25 January 2023 Through the Lens, Through the Years – Cornwall

Presenter: NIgel Tregoning

We returned to Zoom for the first of two winter meetings. Nigel, a Cornwall resident, lead us through what may best be described as a life time of photographing the railways in his home county, from the late 1970s to just about the current day.

The journey began in Penzance from where we followed the main line through to the Devon border, detouring to cover the branch lines to St Ives, Falmouth, Newquay and Looe, also encompassing the clay traffic lines and the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. Finally a quick visit to Plymouth and we were back into Cornwall covering the route to Gunnislake.

Perhaps a little surprising, the variety of motive power employed over the years, example, the Class 45 on inter-regional services in the

Image Credit Nigel Tregoning

early years, to the current Cross Country Class 220/1. The branch line DMUs, the HST, and the various freight classes not only the clay trains but many other interesting workings, and much more.  Steam was not overlooked with the many charters and excursions well covered. Infrastructure was key to many of the images, an example, highlighting semaphore signalling still prevails in places.

The photography was superb and it seemed Nigel had covered every aspect of the railway from all angles, in this wonderfully scenic area of the UK, enhancing the views with his expert and local knowledgeable commentary. Nigel continued to chat with the audience, demonstrating his love of the railways and his local area, well after showing the final image, probably the longest presentation the branch has ever experienced. A thoroughly enjoyable evening.