Oh, if only.....

More please!

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Eleven)

The six men filed through to the dining room where they were joined by Archie's wife Flic and his personal secretary Melissa Bartram who was heavily involved with the various negotiations relating to the railway.


The dining table awaiting the guests

The menu for the evening meal was as follows :

Appetisers
Spanish olives
Cheese Balls
Cocktail sausages with baby onions

To Start
French Onion Dip with herbed potato wedges.
Marinated Fried chicken livers and  water chestnuts  wrapped in bacon.
Garlic mushrooms

Main Course
Duck a l'orange
Steak Diane
Dover Sole
Pork chops with apple sauce
All served with a choice of baby new potatoes, French fries, roasted wedges, fresh carrots, broccoli, green beans, peas and roasted courgette.

Dessert
Tunnel of fudge cake
Pineapple upside-down cake
Traditional apple tart
Vanilla ice cream
Custard

The Cheese Board
Featuring an array of cheeses  served with  biscuits, sliced apple, walnuts and grapes.

Coffee to finish

Wines to include :
Bollinger RD (as supplied by Bertie and Bonzo)
Bordeaux (1959 vintage)
Rioja Reserva 904
Chardonnay – 1958
Cabernet Sauvignon (1955)

Digestif

1954 Madeira
1951 Colheita Tawny Port
1950  Courvoisier  Cognac

By 6-00pm everyone was sitting around the table ready to tuck in to what would surely be a lavish feast.

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Twelve)


As was protocol, Lady Hardcastle asked Bertie to take her into dinner - after all, he is a Viscount. Bonzo accompanied the only other lady present, Melissa Barton, Archie's personal secretary.

The other gentlemen then followed, with Archie bringing up the rear. Lady Hardcastle - Felicity, or as she preferred amongst friends, Flic, sat, one chair in, on the far side of the table. She motioned to Bonzo to sit on her left and Bertie on her right. Bertie noted he had been given an honoured place to the hostess' right. Next to Bonzo was John Hammond, Western Region General Manager and the ranking BR officer attending.

Opposite John was Melissa. She is in her late twenties, married to William, a solicitor, well educated and especially attractive. She is also very competent at her job and knows how to handle a group of middle aged men. On her left was Gerry Fiennes, in the place of honour to the host's right and, on Archie's left and directly opposite Bertie, was  Ronald (Ron)  Parker the stationmaster at Moretonhampstead.

Bertie observed immediately that Ron was ill at ease, probably feeling rather out of his depth and a tad uncomfortable in such exalted company, including two very senior railway officers. The butler also noticed this and asked if anyone would care for a glass of ale rather than wine.

Bertie caught the drift immediately and replied, "Rather; some fine, foaming ale would be just the thing. Will you join me, Ron?"

Looking suitably grateful, Rom replied, "Yes, please."

Bertie then engaged Ron in conversation about his family and job as stationmaster. Bertie has a gift for putting people at ease and soon Ron was talking happily to him.

At the other end of the table, John and Gerry had fallen for Melissa's charms and were having a wonderful time. Melissa's eyes were sparkling in the candlelight and she looked like she had never been happier.

Flic's first attempt at engaging Bonzo in conversation was not completely successful. He is, by nature, shy and diffident and she was asking about his Wartime service in the RAF. He answered, politely of course, but wasn't really forthcoming. You see, unless you are one of his fellow RAF people, he is disinclined to discuss the War.

Fortunately, the conversation moved onto the animals, birds and wildflowers around Baskerville Manor and Bonzo was transformed. Then they discovered they were both keen watercolourists and they talked animatedly about their shared interest.

Archie sat, nodding and occasionally interjecting. From his expression, it was clear things were going precisely to plan.

After pudding, there was a slight break in conversation and Archie asked Bertie and Bonzo about Poppingham Estates' purchase of the recently-closed BR branch line from Bobbington to Sillybury.

Bertie replied, "Excuse me gentlemen, but we thought it was dashed stupid for BR to close the branch line. Poppyshire and Sillyshire are gently prosperous and Sillybury is a small seaside resort, but popular with the right sort. We thought it was bonkers to choose to keep open that white elephant line that ends at the 'Bridge to Nowhere' at Silliness station. And, as it's a high-level station, the approach is up a long flight of steps. Hardly anyone uses that line."

John shook his head and Gerry said quietly, "It was madness."

Bertie continued, "As you know, my Father was Chairman of the old Table-Top Railway before nationalisation and we simply couldn't abide such a useful asset going to waste. So, Poppingham Estates purchased the railway and employed as many of the railwaymen as wanted to work for us.

We also bought the Bobbington steam shed, which had been closed at the same time as the branch line. We are converting it into a workshop to refurbish and repair the locomotives and rolling stock we use on the railway.

Just like the Bluebell in Sussex and the Middleton in the West Riding, we have volunteers - the Welsh narrow gauge railways proved that would work - many of whom are retired railwaymen.

Our trains connect with BR at Bobbington and most of the tickets we sell are through tickets, often for more than local journeys. The passengers changing to our trains at Bobbington have often travelled considerable distances, so the irony is BR receives more of the revenue than we do."

At that, John looked surprised and Gerry exclaimed, "Well done! I knew it would work out well."

"Some of that is due to you, Gerry. Father and I will never forget the support you gave us behind the scenes."

"Thank you, Bertie," said Gerry, "And, of course, Lord Poppingham seemed to have considerable influence with the Prime Minister."

"Yes," said Bertie, "Harold MacMillan and Father have known each other for years."

At this Archie said, "Well Bertie and Bonzo, you have proven that a private railway can run as a service to the local people, provide revenue for BR and benefit everyone."

John and Gerry both looked impressed and nodded in agreement. Both were astute businessmen but they probably didn't fully understand the implications of the general proposition to which they were seen to be agreeing.

"One thing is vital, though," said Bertie, "The full co-operation and support of the local BR men has been of enormous help. It's chaps like Ron we have to thank for much of the success we have achieved."

"Precisely," said Bonzo. "We have been jolly fortunate that our venture has enjoyed the whole-hearted support of the local BR railway people."

The bonhomie was palpable and Flic nodded to Melissa and said, "As coffee has been served, we'll withdraw and allow you gentlemen to talk some more about trains. Please do join us in the Drawing Room when you are ready." The men all rose and the ladies left the room. As the door closed, the butler brought the decanter of Port to the table.

Conversation flowed easily as the Port circulated. Gerry, in particular, seemed to be enjoying talking to Ron. Needless to say, the old 'Stop that dog - it's a parcel' anecdote received a thorough airing. It's always hilarious after a good dinner.

Bertie handed round a few photographs of their private railway, which everyone seemed to find interesting.




[A preserved LMS '3F' 0-6-0T, No. 7277, stops at Port Poppy station with a train to Sillybury. A BR DMU can be seen at Silliness high level terminus station in the background. Everyone in Poppyshire and Sillyshire thinks that line ought to have been closed instead of the one that actually got to Sillybury.]


John spent a good few productive minutes asking Bonzo about some of the details regarding the business relationship between BR and the private railway.

Bertie summed things up in the convivial mood of the evening by suggesting to Gerry and John that it jolly well ought to be possible to run a through carriage from Paddington to Sillybury. "From the Lawn to the sea," as Bertie put it.

Archie, sensing that was a good note upon which to end, suggested they join the ladies, to which all agreed enthusiastically.

John and Gerry were last to leave. They delayed for a couple of seconds at the door and John said, "Bonzo Poppingham is a dark horse. He seems so shy and reserved, but when I asked him for some hard financial facts he was sharp as a razor. I'm mightily impressed with that man."

"So you should be," replied Gerry, "Air Commodore, DSO and Bar, DFC and Two Bars and  an AFC."

"Blimey," said John and they went into the Drawing Room, looking forward to Melissa's delightful company.



     

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Thirteen)

It was around 9-30 that evening that the six men retired to the Drawing Room to re-join Flic and Melissa.

As they strolled along the wood panelled passageway Archie caught up with Bertie Poppingham, "I say, old chap, I think that this evening has gone remarkably well. Better in fact than I had dared hope. Just one thing though that I didn't want to bring up in front of Gerry and John . Whilst we were inspecting the track around six weeks back we came across an old, dilapidated shed. Inside was a rather old Manning Wardle 0-6-0 saddle tank whilst outside was a sheeted over pile of coal and a very rudimentary water crane. One of the young lads who was part of the inspection party piped up that some  years back his grandfather had driven the locomotive, under cover of darkness, through the grounds of Baskerville Manor with his Lordship, my Grampy Bill, also on the footplate. The young lad claimed that his own grandfather had performed this duty on several occasions in the 1920s. That would most likely  be the source of some of the tales related in the village pub by  some of the older regulars about mysterious steam trains in the night. I don't want Gerry and John to find out as it could, feasibly, sway any decision to help me out with my plans.I'm sure they would be fine about it but best not take any chances,eh".

"Thanks for telling me", replied Bertie, "Your secret is safe with me".

Once everyone was assembled in the drawing room Archie once again addressed his guests :

"I hope you have all enjoyed this evening. Tomorrow morning I  have arranged a trip along my railway from Moretonhampstead station to the site of the new station at Baskerville.  I must extend, at this point, my grateful thanks to John Hammond for organising  this trip. He has kindly arranged to bring an 0-6-0 diesel shunter plus carriage over from Exeter  just for us", at which point everyone spontaneously applauded. "Could I ask that we all assemble in the dining room at 7-00am sharp for breakfast  I have arranged for a small motor coach to collect us at 8-30 to take us to the station and a  departure at 9-15. It should be a good day and, as I mentioned earlier, you will all be in for a big surprise when we travel through the tunnel just after departure. For now though  I wish you all a very good night and I'll see you all in the morning".


The little shunter making her way towards Moretonhampstead. She is here passing Hackney Yards at Newton Abbot. It seems that John has arranged a rather special coach for the trip along the railway tomorrow

Meanwhile that same evening :

We return to the Baskerville Arms where Colin Penn is just finishing his final pint before returning to his guest house. By now the pub is almost empty so Colin takes the opportunity to engage the landlord in conversation.

"I hope you don't mind me asking", I said, "I came stay in this area for a Summer holiday several years back as a young boy . My  Uncle, with whom I was staying back then, always teased me about hearing the occasional steam train and this evening there have been veiled hints from one or two locals. Is there any truth in the rumours do you think?"

The landlord gave the very faintest hint of a smile, " 'Tis a bit quiet up 'ere. People do imagine things, specially when the fog do come down. An mighty thick 'tis sometimes. Some do say they 'ave 'eard a stem engine in the past and some do say there be stories of an 'eadless woman roamin' round. Some do talk of 'owlin dogs. 'Tis all twaddle in my opinion. However, if you do go explorin'  I'd stay away from the grounds of the big 'ouse . If that scoundrel of a gamekeeper do catch ee look out. I don't trust 'im so best stay out of 'is way".

I finished my pint then wandered back to my accommodation. By 9-45 I was in bed. My plan for tomorrow was to try to walk the railway line back towards Moretonhampstead if I could once more gain access via the gate in the wall.

To be continued.............

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Fourteen)

Breakfast at Baskerville Manor was, of course, a lavish affair but everyone had finished  and were seated on the motor coach by 8-30 am as planned.

The six men were joined by Flic and Melissa plus Giles Forsythe, the Baskerville Estate Manager.

By 9-05  all nine were aboard the train. The lone station porter,  who had come up especially from Newton Abbot as Moretonhampstead was officially closed to passenger traffic, loaded seven or eight large picnic hampers, filled with food and drink, aboard whilst the driver checked around the little diesel to ensure that all was well.

"I say old bean", remarked Bertie Poppingham to John Hammond as he surveyed the interior of the Pullman carriage, "You have certainly done us proud with this beauty"

"Only the best" , replied John, "It's a special carriage for a special day. We'll be travelling back down the line to Newton Abbot first then back up here again then onto Baskerville. That will allow us to get a feel for most of the line".

At exactly 9-15 the driver gave a little toot on the horn and they were off.

Over at Mrs Harris' Guest House in Baskerville village  Colin Penn had just finished his omelette with bacon and pork sausages.

He collected the packed lunch, thanked his host and headed off along the main village street in search of the lane  which headed along to the railway.

To be continued........

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Fifteen)

Continuing Colin Penn's exploration of the lost railway......

I retraced my steps from the previous  day easily finding the lane which led down to where the railway crossed it. I was half expecting the key to the gate to be missing, safely stowed away to prevent someone like me from finding it, but no, it was still there.

I made my way up towards the track bed but instead of turning right, I walked away to my left. The trackside vegetation appeared to be thicker in this direction but the track itself was in good, if nor excellent, condition. After around half a mile I came across a rail over bridge with a lane running below it and a set of steps leading from the road up to the railway tracks. This is where I decided to eat my packed lunch.

After around forty minutes I set off again in the direction of Moretonhampstead. There appeared to be no one around, but then again  I didn't expect to meet anyone However I heard, or thought I heard, what sounded like footsteps coming up the steps from the lane below.  I stopped but could hear or see nothing.Then  after walking for another fifteen minutes I heard the sound of a creature, perhaps a dog, rustling in the bushes to my right.

Again, I turned but could see nothing so I carried on. I assumed the sounds were just my imagination running wild. In another twenty minutes I came across two heavy wooden gates ahead of me. Those gates were firmly locked and bolted. Was this the tunnel just beyond the station at Moretonhampstead? I presumed it was.

As I approached the gates I heard what sounded like a horn from a diesel locomotive. Two short blasts from, it seemed, deep within the tunnel. I looked at my watch, 12-30 exactly. What on earth was going on?

Then I heard a shout from behind me which made me jump, "Hey, you there stop. Stand still. Don't move a muscle"

Around a hundred yards away was a tall, swarthy man with a large, black German Shepherd dog by his side. The man was aiming what looked like a double barrelled shotgun in my direction.

The dog, at the man's command, wandered slowly up to me dropping a brace of pheasant at my feet before he returned, obediently, to his master,

A little earlier.......

The special train made its way slowly from Moretonhampstead to Newton Abbot where it must have looked somewhat incongruous parked at Platform 1. The little diesel was uncoupled then ran around the Pullman carriage in preparation  for the return trip.

The party enjoyed a very pleasant canal side stop for coffee and cakes just beyond  the delightful little village  station  at  Lustleigh before completing the journey to Moretonhampstead where the train  came to a halt just before the gated tunnel mouth.
Giles Forsythe climbed down from the Pullman then unlocked and unbolted the massive gates so that the train could enter the tunnel.


Those aboard the Special Train enjoyed coffee with cakes at the pretty little canal side village of Lustleigh

The diesel moved slowly forward in virtual darkness about fifty yards whiles the gates were firmly closed behind.

It was then that Archie, head out of the carriage window, called to Giles "Right ho, flick the switch Giles".

The tunnel was suddenly flooded  with light followed by astonished gasps from aboard the train.

There, to the left of the carriage were two beautifully polished steam locomotives, an ex GW small prairie tank and a pannier tank both in beautiful green livery.

"Well", said a beaming Archie, "What do you think?".

Everyone was astonished but before anyone could reply  the little diesel moved very gently forward. Just as it reached the gates at the other end of the tunnel the driver gave two short blasts on his horn.

Giles climbed down once again and proceeded to unlock the massive gates. He was just a  trifle concerned to hear what appeared to be someone shouting on the other side.

To be continued..........


 

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Sixteen)

Giles Forsythe swung the gates open then stepped out into the sunlight giving a signal to the driver of the diesel to move slowly forward.

Giles was somewhat taken by surprise to see someone who appeared to be rather frightened standing on the bank to the side of the track.

"Who the devil are you?" Asked Giles.

Before Colin Penn could reply the man with the gun walked forward, dog at his heel, shouting "Caught 'im red 'anded. I bin followin' 'im from Baskerville bridge. I knew there be poachers round 'ere lately now I got one of '  can clearly see two birds down by 'is feet".

Colin looks nervously towards the tunnel as the little diesel, still out of sight, gives two short hoots on the horn. The German Shepherd has dropped a brace of pheasants at Colin's feet

The train, by now, out of the tunnel, came to a halt. Archie, who had been leaning out of the window, climbed down. He approached the rather shaken  man, "Colin......it is Colin isn't it?" What on earth are you doing here old chap?".

With that Archie suddenly remembered Colin's questions about the Dartmoor line when they last met on the sea wall. Colin must have come up here to have a snoop around.

Colin replied, "Archie....I'm sorry, I'm just being a bit  nosey. I'm no poacher, in fact I don't know a pheasant from a chicken. That dog simply dropped those pheasants at my feet".

The man with the gun, who Archie and Giles realised was the estate gamekeeper, was by now standing next to all three men, "See them birds at 'is feet? I knew 'e were up to summat."

Archie butted in "He is up to something but it isn't poaching. If he was he'd have a gun and most likely a poacher's bag. No this is my good friend Colin Penn, he's just having a look around at my invitation. Climb aboard Colin and enjoy the rest of our journey with us".

Archie, of course, hadn't invited Colin but the gamekeeper wasn't to know that.

Archie whispered to Giles, "I knew that gamekeeper was up to something. I've had the stable lad, Tom,  do a bit of snooping  around. It seems that man has been selling our pheasants at the local market but claiming it was poachers. I think we've caught him out. I want him sacked first thing in the morning unless he's got a darned good excuse.

Giles sent the gamekeeper on his way with instructions to be in his office for 7-30 next morning.

The train, now with an extra passenger, continued on its way.

"So, Colin, what's this all about? I think you told me a few days ago that you had a holiday up this way as a young lad and that your uncle had told you stories about a lost railway".

"Exactly right", Colin replied, "I thought I'd come and have a look for myself. I am so sorry if I have trespassed and sorry if I've caused any trouble or bother".

"Not at all, not at all", replied Archie as he introduced Colin to everyone on board, "Now, we are just coming up to the outskirts of Baskerville which is as far as we can go at the moment but you will, of course, join us for luncheon. I think cook has rustled us up a pretty good spread".

Over lunch Archie explained to everyone all about his idea to open the entire section of railway between Moretonhampstead and Okehampton.

Archie continued, "Colin, you will join us for a dinner this evening. I'll not take no for an answer. I believe that Gerry and John will be, hopefully, giving me the nod to continue with my plans for the railway but I'm not counting my chickens just yet. Oh and you'll be very welcome to stay  the night Giles will arrange a room for you".

Colin didn't really know what to say so utrered  a rather nervous thank  you. In truth he was mightily relieved to have escaped whatever punishment the gamekeeper might have had in store.

Soon after two thirty, the little diesel was on its way again. This time reversing the Pullman back towards Moretonhampstead where the motor coach was waiting to take the passengers back to The Manor House, first travelling into Baskerville so that Colin could collect his things from the guest house.

Everyone was looking forward with great anticipation and excitement to  the evening ahead of them.

To be continued.......

The Tale of the Lost Railway - Part seventeen

For the next couple of episodes I am indebted to John @Train Waiting  who has written the text so eloquently

After a detour to collect Colin Penn's luggage from the Guest House, the party returned to Baskerville Manor so that everyone could have plenty of time for a bath and then change for dinner.

Flic had really gone to town with the arrangements for dinner, drafting in additional people to help the Manor's servants. Archie had invited some local dignitaries to join his house guests at dinner and, hopefully, hear a positive response from Gerry Fiennes and John Hammond to his plan to re-open the Moretonhampstead branch to passenger traffic, connecting with his private railway to run through to Okehampton.

Their assistance with the important matter of Ministry of Transport approval for the private railway to open to passenger traffic would be essential.



The changing bell rang at 6.30 and, by 7.00 the house guests had assembled in the library for drinks. Archie and Flic stood by the door of the library to welcome their evening guests when they were announced by the butler.

At 7.45, Flic led her guests in for dinner. Due to the numbers present, this was served in the Manor's Ball Room which was magnificently decorated for the occasion. There were two long tables, arranged side-by-side along the main axis of the room. Across the room, at one end, was High Table, on a dais, set for five.

During the day, Archie had spoken to Bertie and Bonzo, inviting them to join him at High Table. To his slight surprise, both had declined, preferring to be seated with the other guests. Although Archie knew both of them, he didn't know them as well as you do and you won't be in the slightest surprised at this. At Bertie's suggestion, Flic had arranged for he and Bonzo to be seated at end places of each of the long tables, with a somewhat over-awed Colin Penn opposite Bonzo and Ron Parker opposite Bertie.

Archie sat in the middle chair at High Table, with Flic at his right and Melissa to his left. Gerry Fiennes sat next to Flic, with John Hammond at the other end, next to the lovely Melissa. These two gentleman enjoyed enchanting company for dinner.


Archie had arranged to open several bottles of wine from the cellars which had been retained for this very occasion

Looking at High Table, Bertie allowed himself a moment of self-satisfaction - that was precisely the arrangement he had suggested to Archie. The dinner was absolutely fabulous and Ron was greatly relieved to be seated opposite his new friend, who had, of course worked his magic on the butler and a young footman kept that end of the table well-supplied with lashings 'N' lashings of fine, foaming Devonshire ale.

Although the guests were in black-tie order for the occasion, there were four exceptions. Realising that neither Ron nor Colin would have the correct clothes, Bertie and Bonzo were informally attired - Bonzo in a neat grey suit and Bertie in a yellow-ish tweed suit with a loud purple check. Apart, perhaps, from Gerry Fiennes, no other man in the room could have carried off that garish garment; they would have looked like someone who had escaped from a circus.

Ron told Bertie how much he had liked meeting Gerry Fiennes and had enjoyed Gerry's anecdote about a locomotive, thirty-seven wagons and a brake van ending up in Granton Dock in the autumn of 1939.

"Granton," said Bertie, "I've a good chum who used to live there. A Welsh chap - he's delightful company, you'd like him enormously."

Colin enjoyed talking to Bonzo but, at one point, asked about his War service. Bonzo mentioned he had been stationed in Kent for a while and then went on to say that there were some lovely wild flowers to be seen in the Weald. Although a young journalist, Colin realised his question was being diverted in the most polite and gentle manner and resolved to look into the War service of this courteous and diffident man.

To be continued........

The Tale of the Lost Railway  - Part Eighteen

Once again I am indebted to @Train Waiting for this episode

After dinner, Archie stood up to address his guests:

"My Lord, Distinguished Guests.

Thank you for joining Flic and I this evening. I wanted an opportunity to inform you of a little project which I hope to address. But first, I'd like to introduce two distinguished railway officers. To the left Mr John Hammond, the General Manager of British Railways, Western Region. [Applause]

And, on my right, Mr Gerard Francis Gisborne Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, who prefers to be called Gerry Fiennes [Laughter], Chief Operating Officer at the British Railways Board. [Applause]

Like all of you here, I was disappointed when British Railways withdrew passenger services on the Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead line in February 1959. Of course, it's still open for goods traffic, but it seems that is declining. Earlier today, Mr Hammond kindly arranged a special inspection train over the line for which I'm especially grateful.

Some of you might be vaguely aware of rumours of a railway beyond Moretonhampstead which have been circulating locally for years. Tonight, I should like to inform you the rumours are true. [Gasps]

At the instigation of my Grandfather, a railway was built between Moreton and Okehampton, over privately-owned land. The Great War intervened before it could be inspected by the Board of Trade. After the  War, my grandfather became involved with several  other, more urgent projects and my own father, not interested in railway matters, failed to resurrect the plan. In around nineteen-twenty, the tunnels at Moretonhampstead, Baskerville and Okehampton were gated and both sides of the track became overgrown, thus creating the illusion that no railway ever existed.

Over the past year, I have arranged for much of the vegetation to be cleared and have requested British Railways to consider re-opening the Moreton branch for passenger traffic and for facilitating connections with our private railway to permit through traffic. Furthermore, I hope British Railways will be able to assist with the matter of an inspection to have our railway passed for passenger traffic.


Just the sort of local train that can be expected on Newton Abbot to Okehampton services

This is where the matter has got to and I hope we will hear this evening if the idea has any chance of success."

As Archie sat down, there was loud and sustained applause. When it eventually died down, Gerry Fiennes rose to speak.

"My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Branch lines are perceived as a problem for British Railways. Many of them lose substantial amounts of money as costs exceed receipts. Although the private companies closed some branch lines to passenger traffic before the last War - my own LNER was probably the leader in this - most remained open for what we are now meant to call freight. But even that is declining, leaving the option of very many complete closures within the next handful of years a distinct possibility.

However, little serious attempt has been made to reduce the costs associated with these lines to see if they could actually survive. Maybe not reduced quite as far as the late Col Stephens achieved - [Laughter] but still with major savings. What one might call a 'Basic Railway'. I believe that, by altered methods of working, we could see our way to making at least some rural railways profitable. Mr Hammond - John - has been very supportive regarding my ideas.

As such, we are glad to inform you that we intend to recommend to the Western Region Board that the Moretonhampstead line be re-opened to passenger traffic by the end of this year - [Cheers] and that, providing Ministry approval is forthcoming, British Railways will run trains, Monday to Saturday, from Newton Abbot to Okehampton, using running powers over the private railway." [Loud applause]

Gerry sat down and Archie stood again.

"Thank you very much, Gerry and John. That is excellent news. I welcome British Railways' investment and, of course, the line from Moreton to Okehamptoon will be financed by my estate.

I'm glad to inform you that Devon County Council, Newton Abbot Rural District Council and Okehampton Rural District Council have all given the plan their enthusiastic support as have our local Members of Parliament.

With regard to Sundays, it is my intention to work special trains for visitors and railway enthusiasts, over our line from Moreton to Okehampton.

The estate will purchase locomotives from Western Region and Mr Hammond has arranged for these to be repaired at Newton Abbot works. These officially closed for steam work last year, 1960, but a special exemption has been made in this case.

For the future, I'm glad to announce that Lord Pandaford has generously agreed to assist us open a SPAM Workshop at Baskerville, so steam will continue to be heard on Dartmoor for years to come. [Applause]

In addition, the Honourable Bonzo Poppingham has kindly agreed to help us with the financial and administrative aspects of our railway - we intend to learn a great deal from what our friends have achieved in Poppyshire and Sillyshire. [Applause]

Before we adjourn for drinks I'd like to ask John Hammond if he has anything to add."

Archie sat down and John rose to his feet.

"Thank you very much, Archie for your idea, your enthusiasm and your substantial financial investment in this project. You will attend to the staffing of the private railway so that it meets Ministry requirements and allows Western Region to safely run trains over it. This is an innovative arrangement and will require close liaison at a local level. Late this afternoon I telephoned two trades union leaders to sound them out and they gave the plan their tentative backing. I wasn't surprised by this as I was offering to retain all the present staff on the Moretonhampstead line - they were anticipating redundancies. [Applause]

Finally, and I hope this isn't unfair to mention in public, I will ask Ronald Parker to remain station master at Moretonhampstead and have the additional responsibility for liaison with the private railway." [Cheers and applause.]

As John sat down amidst the applause , Bertie sprang to his feet and shook Ron's hand.

Archie rose to his feet one last time, "I know that Gerry and John have to return to their respective offices early tomorrow but I invite everyone else to The Baskerville Arms for six thirty tomorrow evening where the plans will be revealed to the public. The drinks will be on me"
[applause]

To be continued.........

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Nineteen)

The following evening saw crowds gather at the Baskerville Arms.

Archie and Flic were seated at a large table set on a dais at the far corner of the public bar. Also seated at the table were Bertie, Bonzo and Colin Penn.

At precisely 7-00pm Archie rose to his feet to a hearty round of applause from the assembled gathering of some sixty people representing virtually the entire population of Baskerville and its surrounding farms and tiny hamlets.

"Good Evening everyone and thank you for attending. First things first the drinks this evening are all paid for by myself [enthusiastic applause].Now, onto the main reason that I have invited you all here...."

Archie went  on to describe his plans for the railway between Newton Abbot and Okehampton in detail. There were several positive questions from the assembled villagers before he continued.

"There will be trains running between Newton Abbot and Moretonhampstead from as early as the beginning of next month. These trains will be steam hauled initially but we expect the locomotives to be replaced by diesel multiple units over the course of the next few years as is the case across the country. My team and I plan to develop a new station here at Baskerville with a proposed opening date of January 1st 1962.


An artists impression of the new station and yard proposed for Baskerville. The station building is bottom left with the SPAM workshop top right. Immediately in front of the workshop is the new public house

Next , I am fully aware that we are in the most delightful public house in the area [hearty cheers] but I plan to open a second such establishment in the grounds of Baskerville station. To this end I would like to invite our genial host and landlord here, if he is willing, to take on the management of the new public house along with this one with each establishment complementing the other.

I have also asked my very dear friend Lord Pandaford, Bertie to you and I,  sitting to my right here, to allow me to construct a small, but lavishly equipped,  railway engineering workshop adjacent to the station. It is plan to which he has readily agreed. The workshop, which goes by the name SPAM, will allow the creation of several new jobs in the area alongside an engineering apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Newton Abbot Technical College. [applause].

Bertie's brother Bonzo has agreed to help us by applying his business acumen to the project. He intends to draw up a comprehensive business plan over the next few weeks.

I have agreed with senior managers at British Railways that once the track overhauled to current standards  between  Moretonhampstead and Okehampton they will extend trains from Newton right through to Okehampton. The target date for commencement of such through running, Mondays to Saturdays,  is Easter 1962.

On Sundays the section between Moretonhampstead and Okehampton will be operated  by my Estate team, along with volunteers, as a tourist railway utilising preserved steam locomotives purchased from British Railways and maintained at the workshops here in Baskerville. It is my belief that such a railway will bring many visitors to the area which can only be good news for  local businesses. [more loud applause and cheering].

The only  remaining task is to name the new public house. I invite suggestions, in sealed envelopes. The winner will be decided by a public vote of all the entries and the prize will be a place on the footplate of the first steam train to Okehampton".

There was more applause  followed by the landlord rushing up to Archie and shaking him vigorously by the hand, "Thank you so much Archie, what a wonderful idea. It will be such a boost for the local area and I am delighted to accept your invitation to manage the new pub alongside this one".

Meanwhile Colin Penn, who had been sitting quietly at the top table whilst taking copious notes would have the scoop of his lifetime for the local newspaper and perhaps, with any luck, he could sell his story to a couple of the big national titles.

To be concluded next time.........

The Tale of the Lost Railway (Part – Twenty)

Some three months later things were starting to move forward rather quickly.

Colin Penn, in his role as a journalist, had done a wonderful job in  bringing the railway to the attention of not only the Devon public but also the good folk of British Isles as a whole.


June 12th 1962 would see a very special train working down to Devon from Paddington to commemorate the opening of The Lost Railway. In the months preceding that date, however, many enthusiasts specials were operated from various parts of the country. The train seen here has come down from Birmingham

Bonzo Poppingham completed his business plan which involved working with British Railways, Devon County Council, two local Urban District Councils, The Railway Inspectorate, The Ministry of Transport and local landowners.
Bonzo had presented his plan in such a way that all organisations were entirely enthusiastic by  providing help and advice  in their individual ways. The public at large were, of course, invited to comment.There were no objectors at all. In fact the only comments received were encouraging, positive ones.

Giles Forsythe took on an extra role to co-ordinate the volunteer support scheme that would, largely due to Colin Penn's excellent publicity articles, become a huge success.

Ron Parker had taken up his position as Station Master at Moretonhampsted with additional responsibility for overseeing operations at the intermediate stations most of which were manned and maintained by volunteers.

By December 5th the new station at Baskerville was completed nearly a month ahead of schedule allowing trains to reach there from Newton Abbot for the very first time.

Bertie Poppingham had brought together a team of some of the finest railway engineers and fitters for the SPAM workshop which was lavishly  fitted out with the  latest machinery and equipment.

The very first ex BR locomotive, purchased from BR at a very generous cost to Archie Hardcastle,  had, by mid November,  been refurbished at Newton Abbot works. It  arrived at the SPAM facility at the end of November  for final inspection, to the most exacting standards, and to undergo acceptance trials. A few wagons and two carriages arrived  shortly after.

The new public house adjacent to the station was also opened on December 5th. A competition to name it was won by a local railway enthusiast with the prize being  a footplate ride over the new line.  The name for the new establishment was "The Ghost Railway".

Lofty Levers, who had worked as a signalman at both Perranwell Station in Cornwall and at Teignmouth, was appointed, in his semi retirement, as signalman based at Moretonhampstead but with responsibility for overseeing signalling along the whole line.

Plans were, by early 1962, well advanced. The continuation of the track from Baskerville to Okehampton was well underway.

The grand opening of the entire route from Newton Abbot to Okehampton took place on June 12th 1962. A special train, originating at London Paddington,  was organised to bring various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Harold Macmillan along with the most senior of BR staff, to the official opening event.

Bertie Poppingham, a great friend of the PM, would, naturally, be in attendance along with his brother Bonzo.

Archie Hardcastle had drawn up a list of the great and good, including a number of ordinary local residents, to be aboard that inaugural train.

June 12th 1962 would be a momentous day in mid Devon.

The End...............(for now).

Footnote : The storyline on this thread will end here but some of the characters and events will resurface, occasionally, on my Sea Wall thread.

  
  Very enjoyable thank you Martin
  stay safe regards Derek