Karenza Care home at St Agnes. Post code TR5 0UD
He is available on his mobile the number of which is 07773808074
- he could certainly do with a chat.
Due to the Covid Precautions Roger is confined to his room for ten days.
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Clive Smith
Polbrock Bridge
Andrew and Diane Jones
Today this is the access point to the mid way point of the Camel Trail and close to the forestry car park which is the only parking at this point, until the Grogley Halt carpark is reopened if the access bridge is ever repaired!
Just out of view to the right is what is locally known as ‘John Jago’s’ cottage. He was quite a character and had built a small table into the adjacent railway fence where passing train crews would leave his local paper and cigarettes.
The Camel Valley has changed considerably since this photograph was taken at this location and is now heavily forested, mainly with pine although an ancient oak plantation does exist. Many of the small field systems have reverted to nature.
The Cameltrail partnership is doing a wonderful job of maintaining the original trackbed and have tarmacked most of this stretch and due to the tight flailing of the banks you can now see the full profile of the original alignment just like BR days.
The downside of course is that the Camel Trail is now very popular, especially during covid, making it extremely unlikely that we will see trains to Wadebridge again, but recent clearance does illustrate that there is room for the trail and railway except for a few pinch points.
On balance we are more likely to see trains returning to Tavistock, but you can never say never, we just need to live long enough!
Best wishes Andrew and Diane
The crossing was also the starting point of a check rail on the left hand side facing Wadebridge continuing for 480 feet towards Wadebridge, which is where John Jago’s cottage stands. At this point in the reverse curve the check rail continued on the right hand side until reaching mile post 2 1/2miles directly under Polbrock Bridge. The check rails seem to have been added in 1932 according to the rail chair dates with the parallel line being supported with rail chairs dating from 1951, in track sections of 19 sleepers. A very complete answer as usual, many thanks Andrew.
Worle & West Hewish
Martin Baker
A couple of photos of of the much photographed 57601 in its unique Porterbrook livery while being evaluated by FGW.
On a glorious summer day in June 2002 we see the outbound working, 09:20 Plymouth - Paddington, at Worle then a mile up the road at West Hewish with the return 15:42 Paddington - Exeter.
It was very difficult to miss photographing this train at this location as the high intensity light could be seen approximately 4 to 5 miles away on the approach to its booked stop at Yatton, the train being in view for nearly 10 mins.
Kind Regards, Martin Baker.