As part of a budget review, the Kent and East Sussex Railway has announced that General Manager Robin Coombes is to step down from his role.

Robin will leave his role on the 2nd January 2026, with operational responsibilities being rellocated to existing directors and managers.

The railway says that this is part of a planned management transition to address the predicted flat income against rising costs in 2026.

Services will run as planned, and volunteer and staff teams are unaffected by this change.

Robin Coomes has been in the role since August 2022.

“Like many visitor attractions, heritage railways face headwinds from inflation in energy, insurance, materials and compliance costs. The K&ESR Board has chosen to simplify overheads while maintaining visitor experience and the railway’s long-standing safety standards. This is a pragmatic step to live within our means while keeping our focus on safety, service, and the visitor experience.

“We’re very grateful to Robin for his commitment over the past three and a half years and for his support through this handover, which will continue in a volunteer capacity. Our plan ensures continuity on the ground and gives the railway the best chance to thrive through a challenging period for the whole heritage sector.

“The K&ESR has never been afraid to lead or to innovate—that’s been true from the beginning. We will continue to meet change with practical leadership and the same spirit that has carried this railway for fifty years.”

K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby

“Heritage railways everywhere are navigating a tough moment. Costs are rising faster than incomes, visitor expectations are evolving, and the world keeps moving. For the past three and a half years I’ve been fully immersed in meeting those challenges at the Kent & East Sussex Railway—seven days a week at times—working alongside extraordinary volunteers and staff to keep the railway safe, welcoming, and relevant.

“Leadership sometimes means making space for the next chapter—putting the organisation first and accepting change when it helps the railway move forward. In that context, this was the only logical decision for the Board to make. With that in mind, I’ll be stepping back from day-to-day leadership and management.

“This is a positive moment for me personally: an opportunity to take things a little easier and to pursue projects that have been on the back burner—most notably finishing a book—and to spend more time helping other heritage railways with governance and strategy. But I’m not disappearing. I remain a passionate supporter of K&ESR and will continue to assist where helpful. I’m also actively involved with the Southern Six collaboration, where there are some particularly exciting developments that can benefit the whole sector.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together—through storms literal and metaphorical. To our volunteers, staff, partners, and visitors: thank you. Your dedication and goodwill are the reason trains keep running and memories keep being made in the Rother Valley. I’m especially proud of the awards we’ve earned as a railway—including TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition for two years running, placing K&ESR in the top 10% globally—which speaks to the passion and dedication of every member of our working team.

“Heritage rail is about continuity and community. I leave K&ESR day-to-day leadership confident in the railway’s resilience and optimistic about what comes next—for K&ESR, for the Southern Six, and for the wider movement. I look forward to cheering it on, lending a hand where I can, and telling our story in new ways.”

Robin Coombes