October 2006#399
October 2006
#399
Please note: These pages are provided by me, Bill Russell as a service to the Puffing Billy Railway & the E.T.R.B.
If you find a problem with them please contact me first. No other person has the ability to alter these pages.
If you want to be notified when Monthly News changes send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is bill.russell@optusnet.com.au .
Amongst the shock and sadness felt by everyone in Puffing Billy and the wider railway industry following Graeme's untimely death on Monday 21 August, the funeral train and service at Gembrook on 30 August showed just what our organisation is capable of and we have had nothing but glowing complements for the send-off we gave Graeme. So many people gave of their time, energy and creativeness - whether it be the Workshops people creating a beautiful 2'6' gauge hearse and decorating G42 (including the traditional white coal), Secretary Dan "doing his thing" with venue set-up or SM Bob Farr providing a substitute didgeredoo at the last minute - that it is risky to single out anybody in particular. However, John Hoy and Al Gardner deserve particular credit for managing the preparations and for working with Graeme's family both during the funeral and assisting them to cope with a most unexpected and tragic course of events.
The fact that our Minister, John Pandazopoulos, drove from Ballarat on the day of the funeral to thank Graeme on behalf of the Government and Bryan Nye, CEO of the Australian Railway Association, flew from interstate to pay his respects, indicates the high regard in which Graeme was held in the Australian railway industry generally.
To Elsa and Fiona Breydon especially, our thoughts are with you and you are welcome at Puffing Billy at any time; your friends will be here for you.
As a consequence of Graeme's passing, the ETRB has elected Peter Hiscock as its Chairman for the coming year. Peter brings extensive experience to this role, having been Director of Sovereign Hill from 1980 to 2002. During this time Peter was instrumental in strengthening Sovereign Hill's values as a "museum" and a key Australian tourism attraction. He led its diversification into visitor accommodation - first into the schools market and then the family market and in 1990 began the push toward developing a Sound and Light Show, "Blood on the Southern Cross" to tell the story of Eureka. Peter has also been a Board member with Tourism Victoria and was Chairman in 1988, is currently Deputy Chairman of the Heritage Council and was until recently Chairman of the Immigration Museum. Peter has also chaired the Ballarat Tourism Board and the Tourism Sub-Committee of VECCI and served as a member of the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Board. Peter has been a member of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society since 1982 and a member of our Board since 2004.
Naturally, Peter will be a different Chairman compared with Graeme, and many of Graeme's "hands on" roles have already passed to our CEO and Divisional Managers. Given Peter's background and experience, we can expect that he will focus on representing our organisation externally and on refining our presentation as a "working museum", whilst retaining Graeme's focus on financial performance and sustainability.
We are delighted to welcome John Robinson back to the team in the role of Society Treasurer. John needs no introduction to most on our railway, having previously served as an active volunteer, Society President and Board Chairman. Given the unexpected loss of Graeme Breydon's extensive "corporate memory", to have someone of John Robinson's calibre and knowledge is most re-assuring. Welcome back, John!
Over recent months, the Board, Society, management and Branch personnel have been reviewing the functioning and structure of the various Puffing Billy Railway advisory and executive committees. A key outcome has been the creation of a new "Management Co-ordination Committee", replacing the previous Management Planning Committee. The new Committee comprises all members of the Society Executive and Railway managers and is intended to be the "hub" of railway decision making, positioned between the Society, the Board and management, and is intended to bring the Society back into the mainstream management process. All important matters of joint interest to these stakeholders will be brought to the MCC to enable us to practice a consensus style of management and work in a harmonious and cohesive manner. We see this as another important step in the evolution of our Railway's management processes.
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Andrew Stephens Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson PBPS President |
Two salaried positions are to be advertised in the daily press commencing Saturday 23 September 2006. The key sections of the forthcoming advertisements are reproduced below and applications are invited from interested members of the Puffing Billy family.
The GM Business Development position is being advertised as planned to enable a permanent appointment to be made in time for when Shirley Westerberg ceases her six month engagement on 22 December this year. Although we have all enjoyed and benefited from Shirley's time at Puffing Billy, Shirley only came to us on the understanding that we would "release" her in December to commence her retirement and follow some long-postponed personal interests and activities.
At a joint meeting on 14 August between the PBPS Executive and Great Train Race Committees, extensive consideration was given to the dilemma that the future of our Railway's most popular (and profitable) special events was threatened by the reality that continued reliance on long-standing voluntary managers like John Shaw and Graeme Breydon was unlikely to be feasible in the future. Graeme's subsequent death has certainly driven this point home. It was resolved that the ETRB would be requested to recruit a Special Events Manager, servicing the existing hallmark Society events and expanding and developing the special events business on Puffing Billy. The Society President has since confirmed this request in writing and the ETRB authorised the position at its 20 September meeting.
General Manager, Business Development: Reporting to the CEO and supervising the Passenger Business, Refreshment Services, Special Events and Marketing Managers, you will be recognised and rewarded for taking Puffing Billy into a new phase of business growth, increasing profitability, developing and motivating the Business Development Division team, managing, developing and marketing Puffing Billy products and improving the interface with Puffing Billy's customers..
Manager, Special Events: Reporting to the General Manager Business Development, you will manage and expand Puffing Billy's Special Events business, including the Great Train Race, which attracts up to 3,000 participants to the annual event. Your goal will be to co-ordinate this and other events and develop the events business to increase the profit and market profile they bring to Puffing Billy.
For further information and Duty Statements contact Andrew Stephens on andrew.stephens@pbr.org.au. Applications will be received up to 6 October 2006
Andrew Stephens
As mentioned above, we are a "working museum" and a key direction of our Strategic Plan is that we will strive wherever possible to present ourselves in accordance with our "Era of Significance" - 1900 to 1930, with an emphasis on the halcyon days of the 1920s. Research has confirmed that during the 1920s the duties of today's "Passenger Guides" were performed by "Porters" - indeed, the position of "Lad Porter" could in those days be the "entry level" to a career in the railways with examples in some Australian states of Lad Porters rising to the level of Commissioner. Contrary to popular belief, Porters were not just baggage handlers, but were "hands on" station staff whose principal role was to service the many and varied needs of the travelling public.
For this reason, you will in future see our uniformed customer services personnel proudly wearing the traditional "Porter" cap band.
John Thompson (Chairman, HAC), Andrew StephensA Trolley Drivers course will be held on Sunday 5th November 2006 (All day). Anybody who is, or will be, a qualified Safe Worker by that date is invited to apply for the course. As the course can only accommodate eight (8) persons, first in best dressed applies. Applications in writing to Dan O'Connor, E-Mail secretary@pbr.org.au Applications close on 27th October 2006
I would like to thank all who, over the pass two months, have assisted myself while I have had a broken leg. Jean (nursing on the day) and the ladies in the office who kept me up to date, refreshment staff who keep bringing those wonderful hot chocolates down the platform, the men on the footplate who also made me feel back at home, Tom who has been my 'leg man' and all those who took the time to ring or drop into the office to have a chat. Thank you all.
Don't forget just because I am back, please still drop in or call about anything. We are here to serve.
Sue
On behalf of Graeme Breydon's family, Alan Gardner and myself I would like to thank you so very much for the wonderful contribution everyone in the Puffing Billy family made to make this sad occasion so special and memorable.
We did the Chairman and ourselves proud!!
John Hoy
Two tributes were paid to Graeme Breydon in the Victorian Parliament recently:
(On the 22/8/2006)
Mr PANDAZOPOULOS (Minister for Tourism) -- The tourism industry in Victoria received some very sad news overnight. Last night, at the age of 54, Mr Graeme Breydon passed away. Graeme Breydon was chair of the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, which has responsibility for the operation of one of Melbourne and Victoria's most popular tourist attractions, the Puffing Billy railway.
Mr Breydon became involved with Puffing Billy as a 14-year-old back in 1964, when he joined the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. In 1989 he became a member of the board, and since November 1999 he has been chair of the Emerald Tourist Railway Board. For the past eight years Mr Breydon was also a member of the Great Train Race committee, which organises the annual Great Train Race in which runners race Puffing Billy in a fun run.
During his time as a member of the board Mr Breydon was a driving force behind many developments to Puffing Billy and the surrounding area, and I would just like to mention a few of those. The first is certainly his leadership in the redevelopment of the Belgrave railway station to improve its appearance and its services to the public as a key point for visitors to Puffing Billy. Then there is the promotion of the extension of the line to Gembrook and the delivery of that line. Now it is a great trip all the way out from Belgrave to Gembrook. The locomotive workshop at Belgrave has been upgraded, as well as the historic G42 locomotive, which was recently restored.
At a national level Mr Breydon was involved in the development of the national rail safety regulations as they pertain to tourist railways such as Puffing Billy. For his involvement in that process Mr Breydon recently received an individual award for excellence from the Australasian Railway Association. All of this great work was done by Mr Breydon on a voluntary and honorary basis. He was dedicated to Puffing Billy, and all the thoughts of the people from Puffing Billy are with his family.
(On the 23/8/2006)
Mr MERLINO (Monbulk) -- I rise to join with the Minister for Tourism in expressing my sincere condolences at the sudden passing of Graeme Breydon, chair of the Emerald Tourist Railway or, as most people know it, Puffing Billy -- a much-loved icon of Melbourne. If there is one word to describe all the staff and volunteers at Puffing Billy, it is passion. I think there is something about steam trains that brings out terrific enthusiasm and joy in people. The chair of the board was no different.
Graeme joined the Puffing Billy Preservation Society as a 10-year-old in 1964. He joined the board in 1989 and became chair a decade later. As chair, Graeme was determined to improve the Puffing Billy experience. Services were improved, which included, for example, extending the line to Gembrook and adding dining services.
He addressed long-term issues in redeveloping the workshop areas, and as he was an enthusiast at heart he took great pride in the restoration of the G42 locomotive.
As a local representative I travelled on Puffing Billy a number of times. Every time I did so Graeme was there, either outlining the benefits of a particular new service or new infrastructure on show, or praising the work of the volunteers at an awards function. He clearly loved the railway and its people. He was a stellar volunteer giving all of his time on an honorary basis. I know he will be sorely missed by everyone at Puffing Billy. I extend my sympathies to Andrew Stephens, the new chief executive officer and fellow train enthusiast, to the marketing manager, David Eaton, and to all the staff and volunteers. Finally, to Graeme's former wife, Elsa, and daughter, Fiona: I am very sorry for your sad loss.
Please see Jean Clowes if you are interested in purchasing any of these items.. Email jean.clowes@pbr.org.au or fill in a uniform order form and pass it on to the SM Belgrave.
As mentioned in the August Monthly News, a date has now been set for the visit to Gembrook. This will take place on Wednesday 11th.October at 11.30am.
The bus will depart from Gate 4 at Belgrave, the township tour will take about 1 hour, refreshments will be available with complements of the traders.
To reserve your seat on the bus call Jean Clowes email jean.clowes@pbr.org.au
The Belgrave Traders are also interested in organising a PBR familiarisation of the town and the business, more details in the October issue.
Shirley Westerberg
0If you are able to spare some time to work at Thomas, it would be much appreciated. Could you please call June
April Williams
Jean Clowes is on annual leave from Monday 2nd October until Monday 16th October.
Please remember to return all items lost property to the SM Belgrave with a tag stating the date and location where the item was found. This is an enormous help to us it trying return the items to their owners.
Unlocking both platform side and rail side doors in carriages before the train leaves Belgrave, so passengers don't have a problem alight at stations when the arrive at their destination.
Jean Clowes
The Loco running area is seeking to bolster the ranks of diesel only fireman [second person].
Expressions of interest should be directed to John Hoy, e-mail john.hoy@pbr.org.au
A reminder to all Guards and Signalmen that in addition to the 'Outer Home' Signals, the new 'Up Inner Home' Signals are also automatically returned to STOP by an arriving train. The controlling lever must be operated again to clear the signal for a following train (where applicable). Please ensure that you check the appropriate Signal Repeater on the Block Shelf before departing.
| AUGUST | 2006 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 80% | 76% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 89% | 96% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 87% | 97% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 2,617 | 2,821 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2,406 | 2,874 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 277 | 63 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 58 | 59 |
| G 42 days for month | 13 | 11 |
| Carriage kilometres | 21,940 | 22,170 |
| Carriage Days for month | 707 | 687 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,101 | 1,402 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,041 | 1,473 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 119 | 51 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 151 | 148 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 161 | 160 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 23 | 6 |
As has been reported elsewhere, a Funeral Train for Graeme Breydon was operated on Wednesday 30 August from Belgrave to Gembrook and return. For the record, the train was hauled by G42. The train comprised 16 vehicles, namely 21NQR, 2NBD, 51NBH, 21NBHC, 1 & 24 NB, 17, 4, 19, 13, 1, 3, 7, 10 & 6 NBHs and 26NAC. It departed Belgrave at 11.16am and reached Gembrook at 1.20pm. Return was at 4.20pm with an arrival back at Belgrave at 6.05pm.
The presentation of G42 and of 21NQR carrying Graeme's Casket was just beautiful and dignified. It was a credit to those people concerned and a lovely tribute to a very good friend.
Bob Wilson
We have been successful in winning a number of external contracts to help earn money to make improvements on our Railway. Recent and current projects are:
This small project was to provide cost estimates for repair of a timber trestle bridge over the Hotham River near Boddington in WA. This work is now completed but there is a possibility of follow-on work in the future.
Williamstown Station Footbridge
We have recently won a contract to re-build a footbridge over the station at Ann Street Williamstown. Work will commence shortly and volunteers interested in being involved should contact John Shaw .
We have been contracted to construct a short standard gauge railway at Mangalore Airport. This is a two or three day job and is planned for the weekend of 21st-22nd October. Transport, accommodation and meals will be provided and volunteers will be very welcome. Again you should contact John Shaw.
John Shaw
There is a vacancy at the Car Shops for a qualified carriage builder or carpenter. Duties will include maintenance of the wooden bodied carriage fleet, monthly carriage inspections, and advice re maintenance and painting requirements. A driver's licence is required. Written applications to reach Adam Black by 4.00 pm Monday 3 September
Hugh Markwick
The Climax Workshops are running every 2 nd Saturday and 3 rd Sunday of the month. We need more helpers to get the loco going. If you have no workshop skills then you can learn; if you have some then you can usefully employ them. Come along, have some fun and get the satisfaction of working on a great project.
The Footplate Experience Trains have been going well. We have just booked the tenth one for the year and are taking bookings for 2007. Our Guest Drivers are drawn from as far afield as British Columbia, northern NSW and the USA.
We are now able to offer footplate experience on larger and younger engines than 861. Our 2007 season will offer G42, NAs and Diesel power. We can cater for anybody. Well done to the FET and the crews. See the Climax webpage for booking details or grab one of our new brochures.
John Conway
The S&T manager is due back on October 6th. Until then, issues requiring attention should continue to be directed to either Ian Marks or Alan Gardner.
A reminder that the new Up Inner Home Signals also return to Stop when an Up train passes. The points and signals at Up end will be commissioned shortly after the Manager's return.
The process of replacing the Belgrave Telephone Exchange and the equipment for the Call Centre, the Voice Mail and the Interactive Voice Response systems is continuing. Whilst not visible to our users, there are numerous connections being altered behind the scenes. Again, if something appears to not work as you expect, please contact S&T at the depot (650) and we'll get it sorted out.
The damage to the phone lines in the Menzies Creek forest and at Nobelius Siding will be repaired in the coming month - Thanks to those who reported the disarrangements.
A few people have asked why we now have levers 7 and 14 interlocked with each other. In brief, the down end points are now much closer to the new Up Inner Home Signals and there is insufficient distance to ensure that trains shunting out of the down end of No. 3 road would not proceed past these signals and into the face of an arriving train. It is, therefore, appropriate that we hold any potential up train at the outer home whilst shunting in No. 3 road.
Andrew Wheatland.
Join us as we travel by bus (departing from Belgrave and running via Spencer Street) to Castlemaine from where we will travel in the splendour of our own Parlour Car by steam train to the historic township of Maldon. Once in Maldon you will have the option of visiting a local winery or taking a leisurely lunch and a stroll around the old town before our train takes us back to Castlemaine, from where we will return to Spencer Street and to Belgrave.
There are still tickets left, so don't miss out; for enquiries and bookings ring Phil Sutherland
We are pleased to announce that we are once again offering'Midnight at Menzies', which has to be the best value-for-money New Years Eve event in Melbourne! The evening includes train travel from Belgrave to the Packing Shed where a buffet dinner will be served in the convivial company of your Puffing Billy colleagues. This is followed by a pause in the return journey to welcome in the New Year at Menzies Creek before our return to Belgrave.
This event regularly sells out and bookings are rolling in already, so book early to ensure your place.
For enquiries, please ring Jeff Goodwin
Travel by bus from Belgrave (pick up & drop off at other points also) to visit some of Victoria's famous wineries; watch for the booking form shortly!
Travel by train from Emerald to Gembrook, hauled by 861 & 'Carbon' for the first of this year's film nights. Refreshments provided during the interval and photo stops during the train journey.
Travel by train from Belgrave to Emerald and visit the Gemco Theatre Company and enjoy one of their plays. Dinner provided at the theatre.
The second of this year's film nights will be held at Emerald (in the Thomas building, if available). Travel by train from Belgrave to Emerald with refreshments provided during the interval.
Join your colleagues as we travel by bus to Healesville and enjoy a trolley ride and dinner as we make our annual visit to one of Victoria's other steam preservation centres.
Out with Old and in with the New as we again celebrate New Year's Eve at the Packing Shed. Travel by train from Belgrave. Catering provided.
For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin
Following a successful application for a grant an independent consultant has surveyed our archive holdings and storage, both at Kings Road and off railway holdings and is preparing a written report for our information.
Thanks to Betty Thompson for a donation of a Microfiche reader, and to Laurie Bunn for donating a large quantity of books. Thanks also to the G42 Committee for donating books, artefacts and photographs.
Does anyone have a printer for the Microfiche reader? This would be appreciated.
Hugh Markwick
Clock numbered 45 is available at the G42 Shop for $150.00, this is the last of the limited run of 50 clocks to be available for sale. Personal shopping only!
Selling pre loved books, magazines, videos, DVDs and memorabilia. The shop is located behind the Emerald Car Shops in the Thomson Building facing the play ground. The next open days are Saturday 7 th October and 4 th November (last opening for 2006). Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter.
.We would like to thank Gary Davey, Ashleigh Greaves, Weston Langford, Hugh Markwick, Matthew Moharich, Chris Raggett, Adrian Rynberk, Mel Elliott, Sue Lucas and Peter Walker's Family for their recent donations to the shop which "Keep G42 Going".
Some of the books currently for sale: An Australian Diesel Locomotive Pocketbook $25.00, Australia's Garratt $30.00, A Changing Decade $25.00, Diesel Pictorial (Orange Cover) $25.00, Electric Railways Of New South Wales $40.00, First Stop Central $85.00, Gradient Book (VR) Circa.1927 $45.00, G42, Puffing Billys Big Brother $40.00, Romance Of The Victorian Railways $25.00, Steam To Strezelecki $30.00, Tender Into Tank $70.00. Very Limited Stocks, First Come First Serve.
E.H. Weston.
The donations from our Red collection box in August were $35.20
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West