Both the Cribbett family and the Mead family have kindly given permission for members of their families to appear as the real-life characters that they were in the 1950s. Unfortunately, my efforts to trace the family of Mr Bill Gough, the engine-driver, were unsuccessful. I do hope I will be forgiven for repeating some well-known – and previously published – stories about him, and that my portrayal of him will be taken in the spirit in which it was written, that is to say a tribute to a much-loved and respected gentleman.
Readers who know Dartmoor will recognise many of the places referred to in the book, but please be aware of the dangers of the abandoned quarries and take notice of the warning signs. For those who are curious, Fencott Place does not actually exist!