THE sketch by T V Robins on page 30 of your January 1 edition reporting Gerry Woodcock's admirable history of Tavistock is an example of fiction presented as fact.
Robins is thought to have been a jobbing artist employed by The Illustrated London News; it is doubtful that he was present at the event. He depicts the Portreeve and his two mace-beareres welcoming someone entering the station when everyone — about 350 people according to the Tavistock Gazette and the Plymouth, Stoke and Devonport Courier — were about to leave it.
He also shows the rear of two trains where there would have been locomotives. One train would have carried VIPs from Plymouth and the other, earlier arrival would have brought the military band and other lesser figures involved in the opening ceremony and festivities.
The third mace-bearer — he with the rather military or ecclesiastical headgear — presumably escorted the mayor of Plymouth.
A small exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the coming of the railway to the town will be on display at the public library and at the Central Library in Plymouth from June 17 this year. It will be provided by Tavistock Museum.
G Kirkpatrick
Tavistock