November 2007#412
This issue is dedicated to Tom Murray.
November 2007
#412
This issue is dedicated to Tom Murray.
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 .
It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of long serving volunteer, Doris Bevan.
Doris passed away after a brief illness and was farewelled on October 9th by family, friends and many of her Puffing Billy family. Doris was a much loved and very capable character around the railway and will be sadly missed.
Our deepest sympathy goes to husband Chas and his family at this very sad time.
Special thanks go to Sue Ham for her tireless work behind the scenes assisting the family.
We have had complaints from people about receiving a letter making them ineligible to perform safe working duties either due to out of date medical requirements or not having submitted safe working re-exams on time. Some have blamed the railway for this.
As part of its Rail Safety Accreditation the railway is obliged to maintain certain requirements or our accreditation can be withdrawn. There is no way around this situation and it is grossly unfair to blame the railway. If you have your medical before the due date indicated on your advice letter and promptly return your safe working re-exam, you won't find yourself being declared 'inactive'.
Whilst on the subject of inactive safe workers, a gentle reminder about being a financial member of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. If you are not financial you are also ineligible. Dan O'Connor has just provided a list of those who are currently inactive because they are not financial. To use a well worn phrase - more letters in the mail!!
Eamonn Seddon commences with us shortly.
I'm sure everyone will join me in making Eamonn feel right at home and offer him every support and assistance.
You'll be pleased to know our inconvenience is now over and the road works are all but completed. Thanks to everyone for their patience and co-operation.
We do a pretty fair job of running trains. We are regarded as one, if not the best tourist railway in Australia - probably highly ranked in the world. Sometimes we can lose sight of the very reason we are able to enjoy our passion - the paying customer. If they take a little longer to board, delay us slightly with a toilet stop or whatever, does it really matter? Never lose sight of the need to look after our customers. They allow us to enjoy what we do.
Society members will have received their postal ballot papers for the election of five 'Ordinary' Executive Committee positions. This is your chance to elect your representatives, so please make sure our Returning Officer receives your voting paper before the due date.
A reminder that the Society's AGM will be held on Sunday 18th November in the Masonic Hall, Belgrave, commencing at 2 p.m. All members welcome!
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | John Hoy Acting CEO | John Thompson President PBPS |
To all PB and ETRB personnel, may I say "Thanks", on behalf of our sons as well as myself, for the comfort and expressions of sympathy for our recent loss of Doris, our much loved mother and wife. These, and the offers of help so readily made, both individually and on behalf of the organization, showed how much we are all part of a warm, helpful family, a family whose interests go beyond the prime aim of saving and running the railway, to consideration of the individuals that make up that family.
Doris enjoyed working on the railway in several fields during her 43 years as a volunteer and that enjoyment continued to the last during out Track Patrols together; she didn't just go along for the ride but she did like seeing the wallabies.
Thanks, Chas Bevan
As you saw under the banner, this issue #412 of Monthly News is dedicated to Tom Murray, long term Puffing Billy Life member. Among the railfan community there are many who use the term "412" to show that they are hard core rail fans. Unfortunately many of them do not know the origin of the term. The following is a brief (but true) description. Other web pages are wrong.
When Tom was a teenager he lived at 412 Toorak Road, Burwood. (The number has since been changed.). (To protect the record? - Ed.) Travelling home one day he noticed that he was in tram #412, so when he alighted, he arranged with the driver to pause on the return trip outside his home so he could photograph #412 outside #412. Tom showed the photograph to his friends, who subsequently pointed out other objects numbered 412 beside which Tom could be photographed. Somewhere Tom has quite a collection of these photographs.
By coincidence, American comedian Stan Freberg had a popular skit called "St George and the Dragonet" on record - a send up of the TV show 'Dragnet'. The skit ended with the boss saying to his assistant "Book him (the Dragon) Daniel. Book him on a 412" "What's a 412?" was the reply. "Over-acting" was the answer. Freburg's skit added to the association of 412 with Tom by his friends.. (The original Australian 78 was Australian Record Company CP-275. St. George and the Dragonet/Little Blue Riding Hood. 1953.).
Tom left school and joined the Victorian Railways. He started running fan trips to odd and interesting locations. He usually managed to have 4:12 as an arrival or departure time somewhere on each trip. This was in spite of being told by the senior members of another rail-fan group that he (Tom) couldn't run fan trips because they were the only ones who knew how to do it. If you believed that Tom could organise trips you went on them, if you believed the other lot, you didn't. 412 became a catch cry identifying those who thought the said senior members were stuffy twits.
Tom was also on the PBPS Operations Branch committee meeting that decided the PBPS ought to produce a monthly newsletter containing rosters and other interesting information. Now that the newsletter has reached issue #412 (without missing a month) what could we do but celebrate Tom Murray, PBPS good guy and life member. Thanks Tom.
Bill Russell
A Postscript to the above: A quick search on the internet reveals that some of the original records on which these humorous skits were produced are now available on CD. Most have to be imported directly from the USA though. The astute amongst you will have noticed that we have perpetuated Tom's tour tradition by having a few 4:12 times in our current Timetable. Ed.
By time he was 21, Tom Murray had travelled on all existing V.R. branch lines except one. What line was that? Hint: The P.B.P.S. subsequently helped to demolish it. Answer next month. (No prize though!)
Overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working and the distance home makes the option of staying locally preferable. You must pre-book - and this can be done by contacting Sue Ham on 9757 0715 or 0419 274 652 at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring.
On Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November 2007 we are to have a display at the Lilydale Show to encourage people to become volunteers at Puffing Billy. Can you help us to 'man' the display on these days. Please contact Sue Ham for more information and to offer your assistance.
The gardening group are looking to continue improving the Belgrave Zig-Zag garden.
We would like you to bring any surplus bulbs or irises, if and when you are dividing them. Any plants donated need to be labelled eg. dark purple bearded iris, short form etc. so we can plant them in the right spot. Plants and bulbs can be deposited under Moondarra against the green garden shed. We thank you for donations which help to beautify the entrance to our Railway.
Sue Ham
It's Well done and thank you to everyone who was involved in the Wizards & Witches Express. The event went really well with over 1200 sensational looking wizards and witches participating during the two weeks of the school holidays.
The bewitched balloons proved extremely popular and the fairy floss was a sweet treat for the young and not so young. The 'goblin snot' and the 'blood' made the sausages taste so much better and I think we can all sing a few bars of the magical music which was played...and played....any played.
We faced some challenges such as the sausage sizzle tent trying to fly away (maybe it thought it had magical powers!), the BBQ decided to blow up (exploding dust perhaps?) and the microphones didn't work halfway through one of the shows (those damn goblins!).....but these were all overcome and the feedback from our passengers indicated they experienced a magical time.
I must say, our volunteers were very obliging and ventured into the spirit of the occasion by dressing and embracing the theme. If you'd like to view some event photos I suggest you email me at nadine.hutchins@pbr.org.au and I'll send you a return email with the link to the website where they've been loaded (the link is quite long, hence emailing it to you!)
We will be holding a debriefing in the coming weeks, so if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve this event, I would welcome your suggestions (preferably by email) as my shorthand is lousy!
I trust you all enjoyed the experience as much as Di and I and we look forward to announcing the future dates of our Wizards & Witches Express.
The Kids Fun Run With Thomas was held at Gembrook Rail;way Station on Sunday 7 October. 556 children aged 12 years and under challenged 'Thomas' for five runs and 'Puffing Billy' for one run, to the finish line. Sir Topham Hat was kept extremely busy and I'm sure he was just a little relieved when the kids ventured over to J.A.C. Russell Park to join in the inaugural Thomas Hunt. Plenty of other activities were taking place in the park including the climbing wall, karaoke and Kaptain Karnival Rides, all of which contributed to a great atmosphere.
The Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc. organises this event with Puffing Billy Railway participating as a major sponsor. All funds raised goes toward specialist medical equipment for Monash Kids, a division of Southern Health.
It was a pleasure to be involved with the Kids Fun Run With Thomas and to work alongside members of The Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc. Thank you to all our Puffing Billy Railway volunteers who participated in this event. I'm sure, like Di and myself, you enjoyed seeing the smiles on all of the children (and parents) faces and we look forward to keeping you updated with details of next years fun run.
Ticket sales are going extremely well for our spring season of 'A Day Out With Thomas'. We have one Thomas weekend taking place in November on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th. Dan O'Connor would welcome any volunteer support for these days and I ask that you contact Dan by email at danann3@bigpond.net.au.
Nadine Hutchins
Special Events Manager
It's not our desire that we start off this month's report with unhappy news, but sadly, we have to note the passing of April Williams' Mother on Friday 12th October. Our thoughts and love go to April and her family, and we know everyone will support her when she returns to duty soon. Our thanks must go to those who have willingly stepped in to look after the administration duties and operation for the retail branch in April's absence, in particular June, Thelma and Sue.
On a brighter note, our results for September are well up on previous years, and while a little below current budget, our revenue is up by 17% over September 2006, and our margin is up by 25% against last year. That's due in no small way to the continued efforts and commitment of our long standing volunteers, and their support for the new volunteers who have joined the Refreshments Branch team in recent weeks. In particular, those who worked for the recent Wizards & Witches events deserve special mention. There was quite a bit of work setting up for this event, and then having to immediately reset it all for the Day Out With Thomas spring season that followed hard on the heels of Wizards & Witches.
It's been some time since we had boutique style chutneys and jam available for sale, but I'm happy to report that we are now stocking Puffing Billy Tomato Chili Chutney, especially made for us, at $5.00 for a 190 gram jar, and by the time you read this we'll have our Puffing Billy Strawberry Jam available. Regrettably, blackberry jam is not economically obtainable in relatively small commercial quantities, so strawberry it has to be.
Somehow or other there seems to be an ad hoc competition between the catered trains staff and the retail shop staff, as to who can sell the most chutney. Our challenge is deciding how we reward the winners, and how to avoid the train staff and the retail staff pinching customers off each other. I'm told the competition is quite fierce, but of course the eventual winner is all of us, and thanks to the protagonists in this unauthorised competition, I'm sure we'll sell a truck load of chutney & jam.
The busy season is coming up, although the relatively good weather we've had has contributed to our good results in September and thus far in October. Nevertheless, no matter what the weather, it's our people that really make the difference.
John Andrea
'Vic's Railways Volume 2' is the second and final part of Steam Media & Series 567's tribute to the late Vic Greensill. It features Vic's footage of Victorian and Queensland rail operations between 1991 and 1995. Steam, diesel and electric locos all appear. PB gets a guernsey with 7A bunker first on a down train in July 1991. The on train footage shows just how much has changed in 16 years. Other highlights include: Victoria - a triple header on the last train at Cheetham's Laverton Salt works, triple headed K class at Armadale, triple headed T class on the Barry Beach goods, C class on Jets, Goulburn Valley pass & goods trains, freight action north of Bendigo, trailer rail trials, steam on regular pass & goods for crew training; Queensland -Nambour cane street washer, last loco hauled Brisbane suburban trains, 2000 class rail cars and the Wallangarra goods.
Volume 1 received high acclaim for its absolute historic material and part 2 is sure to rate just as highly. 2 hours - $49.95
Steam Media have re-released their very popular VHS title '1999 - The Victorian Year In Steam' as a 2 hour DVD. See the Climax on the Commissioner's special, 8, 12 and 7 on a triple header, the return to service of modernised R711 and ride the cab, R766 to Mildura, double K class at Bacchus Marsh, BPR easter specials, R711 & R766 parallel up Warrenheip bank, Last run of R766 as a coal burner, Maldon Steam freight action, R class on regular service trains J515 on the Bendigo double track main, the Alexandra and Redcliffs tourist operations and much more.
Again see how much the system has changed in just 8 years. 2 hours - $49.95.
If you would like a PB Volunteer car sticker, please e-mail Sue on sue.ham@pbr.org.au and she will arrange delivery.
Please could conductors check that the lights are turned off in the Menzies Creek toilets when locking up at the end of the day.
Please remember to record float issues either on the daily operational report on in the daily issues book provided.
A reminder for all conducting staff that the 10.30am train on a Blue Timetable has 6 cars at the Up end (closest to the SM office) that only goes as far as Menzies Creek. These cars are to be reserved for groups only travelling as far as Menzies Creek. Any groups and passengers that are travelling beyond Menzies Creek need to be in the first 10 cars behind the locomotive.
As we are now getting busier particularly on weekends could Station Masters see that the last passenger car in the 10 cars continuing onto Lakeside is locked off for last minute passengers. This can be a help if we need to put passengers on the train with a Conductor selling tickets in the carriage.
Please could all booking staff make sure the black board sign is placed out the front of the Booking Office advising customers that with Puffing Billy's narrow doors there is a need to fold prams when we have busy trains.
Kind Regards, Jean
Coverage is getting very hard, especially at this time of the year. You'll notice there are several extra services that are to be operated during November and the same will apply for December, as it is the time of the year when social clubs have there annual outings. Therefore I will be in contact with many of you for more assistance and it is hoped some of you will be able to give that extra day or two. Extra services will operate on weekend during the day, with some extra night trains on weekdays.
Weekdays are becoming difficult to cover, and this is causing a strain on our retired volunteers as they are the ones who cover most of the weekday shifts. This is because some volunteers have fully retired due to age or health, while others are unavailable due to health reasons or have moved away from Melbourne and it is not convenient for them to get to the railway.
Recently there have been some communication problems and as a result shifts have not been covered when they could have been. When inquiries have been made I have been told that I was advised of the unavailability, yet, as I've said I cannot remember being told. The fact could be that I was talking to someone on the Platform or in the Safeworking Room, or performing Safeworking duties at the time, and as a result may have overlooked the matter. So I'm suggesting that if you see me on the railway and are unable to report for your rostered shift could you please write the matter down and hand the note to me. In this manner there will be no slip ups! When I am sent an email or SMS I will always reply, be it very short with a "understand" or "got that", however if I do not reply within 24 hours I would suggest that you make another attempt at contacting me.
When I am in Moama, which is usually from about the second week of every month for 10 days, I generally check my email at the Echuca Library every second day. Unfortunately wireless and mobile coverage is still very unreliable along the border.
Kevin Stanes
Guards & Signalmen Roster Clerk
The Workshop was very sad to hear about the passing of an excellent worker Doris Bevan. She was a real inspiration. Doris will be sorely missed. Our sympathies go to Chas and the family.
We are machining valve sleeves for a D type compressor for Steam Rail.
We are overhauling lubricators for the National Rail Museum in South Australia
Wednesday Night Work Parties. Work now focussing on the Climax restoration.
Hugh Markwick
Sleeper replacement has been completed between Emerald Main Road and Pinnocks Road. The track has also been lifted, lined, topped up with ballast and packed with the tamper. Assisted the road construction crew at Old Monbulk Rd in resurfacing the road crossing, many thanks to Andrew Rayment for assisting in getting this job completed through the shire contractors.
Replaced or retightened fish bolts between Pole 182 and Lakeside. Repair and restore track side signs between Nobelius and Lakeside.
One Road at Belgrave was regauged with 1, 2, and 3 Roads being lifted and packed with the tamper then realigned.
A very large gum tree in the grounds of Moondarra was felled and cleaned up, 2 smaller gums have been felled and removed near the site of the old Belgrave gang shed. Some dangerous branches have been removed from trees in Emerald yard.
Rotting bearers and decking were replaced on the deck outside the toilet block at Belgrave. The construction of the portable building at Cockatoo is complete; James Cron is in the process of making it look 'pretty'. Two pans & cisterns have been replaced at Belgrave toilets. The air conditioner in the Menzies Creek kiosk has been repaired and serviced. Other minor repairs have been carried out on fencing and seats around Belgrave platform.
We are in the process of obtaining another grant from Melbourne Water to continue with the current works happening along Clematis Creek in Belgrave. Another grant from the Federal Government looks certain to happen, this is for weed removal and control of existing vegetation between Menzies Creek and Clematis. We are still continuing with a current grant received from the Western Port & Port Phillip Catchment Management Authority.
The relocation works on the Somerton signal box is continuing. A group of workers have travelled to the Hotham Valley Railway in Western Australia, scope of works for this project includes replacing about 3500 sleepers and replacing bridges which were burnt out in the bush fires last year.
The Fire Patrol and demonstration training day this year will happen at 9.00 am on Saturday the 1st December. Anyone interested in attending can either ring Tom or Jason or you can just turn up on the morning at the trolley shed at Belgrave.
Tom Kilner
Yes, it is that time again and we will be having our annual Christmas BBQ on Saturday 1st December 2007. This is a 'bring your own everything' BBQ. All we provide is the BBQ to cook on and scintillating conversation. We will have No.4 in steam that day.
The Malcolm Moore rail tractor has been placed on blocks and work has continued on the de-scaling of the frame of years of rust while the tractor has been stored in the open. The metal has been ground back to true metal and it has now been primed in preparation for the top coats.
When we removed the wheels, these were found to be impossible to re-use as they were beyond further use and showed the signs of the hard life the unit had suffered in its previous ownership before it was given to Puffing Billy.
The wheel bearings were non-existent in the main and new bearings have to be made on the lathe, as these are special bronze fittings. The cost of the material before setting up the lathe exceeded $700. Until the new bearings are made, we are unable to continue with the restoration of the unit. The next move is to place the new wheels and axles back into the unit when the bearings are completed. We also have to find a source of brake shoes, as the previous ones are useless. We are going to restore the driver's canopy and have obtained the uprights for this to be done. The unit will be painted in Army Green.
With the removal of the J class loco from our compound we have been doing a clean up of the site. Two large gum trees, which have shed huge limbs lately and narrowly missed injuring several people, are to be removed.
We have been hosts to a number of Navy personnel in recent weeks and they have been very helpful in helping to clean up the entire site and undertake maintenance works that have accumulated over the years. As part of their help, work has started on the restoration of the George and George Boiler under the supervision of Belgrave Workshops.
John Frost
Following our next S&T Branch meeting on Saturday 8th December, we will be adjourning to 'The Paradise Hotel' for luncheon and another pleasant afternoon watching the trains go by. Branch members (and partners) are invited to attend and in order to confirm our booking, an RSVP to the depot by December 1st would be appreciated.
Several failures to the main computer at Belgrave have been experienced over the preceding month. We thank everyone for their patience as repairs and recoveries were carried out. Our computer network has grown unbelievably in the last 4 years and is constantly being upgraded and improved. The occasional fault is to be expected and our thanks must go the volunteers who have spent many long nights repairing the network in order to allow normal daytime operations to continue.
Several new "Railway Crossing" signs have been installed recently along with improved lights. This is all helping to ensure that our high standard of maintenance continues.
Andrew Wheatland
Work continues to progress well on the Climax boiler. All the foudation ring rivets are in and closed. The studs for the fire grate have been put in place ready to hold the grate. The ashpan has been refurbished.
The Footplate Experience Trains continue to run, with a short break over the Thomas season. The last few for the year will run in early November, if the fire season stays away. We hope to start running the 861 FETs again in March 2008. Indeed, we have a booking for early March.
The first Saturday of each month and every Wednesday afternoon and evening is available for those who want to get their hands dirty working on locomotive restoration. Come along and have some good, dirty fun.
The Young Volunteers group will be missing one of their number at our future workdays. Doris Bevan was one of our most regular and long term Young Volunteers. She worked hard with the kids and the program was much better for her efforts. Thanks, Doris!
John Conway
Warren Doubleday is providing training sessions for the software, and has organised sessions at Ballarat Tramway Museum as well as the Gold Museum near Sovereign Hill.
Sorting and filing continues.
If you are having a clean out, please do not throw out anything that we can utilise, but contact Geoff Tasker so he can obtain useful items.
The Archives Group has weekly working days at Kings Road every Monday, with an 11.00 am start, the group includes Geoff Tasker, Ted Godwin, Brenda Saunders plus Chas Bevan. The group is progressing well and would appreciate any assistance from interested parties.
Hugh Markwick
Ride along with your colleagues as we travel on our own bus to for an afternoon and evening visit to Healesville.
We will call in and see the progress at Yarra Glen station en route and then enjoy trolley rides, guided tours of the Healesville site and a sumptuous meal as we make our annual visit to one of Victoria's other steam preservation centres. BYO drinks.
For last minute enquiries, please ring Greg Little
As the end of the year approaches, make sure you send in your booking form quickly as bookings are already rolling in and this event is sure to sell out again!
Take the opportunity to spend a convivial evening with your friends from "Puff" as we say "Out with Old and In with the New" when we again celebrate New Year's Eve at the Packing Shed. Travel by train from Belgrave. Catering provided.
The return of an old favourite! Join us as we travel the full length of the line for a sunset trip to Gembrook, stopping along the way to enjoy dinner, course by course, at the different stations.
Ride along as we travel by bus from Belgrave to visit and travel on the Alexandra Tramway.
Theatre Night. Join us for supper and a show as we meet at Ferntree Gully and visit the 1812 Theatre Company.
Look back into the archives when we meet for our annual film night, with train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.
Travel by train from Emerald to Gembrook and partake of dinner at the station before making our way to the Community Hall for an evening of varied dance.
Another old favourite! Join us as we see out the old year and welcome in the new in traditional Puffing Billy style!
For enquiries on any of these events, please ring Jeff Goodwin (evenings )
| JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | 2007 | 2006 | |
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 80% | 71% | 75% | 80% | 64% | 80% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 89% | 88% | 83% | 89% | 86% | 74% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 97% | 91% | 95% | 87% | 83% | 74% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,198 | 2,535 | 2,723 | 2,617 | 3,404 | 3,240 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,402 | 2,609 | 2,713 | 2,406 | 3,513 | 3,402 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 48 | 58 | 214 | 277 | 101 | 43 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 56 | 57 | 40 | 58 | 44 | 60 |
| G 42 days for month | 22 | 15 | 30 | 13 | 28 | 19 |
| Carriage kilometres | 28,832 | 23,005 | 23,729 | 21,940 | 30,387 | 29,544 |
| Carriage Days for month | 789 | 717 | 705 | 707 | 817 | 818 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,365 | 1,081 | 1,247 | 1,101 | 1,118 | 1,345 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,477 | 1,127 | 1,292 | 1,041 | 1,453 | 1,302 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 32 | 27 | 150 | 119 | 48 | 45 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 205 | 161 | 194 | 151 | 214 | 208 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 225 | 175 | 214 | 161 | 246 | 226 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 2 | 6 | 12 | 23 | 8 | 6 |
A time of catch up for this month's issue as I was away overseas for some 9 weeks.
A small number of guards are forgetting to put loco details on the front of Train Running Statements. This information is vital for my statistics as the information on the back of the sheets does not show where locos operated from and to. When operations are basic I can usually work out the details easily, but it takes extra time I don't want to waste. When operations are complex it can be difficult to see what occurred.
Some guards are also omitting to show scheduled and actual docking times of cars and locos. Please take the time to include this information and help me make my stats more accurate. Thanks.
Bob Wilson
Our last opening for 2007 will be on Saturday 3rd November between 1pm and 3pm. 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. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter, Our first opening for 2008 will be on Saturday the 2nd February.
We would like to thank Weston Langford, Warren Mauseth, Jill Noakes and Bruce West for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
The donations from our Red collection box for September was $17.90. Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going.
Bruce West
At a presentation night organised by Leader Newspapers at the International Hotel in Lilydale, on Tuesday 23rd October, Puffing Billy was awarded first place in the 'Accommodation & Attractions' category of the Yarra Ranges Business Achiever Awards, 2007.
This was made even more welcome because of the strength of the competition, which included Healesville Sanctuary, and the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway. To quote from some of the information provided by Leader Newspapers, they have revamped the awards to provide greater qualifying criteria, and rigorous judging processes to ensure they are awarding the best of the best.
In accepting the award on behalf of PBR, John Andrea commented that our success was due in no small part to the commitment and dedication of our volunteers AND PAID STAFF,some of whom had given the railway more than four decades of service. John suggested, a little tongue in cheek, that it might be a bit of a challenge to find a job where you got to play trains all day, in an office 24 kilometres long.
THEN CAME THE BIG ONE! Not only did we win the Accommodation & Attractions' award, we also won the prestigious,Leader Newspapers Business Achiever of the year, 2007.
We could not have successfully competed against such a strong field of nominees without the support, enthusiasm, and hard work of the staff and volunteers, who make the railway such a popular tourism destination. Congratulations and thank you all, for this well deserved recognition.
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Updated Monthly. Contents © 2006 by the P.B.P.S. for the E.T.R.B. This service is provided for the Emerald Tourist Railway Board and maintained by Bill Russell. URL: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/puffing.billy/monnews.htm |
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