Farewell for South Devon S&T expert Nick Perring
POPULAR South Devon Railway volunteer Nick Perring was taken on a final ride on the heritage line he loved.
The 62-year-old passed away in Torbay Hospital on August 30 with his family and friends at his bedside after suffering from a stroke.
At Buckfasleigh, he led the signal and telegraph department and played a major role in the installation of much of the signalling on the SDR. He had been involved with the line since the 1970s and also worked for British Rail and Network Rail for 39 years, taking retirement from Exeter Central in June 2017.
Nick passed as a SDR fireman in 1991 and as steam driver in 1995.
On September 27, the SDR laid on a special train, ‘The S&T Engineer’ hauled by GWR 2-6-2T No.5526 to take Nick’s coffin with family and mourners on board for one last trip. The headboard recognised his involvement with Network Rail and the SDR, while the Plymouth Argyle FC roundel was attached to the smokebox door to recognise his other great passion; he would regularly attend the club’s home and away games.
SDR general manager Ernest Elsworth-Wilson said: “The amount of messages of support to Nick’s family has very clearly shown just how well liked and respected he was.”
After being transferred to a hearse, the coffin was taken to Weston Mill Crematorium for a service which ended with the music from The Railway Children and Nick’s brother Iain blowing a whistle and waving a flag to signal the end. A reception at Plymouth Argyle’s Green Tavern was attended by more than 300 people.
Nick leaves his wife Wendy, brother Iain, daughter, two step-daughters and five grandchildren.