Rebirth of the line: Devon joy as rail link reopens after 50-year hiatus
In 1972, the people of Okehampton turned out in force to wish a fond farewell to the Devon moorland town’s regular passenger rail service.
The mayor, Walter John Passmore, carried a funeral wreath and his wife, Daisy, waved the green flag to signal the final train’s departure, just about managing a sad smile for the cameras.
Almost half a century on, the Dartmoor line is being reopened, and the first 40-minute service was due to arrive in Okehampton from Exeter St David’s shortly after first light on Saturday.
“It’s great news for the town and for the whole area,” said Dennis Le Worthy, a retired police officer, who was among the lucky ones treated to a trial trip on the revamped branch line this week.
“The town has been crying out for this. It
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