Braunton's railway past commemorated

A century of the Braunton railway and other historical features of the village are the subject of four information boards have been installed by the Parish Council. Two provide a trail featuring buildings of current and historical interest to residents an

A century of the Braunton railway and other historical features of the village are the subject of four information boards have been installed by the Parish Council.

Two provide a trail featuring buildings of current and historical interest to residents and visitors alike, to raise awareness and promote the area and were funded by the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service, as part of its Explore Braunton Project.

A community grant from previous County Councillor Jenny Jenkins has provided two more, which commemorate the former Braunton railway.

The village was the home of the largest station between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe, which opened in 1874 and closed in 1970.

Memories of the busy and important station still lie deep within the heart of Braunton as it was such a focal point for the village. A working group of local railway enthusiasts was set up to help the Parish Council research material to record the history and find photographs of the railway.

Four smaller information panels have been installed to show the original sites of Station House, Braunton Signal Box, The Sidings and Braunton Gates, all positioned in and around the main car park.

The Gates panel is sponsored by Marilyn, Allison and Ken Abbott whose father was one of the last Station Masters at Braunton Station and is dedicated to all Braunton Railwaymen.

A special exhibition entitled Braunton's Railway Days 1874-1970 has been launched by Braunton and District Museum and will run throughout the summer months.

Planning permission is being sought for a second railway information board, to be placed on the Tarka Trail. All boards and panels were produced by Andrea Lawrence of Nature Signs.