We’ve had a busy few weeks at the FLA. A flurry of emails and press releases have been sent out, and we’re already starting to receive some wonderful submissions. Tracey and Mark have been out and about, visiting Barnstaple’s recent RailFest event, which celebrated the opening of the town’s railway station 170 years ago in 1854. 
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There were some lovely layouts on display, both in the Pannier Market and upstairs in the Guildhall building, along with some fascinating photos documenting the history of North Devon’s railway network. There were details of restoration projects, showing not only the sheer amount of work needed to save aspects of our rail heritage, but also the commitment and dedication of the organisations and volunteers who undertake this work. 

If you are, or have been, part of a railway restoration project, if you work or volunteer at one of the North Devon stations, if you’re a passenger with fond memories of train journeys, then we’d love to chat with you and invite you to become part of our project by sharing your memories for us to preserve for the future. 

Contact Tracey by email or use the contact form on our website here and let’s start working together to preserve our valuable memories. ​

Got a memory about Devon's branch lines? Then we need you!

You may have seen us talking about the new railway heritage project we've just launched, in which we are seeking to capture and archive memories of Devon's branch lines, especially the Okehampton - Exeter line. The project runs from now until the end of February 2025, and in that time we want to speak to as many people as possible, and collect as wide a range of stories as we can.

If you were a passenger, or station staff, or a driver, or an engineer, or if you vounteered at Okehampton station, or were a ticket collector, or if you campaigned for the lone's reinstatement, then we would love to chat with you, listen to and record your memories, and archive them for the future.

If you have a story (or stories) you'd like to share with us, you can get in touch in several ways. You can use the contact form on this website, or you can email us at [email protected]

If you'd rather speak to someone in person and have the chance to ask questions about the project, then you can come and see our Project Manager Tracey in Okehampton Library on Monday 12th August, between 11am and 3pm, or Exeter Library on Wednesday 14th August, again from 11am to 3pm. You can chat, pick up information about the project, bring in photos or memorabilia you'd like to share or donate, and you can ask about help with archiving your own collections of film and photos.

​Our memories are precious, and give us truly special insights into our past. We look forward to hearing yours!