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CAMRA members from Exeter and East Devon were joined by others from South West branches on September 6 to raise a glass to the re-opening of the mainline railway route at Dawlish, damaged severely in the winter storms of 2013/14.
A photoshoot took place on the platform at Dawlish station, in partnership with First Great Western, after which CAMRA members visited a number of pubs in Dawlish and Dawlish Warren to campaign for the support of real ale and local pubs.
Gareth MacDonald, CAMRA’s regional director for the South West, said: “We are particularly delighted that Dartmoor Brewery has agreed to dedicate a special brew in honour of this event. This beer, called Dawlish – On Track, will be available for sale in a few local pubs, although we have hopes that it will travel further afield over the coming weeks. I am very grateful to Dartmoor Brewery for their hard work and support of this excellent cause and look forward to trying my first pint on the day in Dawlish”.
The MP for Newton Abbot, whose constituency covers Dawlish, Anne Marie Morris, was vocal at the time of the storms for the line to be restored and protected, and came along to thank everyone for their support. Similarly, the Mayor of Dawlish, John Peherick, and his wife, Linda, gave their thanks for CAMRA’s support of pub businesses in the town. Gareth stressed the importance of having fun in campaigning.
After the formalities on the platform, the considerable crowd of CAMRA members toured the pubs in groups, guided by Exeter & East Devon members or the town pub guide leaflet that they produced.
