Train updates and community news

Hello, reader!

Travel & Transport

Eurostar is not coming back to Kent anytime soon.

Ever since Covid, Eurostar trains have not stopped at either Ashford or Ebbsfleet terminals, meaning anyone wanting to take the service over to Europe would need to make their way up into central London and departe from St Pancras. There had been some hope, with travel returning to normal levels over the last number of years, that Eurostar would look at putting these stations back on the route; even one of them would be helpful, but it’s not looking likely, as confirmed by Eurostar themselves.

A Eurostar spokesperson said: “Our Kent stations will remain closed throughout 2025 and will be reviewed in 2026. We understand that this may be frustrating, and we want to stress that we are closely monitoring the situation and, should there be any changes, we will provide an update.”

The English wine industry is also complaining about the lack of options as the Ashford and Ebbsfleet stations are ideally placed for anyone coming over to the UK to explore our growing wine sector.

Travel to Sevenoaks with Contactless

Hands up if you’ve sat on the train to Sevenoaks having tapped your card at the station only to realise you need a proper ticket to get off. I know I have! So, it’s great news that from Sunday, February 2, you can take the train to Sevenoaks using contactless payment. This means you can pay with contactless at the following stations:

• Bat & Ball

• Eynsford

• Otford

• Sevenoaks

• Shoreham (Kent)

• Dunton Green

You can read more on the Southeastern website.

Community

Cricket Fundraising

Chislehurst and West Kent Cricket Club are raising funds to save the pavilion. The building, which dates back to 1899, is in desperate need of maintenance. Let’s get together to save this community asset.

Crime

Fortunately, crime isn’t something we often need to talk about in Chislehurst, so it’s a shame to see that Coffee on Camden was recently broken into again. This is not the first time, so it’s a shame to see this lovely coffee shop targeted again. Let’s hope it’s not a trend that continues. You can always help support Mubby by popping in and buying a coffee and cake!

To Read on the Commute

This week’s book recommendation is well-suited for those questioning their choices when on the train to work. Don’t Quit The Day Job by Wendy Paris & Aliza Knox provides practical strategies for career success while maintaining work-life balance. Based on their leadership experience and real-world examples, the book offers insights on developing soft skills, building resilience, and thriving in today’s hybrid work environment.

Weather

The weekend weather for Chislehurst:

Saturday
🌤️ , High: 7º, Low: 3º, Wind 7mph

Sunday
🌧️ , High: 8º, Low: 7º, Wind 20mph

This week’s newsletter was written in The Bull’s Head.