Hello Keith,
I wonder if you're interested in a few pictures of a ceremony the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association held yesterday on Okehampton station?
Former HST driver Devon County Councillor Richard Westlake MBE formally reopened the refurbished station museum as the Arthur Westlake Museum, in honour of his father. The late Arthur Westlake started with the SR in the 1930s, working his way up to driving on the Withered Arm, and subsequently becoming area manager at Okehampton station. He worked hard to keep the line to Okehampton open when it was threatened with closure, and his efforts helped ensure that the line and station are still here today.
At the same event, a plaque was unveiled in DRSA's Laboratory 11 coach, acknowledging the DRSA volunteers who restored the coach, as well as Okehampton United Charity and the anonymous sponsor who provided much financial assistance for the project.
The ceremony was attended by a group of splendid former local railwaymen, representatives of the local community, and DRSA volunteers who had worked on the coach and museum. It was a highly enjoyable event tinged with nostalgia which provided another reminder of how much the community values its railway.
The day was rounded off with a trip to Meldon on Class 205 Thumper 1118, where the guests were able to admire our new running in board, and stroll to the viaduct to walk off the substantial amounts of tea and cake they had consumed.
We'd like to thank all our volunteers, brilliant cakemaker Mary Trant, Granite Line Ltd and the BARS crew who ensured Lab11 was available on time at the station, all of whom contributed to the success of the day.
There's a fuller report on our website at http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/museum_reopening
Can I just say how much I enjoy the CRS website, and not just because you sometimes say nice things about ours.
Best wishes, Jon Kelsey DRSA Secretary and Website Editor
Many thanks for your contribution and of course your compliments - best wishes to you and all on the Dartmoor Railway.
I wonder if you're interested in a few pictures of a ceremony the Dartmoor Railway Supporters' Association held yesterday on Okehampton station?
Former HST driver Devon County Councillor Richard Westlake MBE formally reopened the refurbished station museum as the Arthur Westlake Museum, in honour of his father. The late Arthur Westlake started with the SR in the 1930s, working his way up to driving on the Withered Arm, and subsequently becoming area manager at Okehampton station. He worked hard to keep the line to Okehampton open when it was threatened with closure, and his efforts helped ensure that the line and station are still here today.
At the same event, a plaque was unveiled in DRSA's Laboratory 11 coach, acknowledging the DRSA volunteers who restored the coach, as well as Okehampton United Charity and the anonymous sponsor who provided much financial assistance for the project.
The ceremony was attended by a group of splendid former local railwaymen, representatives of the local community, and DRSA volunteers who had worked on the coach and museum. It was a highly enjoyable event tinged with nostalgia which provided another reminder of how much the community values its railway.
The day was rounded off with a trip to Meldon on Class 205 Thumper 1118, where the guests were able to admire our new running in board, and stroll to the viaduct to walk off the substantial amounts of tea and cake they had consumed.
We'd like to thank all our volunteers, brilliant cakemaker Mary Trant, Granite Line Ltd and the BARS crew who ensured Lab11 was available on time at the station, all of whom contributed to the success of the day.
There's a fuller report on our website at http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/museum_reopening
Can I just say how much I enjoy the CRS website, and not just because you sometimes say nice things about ours.
Best wishes, Jon Kelsey DRSA Secretary and Website Editor
Many thanks for your contribution and of course your compliments - best wishes to you and all on the Dartmoor Railway.
The new plaque for the Museum. 15th August 2015 Copyright Jon Kelsey
The new plaque commemorating the work in restoring the coach. 15th August 2015 Copyright Jon Kelsey.
The group of former local railwaymen in front of Lab 11 (l to r) Terry Midgley, Leonard Phare, Les Glidden, Gerald Smallacombe and Richard Westlake. 15th August 2015 Copyright Jon Kelsey
The event guests disembarking from 1118 at Meldon Viaduct. 15th August 2015 Copyright Jon Kelsey