I have been writing railway poetry for a good many years, since I retired from the civil service in 1995.

Although I have never been to the South Hams, I was inspired to write about Gara Bridge station from an article in the Great Western Echo – the newsletter of the Great Western Society, based at Didcot, Oxfordshire. Perhaps this poem might rekindle readers’ memories.

Gara Bridge Station

From the slopes of a lofty ridge

There is a glimpse of Gara Bridge

A rural gem in the South Hams

Far away from traffic jams.

Designed by William Clarke –

so fine

Those stations of the Kingsbridge line.

Distinctive patterns, local stone

Photographs in sepia tone.

To model makers – heaven sent

One changed at railway junction – Brent

As shadows lengthen near Cox Hill

Ghostly prairies whistle still.

Steve Glason

Coddenham Road

Needham Market, Suffolk