by Nicola Forman

Tributes have been paid to one of the most “enthusiastic and active” members of the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway after his sudden death at the weekend.

Tony James, who never let on his age, and was the manager of the railway died at his home in Herne Bay on Saturday. He had been fighting cancer for many years.

He joined the Railway in 1998 and quickly became a leading light in the management of the line.

He had a background in working for British Rail, for a local radio station, and as a public relations consultant but failing health forced him to stop work.

For several years he was a Canterbury City councillor.

Bob Newcombe, chairman of the board of trustees at the SKLR, said: “Tony saw the threat to the future of the SKLR almost as a personal affront and he became a leading figure in the Save our Steam Railway Campaign.

“His vocal participation in many meetings earned him many admirers, as well as a few less enthusiastic comments from people stung by his remarks.

“As negotiations continued Tony recognised the need for a less hands on approach to the issues and stepped back but he continued to encourage the other officers in their task.”

He was due to receive an award from The Mayor of Swale, Cllr Adrian Crowther on Tuesday.

The annual Heritage Railway Association’s Small Groups Award was given to the light railway for its efforts to preserve the industrial track and its locomotives.

Mr Newcombe accepted the award on the Railway’s behalf and said: “Tony’s contribution to the development of the Light Railway cannot be overstated and the few feathers that he ruffled along the way only added to that development.

“The other members of the Railway will not know how much he contributed until they find things that no longer happen automatically and unnoticed. He will be greatly missed.”

A huge loss

AFTER becoming a volunteer member of the SKLR Mr James was appointed acting marketing manager and, over the next three years, held the posts of press officer, marketing and retail, manager, deputy commercial director and commercial director.

He became the unofficial site manager at Kemsley Down and busied himself creating the gardens and tidying the site.

He was responsible for ordering supplies and arranging deliveries. He used to care for the for the mill cats that live at the railway and therefore he became known as Feline Liaison Officer.

He became the voice of Kemsley Down to the thousands of visitors who arrived on our trains and prepared numerous displays for the special events and Christmas trains.