THE group was treated to glorious sunshine as members of the Launceston Railway Circle undertook their first outing of the year to Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay Station on Saturday, July 17.

Les Whaley, circle chairman, said: “As chairman of the Launceston Railway Circle I am pleased that 11 of our members visited the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay Station on Saturday, July 17, which was the first of our summer visits to preserved steam railways since the summer 2019 due to COVID regulations and members feeling safe.

“Keith Vingoe, the Lynton & Barnstaple commercial and marketing director, made us very welcome and with our purchase of tickets we were able to have first class seating in the smart coaches pulled by the Southern Steam Loco Lyn number 762.

“I was pleased to see the Launceston Railway Circle headboard placed by Andrew Bird on the front of the loco, it was a very hot clear day but members enjoyed the views of the countryside of Exmoor and were able to have refreshments and a chat at the station.”

The circle last visited the Lynton & Barnstaple in May 2017 when it was wet and mist fell across Exmoor so the clear blue sky on Saturday was very welcome.

Les added: “Let’s hope that for our next visit more track has been put down to extend the line which we know the Lynton & Barnstaple team are working on, and we wish them all the best.

“Thanks must go to Roger Webster for arranging the day, and we look forward to meeting our members and visitors at our new meeting venue on Friday, September 17, 7pm to 10pm, at Stephens Church Hall off Rydon Hall (B3254) there will be a catch up presentation of Bernard and Audrey Mill’s superb train travels. Tea/coffee will be served at 8.30pm.”