A CHARITY building a historical archive around Devon’s branch-line railways has been given a £25,000 boost. 

The Great Western Railway grant will help the Folklore Library and Archive, based at Crediton Library, collect personal recollections, photos and film for its Devon Railway Heritage project. 

The project focuses particularly on the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton via Crediton, which was axed in 1972. It operated in part as a tourist heritage line before it was reinstated in 2021. 

“We’re extremely grateful for this funding from Great Western Railway, which will help to unlock valuable heritage from people’s personal collections for everyone to benefit from in the future,” Project Manager on the Devon Railway Heritage project Tracey Norman said. 

“Through recording the memories of those who worked on, used and interacted with Devon’s branch lines, we hope to build a valuable archive of stories which would otherwise be lost, or at best told within people’s own families or social circles.  

“We have already heard some absolute gems from people about their past experiences. 

“We are also hoping to build valuable links with rail enthusiast groups and other organisations who may be able to offer valuable material to this archive.” 

GWR West Regional Development Manager David Whiteway added: “We’re delighted to support this particular initiative, which will help to unearth hidden stories and other heritage related to the social history of our rail network in Devon.” 

Between now and the end of February 2025, members of the Folklore Library and Archive project team are looking to interview people about their memories of branch-line railways in Devon. These interviews will be recorded and archived along with accessible transcripts.  

The project would also like to receive copies of people’s historic photos and film of branch lines in Devon. Where these have not been converted already, the project team can digitise the materials and return the originals safely to their owners, as well as giving them electronic copies to share. 

Anyone wishing to help by loaning media or offering stories, or who would like to speak to the project team can email [email protected].