Special Poppy Appeal train makesa stop at Hastings railway station

The Class 395 ‘Javelin’ trains normally run between St Pancras International and east Kent via HS1,the new high speed rail line.

The special tour, which took the trains literally far off their beaten track into West Sussex and then back along the East Sussex coast, was organised by Andy Harding, Southeastern’s Cl 395 Fleet Engineering Manager, and Kent Evenden, a High Speed Driver Manager for Southeastern.

All of the crew were volunteers, and it was hoped that the special train would raise £25,000 for the Royal British Legion.

The train was met on arrival at Hastings station by the town’s mayor, Cllr Judy Rogers. Cllr Rogers said: “I was very pleased to welcome the train to Hastings, especially as it was supporting such a good cause.

“ The train was packed, and I must pay tribute to Andy Harding and Kent Evenden for organising the trip, and to all of the volunteers who helped ensure it ran smoothly.

“It was great to see the Javelin trains at Hastings, I just wish they could visit the town much more regularly as part of a high speed service to London.

It would be fantastic to see Hastings join the high speed network.”

Home Secretary, and Hastings MP Amber Rudd has been backing the campaign to get high speed trains for Hastings.

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