Rail minister Peter Hendy has given his personal support to the Rother Valley Railway (RVR) Heritage Trust’s £350,000 Buildings Appeal, which was launched last month.

In a video message released on Monday (26 January 2026), Lord Hendy outlined his enthusiasm for heritage railways and his particular interest in the RVR project to reconnect the Kent and East Sussex Railway to the mainline railway at Robertsbridge.

The video message encourages people to donate to the Buildings Appeal, which will fund the completion of the reconnection project. A lot of work has already been done, and the priority now is to complete the construction of the final buildings at Robertsbridge Junction.

Hendy also explains in the message that having a dedicated locomotive shed would enable visiting engines to use the line. He concludes his message by saying, “Let’s make this a success, let’s build a locomotive shed and let’s open the railway.”

Phase 2 of the Railway’s building programme will create six important facilities. These will be: rest and washroom facilities for staff, public viewing areas, fuelling points for both steam and diesel engines, covered accommodation for locomotives, inspection pits, and solar panels. With these facilities in place, the Railway will be able to run services from Robertsbridge to Tenterden.

The total cost of the locomotive facilities project will be £600,000. The Railway has already raised over £250,000 through gifts and grants, so it has launched the Buildings Appeal to raise the remaining £350,000.

Supporters can contribute to the Building Appeal by making one-off donations of any amount or regular, monthly payments. All options can be found on the Railway’s website.

Supporters have various options for donating to the fund. They can subscribe to the appeal via direct debit, can make a payment online or can download a donation form to return by post. Those who wish to may obtain a form by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Appeals Director at Robertsbridge Junction Station. Donations from UK taxpayers are eligible for Gift Aid.

“We’re deeply grateful to Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, for offering his personal support to our fundraising appeal — a moment of real encouragement for everyone working on the Rother Valley Railway project.

“In making this video, Lord Hendy has recognised the dedicated work of our team so far in bringing the railway between Robertsbridge to Tenterden back to its full glory.”

Gardner Crawley, Chair of the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust