids for a Quid 14-17 February

The Kent & East Sussex Railway and Bodiam Castle have collaborated on a special promotion to offer great days out for families at affordable prices this half term.  Available between 14 and 17 February 2012, Kids for a Quid offers families the chance to enjoy rides on the Kent & East Sussex Railway whilst paying just £1 for each child. Passengers can board the beautifully restored vintage steam trains at Tenterden Station, which will take them along the 10 ½ mile line to Bodiam station, passing through the Rother Valley. Vouchers, available from the Railway’s website, are required.

Mother’s Day 18 March

A special Mother’s Day treat can be booked for £22.50 with the Kent & East Sussex Railway where the whole family can enjoy the service and style from a more gentle time. An age when opulent surroundings and attentive staff made our railways the envy of the world.  This special Mother’s Day treat includes a two-hour return journey on one of the Railway’s restored steam trains, a reserved table for your family for either a hearty Ploughmans Lunch or a delicious Cream Tea together with a surprise gift for every Mum to take home to remember her special day.  Relax on board and enjoy some quality time with Mum, as you take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding countryside, interrupted only by the gentle chug of the steam engine. Mothers Day Treat £22.50, Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering

Rock With The Tots 31 March

Families will enjoy a 25 minute steam train journey on the Kent & East Sussex Railway along the picturesque line from Tenterden before alighting to see two of children’s TV’s favourite characters. Featuring popular pre-school television characters FiFi Forget-me-Not and her best friend Bumble, ‘Rock With The Tots’ is a high energy, sing-along stage show designed to entertain the whole family and encourage young family members to join in!

Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

Family Ticket Offer Easter 2-5 & 10-13 April

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35.  A Family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children

Grandparents Weekend 14-15 April

Children can treat grandparents to a nostalgic day out for FREE on the Kent & East Sussex Railway during a special grandparents’ weekend, when every child rover ticket purchased entitles a grandparent to travel for free.  The unlimited day travel tickets allow visitors to hop off the train and explore the many activities each destination has to offer such as the shops in Tenterden or the magnificent Bodiam Castle.  Or why not visit the new Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum which can be found directly opposite Northiam station.

  

Spring Walks 28-29 April

On 28 and 29 April 2012 everyone can take advantage of the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s special weekend summer promotion which combines a walk with a nostalgic steam train ride.  Over the weekend, keen walkers can take advantage of a 25% discount on all single train fares along with a free copy of the glossy “Railtrails” guide book, featuring six different walks with maps. Those wishing not to walk can still purchase full price rover tickets and a standard train timetable will be operating over the weekend.

Steam Train Gala 5-7 May

All aboard for the annual 3 day Steam Train Gala at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden starting on Saturday 5 May 2012. The event promises visiting locomotives, plenty of excitement with a range of one-off workings and special events spread across the three days of the bank holiday weekend. Gala prices – adult £17.50, Senior £15, Child £12.50, family £50, member £10. Two day tickets: adults £30, senior £25, child £20, member £20. Three day tickets: adult £35, senior £30, child £25, member £25.

1940’s Weekend 19-20 May

On 19 and 20 May 2012 the Kent & East Sussex Railway will be hosting their annual 1940’s weekend when visitors of all ages can re-live the forties lifestyle along the line. This historical railway is the ideal location for this unrivalled event, when period features including steamers, bunting, spivs and characters in authentic costume create a nostalgic atmosphere for visitors enjoying the variety of activities on offer. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Family Ticket Offer 6-10 June

Families can purchase a reduced ticket when travelling on the Kent & East Sussex Railway between these dates. Tickets reduced from £42 to £35. A family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and up to 3 Children OR 1 Adult and up to 4 Children.

CAMRA Beer Festival 16 June

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a visit to the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on Saturday 16 June 2012 for the annual CAMRA’s Real Ale & Cider Festival. This popular social event takes place between 11:00am and 10:30pm (or until the beer runs out!) and is organised by the Ashford, Folkestone and Romney Marsh Branches of CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale. On the day visitors can partake in a wide range of activities, from trying a diverse range of some of the finest Ale, Cider and Perry in the exclusive beer tent, or relaxing and listening to an eclectic mix of live music. There will be a delicious selection of food from a BBQ or the licenced refreshment room. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

 

Father’s Day 17 June

On Father’s Day (Sunday 17 June) why not treat Dad to a day out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden for just £24.50. This special Father’s Day treat includes a return journey on one of the Railway’s stunning vintage steam trains and dad can choose from a delicious homemade ploughmans lunch or cream tea, served to your reserved table and complimented with a bottle of the railway’s very own beer, “Dad’s Delight” Fathers Day Treat £24.50.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10 plus catering.

Pensioners Treat, £10 a seat 26-28 June

Take a nostalgic steam train journey with the Kent & East Sussex Railway between 26 and 28 June 2012 and if you are over 60 take advantage of the special price all day rover ticket for seniors which is only £10.   Everyone travelling on the railway can enjoy a 21-mile relaxing steam train ride in beautifully restored carriages travelling through picturesque countryside between Tenterden, Northiam and Bodiam stations.

WWI Event 30 June – 1 July
“Goodbye Dolly!” A Great War extravaganza featuring 30 living historians in appropriate military uniforms supported by 10 period interpreters portraying civilian personnel. Support equipment includes General Service Wagon, Lewis Machine Gun Cart, Water Cart, Dispatch Rider Motorcycle, Pedal Cycles, Casualty Reception Facility, Recruitment Tent and Period Photography Booth, Bell Tent encampment.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

 

Summer Walks 7-8 July

On 7 and 8 July 2012 everyone can take advantage of the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s special weekend summer promotion which combines a walk with a nostalgic steam train ride. Over the weekend, keen walkers can take advantage of a 25% discount on all single train fares along with a free copy of the glossy “Railtrails” guide book, featuring six different walks with maps. Those wishing not to walk can still purchase full price rover tickets and a standard train timetable will be operating over the weekend.

A Day Out with Thomas 21-23 July

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 21 and 23 July 2012 to meet everyone’s favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’.  Tickets cost from £13.50 per adult and £10.50 per child and include a 1 hour train ride behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

1960’s Event 4-5 August

Become immersed in the sounds, sights and fashions of one of the most iconic decades of the last century.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Hoppers Weekend 8-9 September

On the 8 and 9 September, visitors to Bodiam station can enjoy a whole weekend of “opping nostalgia” as the Kent & East Sussex Railway hosts its annual Hop Pickers Weekend.  Bodiam was an important area for hop picking and the weekend re-lives the days when Londoners came ‘dahn ‘opping’ for a summer break. Each summer hop pickers used to arrive in specially timetabled trains from London and this year the railway is celebrating 54 years since the last Hop Pickers Special arrived at Bodiam station.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Pensioners Treat 18-20 September

Take a nostalgic steam train journey with the Kent & East Sussex Railway between Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 September 2012 and if you are over 60 take advantage of the special price all day rover ticket for seniors which is only £10. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Bodiam Castle, which is a short walk from Bodiam Station, or The Mill Toy & Pedal Car Museum, which can be found directly opposite Northiam station. Enjoy reduced admission to either attraction on production of your train ticket. Allow time to see the restored Cavell Van at Bodiam Station. This historic carriage is an important railway legacy from the Great War era and carried Nurse Edith Cavell’s coffin, that of Captain Charles Fryatt and the Unknown Warrior.

 

A Day Out with Thomas 29-30 September

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 29 and 30 September 2012 for a fun packed fantastic day out. Everyone’s favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including ‘Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller’. Tickets include a 1 hour train ride to Wittersham Road and back behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy “Thomas & Friends” station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown.

Adult £13.50 1st Class supp £3, Child £10.50 1st Class Supp £2

 

The 20th Tenterden Folk Festival 6-7 October

Tenterden Folk Festival is a four day long festival of folk song, music and dance. Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal setting for this friendly, family folk festival.  It features one of the widest high streets in the country lined with historic and listed buildings, numerous friendly pubs and restaurants and green verges.

Austin Counties Car Rally 13-14 October

See a selection of these vehicles on show at Tenterden Station in what is the 20th year of this popular rally.  Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Halloween Half Term Fun Week 29 – 31 October and 1 & 2 November

There will be plenty of spine tingling tricks and treats during ‘Halloween fun week’ from Monday 29 to Friday 2 November. Enjoy spooktacular entertainment at Tenterden station and join in the ‘make and take’ activities, including the pumpkin carving workshop. All activities are included in the ticket price.

Fright Night Trains 31 October and 2 November

As the clock strikes 6pm on Wednesday 31 and Friday 2 November take the Halloween Howler steam train ride from Tenterden Station on the popular ‘Fright Night’ Train. Enjoy scary face painting, ‘make and take’ activities and pumpkin carving at Tenterden Station from 4:30pm. Once on board, be prepared to be frightened silly with ghostly goings on at stations with a firework display and a few surprises along the way. Every child will also receive a delicious snack box for the all-inclusive ticket price of £16 Booking essential.

Families are encouraged to come in fancy dress, the scarier the better!

Cavell Van 11 November

On Sunday 11 November 2012, take part in a rare and exclusive opportunity and travel to Bodiam on the 11.30am steam departure from Tenterden station. A Terrier locomotive will make this special journey with a train formed of the Cavell Van, Birdcage and other historic vintage stock. The departure from Tenterden station will follow a Service of Remembrance at 10.45am and two minutes silence at 11.00am. Adult £15.00, OAP £14.00 Child £10, Family £42

Santa Specials Selected Dates in December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-24 December

Meet Santa at one of Kent’s best loved attractions this Christmas when you take a magical steam train journey at The Kent & East Sussex Railway’s popular Santa Specials, now in their 38th year!  When you arrive at Tenterden Station you’ll be greeted by the sound of Christmas Carols and you can enjoy as many free rides on the Victorian carousel as you can fit into your day. On board the beautifully decorated steam train families will meet Santa Claus during the hour long return journey to Wittersham Road. Children should also look out for the pixies whose sacks are full of lovely presents. After your train ride the fun continues at Tenterden Station. Plans are being made for one of the most exciting and unexpected entertainment events ever at a steam railway. All will be revealed! All £17.50, 1st Class £21, Early Bird (1&2) £14.50 + 1st class Supp £3, Christmas Eve Supp £1 on all fares.

This year is set to be an exciting one for the Kent & East Sussex Railway so be sure to not to miss out!

For more information on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the listed events visit www.kesr.org.uk