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Chairman: Rob Mansfield
Rob moved to Hildenborough in 2016 and joined TLC shortly afterwards. He moved to the area from Croydon where he was a long term sufferer at the hands of Southern rail and First Capital Connect. He is particularly keen for improvements to the Tonbridge to Redhill line as it has considerable unrealised potential.
Vice Chairman: Kingsley Jarrett
Kingsley moved to Tonbridge from Greenwich in 2017 and travels to London from time to time for work and leisure, as well as other destinations in the South East. He is keen on fighting for reasonable improvements on the frequency and quality of train services, but also the provision of timely, accurate information to travellers to help them make informed decisions about their travel – especially during times of disruption. Kingsley is also a committed advocate for travellers with disabilities, including those with invisible or hidden disabilities. He also edits TLC’s twice-yearly bulletin ‘Travel Topics’.
Secretary: Zak Darwood
Having moved to Edenbridge in 2021, Zak joined TLC and was co-opted as a committee member at the 2022 AGM. He is keen to see improvements of services for school children using the Redhill to Tonbridge Line. Zak works for a Central London Local Authority and uses both Edenbridge stations regularly. He is particularly interested in improving the connectivity of Edenbridge and wishes to see the reestablishment of direct services to Gatwick and London from Edenbridge station. Zak represents Edenbridge station alongside Laura Hillier.
Treasurer: Lionel Shields
Lionel has worked in public transport for most of his life and joined the association’s Committee soon after moving to Tonbridge in 1972. He has since held the position of Treasurer, Vice Chairman, and Chairman (from 1987 to 2003), and is currently Treasurer. During this time he has put together the group’s view on many official consultative documents. Since retiring from full-time work he travels to London on a regular basis to assist at the LT Museum.
Committee Member: Philip Gale
Philip uses the train to travel to work in the Kew area, in the process getting to enjoy both Southeastern and South Western Railway services. Occasionally he travels further afield for work and leisure, and also has in interest in the history of the railways.
Co-opted Committee Member: Steve Collie
Steve has lived in Tunbridge Wells since 2015 and has commuted daily to London ever since — initially by coach to Canary Wharf, and more recently by train to Cannon Street. A lifelong rail enthusiast, he’s passionate about seeing the railway network play a central role in addressing the climate crisis. Like many, he’s been frustrated by missed opportunities and recent government decisions around rail investment. He joins the commuter action group to help ensure that local rail services are reliable, sustainable, and meet the needs of the community.
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