Three Oaks Station (formerly Three Oaks and Guestling Halt)
At the time of the visit services had been deliberately reduced to a tiny number of trains each day, which were run at the most inconvenient times possible. Prior to this cynical action the station served several villages, leisure travellers and walkers.
Separate collections cover (a) Ashford Station and Works; (b) Ham Street Station; (c) Appledore Station; (d) Rye Station; (e) Winchelsea Station; (f) Snailham Halt (Closed); (g) Doleham Station; (h) Three Oaks Station; (h) Ore Station; and (i) Hastings Station.
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The entrance to Three Oaks Station looking south. The situation here is the same as at Doleham Station and you will need to use the telephone box to call a cab when you discover that virtually no trains actually stop at the station. The alternative is to plead for shelter at the nearby public house. 20.09.2008
Taken in 2005 looking south from the overbridge this view shows the platforms at Three Oaks Station. There was originally double track and the ruined northbound platform remains in situ on the right. 08.08.2005
The same picture of Three Oaks Station taken in 2008 shows the ruined northbound platform totally overgrown. Unlike Doleham Station no tree clearance has taken place in this area. 20.09.2008
The overbridge at Three Oaks Station looking east. There is a rural community on all of the approach roads to this station and the area is deserving of a better service. 20.09.2008
Looking east at the entrance to Three Oaks Station, which was opened on 1 July 1907. 20.09.2008
The Three Oaks Station sign. The station was originally called Three Oaks Bridge, and later became Three Oaks and Guestling Halt. There are two communities sharing the Guestling name to the east of the station, but this part of the name was later dropped. 20.09.2008
Three Oaks overbridge looking west. The station entrance is on the left. 20.09.2008
On the western side of the bridge is a secure gate which now gives access to railway facilities, but in previous times served as the entrance to the northbound platform. No footbridge was provided between the platforms. 20.09.2008
Looking south down the slope to the platform at Three Oaks Station. 20.09.2008
Looking south along the platform at Three Oaks Station, towards Hastings, in 2005. The ruined northbound platform is on the right. 08.08.2005
More or less the same view south along the Three Oaks Station platform in 2008. It can be seen that the northbound platform has almost disappeared in the undergrowth. 20.09.2008
Turbostar 171730 arrives at Three Oaks Station with a southbound service. The platform has only ever been long enough to accommodate one coach, and the Turbostars selectively open their doors. 20.09.2008
The same view north at Three Oaks Station, but without a train in shot. The overbridge is in the background. 20.09.2008
This view, looking north in 2005 when the undergrowth was more under control, shows both platforms at Three Oaks Station, and the overbridge. 08.08.2005
Looking slightly to the right in 2008, the entrance ramp can be seen rising to the road. Three Oaks Station 20.09.2008
A clearer view up the ramp at Three Oaks Station. 20.09.2008
Looking left to the ruined platform at Three Oaks Station the base of a huge Cab Secure Radio mast can be seen on the left. 20.09.2008
A direction of travel sign has been erected to assist passengers, but it is not much use as there are virtually no stopping trains. To the right of the sign is the gap which formed the entrance to the platform, but the former path is totally overgrown. Three Oaks Station 20.09.2008
Parts of the concrete wall on the ruined northbound platform at Three Oaks Station have now collapsed (the section can just be seen below the platform behind the orange marker) and there are now also holes in the platform surface. 20.09.2008
The Cab Secure Radio antennas at Three Oaks Station. They were much appreciated by a flock of starlings, who were, unfortunately, camera shy and took off when a large lens was pointed at them! 20.09.2008
A station name at Three Oaks Station. The sign on the right reminds Turbostars to open their doors in one coach only because of the short platform. 20.09.2008
A sceond clearly marked sign also reminds the driver to open the doors in one coach only. Three Oaks Station 20.09.2008
The No Smoking police get everywhere; even to stations with virtually no service. 20.09.2008
Three Oaks Station looking south towards Hastings. It can be seen that the line is very overgrown. The platforms originally had no lighting, and lamps were placed at the end of the platforms to assist drivers to stop in the right position at night. 20.09.2008
Looking north from the overbridge at Three Oaks Station, towards Rye. 20.09.2008
Passengers arriving at Three Oaks Station will get rather a shock when they see how few trains are listed in the timetable (see next two pictures). 20.09.2008
Apologies for the quality of the photograph of the small print, but if you miss the 09.27 to Hastings you have to wait until 23.01. Would any sensible person think that these times are reasonable? This crude trick has been used by railway companies for more than 100 years to run down stations, and they still seem to think the idea is original. This community deserves better. 20.09.2008
If you are going north, this is the service in the direction of Ashford. Weekend walkers and leisure travellers cannot possibly access the area, and you would have to get up early to commute from here. An absurd situation. Hang your heads in shame, Southern. 20.09.2008