The Maurice Dart Memorial Train
Yesterday (13.07.2024), the Bodmin Railway kindly ran an out-of-hours round trip to Bodmin Parkway and back for friends of Maurice Dart.
Maurice's name is one which should be familiar to any rail enthusiast in the westcountry, he was a very well respected historian, photographer and author, and a hive of knowledge, particularly around the clay lines.
Maurice helped to arrange several excursions for the Cornwall Railway Society over the years, using his work connections with E.C.C. to gain access to sites of interest not usually accessible to the public.
He will be greatly missed.
Our grateful thanks to The Bodmin Railway for hosting this evening, as well as Roger Webster and Chris Groves (from Bere Ferrers), it certainly meant a lot to many people.
Well done also to our very own Roger Winnen who played a part in the organisation and promoting of the evening.
Maurice's name is one which should be familiar to any rail enthusiast in the westcountry, he was a very well respected historian, photographer and author, and a hive of knowledge, particularly around the clay lines.
Maurice helped to arrange several excursions for the Cornwall Railway Society over the years, using his work connections with E.C.C. to gain access to sites of interest not usually accessible to the public.
He will be greatly missed.
Our grateful thanks to The Bodmin Railway for hosting this evening, as well as Roger Webster and Chris Groves (from Bere Ferrers), it certainly meant a lot to many people.
Well done also to our very own Roger Winnen who played a part in the organisation and promoting of the evening.
5552 arrives at Bodmin Parkway adhorned with a wreath and headboard for Maurice Darts Memorial Train. Copyright Roger Winnen
5552 runs round the train at Bodmin Parkway to form the 16.15 to Bodmin General. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The Trigg Morris Men entertain the party at Bodmin Parkway. Copyright Roger Winnen
Maurice played with these Morris Dancers for many years. The music was a joy to listen to. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Looking very smart, 5552 with Maurice Darts Memorial Train. The headboard features the GWR logo as well as the ECLP/ECC logo, a fitting tribute. Copyright Roger Winnen
A reflection in the waiting room window of the impending departure. Copyright Roger Winnen.
5552 Runs round its train at Bodmin General for the return working to Bodmin Parkway at 18.00 hrs. Copyright Roger Winnen.
Refreshments were available at Bodmin General together with a number of friends of Maurice sharing memories of his life over the years. Copyright Roger Winnen.
We were again entertained by The Morris Men after the speeches, prior to returning home by steam train. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The rolling hills of Mid-Cornwall provide the backdrop to this photo of the Maurice Dart Memorial Train descending towards Bodmin Parkway. 13.07.24, copyright Jon Hird.
5552 back at Bodmin Parkway, seen from the window of a HST. Copyright Roger Winnen.
After a speedy run round, the train departs Bodmin Parkway just before 18:30. A GWR IET unit is in the platform heading East. 13.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
The train continues on its journey to Bodmin General past Charlies Gate. 13.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
In some lovely warm summer evening light, the train approaches Quarry Curve, near the top of the climb. The sun had certainly made its presence felt for Maurice's farewell. 13.07.2024, copyright Jon Hird.
Virgin HST at Exminster
Roger Geach
Exminster, Gissons bridge, on the evening of 03.05.2002. A Virgin HST passes by. I have never had any interest in these things, so no notes on the working, I was waiting for a mail train. The light was good so i took the picture. Copyright Roger Geach.
Thanks Roger - we're certainly glad you took the picture! I think many of us are guilty of shunning the HST's back when there were more interesting trains about, but what we'd all give for brightly coloured trains with an engine at both ends (rather than beneath the floor) nowadays!
The Southern Route
Roger Winnen
26.06.1978 - 33103 Near Coleford Junction. Copyright Roger Winnen
26.06.1978 - 33103 at Sampford Courtney. Copyright Roger Winnen
26.06.1978 - Sampford Courtney Station. Copyright Roger Winnen