Heritage Railway of the Year
The South Devon Railway was named Ian Allan Publishing’s ‘Heritage Railway of the Year’ on 5th December 2007, making it the top steam-operated line in the country. The much sought after award is given by Ian Allan Publishing Ltd to just one heritage railway each year in recognition of their high levels of customer service and the individual rail line’s contribution towards recreating the historic railway ambience of yesteryear. The award was announced at a ceremony at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London. South Devon Railway Trust chairman Alan Taylor, fellow director Denver Woodward and South Devon Railway Association secretary John Keohane BEM received the award from the Rt. Hon. Gwyneth Dunwoody MP and David Allan, managing director of Ian Allan Publishing. The South Devon Railway team received a special commemorative plaque which was unveiled at Buckfastleigh by legendary pop music impresario and railway enthusiast Pete Waterman on 9th April 2008. SDR Trust chairman Alan Taylor said: “We are proud and thrilled to win this top award for the first time since we took over the line in 1991 - it’s been a great team effort to achieve this accolade.” Unveiling the plaque, Pete Waterman added: “This railway, to me, is the best; there’s no question. It captures not just part of history but the whole of history, because the valley never changes. |
David Allan (left), Alan Taylor and the late Gwyneth Dunwoody MP at Merchant Taylors' Hall on 5.12.07 In 2006, the SDR won the GNER Volunteers Award for the restoration of Totnes Littlehempston station. |
