Ancient wild landscapes at Sittingbourne. And concrete viaducts and steam trains.
My time as Sittingbourne's Steam Railway Writer-in-Residence (an Ideas Test commission) is nearly at an end. So today was a rehearsal of a poem, which takes the length of the steam train ride from Sittingbourne to Kemsley Down to perform.
With a guided tour of the concrete viaduct that takes the line out of Sittingbourne. And some time to enjoy the wild marsh creeks at the end of the line, full of birdsong.
I'll be inviting you for a special ride with a performance soon.
Get ready to rock out at the Steam & Beer Music Festival on 27 & 28 June 2026! 🎶🍻 Enjoy live music, cold brews, and an unforgettable weekend with friends. Don't miss out on this epic event! ℹ️ or 01795 424899 #SteamandBeerFest #MusicFestival #LiveMusic #GoodVibesOnly 🎸🍺 #MadeWithRipl via @Ripl
Join us for an exclusive look at what goes on behind the scenes on Sunday, April 19th, 2026! Find out what it takes to run the Railway week in, week out!
Then we are closed for three weeks for essential maintenance.
#BehindTheScenes #MiltonRegisViaduct
All aboard for a steam-tastic season at Sittingbourne's Steam Railway! 🚂 Get ready for exciting rides, special events, and tons of family fun in 2026. Don't miss out on the nostalgia and charm of this historic railway! 🌟 Please note that the Railway will be closed from 20th April until 16th May for essential maintenance.
#SittingbourneSteamRailway #2026Season #AllAboard #FamilyFun.
I was over at @sandklr on Saturday, for my @ideas.test Writer-in-Residence job.
Premier and Rhoda were in steam because they were having their boilers inspected, so I got have a ride down the line.
There were young foxes chasing us, white-tailed rabbits hopping across the lines, magpies building nests, and a Robin that followed me around the yard.
It's a wonderful place - all this old machinery being worked on and cared for, in this wild place on the edge of the marshes. Sittingbourne's Steam Railway reopens for easter - come and have a look.
#steam #steamrailway #trains #steamtrain #sittingbourne
Ready for some #WorkWeekends grind? Every fortnight until the end of March! Let's tackle those projects and achieve those goals together. The photos are representative of work that needs to be carried out - not when it is being done as that will depend on the number of #volunteers. ℹ️ #WeekendWork #HustleHard #WorkHardPlayHard 💼👊#MadeWithRipl via @Ripl
Take a look at the incredible events planned for the year. Cheers to more success in the upcoming season! 🎉 ℹ️ #2026Season #MemorableMoments #newbeginnings #celebrate #lookingahead
🎉 Happy New Year from all of us at Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway! 🚂 May this year be filled with prosperity, joy, and many unforgettable memories on our historic trains. Cheers to a bright future ahead! 🥂
ℹ️ #HappyNewYear #SittingbourneSteamRailway #AllAboard2026 #NewBeginnings 🎆✨
Enjoy a festive steam train journey from Sittingbourne Steam Railway, where Santa and his merry elves will be waiting to greet you or unwind in the cosy Footplate Café.
🎅 Children (with one accompanying adult) can meet Santa and choose a special gift.
🎨 Enjoy a family-friendly, take-home festive craft activity created by Ideas Test and Sittingbourne Steam Railway’s Writer-in-Residence, Dan Thompson.
☕️ Adults can tuck into seasonal refreshments included in their fare, with extra treats available to purchase.
Santa’s Specials run on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 & 22 December 2025.
Full details here: /timetable-fares/special-events/santa - link in bio.
#SKLR #WriterInResidence #SantaSpecial @sandklr@danthompson33
The sea fog is thick, the train is early, and the characters are unforgettable…
Ideas Test and Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway @sandklr Writer-in-Residence Dan Thompson @danthompson33 invites you to join him on a journey along the North Kent coast in his brand-new adventure..
Ready for the ride? Click the link in bio to read the full story and step into “Steam and Mist”.
Written for Railway 200, started on a visit to Sittingbourne’s Steam Railway Gala weekend 2025.
#IdeasTest #WriterInResidence
Had a lovely time at the @sandklr Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway gala weekend. Lots to see and do for all ages, plus it was fantastic to meet writer in residence @danthompson33 .
