The Kingsbridge branch was a relatively late arrival on the railway scene. It left the Exeter to Plymouth main line at South Brent, and largely followed the valley of the river Avon to Kingsbridge. It featured some of the most idyllic scenery anywhere in Britain, and passed through some remarkable small stations, including Avonwick, Gara Bridge and Loddiswell. It was proposed to extend the line to Salcombe, and although little came of it the Great Western provided one of the earliest bus links between the two places.

Much folklore surrounds the line, and the many stories include the monks who arrived with a flat-packed abbey. Kelvin Ellis will relate some of them on Thursday 31 May at the SDR Museum’s regular monthly meeting. Kelvin has a great knowledge of the line, and once said that he was passing Loddiswell station one day and called in for a cream tea: “I liked it so much that I bought the station! 

Kelvin will give an illustrated talk on the history of the line, and it is sure to be of interest to anyone who knows the area or the Great Western in Devon. It will take place in the Refreshment Rooms at Buckfastleigh station, at 7.00 for 7.30pm. Snacks and hot and cold drinks will be available, and entry is free.