Can
you imagine the excitement in Delabole on that lovely, sunny day
on October 18th 1893, when the train finally arrived at Delabole
Railway Station. The station was bedecked in flags and other hand
held decorations were waved as the first train arrived. On the platform
to greet the train were: Mark Symons, G.Martyn, J.Martyn, and S.E.Martyn,
Wadebridge; Messrs E.J.Heardon and T.B.Burns from Camelford; Messrs
James, Nicolls, Rawis & Dr.Tabb, Padstow; Mr Hext,Tredethy; John
May, St Teath; Dr Wade, Boscastle; Mr Hayman who photographed the
special train.
At 11am the Delabole band marched from Pengelly through Medrose
with many men walking along with them. A luncheon for all the dignitaries
was served in the room above the Old Co-Op Store, Pengelly and later
a sports afternoon for children was held in a field close to the
station. In the evening there was a massive firework display.
What a day for Delabole. . .the Railway had arrived. Sadly, politicians
decided that railways would not be needed in the future in Cornwall
(how wrong they were!) and the closure day came on the 3rd October
1966, 35 years ago. I am sure that there must be some stories of
their railway days from my friends I know in Delabole who served
at the Delabole railway station. Lets hear from you.
The North Cornwall Railway Company had planned for the line to run
from HaIwill to the bottom of Cornwall but finally terminated at
Padstow in 1899. The line was built in sections from Halwill Junction
Station traveling through Ashbury Ashwater, Tower Hill, Launceston,
Egloskerry, Tresmeer, Otterham, Camelford, Delabole, Port Isaac
Road, Wadebridge & finally Padstow. The North Cornwall Railway line
was completed over a period of 13 years and the section from Tresmeer
to
Delabole was due to be opened on the 14th August 1893. However,
due to the difficult terrain from Camelford to Delabole it took
a further two months to reach our station. The line was built around
the perimeter of the Delabole Slate Quarry's massive hole and this
was a sight to delight those traveling on the railway coming into
Delabole Station. Unlike most of the other stations, the main buildings
were on the down side of the line. The signal box at Delabole remained
in use until the stations closure. Freight facilities, (which were
making a profit) were closed on 7th September 1964 & passenger facilities
were withdrawn on 3rd October 1966. Wadebridge retained freight
traffic via Bodmin until 1978.
Memories,
memories from the Regal Man.
