Exmouth celebrates 150 years of the Avocet Line: report and more pictures

EXMOUTH CELEBRATED 150 years of the Avocet Rail Line in fine style on Sunday 1 May, despite worsening weather as the day progressed. But that didn’t dampen spirits on the line from Exeter to Exmouth. Far from it, in fact…

The special train – the Exmouth Flier, pulled by the First Great Western High Speed locomotive University of Plymouth – set off from Exeter St David’s at 10.44am, after the unveiling of a plaque at the station by Marcel Choules, the Lord Mayor of Exeter.

Roma Patten, an Avocet Line Rail Users Group Steward, was on board the Flier, enjoying free travel to Exmouth because she was dressed in Victorian costume.

“The atmosphere was fantastic,” she said. “There were so many people waiting for the train – even at Exeter St David’s. It was amazing.”

At Topsham, the train was met by Town Crier Kevin Smith, and then it set off again. As the train pulled out of Exton, it was met by members of Xcycle, Exmouth’s campaigning cycle group, who had cycled up the Estuary in period costume and on vintage bikes to greet the Flier.

“It was a surprisingly easy ride on our vintage bikes,” said Elinor Scott of Xcycle. “They had no gears and were much lighter than we imagined. It was a very pleasant ride and everyone was extremely friendly to us.”

At 11.14am the train arrived at Lympstone, where it was met by Rob Longhurst, Chairman of Lympstone Parish Council, as well as some Morris Dancers. And Lympstone was where John Billington and his family, all dressed in period costume, climbed aboard The Flier.

“It was splendid,” said John. “A lovely experience for everybody. Nice for the family and a community experience.”

Asked why he and his family had dressed up, he replied, “We’ll dress up for anything in Lympstone!”

There was a huge crowd awaiting the historic train’s arrival at Exmouth. The VIP committee included Hugo Swire, Conservative MP for East Devon and Minister of State for Northern Ireland. “Today is fantastic,” he said. “I think the Avocet Line is a great service for people both in Exeter, and, of course, in Exmouth and this part of the world. It’s incredibly important to the commando training centre in Lympstone. It’s our arterial run to our county city and it’s something we should all celebrate and be proud of and ensure it gets more frequent and even better than it is already.”

As the train arrived at Exmouth, bang on time at 11.23am, the Exmouth Town Band struck up, and there were huge cheers around the station.

Exmouth Town Crier Roger Bourgein was delighted. “It’s been excellent,” he said, “the band is playing, the visitors are here, the train has arrived on time, and we’ve got a super Transport Fayre to go and visit in our wonderful new Strand. I’m very happy. Next we’re going to unveil a plaque, celebrating 150 years of trains to Exmouth.”

And off he went, to herald the unveiling of the plaque by Darryl Nicholas, Mayor of Exmouth. Five minutes later the jolly deed was done, and the VIPs trooped off to The Strand for the Sustainable Transport Fayre, and then on to a special reception.

John and Christine Hatchard – representing Exmouth Players and Exmouth Museum respectively – watched events at Exmouth station. Both were dressed in period costume.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant,” said John of the big day. “So many people were at Exmouth station,” said Christine. “Amazing.”

Sadly a heavy downpour shortly after the Sustainable Transport Fayre opened sent the crowds scurrying for cover.

“That was the only blip on an otherwise truly excellent day,” said Tony Day, chairman of the Avocet Line Rail Users’ Group (ALRUG). “A lot of people had a great day out, it lifted the profile of the railway, and it proved conclusively what a vital asset it is to our local transport infrastructure.”

All in all, it was an historic day that Exmouth – and ALRUG – should be immensely proud of.

More pictures here