End of the Line: The Lost Railway to Hawkhurst

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I hope you enjoy this film. Do leave a *comment* and please also *like and share* as it helps a great deal! Might you consider buying me a coffee? buymeacoffee.com/rediscovering

[@TrevorHarris-m2l]

Yeah open track was open a new track open or I found a station ok

[@esmeephillips5888]

The line probably depended more than any other in Kent on the health of the brewing industry. Its coup de grace was the collapse of hop growing in the Fifties, which hit both freight and passenger traffic. That was caused by the post-WW2 development of cheap refrigeration; the British boozer began to switch from warm bitter to chilled lager, which does not use hops. As it became more comme il faut for ladies to drink in pubs, they preferred lager, which was lighter and less alcoholic. Worse, a deadly disease called 'wilt' ravaged hop fields. So there are no more trains to Hawkhurst, and many an oasthouse for drying the crop has become a 'desirable residence', taxing the ingenuity of interior decorators.

[@jsa-z1722]

Great film thank you! 🙏

[@damedavidfrith55]

Another beautiful piece of lost England thanks for all your hard work.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@MrVxrman]

Well my friend, congratulations are the order of the day ! As you've absolutely smashed it again. I do enjoy the films you make and can only appreciate how much work you have to do to make them. All the very best good sir ☕️ 🙏

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much! As one of my long-term supporters, your kindness is always appreciated 🙏

[@PeterMason-i1h]

A charming branch line that ran through a romantic part of Kent. As a 14-year-old lad, I saved money from my paper round especially to make a memorable journey in May 1961, just a few weeks before the line closed. Thank you for sharing this evocative presentation which includes scenes old and modern.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful memories! Thanks for sharing 🙏

[@aliendon73]

An outstanding production as always, absolutely loved this video. Thank god there is archive footage of this once beautiful, yet simple line. So that younger generations can still see what was once an essential part of the Kent community. Gone but not forgotten.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@phaasch]

That was absolutely lovely. A real elegy to a time when the land and it's people were truly interdependent, rather than just a place where affluent ex-Londoners choose to live. Thank you for capturing that spirit so well. Into my heart an air that kills From yon far country blows. What are those blue remembered hills, What spires, what farms are those? That is the land of lost content, I see it shining plain, Those happy highways where I went, And cannot come again. (A E Houseman)

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

After WW2, the farmers brought in mechanical harvesting equipment, which was faster and cheaper than human labour.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you ever so much 👍

[@gospelman7222]

Congratulations once again on creating a superb video, but as I have remarked in comments on your previous videos, an overwhelming feeling of melancholia at the heritage we have lost over the past few decades. We shall never see the like of these lovely railways again.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks!

[@frogandspanner]

These videos hurt: not because I have a foolish nostalgic view; not because I love the engineering of a bygone era; not because I think 8mm film is the epitome of video; but because this nation threw away wayleave and easements, and increased the entropy of ways. Had this not happened there are so many lines that could have been usefully brought back into service. It is fortuitous that the line I use most - the _Cross City Line_ in the West Midlands, was not ripped up, although it still had clickety clack lines and semaphore signals when I moved to Brum in the early '80s. It has since become a highly successful commuter line. Similarly with the _Borders Railway_ . Hibernating loss-making lines might have been appropriate at the time, but destroying them was not.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for you thoughts and comment 🙏

[@edmonddaramy-williams625]

They not only made the past worse, but the future worse as well.

[@barrythedieselelectricstea5217]

I've been to paddock wood a few times and pictured what it was like there was a few things I didn't know the signal box at the end of the platform was there the platform has been extended now signal box long gone but the memories are still there of what it was like sad to see much of it has disappeared pity it wasn't mothballed

[@PaulMarshall-kp8dz]

Well worth the wait. Thanks.

[@sianwarwick633]

I find these videos so good,because they do what they say on the packet: they tell me things I want to know, and fill in a lot of detail about past rail, and that near-past that people go on about. In this case, hop-picking in Kent.

[@benshotbolt]

Wonderful ... just wonderful! What a well produced informative and rather moving production you've published. I'm sure I'm not alone in congratulating you and thanking you for this and all the other videos you give us ☺

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikewoodman7700]

once again another video with the highest of productions, we really must thank all those people who recorded our yesterdays.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you - and yes, we do!

[@grahamwalker9193]

Hooray it’s here. What an absolute delight, a delicious slice of pure nostalgia, well done.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@07028]

Even with the assistance of the Alan Snowden Archives, I imagine all the historic footage was difficult to locate, edit and integrate. You did a great job with the historic footage when present access to the remaining right of way was difficult at many points.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are very kind - it was tricky manipulating some of the footage, but that's all part of the fun and it is very satisfying when it comes together!

[@barryamos4920]

Thank you for this video,we owe a great deal to you and the people who filmed this .

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure and I couldn't agree more RE the archive films!

[@Over_the_Hill]

Evocative, often poignant, informative, brilliantly edited. I've said it before, there are all kinds of documentaries on KZbin, but this really should have its own spot on a streaming platform or Freeview. Brilliant

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are very kind and generous in your remarks, it is greatly appreciated 🙏

[@Georgeconna32]

Greeting from Ireland. Every documentary you do on line I can sense your loss, these times always looked better t in retrospect but possibly we not but I would certainly give itva go.. I really enjoy watching the old England. Wonderful place and Southern Region makes it extra special.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your thoughts and comment 🙏

[@Froobyone]

I grew up in the 1970s on the other side of the heavily fortified border in Sussex. I visited Goudhurst and Hawkhurst regularly, for reasons now lost to time. It brought back some nice memories. Oast houses are still a delight to see, nearly 50 years later. My village (Robertsbridge) had its own connection to the hop pickers, acting as it did as a junction with one of Colonel Stevens' light railways. I used to walk the lifted track bed for miles. Some of that track bed is now home to track once more. Something I could have scarcely imagined. Thank you for another great film. Music choice was spot on.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your kind words and sharing your evocative memories!

[@a11csc]

Allan certainly along with Ivo left us an unrivalled legacy that could never be surpassed.thanks for posting

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Absolutely!

[@richardpotter712]

The original station platform lamps at Cranbrook and the ground starter signal, went to the KESR. The starter is still there at Wittersham Rd Station but the lamps were stolen from the same location back in the 90`s. The design for the station houses were apparently copied by Colonel Stephens, from the station house at Marden. The lovely "H" class, which now you will only travel behind at the Bluebell. I know a fella who used to be a driver on the Hawkhurst Branch, when it was push-pull (still alive). Great video and thanks for posting.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for this information and thoughts, much appreciated 👍

[@michaelpilling9659]

Absolutely fabulous. Your video running along side the archive films really brought this picturesque branch line, back to life. In my opinion, one of your very best videos Closed in 1961 and with much if the tra k no longer in existence, an impossibility to reopen the line

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it and agreed RE the prospects of reopening!

[@jagracershoestring609]

I remember, as a child, travelling from Wateringbury to Eastbourne to visit relatives, and the clanging of buffers shunting in Wateringbury yard at night. We went Hop Picking in autumn, and Londoners picking hops, and the drunken fights in local pubs after work. A nostgelic film and well done, many thanks for the memories

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@Terry.W]

A great journey down memory lane ...so sad when a line is closed..

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏 and agreed 👍

[@bryan3550]

An absolute delight, beautifully edited! And a particular delight for my wife to see glimpses of her heritage in Kent, with "Hopper" being her family name! Thank you from DownUnder. 🙃🙃

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Always happy to welcome an antipodean cousin, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bruce6014]

Lovely video. Amazing how little evidence is left of the railway north of Goudhurst.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, you are right!

[@tonyvincent58]

We didnt know they were the best of times until they were lost. Thank you for another emotional journey. Superb as always

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@stuarthall6631]

Oh, thank you so, SO much for uploading this excellent video! I was born and brought up in Kent and lived for some years at Yalding which is, of course, upon the other (surviving) secondary route out of Paddock Wood. I absolutely loved every minute of your film! I should like to thank you also (if I may?) for narrating this with such clear diction and in impeccable English. Sadly, these are all-too-rare qualities of KZbin material.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed this film and thank you for your kind words concerning my narration!

[@stuarthall6631]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways You are very welcome! Thank you for responding.

[@peterjhillier7659]

What a tragic loss, what a wasteful Species we are, all lost so sad, thank you for sharing.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@billybobbassman]

A story beautifully told. Well worth waiting for

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@Saint_Dan132]

yesss my brother with familiar interests i have been so looking forward to this. x

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My absolute pleasure 🙏

[@paulhaynes8045]

Your films get better with each one. So good to see you including material from the Alan Snowdon Archive as well - anyone reading this who has not visited that site, I urge you to do so. I still have terribly mixed feelings watching these videos though - much as I enjoy them, there is always the deep sadness that such lines no longer exist. And, these days, as I approach 71, a sadness also for a way of life that no longer exists. Were it possible to take that route today, you wouldn't see many hop fields - if any. I wasn't quite 8 when this line closed, so would have been completely unaware of both the closure and its existence, but these days I often change trains at Paddock Wood and glance at that old branch line platform on the other side of the station.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much and for your evocative memories

[@romac9516]

Wonderful film thank you. Especially appreciate the unapologetically nostalgic commentary. Life changed forever when those small lines closed and it's arguable whether anyone (except the automotive industry) benefited.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi thank you for the run , with a cuppa and enjoyment, I still wonder why stop a way of Life 😭, Many thanks, All the best Brian 😃

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks for watching!

[@jackie0604oxon]

Wonderful, that was beautifully made with stunning footage. It's sad as well to see all the work of the engineers and navvies no longer in use. It makes me want to see Adventure in the Hopfields next! Many thanks. (edit to add for anyone else who may be interested - Adventure in the Hopfields is on the free BFI Player.)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@epj900]

Well, another gem!, well worth the wait. Thank you for all your hard work in producing these magnificent films

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@sparky1105]

Thank you - another brilliant video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewwild1610]

Yet another little gem that must have taken so much time and hard work. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It did, but truly a labour of love. Thank you for your kind comment 🙏

[@ianr]

Without sounding like a stuck record.....As always a superb video! The archive footage is remarkable and wonderful. Good graphics on this video. Pleasure to watch as always. 👍🙂

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Your support and kind words are always welcome and greatly appreciated 🙏

[@terryjacob8169]

I remember the Hawkhurst branchline featuring in a BBC children's television serial circa.1959.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I wonder what that was?

[@briskyoungploughboy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYK0aZWolpeokJI&lc=UgwmZ7NmOv_QJr4eQHF4AaABAg

[@samanthajanesmith9591]

It's a good Friday when I can sit down and relax with a cuppa and watch on of your videos. Thank you again.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Enjoy!

[@kenoverbay-baker4653]

My grandmother was born and grew up in Hawkhurst. She left just after the first World War, settled in London until 1939, then left to Seattle, Washington, US. Since watching your fascinating video, I like to think without any evidence, that she was a regular passenger on this line. Thank you for awakening something from my heritage.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My absolute pleasure 🙏

[@21michaelhill]

Interesting to revisit this lost railway that people once took for granted.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@heritagerailwayroutes7283]

A truly lovely piece of nostalgia

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're very kind, thank you!

[@nigelbuck3162]

Another fabulous video. You somehow manage to make them informative, interesting, factual, nostalgic and sad all at the same time!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@andrewmizon2339]

Great old film. I love your videos !😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks so much!

[@petercurtis3984]

Your hard work in putting together this video of the Hawkhurst branch line is particularly splendid, you certainly captured the spirit of the railway. Despite the usual decision of British Railways back in the day to just rip it all up instead of letting it slumber, this would most definitely eliviate some of the traffic on our roads as our small island becomes increasingly clogged with motor vehicles. Of course in an ideal world it would be wonderful to reinstate this quaint and charming line, however I do not think that the majority of the communities along its route would relish the thought and would probably object very strongly.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I agree with you. What a fine heritage line it would have made, if nothing else.

[@robertb7918]

Hawkhurst station has been a favourite prototype for modellers because it is a perfect example of a typical rural branch line terminus. In the 1990s there were at least three layouts of Hawkhurst appearing at exhibitions.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I can see why it is a popular choice!

[@Bruce-h8w]

Yes, your video a strange mixture of delight and sadness. Took some effort tracing the line on google maps. Well done finding the 1954 film. Mandy Miller was 7 then. I was 14, but our paths never crossed!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@cd82156]

Another lovely put together video. Every time I watch one of these I question whether we are really better off today. I would have loved to have experienced life back then. Keep your internet and 24 hour news, I’ll have the community and the slower pace of life.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Agreed!

[@philboorman231]

Very well put together production. Really informative. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tobygreenwood5036]

I always enjoy seeing how visible these old lines are from satellite pictures, clear treelines and ridges in fields

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, me too!

[@stephenharper9961]

Another fantastic video, I love these videos, thank you for such an informative piece on goudhurst station and the surrounding areas

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EandEFC]

I walked this line a few years back manged to get through Badgers Hole Tunnel although a bit wet. Also the signal box was in perfect condition such a loss in recent times. Awesome video again thanks for sharing.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks for the info!

[@wealdman66]

A very well researched and filmed account of the line and the route now. The only constructive comment I would make is in the case of villages named 'Den' the stress is on the last part of the name such as HorsmonDEN. Perhaps you could cover the Headcorn -Tenterden line at some time? My neck of the woods!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@wealdman66 if I do, at least I'll know how to better pronounce Tenterden now! Really glad you enjoyed the film and thank you for your comment 👍

[@douglasfleetney5031]

What a treat! H class 0-4-4, C class 0-6-0, D1 class 4-4-0, magnificent! I went past Hawkhurst Station today and as ever cast a glance to the embankment. There were buffer stops atop that until about 10 years ago but they fell apart and were removed for 'safety', the signal box was dismantled around 6 years ago and put into storage by the then (or current?) owner of the complex. It was in good nick and I had a crafty look around when delivering to one of the units. Just over the road from the Station at Horsmonden was Lamberts Yard where Chris Lambert stored an amazing collection of Traction Engines, Rollers, Road Locomotives and other Steam plant. My Father bought a couple of engines from Chris over the years and used to always go by train to Horsmonden when collecting. Sadly there is no coming back for this lamented line, a huge pity it did not make it onto the Preservation watch list, that would have made for a stunning line.... Thank you for covering this part of the World, we didn't really have that many branch lines and even then we lost most of them. Thank the Gods for the part preservation of the KESR (which the Hawkhurst line was supposed to join). Thanks again.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for sharing your evocative memories of this line and the places close to it!

[@chrisgreen8803]

Comment for the KZbin algorithm 🎉🎉🎉

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you!

[@johnparnell8571]

A wonderful trip on the branch line of nostalgia. Thank you for putting this documentary together and for keeping the memory of these lost lines alive.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏 thank you

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Just watched twice. An excellent presentation, with delightful use of Snowdon and other original footage. The Roger Godden colour footage from the crossing at Goudhurst seemed particularly poignant. Reading the comments, it was good to see the signal box at Hawkhurst appears to be in storage and not entirely lost. The drone shots really show what a lovely line it was, even if many of the hop gardens are no longer there. As with all of the abandoned lines, if only they had been mothballed, if there had been any forward thinking, but alas...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad it stood up to repeat viewing. Thank you for your ongoing support 👍

[@jamesspear9711]

Thank you so much for covering this delightful little branch line. Hope to see you down this way again one day. I know you previously mentioned maybe covering the Elham Valley route between Folkestone and Canterbury but if you could migrate across the border into Sussex, maybe covering Tunbridge Wells to Lewes (Wealden Line) or Eridge to Polegate (Cuckoo Line), that would be amazing 👏. With so many lost railways to cover, I guess it always has to be the pick of the bunch.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure and thank you for these fine recommendations!

[@andrewfanner2245]

I was brought up now far away. Got rather dusty here, thanks for ther work you put in to this, great video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@perrywilson2897]

Ienjoy watching your films on old railways

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very glad to hear it!

[@craigmarsh3221]

Good morning such a really enjoyable video so very interesting to watch a really great job on the history looking forward to the next one already.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@orkneyancestor2059]

Thank you very much again for more ,enjoyable, sadness.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@alistairshaw3206]

It's a brilliant film as usual, a line which closed when I was a year old. All the closures were a blow to the communities they served. At least people can still visit the wonderful Kent and East Sussex railway to get a sense of what we used to have.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@RichardWells1]

Another masterfully researched documentary, fusing so well archive film with video of the line's remains (or not!) in the landscape of today. A great film - thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words and ongoing support 🙏

[@petermcgarrymusicandflying]

Just dropping you a quick line to let you know how much I enjoyed this new episode. You are really opening a window into the past. Though not from England I am loving this content so please keep them coming.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for taking the time to say so, it is much appreciated 🙏

[@julianneweinberg-lessing9051]

So sad, and though this video is great, wonderful work, honouring the Beuty in all possible meanings. Thank you for that, esteemed enthusiast.🌹

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@davidgalpin7353]

I don’t know how you do it, another excellant production. I have said it before but mainstream TV companies and Presenters could learn a thing or two from you. Looking forward in anticipation for your next film.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're ever so kind, thank you 🙏

[@anthonytidey2005]

I as a child with my parents was one of the last to help pick the hop field's. Not sure what date and I cannot remember it so I think I was under 5, so somewhere between 1949 and 1955,6. It's a great shame we did not electrify our railways in the late 40s onwards, like Europe. With the great efficiency and lower maintanance of electrifying. We would have meny of the lines Beaching got rid of. Love the views of the old railways filmed and luckily preserved for us now. Thank's.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for sharing your evocative memories

[@srfurley]

I remember my mother, born 1915, talk of going hop picking in Kent as a child by a special train from Bricklayer’s Arms; she lived in Peckham at the time.

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

Delightful recreation of a lost railway, beautifully narrated. The reasons you give for it's closure - rapidly changing socio-economic conditions and modes of transport, almost certainly still apply. But, those more intangible aspects of rural existance you mention, still find echoes in the rural landscape today and in the minds of many who, idealistically, associate rural branch lines with a more unforced pace of life. Heritage lines enable a partial recapturing of the ryhthm of rural railways, but the lifeworld of which they were a part has long departed. Nonetheless, the experience of the nearby Kent & East Sussex railway shows the possibilities - though a reopening of the Hawkhurst branch, seems to me, remote at this point in time.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words and analysis, with which I absolutely agree 👍

[@joelightrailway2362]

Wow, I really enjoyed the video 👍 It is a real & unfortunate shame the branch close as it is impressive branch line in Kent. And it would have been an amazing heritage railway of today. I have went through the small town of Cranbrook when I’m on the bus from Tenterden to Tunbridge Wells. Interesting, the three arches bridge on the branch is the same design that is on a heritage railway close to me and that is the Bluebell Railway. Also two 0-6-0 tender locos ran a special on the branch and their too are preserved on the Bluebell Railway plus the H class tank the type of loco that was running on the branch is also preserved at again on the Bluebell. Another branch in Kent was also closed in 1961 and that was the Westerham branch. That branch was about to be preserved as a heritage railway, but unfortunately the local authorities planned to build the M25 motorway on the branch between the line two intermediate stations.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your comment. Yes it would've made a delightful heritage railway!

[@willswheels283]

Another very interesting enjoyable, historic, nostalgic well put together video, I guess it was inevitable that this like other similar branch lines closed due to “modernisation”, people wanted ease and convenience, it didn’t matter that the railway had history and character, smoothness, that was thrown to one side, thanks again sir.👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏 thank you

[@hoover517]

Another superb video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@IowaTrainGay]

Amazing video!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are so kind!

[@paulogden9809]

Thank you. Another well-researched and professionally presented video. A joy to watch.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

The trains of hop pickers were in terminal decline by the mid-1950s due to changes in farming along with more importing of hops. Today, there are just over 3,000 areas used for growing hops. And when the LEA went for bus transport over the railway that took away most of the remaining passengers and the writing was on the wall for this line especially as the stations were a long way from the villages they were named after. Who would walk the mile to Hawkhurst station if the bus stop was only a few yards away?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

This squares with what I've read about the line and its closure

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways the majority of the lines you cover will have the same general story.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 agreed

[@drevo50]

Lovely film of a charming branch line. Given the volume of traffic at Paddock Wood you might have thought it could have supported the line, especially if there had been some residential developments, now commonplace all over Kent.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed the film!

[@tango6nf477]

Excellent as usual thank you for sharing. The footage almost succeeds in bringing the line back to life, something that sadly will not happen. As you pointed out Cranbrook Station was a perfect example of why many branch lines lost their customers it was 2 miles away from the village making the trip to and from the station tedious and adding time to the journey. This was common across the entire network and even towns and cities stations were often some distance from their center's. All the best and looking forward to your next video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed and I fully agree with your assessment

[@ricktownend9144]

Yes, this is a pattern all over the railways of Britain - and probably world-wide. There's an old Yorkshire story: Tourist: "why didn't they build the station here in the town centre?" - Old man at the bar: " 'appen they thowt it 'd be better where it is - down by t'railway ..." The station location might be due to geography, or the convenience of freight users rather than passengers. The logical solution would be a 'station bus' linking the town or village to the station, connecting with every train, and free to people with a rail ticket. The chronic inability, however, of train and bus managers to talk to one another about making services connect, or how to share joint ticket monies, has meant that the closures of lines like this one have given people no other practical option, so they buy a car. As you say, the connections are lost. Thanks for this very moving video.

[@josemiguelrivero6840]

As always, an amazing documentary, combining old footage with drone imagery gives a very in-depth perspective, more dynamics. One can smell the countryside thru the screen scented with nostalgia.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephendavies6949]

A wonderful film. Your research, time and effort was well worth it and much appreciated. You tell these stories of a lost world & way of life so well. You're both informative and entertaining. It never ceases to amaze me how it can be both extremely difficult to trace these lost gems, but also - with the help of drone footage - locate their routes. If you know what to look for, then it can be done. One more thing: at 9:12 you seem to have captured Sherlock Holmes alighting from the train...!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! I had such an adventure making this one!

[@andrewr2825]

I think of the reviews so far and can only say thank you for posting. Evocative it is - and well researched and edited, with an appropriate soundtrack. I’m about as far as you can get from Hawkhurst here in rural Australia, but it helps me modelling the SR of that period, and it’s a source for getting the feel of a time lost forever. May we have many more of these superb videos👍🏻

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Always happy to hear from an Antipodean cousin - very glad this film found you all the way down there. Many more films to come, to be sure!

[@majorbloodnok6659]

Lovely, thank you

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you too!

[@MorrisTart]

That was absolutely lovely, full of interesting material.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tauraco00]

the gril in the adventure movie reminds me of myself - growing up in our village with our little train station - oh the memories - Regards Elizabeth M. Lines

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful!

[@johnmilner0859]

Excellent film as always

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@Kilnline]

Amazing video! It's always amazing to get an insight into these railways we can no longer see much of and of which you do absolutely brilliantly. You put a lot of work into these videos and it always shows in the quality that you upload. Always such a pleasure to watch the videos on your channel.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@JohnSmith-sl1my]

Well-done another great upload. Always look forward for your vids 👍.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@johnjephcote7636]

There was a BBC TV childrens' series called 'The Old Pull and Push'' filmed at Goudhurst largely, only it was renamed 'Cloudhurst'. I can still remember the introductory song because I objected to the words 'rickety old engine'. I often travelled behind engines built in my grandmother's day and they were never 'rickety' (and PS I have never heard a steam loco 'chug' as newspapers often described them).

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Ah, I've heard of this but never seen it, I'll look it up!

[@ste.h9825]

Brilliant as always.😂Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you too!

[@freddyfudpucker70]

Excellent video, full of information and definitely reflected the leisurely pace of the line 👍 Please keep them coming 😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Willdo!

[@dave771]

Great quality video as always. Keep up the good work!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks, will do!

[@PeterAJWoods]

Very interesting, as a long-time subscriber, to see how your videos have changed over the years. Don't get downhearted if there doesn’t seem the support numbers. You have many dedicated followers and many thanks for such great content.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I promise I won't! I really enjoy making these films

[@michaelmiller641]

A wonderful video! Well done! Thanks for that!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@peterturney9587]

Excellent as always love watching youre films great research 😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks!

[@MisterTea74]

Thank you, your videos are always enjoyable and keep on getting better. I enjoy the gentle pace as it really gives a chance to absorb the images both new and old and especially both side by side. These videos are carefully created and research and production of them must take a significant amount of time to do so. Well done.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much! It is truly a labour of love.

[@kippen64]

It's a great video. Thanks for this look into the past.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure!

[@MrLukealbanese]

This was fascinating as my Mum was from Hawkhurst

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Ah, I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@sddsddean]

Great stuff! Already looking forward to the next one!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

More to come!

[@Guitar6ty]

Excellent presentation of a long gone age.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you 🙏

[@RicktheRecorder]

Wonderfully evocative. You do these histories so well.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@JoshHodginsTrains]

Really loved it 😮😮😮 much appreciated 👏

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 😊

[@isaacborthwick3903]

Brilliant video, keep up the brilliant work

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks, will do!