The Gazette published at the beginning of June 1924 reported the opening of Cove Halt. The first trains left on Whit Monday, June 9th. There was great excitement as the first train to Bampton left at 8.30 and for Exeter at 9.00. On the same day, an excursion to the seaside at Dawlish was arranged for the children of Cove and Stoodleigh. The article contains a detailed description of the Halt.
Cutting from the Gazette about Cove Halt which begins ‘No stopping-place on the Exe Valley line enjoys a prettier situation’.
The only picture of the Halt we have in the Collection is rather disappointing!
There is a much better photo and more information on this website:
https://www.exevalleyrailway.com/8-what-it-looks-like-today/60-what-it-looks-like-today-cove-halt
Although the photo is disappointing, we have plenty to see in our Transport Gallery. As well as the new Halt at Cove, there was a signal box and a siding and we have evidence of each along with a lot of information about the Exe Valley line and, of course, our own Tivvy Bumper!
Exe Valley Line sign in the museum’s Transport Gallery
Cove Siding
However, on this map, apparently from the 1930s and also in the Gallery, the Halt seems to have been overlooked! Perhaps the map is actually earlier and before 1924?. The only Halt to be mentioned here is Up Exe Halt which was in existence before 1923 as all the staff were removed from the station in that year. The other Halts, Burn (between Up Exe and Cadeleigh), West Exe, Bolham and Morebath Junction were all opened after Cove.
Map showing the railway lines around Tiverton
Written by Museum Volunteer, Sue B.