May 31 2014.


Next Saturday, June the 7th, sees the  celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Brighton to Seaford Railway Line. There will be events at most stations on the line, and at least three special trains between 10.00am and 4.00pm. Seaford is the destination for the dignitaries travelling the line to recreate the opening of Seaford Station.

The Seaford organising group is mounting a special welcome for the various trains. Also a live steam train running from London to the coast and back will be at Seaford between 11.00an and 12.00noon, and again on Sunday the 8th with a different locomotive. Badge-making, stalls, an historic photo-gallery, children's games, and a historic vehicle from Jermyn's will be in the Station Car Park on the day.

Mayors and other guests will be met at 11.14am by the Seaford Silver Band and speeches recreating the 1864 event. They will adjourn to the Terminus Hotel, now known as The Shore, for a lunch to the sound of Church Bells from St. Leonard’s Parish Church.

The Seaford Baptist Church Concert Choir will greet passengers between 12.00noon and 1.00pm with Victorian Parlour songs. Shops in the town are also putting on window displays.

The 1.40pm from Brighton will offer an historical commentary along the whole route from Brighton to Seaford by local historian and author Kevin Gordon, and will be met by Seaford Youth Drama group and the Choir of Seaford Primary School performing between 2.00pm and 2.45pm.

Other trains being planned include one with a childrens' party carriage leaving Seaford for Brighton at 2.58pm, run by Whiz Bang Pop Festival. To travel on the History or Party trains you will need a normal ticket, and to book a place, (no extra charge), with Sam Bryant on 07891 556897 or email sam@sussexcrp.org

Additionally, Seaford Museum in the Martello Tower will be running its historic Seaford Station rail-layout, and showing its special Railway 150 Temporary Exhibition, offering free entry to holders of railway tickets, or the commemorative platform tickets between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

Seaford’s Bishopstone Station will also host a special film presentation, and provide refreshments all priced at £1.50 to match the theme. There is a facebook page, (Seaford Line 150th celebrations), to keep you in touch with the event, and to receive offers of help.

Commemorative souvenir platform tickets, a numbered limited-edition costing £2.00, are raising funds for the charity, Railway Children. They are on sale at the Tourist Information Centre and ToyTown toy shop in Seaford.

A day to remember!