Team

Dr Michael Ireland

His PhD research was on the cultural and economic impacts of tourism on West Cornwall. His interest in restoring the railway to Okehampton started in 2008, underpinned by research and national and local campaigning to create an 'oasis' in what was a rail desert stretching from Exeter to Bude.

Richard Westlake MBE

Advisor to the Okerail forum following 46 years’ service on the railway and has an intimate knowledge of the line between Exeter and Okehampton. He also served as a Devon county Councillor for 32 years and campaigned to reopening Devon branch lines.

Kevin Ball

A business consultant and former Devon County Councillor, he has been involved with OkeRail since it started. During his time as County member he regularly spoke up for the reinstatement of the railway to Okehampton and the positive impact it will have on the local economy.

Bruce Thompson MA(Oxon) FCILT

Former Head of Devon County Council's Transport Co-ordination Service and lead rail policy officer, had a key role in forming OkeRail before retiring in 2016. Previous experience included the bus industry, as a seafarer Chief Officer, and Post Office logistics and performance management. Rejoined OkeRail in 2018 as an advisor.

Richard Burningham MBE

Manager of the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership since 1998. He has a long record of working with the rail industry, local authorities and the community to secure improvements to branch line services and facilities and marketing them. This has lead to a big increase in passenger numbers.

Richard Wolfenden-Brown

Chair, Connect Bude (campaigning to reopen the Bude line) formed after writing/ directing 2016 musical ‘The Last Train To Bude...?’ (Bude Youth Theatre); director of The Plough Arts Centre; chair, Bude Together; trustee of Dance-In-Devon; coordinator of the Bude Literary Festival and director of North Coast Arts.

Lois Samuel

Has been the Devon County Councillor since May 2021, Lois is a recent addition to OkeRail. The former Deputy Leader of West Devon Borough Council, she has always been supportive of the re-connection. Lois and her husband run a farm which supports young women who have had addiction issues.

Sue Baxter

Came to Okehampton in 1975 to teach Geography and Outdoor Pursuits. Volunteered on this railway from 2006, enjoying lineside vegetation clearance, coordinating the Meldon Buffet team, and guarding the Heritage Service. Chair of Dartmoor Railway Association which supported the reopening and is taking on further station responsibilities.