We are greatly indebted to Martin Duff for the detailed report and pictures which follow;-
Hello Keith,
Early this morning, the Royal Albert Bridge was opened to ticket holders for a public walk. Approximately 500 people crossed from Saltash to St Budeaux in the two hours from 06.30. There was a lot of media interest, with BBC Spotlight and ITV West Country conducting interviews with Network Rail engineers and walkers alike. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the completion of a refurbishment project lasting almost six years.
On arrival on the Devon side, participants could walk back across the Tamar Bridge, heritage buses, or small ferry boat from the sailing club pontoon, back to the Saltash waterside where breakfast was served at Ashtorre Rock beneath the RAB. At Ashtorre Rock, there was an exhibition about the bridge including plans, photographs and artefacts including a single line signalling token.
Attached in this and following e-mails are a selection of photographs of the event as viewed through my camera. I was an event marshall and after arrival at the St Budeaux side for a safety briefing just before 6am, we walked across the bridge to Saltash to collect safety equipment, before I made my way to the middle of the bridge, in the shelter of the mid point portals. It was a privilege to be involved, as I was in 2009 – there was a lot of happy faces as people crossed the bridge, despite the wet weather and early hour. Kind Regards Martin We are privileged to have your report and pictures - many thanks to you Martin.
Hello Keith,
Early this morning, the Royal Albert Bridge was opened to ticket holders for a public walk. Approximately 500 people crossed from Saltash to St Budeaux in the two hours from 06.30. There was a lot of media interest, with BBC Spotlight and ITV West Country conducting interviews with Network Rail engineers and walkers alike. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the completion of a refurbishment project lasting almost six years.
On arrival on the Devon side, participants could walk back across the Tamar Bridge, heritage buses, or small ferry boat from the sailing club pontoon, back to the Saltash waterside where breakfast was served at Ashtorre Rock beneath the RAB. At Ashtorre Rock, there was an exhibition about the bridge including plans, photographs and artefacts including a single line signalling token.
Attached in this and following e-mails are a selection of photographs of the event as viewed through my camera. I was an event marshall and after arrival at the St Budeaux side for a safety briefing just before 6am, we walked across the bridge to Saltash to collect safety equipment, before I made my way to the middle of the bridge, in the shelter of the mid point portals. It was a privilege to be involved, as I was in 2009 – there was a lot of happy faces as people crossed the bridge, despite the wet weather and early hour. Kind Regards Martin We are privileged to have your report and pictures - many thanks to you Martin.
The Royal Albert Bridge in pristine condition on the 12th July 2015 As seen through the lens of Martin Duff Copyright.
Some of the throngs make their way across the famous structure. 12th July 2015. Copyright Martin Duff
The day I met Isambard Kingdom Brunel - portrayed impeccably by Cornish Railways’ finest – Roger Matthews. Copyright. Now we all know what Martin Duff looks like - also a smart gentleman
The vintage coach used to convey participants to the Ashtorre Rock for breakfast. 12th July 2015 Copyright Martin Duff