A NEW chapter was written in the history of Dartmoor Railway last week with the opening of a new station at Sampford Courtenay.
Another sign of progress for the railway was the opening of a new visitor information centre and outdoor seating area at Meldon Station.
Dartmoor Railway hopes the new station and facilities will extend the opportunities for visitors to explore the railway this summer.
Invited guests boarded the Dartmoor Belle at Okehampton Station last Friday and were taken to Meldon for the official opening of the new visitor centre, then to Sampford Courtenay for the unveiling of the name plaque at the carefully restored station.
The visitor centre was opened by Dr Nick Atkinson, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority and Liz Bingham from the Countryside Agency. The centre includes an exhibition which gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of railways and extractive industries on Dartmoor.
Meldon is the highest railway station in southern England, and the railway is keen to encourage people to walk, cycle and enjoy the panoramic views across Dartmoor.
The new outdoor eating area was opened by borough councillor Nick Morgan. He said the railway was already renowned for its good quality food and service, which people would now be able to enjoy against the backdrop of Dartmoor. Cllr Morgan added that he was fully supportive of Dartmoor Railway?s next aim to reopen the station at North Tawton.
Devon County Councillor David Morrish, who
l Continued on page 2