12th June 2008

 

The official closing ceremony took place on 12th April 2008, but in spite of this, the VSOE service continued to operate down the branch, and was scheduled to do so all that Summer, every Thursday and Sunday. At the time, objections against the closure of the line from a number of operating bodies, including train operating company South Eastern and freight haulier EWS, gave Folkestone Harbour station some hope. Alas, it was not to be. In the above view, Class 67 No. 67021 was observed bringing the sparkling Pullman stock down the branch from the sidings at Folkestone East, in preparation for the return leg to Victoria. Classmate No. 67026 was on the rear of the train. Note the large brick appendix in the background, jutting out from the viaduct's left-hand side. This was formerly host to a signal box. © David Glasspool

 

12th June 2008

 

Indeed, the rather sorry-looking station is not without elaboration, as the former doorway on the left-hand side, at the landward end of the ''down'' side illustrates. Similar stonework was used in the construction of Dover Marine station. © David Glasspool

 

12th June 2008

 

The valance of the Southern Railway ''down'' side canopy had further decayed, and the tarpaulin had been torn off the 1938 footbridge, revealing the indented pattern. © David Glasspool