Hear the incredible story of Zdenka Fantlová at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s 1940s Bank Holiday event (2 – 4 May 2015)
Capture the unique atmosphere of the 1940s at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden on May Bank Holiday – Saturday 2 May to Monday 4 May 2015.
To mark 70 years since the end of WWII and 75 years since railways played a vital role in transporting thousands of troops through Kent following the evacuation of Dunkirk, the Railway has a unique programme of events including a very special opportunity to listen to Zdenka Fantlová on Sunday 3rd May at Tenterden Station.
Recently appearing on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Detectives Zdenka told her amazing and moving story about how she survived six death camps including the notorious Nazi death camps Auschwitz and Belsen. Fiona Bruce said: ‘Zdenka Fantlová and her story made a lasting impression. She survived six concentration camps, endured horrors the like of which most of us can’t begin to comprehend, yet never lost the will to live or her optimism for a better future. During her time in the camps she kept a little tin ring, made for her by her boyfriend. She risked her life to keep this humble object that meant so much to her. Her boyfriend did not survive the camps. But Zdenka’s love for him and the tin ring did.’ Zdenka will also be signing copies of her book on Sunday which is a remarkable memoir of love and survival in the Holocaust.
On Monday there will be a Spitfire display along the whole of the 10 ½ mile line.
Each day will feature re-enactments and the music, fashion and dancing of the era.
At Tenterden Station on Sunday listen to a lecture on Bailing out over the English Channel. Throughout the weekend there will be a vintage market and demonstrations of 1940s hair and make-up by Vintage Pins. Take part in a Tap Dancing Workshop on Saturday. Listen to toe tapping rhythms from vocal trio ‘My Favourite Things’ on all three days at Tenterden. Children will love the vintage sweet shop by Daisy Celebrations and everyone should watch out for Viv the Spiv!
History enthusiasts can also browse a range of civilian and military vehicles, privately owned and fully restored to their former wartime glory. There will even be the opportunity to look inside a recreated World War II Air Raid Anderson Shelter.
At Bodiam Station visitors can walk through a 1940s village scene and watch presentations throughout the day. Also see the Kent Police Band perform on Saturday, the East Peckham Silver Band on Sunday and Steve Erickson on Monday. Utility Jude representing the Ministry of Food will give wartime cooking demonstrations which will incorporate a Children’s VE Party theme.
Steam trains will operate all weekend with four or more locomotives in steam each day. Tickets include unlimited train travel between Tenterden and Bodiam Stations.
The Cavell Van, which was featured in Michael Portillo’s series about the Railways of the Great War on BBC 2, will also be on display. The restored Cavell Van is famous for carrying the coffin of Nurse Edith Cavell and Captain Charles Fryatt in 1919 and the unknown warrior in 1920.
The Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at Tenterden Station will also be open throughout the weekend (separate admission £2 for adults children under 16 free when accompanied by an adult).
The station refreshment rooms at Tenterden Station will be open for breakfast from 10.00am and the gift shop will be open throughout the weekend.
Admission: Adult £17, Child (3 – 15 years inc.) £11.50 and Family (2 adults + up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children) £49.50. Please see the timetable on the website for times of steam train operation.
For more details telephone 01580 765155, visit www.kesr.org.uk or email enquiries@kesr.org.uk
For interviews or more information contact Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR on 01892 616647 e-mail caroline@penningtonpr.com
