Our last outdoor event of the season took place on Saturday and was a visit to the Lynton and Branstaple Railway Gala at Woody Bay. The party joined the 06.50 off Penzance at various points. At Exeter St Davids we changed onto the 10.27 to Barnstaple. Various forecasters predicted a dry day, or one with thundery showers - you takes your choice. In the event we had a dry start, some rain at Exeter but by the time we had reached Barnstaple we had just occasional drops. Our bus arrived from Lynton and rapidly set off again very heavily laden forming the 12.20 service. As we climbed up onto Exmoor we encountered mist which stayed with us throughout our visit, but at least it was dry. Arrival at Woody Bay was on time at 12.59.
The party at Exeter St Davids on platform 3 awaiting the arrival of the 10.27 service. Unusually, Roger Winnen is included in this picture, he is on the extreme right. Valerie Jenkin was the camera operator - as can be seen the party numbered eleven including Valerie.
This is the ticket, and what a wonderful souvenir of a truly unique occasion.
On arrival at Woody Bay the first object of interest was an exhibits tent, we noted that one of the exhibits was a replica nameboard - 'Lyn'. Here is 'our' 'Lyn' with the nameboard. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.
The spledidly appointed signalbox at Woody Bay is extremely smart - something for the railway to be proud of. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
The special attraction at the Gala was a visit by 'Prince' from the Ffestiniog Railway. This was the first tender locomotive ever to operate over the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. Here it is seen arriving from Killington Lane on an earlier service. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.
Here is 'Prince' having arrived making ready to run round for the 14.00 departure on which all of our party travelled - we were allowed to make one journey behind 'Prince' and an unlimited number of return runs on other trains. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
Prince is seen here having just arrived at Killington Lane and passengers are bailing out of the immuculate coaching stock to take their pictures - amongst these is Trevor Tremethick seen, extreme left. The wreath bares in the famous inscription "Perchance It Is Not Dead But Sleepeth" 28th September 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen
'Prince' running round at Killington Lane 28 Sept 2013. Copyright Trevor Tremethick. 'Prince' eases away from the stock and makes ready to run round. The first stage of the extension of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway will be towards Parracombe. The extension line will cross Killington Lane - the new metals being to the left alongside the existing trackwork. 28th September 2013
'Axe' departing Woody Bay. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
The German well tank Sid. Anyone seen Sid? 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen.
'Emmet' is seen approaching Woody Bay passing Prince which is making ready for another departure. Copyright Roger Winnen
Immaculate is perhaps the only word suitable to describe the appeance of this rake of coaches seen here as 'Prince' makes its way to the head of the train for another run to Killington Halt. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
Another cause for celebration was the running of the first mixed train since 1935. 'Emmet' is leading the train and 'Axe' can be seen bringing uo the rear. 28th September 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen
At Woody Bay along the higher ground between the station at the road a miniature railway demonstration track has been laid. Rides along this 100 yard long line were available for a small donation to the L & B.
The Cornwall Railway Society have much to be grateful for, we made all our connections satisfactorily, the weather, although not perfect could have been a lot worse.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway have every reason to be proud of their railway - everything we saw was in perfect order, a tribute to the dedication of the army of volunteers. Congratulations. We found plenty of interest and would have liked to have spent more time there the the three hours we had. With many thanks to the L & B, long may you prosper and extend.
The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway have every reason to be proud of their railway - everything we saw was in perfect order, a tribute to the dedication of the army of volunteers. Congratulations. We found plenty of interest and would have liked to have spent more time there the the three hours we had. With many thanks to the L & B, long may you prosper and extend.