September 2008#422
September 2008
#422
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.
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At its August meeting, the Board received a briefing on a recent meeting with the Cardinia CEO attended by our CEO and the Chairman to discuss our Strategic Plan including our plans for a Discovery Centre. The Strategic Plan has also been discussed with Tourism Victoria and we have a meeting with the Minister set for late August. At the Board Meeting we also discussed the position with our operating locomotives, their scheduled maintenance and re-building plans including the NGG16 and the regauging and refurbishment of the ex Queensland locomotive. The board were briefed on the new lunch train format and approved et al, the capital expenditure consequent upon that. The Finance Director tabled draft Annual Accounts and the accompanying schedules and attestations and gave a report on the audit. The Board approved the accounts and also actions taken in respect to on-going tax and financial matters. The primary concern of the Board remains to seek a substantial injection of funds. The Strategic Business Plan is driven by that necessity.
By the time you read this the first of our information sessions will have taken place. The sessions that have taken place have received very positive feedback. As a consequence there has been a commitment to make sure they are held on a regular basis. So please come along and find out and contribute to what is happening to our railway. We will also be now taking the Strategic Plan to all our local politicians to enlist all the support we can get for the funding program.
The Railway extends its deepest sympathy to Allan Johnstone and his family on the passing of his brother in Western Australia in July.
All volunteers are reminded to sign on when arriving for duty and sign out on departure. Doing this enables the Railway to keep track of you and in the unlikely event of you injuring yourself, enable any compensation to be speedily addressed.
Check with Sue Ham or your Branch Manager for locations of sign on books.
The second unit [spares only] arrived at Menzies Creek on August 11th.
With the ever increasing paper trail created by the new rail safety management system, Don Marshall has been appointed to the role of part time accreditation officer. Don has had a wealth of experience in this area both formerly with our railway and with that of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Over time as the new system is "bedded in" the time required will significantly lessen.
Don will maintain his voluntary input into auditing and preparing the new safety management system and driving of locomotives.
The Executive Committee of the PBPS is currently preparing an update of the Society's Constitution, last reviewed in 2005. Several improvements are being incorporated and the final draft will be circulated to members for comment before final adoption.
The Society's Strategic Plan is also being reviewed, to ensure that its provisions are relevant to the ongoing role of the Society in the future of the railway and that objectives are achievable. A significant initiative is the preparation of a priority listing of restoration projects that will benefit from Society funding.
| Peter Hiscock Chairman ETRB | Eamonn Seddon Chief Executive Officer | John Thompson President PBPS |
Members will be receiving, during September, a separate letter giving notice of our next AGM. This year's AGM will be held at the Belgrave Masonic Hall on Sunday 16th November, commencing at 2pm. If you wish to have a vote in the running of the railway, you need to be a member and the deadline for members is Wednesday 8th October.
Please keep those membership renewals coming in. We still have a number of members who haven't yet renewed and a reminder notice will be posted out shortly to those people.
If you require another membership renewal form, please contact Wilma on 97570708 or e-mail secretary@pbr.org.au.
If you have any suggestions related to Society membership, please forward them to the Membership Committee via secretary@pbr.org.au
Larry James
After many months of waiting, Lorna Hosier has finally had her knee replacement surgery and is in rehabilitation at the Peter James Centre. All our best wishes to Lorna for a speedy recovery to 'active duty'.
John Conway has also been 'under the knife' recently and is now progressing well, despite the best efforts of the health system. The latest news is that he is up and about, albeit slowly and heading to 'rehab'. Best Wishes for a speedy mend John. I know the FET team will be pleased to see you back organising things very soon.
A Trolley Drivers course will be held on Saturday 8th November 2008. Any person who is, or will be, a qualified Safe Worker by that date is invited to apply for the course.
Applications in writing to Dan O'Connor. E-Mail danann3@bigpond.net.au
Applications close on 24th October 2008.
We extend our condolences to the family of David Baker (Jnr), a member of the Lineside Attractions Division whose father David (Snr) passed away recently. His father was also a volunteer in the Museum area.
These guidelines were approved by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society Executive Committee on Monday 11th August 2008.
Please note that details regarding the Emerald Market have now changed and are as follows:
Emerald Market, 3rd Sunday of the month from 9.00am - 3.00pm.
Located on the corner of Kilvington Drive & Main Street, Emerald between the Commonwealth Bank and the Post Office. (Melways Map 127, Ref. F4)
Friendly stallholders sell high quality, homemade, home-grown or vintage goods - including local honey, fresh fruit and veggies, quality clothing, knits and handcrafts, dolls clothes, potted herbs, soaps, dog biscuits, plants and fresh flowers, handmade jewellery, watercolours and gift ware.
This market is run entirely by volunteers to raise funds for the Performing And Visual arts in Emerald Festival (PAVE). Market enquiries can be directed via email to digger@netspace.net.au,
This information will also be included on the Puffing Billy website so passengers can see what they can do if they travel to Emerald.
Saturday 20th September - $92.50 per person.
Come and dance the night away, with a Three Course Meal & Beverages.
Featuring live Rock and Roll Band "Alive n' Kickin", this will be a night of rockin' and rollin' with plenty of live music to make you bop!
Get into the swing of things, wear your best 50's and 60's dancing gear! Bobbie Socks, Poodle Skirts, Leather Jackets and Brylcream! What better way to spend a Saturday Night jiving the night away! All with the romance of steam. For more information and bookings please contactwww.puffingbilly.com.au
It's not long to go until the Wizards & Witches Express arrives in Emerald and bookings are increasing every day. We've had a number of people volunteer their time for this event once again, however we still need a few more!
To refresh your memory, details of the event are as follows:
When: September/October 2008 School Holidays
Tuesday 30 th September 2008
Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd October 2008.
Volunteer roles available: We have sufficient drivers and firemen however we still need:
* Guards * Signalmen * Conductors * Booking Officers * Station Masters * Refreshment Crew
* Shop crew * Ground / set-up crew * Sausage sizzle crew * Qualified food handlers
Remember, you don't have to act … however we are keen for volunteers to tap into their inner child and dress as witches and wizards! If you would like to become involved and ensure that the kids (and yourselves) have a memorable time, please contact me at di.gadsden@pbr.org./au as soon as possible.
The 2008 Spring Season of A Day Out With Thomas activities will take place in Emerald on: 11 th & 12 th, 18 th & 19 th, 25 th & 26 th October and 8 th & 9 th November.
With the changed format to the event we would welcome any volunteer support for these days for various roles, please contact me on di.gadsden@pbr.org./au
Di Gadsden,
Special Events Manager
All conducting staff on email will have received electronically new timetable inserts for their conductor books. Hard copies for those without email can collect a copy from the Belgrave Station Master's office.
Belgrave Booking Office Staff : I will be forwarding via email copies of the speed buttons for the new Steam & Cuisine and Devonshire Journey products and guidelines about selling these products. I also have set up the system in training so you can have a 'play'.
Jean Clowes,
Passenger Business Manager
As of September 1st - Menzies Creek Station will no longer service the lunch train.
The shop will then be refurbished and local Lavender product will be introduced. This product will only be available at Menzies Creek. If you are able to spare some time to work at Menzies Creek, please contact April
If you are able to spare some time to work in Refreshments at any of our stations anytime this month, it would be much appreciated. We have many gaps to fill and selling refreshments and souvenirs is one of the best ways of making money to pay for the things we all want to see done on Puffing Billy.
Could you please call April
| Opening Times | Closing Times | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekdays | |||
| Belgrave | 9.00am | 4.30pm | |
| Menzies Creek | 10.00am | 3.30pm | |
| Lakeside | 10.00am | 2.30pm | |
| Gembrook | 12.00 Noon | 3.00pm | |
| Weekends | |||
| Belgrave | 9.00am | 5.30pm | |
| Menzies Creek | 10.00am | 4.30pm | |
| Lakeside | 10.00am | 4.30pm | |
| Gembrook | 12.00 Noon | 3.00pm | |
April Williams
The next openings will be on Saturday 6 th September, Saturday 4 th October and Saturday 1 st 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 building facing the play ground. Other times can be arranged by ringing Peter
We would like to thank Kevin Larkin, Ben Reid and Carl Barnard for their recent donations to the shop which "Keeps G42 Going".
Donations from the Red collection boxes were $ 21.75.
Thank you to all who continue to support our efforts to Keep G42 Going
Bruce West
On Wednesday 13th August, the final graduation ceremony was held at Nobelius Packing Shed with eleven participants of the Rail Pathways Program graduating. It was again pleasing to see a large number of parents present to see their sons receive their certificates.
As part of the graduation ceremony the trainers who attended a three day training course prior to commencement of Rail Pathways received certificates from Banksia Consulting. The trainers who received certificates were: Sue Ham, Andrew Wheatland, Rob Emmerson, Jason Bell, Simon Kilner and Warren Mauseth
Over the past month the participants have:
Now that the Rail Pathways Pilot Program has finished; I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Puffing Billy Railway employees who have assisted me to run the program, especially Jason Bell and Simon Kilner.
By the time Monthly News is printed, I will be in the United Kingdom on a 6 week holiday visiting tourist railways and relatives.
Warren Mauseth, Rail Pathways Co-Ordinator
What a month August was, a bit rough in parts, but in true form we got through thanks to the assistance of a couple of volunteers who gave their time at very short notice. Gentlemen, I thank you for your contribution; and to those who I awoke from a slumber, not knowing you were still in the land of nod, I apologise.
I now have the regulars in place on the Rotation Sheet through to February 2009, so those who are on this document can get some idea of the shift they will be doing over the next few months. As well I have prepared the Working Sheets for October and November, so for those thinking ahead, now is the time to telephone me or send me an Email.
I will be heading to Adelaide in early October for five days, but will be totally contactable through the Guards & Signalmen's mobile phone number. As well, I now have Wireless Broadband on my Laptop, so I can receive & send mail from almost anywhere; so there should not be the problems of the past with contact whether I'm in Moama or in Brisbane.
Kevin Stanes
The majority of candidates not already finished have completed the theory and most are well under way with their 'practical'. The final hurdle is the obligatory medical and it is hoped that all will be passed shortly and out running trains.
It is hoped to commence Course No.30 before the end of the current year. The format will be slightly different from previous courses in that we will hold interviews in the second half of October, and once accepted, the candidates will commence observation runs, mainly during the busy Christmas period over December & January. The theory part of the course will commence in February. Please see the October issue of Monthly News for further details or contact either myself, John Morice or Greg Michael.
Rob Emmerson
Wednesday Night Work Parties.
Work now focussing on locomotive restoration, including NGG16.
The Carshops are experiencing difficulties in obtaining brass slotted head wood screws. If any one has some spares the Carshops would be very pleased to hear from you.
For the month of July, 973 hours were recorded by our volunteers, which is a great effort.
Hugh Markwick
Nil to report this month.
Bridge 5 has had 86 sleepers replaced from the refuge to the up end abutment. Guard rail has been re set at 8 inches instead of current distance.
Re-sleepering has occurred around Kilvington Drive. Some turnouts in Belgrave yard are currently having timbers replaced and general maintenance.
Not much to report this month. Have had a good month finally for trees.
Graduation for the 'Green Corps' group was held on the 7th August, officially they will finish on the 19th August. The group have progressed very well with the program and assessments. Their works along the railway have made an improvement in the areas for both tourists and for all railway personnel to admire. The effort that the group and their supervisor have put in over the last 6 months has been greatly appreciated by all, and Way & Works have enjoyed assisting them in their learning.
The last of the pathway groups have now completed the course and the final graduation was held on 13th August. The course was a great success and hopefully the participants have walked away with new knowledge that will help them in whatever career path they now take.
We have a new person in our department named Owen Witteveen. He is currently in the trial period for the position of the new Ganger.
Jason Bell,
Manager, Way & Works
| JULY | 2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 68% | 80% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 87% | 89% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 80% | 97% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 3,433 | 3,198 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 3,341 | 3,402 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 105 | 48 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 66 | 56 |
| G 42 days for month | 14 | 22 |
| Carriage kilometres | 28,678 | 28,832 |
| Carriage Days for month | 746 | 789 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,304 | 1,365 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,543 | 1,477 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 27 | 32 |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 220 | 205 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 242 | 225 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 7 | 2 |
Due to the timetables in operation during July, there was only one double headed trip for the month.
Bob Wilson
This event has been cancelled.
Please watch for details of an event on the same date to celebrate 10 years since Puffing Billy's return to Gembrook.
The ever popular New Year's Eve Train will run again this year to take members, volunteers and their friends and family to the Packing Shed to see out the old year and to welcome in the new.
Look out soon for the booking form because this event sells out quickly!
Our calendar of events for next year is almost finalised and will be published shortly. Watch this space!
For any questions regarding any of these events, please contact Jeff Goodwin
During Geoff Tasker's absence overseas, the team have installed Text Works to enable the cataloguing to be up and running.
Warren Doubleday of BTMS has conducted training sessions to enable the team to use the computer to full advantage.
A member of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria has offered to help with the cataloguing.
Hugh Markwick
We are waiting for improvements to the weather in WA before returning to complete three more bridges and to ballast, tamp and line the track. This will probably happen in September/October.
Construction of a new staircase is under way and this will complete the project.
Work continues on the Up side of the river. Our aim is to complete the structure ready for decking by the end of November.
The Trackwork section of this project is complete and includes replacement of sleepers and installation of rubber crossing components. Pathways, fencing and signs still remain to be completed.
Our small contract to install approximately 55 metres of 3'6" gauge track at Sorrento is complete and we are currently refurbishing the old buffer stop.
We have recently completed a small contract to lay about 45metres of track inside the rear of the Newport Workshops, West Block. This involved cutting and excavating existing concrete, laying track and pouring new concrete - quite a task as it turned out.
John Shaw
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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. URI: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/puffing.billy/monnews.htm |
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