Ashford College ESOL Student Train Travel Training and Sustainable Tourism Guided Walk
Working in collaboration with Kent Downs National Landscape, Kent CRP managed train travel training and a walk on the North Downs Way for 14 Ashford College students whose first language isn’t English (ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages) and 4 of their tutors. Together we aim to bring more sustainable tourism to the area and extend the typical summer tourist season to all year round by bringing participants in by train.
On Thursday 4 June we began our Train Travel Training at Ashford International station which continued during the journey to Lenham station. Here the guided walk began with a slow wander through the medieval village of Lenham and up onto the North Downs Way to Harrietsham station (approx. 4m/6.5km). The weather was dull and drizzly with some heavy showers however; it didn’t dampen our spirits. The 20 walkers (including Therese Hammond as walk leader and Sarah Moon as back marker) enjoyed sweeping vistas of the Downs from the trail. The gentle route took in many places of interest including the Lenham chalk cross, Percy the Pilgrim statue and Stede House. The route descended into the back of Harrietsham station via the stunning cherry tree lined paths in readiness for our return journey back to Ashford International.
During this event and another planned for 30th June, Susan Rundle, Programme Director ESOL is being ‘upskilled’ to lead train travel training and guided walks on the North Downs Way next year without officer attendance.
Students gained confidence in travelling by train during this trip and previous trips, some of whom are now independent train travellers. All said they enjoyed participating in the walk despite the weather! Train Travel training is a valuable tool to bring students onto the railway, enabling them to have greater access to education, employment and leisure.
Students quotes:
“Thank you very much.” “That was good.” “When are we going again?” “It’s very wet up here!”
