Rick, a fellow member and myself decided that, since Dartmouth would be rammed with people due to Regatta, we would venture forth and join the branch social at the Devon Diesel Society's Rails and Ales Festival at Staverton Station.

The Signal Box Cafe We decided to arrive in style on the steam train from Totnes Riverside, so Rick was allowed to purchase two return tickets online. We decided a healthy breakfast was required to set us up for the day, the Signal Box Cafe was an obvious choice. The timings of the 92 bus from Dartmouth were not convenient, so I convinced my wife to deliver us to Totnes in exchange for a traditional English breakfast. Whilst enjoying our excellent breakfasts we were joined by Lawrence, our branch Secretary who was heading for the same train.

We arrived at Totnes Riverside in plenty of time for the 11:20 service. The 12 minutes journey to Staverton was soon over and we arrived on the platform ready for our first beers of the day. At this time it wasn't too busy and a glass each of Fyne Ales Jarl and Cotswold Lion Shepherds Delight were soon obtained. The main area of seating, in the station yard, is accessed by a few steps from the end of the platform. There were plenty of tables available so we claimed a six seat bench with an umbrella in anticipation of a long hot afternoon.

There were 43 real ales listed in the free programme along with 8 keg beers in a separate bar. Personally I felt there were too many over hoppy IPAs and Pale Ales for my taste, but I struggled on! All real ales were priced at £2/half and £4/pint.

As the afternoon progressed we were joined by various other members, including Chairman Bob, Diesel and steam hauled trains passed every few minutes, hooting and whistling to add to the general ambience. By about 2pm it was getting much busier and much warmer. The queue for the real ales was getting longer and longer, especially after a train arrived. Eventually the queue got so long I was no longer prepared to wait in it and, against all previous principals, decide I would have to try a half of keg beer where the queue was non existent. I parted with £2.50 for a half of Jaipur, a beer I have known over many years. I cannot say that being in a keg improved it any; too cold and too fizzy. It took the barman a while to serve a full half due to the beer fobbing, it just seemed it would have been better to have a cask of the real ale version instead.

Suddenly someone said our train is in 5 minutes, so there was a rush to get to the platform, only to find trains were running 30 minutes late. Thus we were later getting back, reducing our planned 60 minutes in Totnes to just 30 minutes. Only time for a quick pint in the Waterman's before catching the 92 to Dartmouth.
Well done to Devon Diesel Society for yet another excellent festival, we both agreed it was a great day, what I believe might nowadays be described as 'awesome'........

Words &photos by Alan Cooke, all opinions are those of the author Rick studies form The Station Yard On the Platform Drinking can get serious! The queue gets longer.... Getting hotter!