Depot Diary, a Lot Has Taken Place Added to the Museum Collection

No 120 October 2018

‘Undertaker’ Peter Stock with the tram hearse on loan from the (Powerhouse) Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences for our History Week ‘Life and Death’ event

In this edition 1. The Chairman’s lineside chat 7. Shop talk 2. News desk 8. Small stuff, but important 3. Infrastructure 9. Safety matters 4. Grounds 10. Membership 5. Big Toys 11. Our coming events 6. Model moments

The first word (Hint to self: always begin with the excuses)…In the articles that would normally have been an attempt to break the time cycle between this covered in these pages, turn up in your “box” via publication and the Roundhouse magazine that the AGM report, so most items relating to the last many of you subscribe to, I have been avoiding few months of the financial year are published putting pen to paper. However, I realised that the there. best way to avoid duplication was to let some of

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Some matters have also been dealt with in Devonshire tea and a guided tour on a perfect ENews bulletins to our members who receive autumn day, while a large group from emails, but here’s a summary in case you missed Diggers@TheEntrance enjoyed mid-week rides out: as well as their Devonshire tea. We also hosted a small group from Parramatta Legacy who were April able to reconnect with STARPS Steam Tram Long term hardworking team leader of the 103A that ran for many years in Parramatta Park. retirees group Dennis Brown received an award The Museum welcomed members of the from Blue Mountains City Council during Seniors Stronger Families Alliance (SFA) - a Blue Week for his years of dedicated service to the Mountains City Council initiative - that is Museum. developing a network of organisations offering “Love was in the air”…young local couple free and low cost school holiday activities. Samantha & Andrew hired Mountains photographer Sarah Moore to shoot their June engagement photos at the Museum, with Caves A low key photo shoot captured the handing over Express carriage RBR 1049 and steam tank of a Museum family pass to winners in a prize engine ‘Stevo’ positioned on the new forecourt as draw arranged by SFA, following a survey during the main props. the April holidays. The second Seniors ‘One-for-one’ day proved A group of serious photography buffs from Blue successful, coinciding with a school holiday Mountains Photographic Society enjoyed a opening. guided tour including some areas usually off- limits as well as rides on 'The Valley Heights May Mixed'. Industry body BMATA (Blue Mountains You’ll be pleased to know I’ll be working to have Accommodation & Tourism Association) held its more frequent updates to you all, by whatever monthly meeting at the Museum and members means, in the months to come. enjoyed a guided tour conducted by Andrew Tester and a tasty pizza lunch. At month’s end, Please read on…. BMATA launched their strategic plan at Leura’s Fairmont Resort. Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM In a busy time for mid-week visits, members of Probus Club of Crows Nest arrived by bus for

1. The Chairman’s lineside chat Since our last Depot Diary, a lot has taken place added to the Museum collection. The newly at the museum. acquired Civil Depot needs a substantial amount of TLC but good progress is being made. As is We had some very well attended Open Days our practice, safety is always our priority and we which shows that our plugging away at promoting doing very well in that regard. In all, thanks to the our various events via Facebook, Twitter and our great combined efforts of all our volunteers, our own website, is very successful. Museum is doing very well indeed and my The rail corridor boundary fencing was sincere thanks to everyone: “A job well done, completed, the fettler shed construction is thanks to you all” making great progress, the introduction into service of X206 is in its final approval stages and a large collection of Australian model rail locomotive and rolling stock items has been Henk Luf, Chairman VHLDHM

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2. News desk Museum Happenings auspices of Blue Mountains City Council. Both days were an interesting exercise in supplying Sunday 8 July was the first regular Open Day of low cost and free activities and, with no rides on the school holidays and proved beneficial for the offer, we fulfilled our obligation in that regard. Museum with over 150 visitors. A guest Special thanks to Henk Luf, Bruce Coxon, Dave appearance by member, Mel, as her other self Hunt, Ted Mullett, Steve Corrigan, Eileen Ward, ‘Suzy Spindoll’, was a great hit with a Hula Hoop Heather Dickson and her grandchild, Olivia for demonstration, display and free tuition for all. turning out to manage and feed our visitors. Overall, nearly 100 visitors turned up, many of whom were first timers. Several mentioned their inability to join us on weekends, so there is obviously potential for mid-week openings and we are keen to 'keep the pot boiling' with repeat performances. To assist families with sourcing events at other venues that are part of this new partnership, the SFA calendar was displayed at three locations around the Museum for the two weeks of the holidays. Father’s Day on 2 September saw over 200 visitors enjoy the fine weather, with many taking up our offer to bring Dad for free! Dads also had We opened to the public for both Thursdays of the chance to ride with the driver or fireman on the July school holidays in conjunction with the Steam Tram and this was well received by Stronger Families Alliance (SFA), under the all. A great day all round!

First time united in 80 years: Tram hearse 27S, tram car 93B & steam tram 103A (photo Andrew Tester)

The ‘Life & Death’ themed event on the weekend seen exhibits and attended one or more of the of 8/9 September was a success by most ten 30 minute presentations on a range of topics measures. About 200 visitors, many from more by our five speakers, introduced in the program distant parts of Sydney and further afield below. (Bundaberg, Wollongong etc.) enjoyed the rarely

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We had mentions on two radio stations (ABC & 2GB) and an article in the Blue Mountains Gazette, but many were drawn by the great work done by Andrew Tester on Facebook. There was a good turnout by various historical societies and a group from ‘Friends of Rookwood Cemetery’ boosted numbers on Sunday. The Coffin Cart, on loan with kind approval of THNSW Heritage & Collections Manager, Jennifer Edmonds, had been collected by truck from Thirlmere the previous week, under the watchful eye of Collections Officer, Chris (Christian) Fielder. It will remain at the Museum until after our Rookwood General Manager, Mark Bundy, addresses Halloween event at the end of October and will visitors in ‘U-boat’ ETB6039 be returned by STARPS director, Wayne Flicker, and myself. Unfortunately the Tram Hearse, on very short term loan from MAAS (Powerhouse) Discovery Centre at Castle Hill, had to be returned, despite a concerted effort to keep it for longer. The 80 year reunion of this unique exhibit with Steam Tram 101A & trailer 93B was a milestone in Sydney’s Transport history and was well photographed and filmed over the weekend! Here is the link to our YouTube clip: https://youtu.be/0tOaJFJ_Hi4 and some images from the two day event are shown below.

Coffin cart & explanatory signage on loan from Thirlmere, and photos of the Mortuary stations at Rookwood on the left

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Simulated loads carried by the tram hearse (above) and Peter Stock from STARPS on duty to explain the hearse’s coffin cart (below) workings

Although the effort and expense involved in mounting this exhibition had raised hope of more visitations, the outcome was satisfactory, considering the triple whammy negative effects of light rain on Saturday, track work on both days and the footy finals!. It is pleasing that we are continuing to attract new visitors and the word will spread accordingly. We had three new 5-star reviews on Google Business and I have responded to them individually. Notes of appreciation have been also sent to the 32 different volunteers (and invited contributors) who made the weekend memorable and without whose effort these activities are impossible! My presentations, titled ‘Life begins – on the right track!’ involved some months of research into babies that were born on or around trains. This investigation led me to attempt to contact relatives or descendants of those mentioned in the many newspaper articles on this topic. Although largely a fruitless task, at the eleventh hour, I was contacted by a daughter of one of my targets. Eileen Hanlon of Bundaberg, who was reportedly born on a train in 1923 and also involved in an amazing and heroic rescue, aged 17. Part of her story is shown below. Remarkably the family knew of the car crash, but nothing of the train birth!

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Extracts from The Northern Star (Lismore) 30/9/1940 (left) and The Richmond River Herald & Northern Districts Advertiser (11/10/1940) (right) – both images courtesy of Trove (NLA)

The Open Day on Sunday 23 September was had connections with Swindon in the UK, the enhanced by the appearance of over 20 visitors town of my formative years and site of the GWR celebrating a 9th birthday. The day went well and works, where my late father built steam locos in the Eichorn family was very happy with the the 1950s. One of the men worked in the outcome. Thanks to everyone who helped, Drawing Office there in the British Rail days and especially Jeff Russell, who managed their the other is currently a driver with the privatised special arrangements. Great Western. Both arrived independently, with friends or relatives and didn’t know each other Thursday 4 October saw the first of our mid-week but unfortunately, they didn’t meet. It's a small openings for these school holidays. Forecast world! extreme rainfall discouraged the public and the thought of a day at a rail museum wasn't high on The second mid-week school holiday opening on their priorities! In an unexpected twist, most 11 October was boosted by a group of volunteers customers were aged over 50, and they all had from Hawkesbury Regional Museum at Windsor. lengthy stays, resulting in surprisingly buoyant Devonshire tea, catered by Eileen Ward, and a shop sales. Thanks to Henk Luf, Steve Corrigan, guided tour, with generous assistance from local Ted Mullett, Dave Hunt and Eileen Ward for their historians Sue Fulton and Dick Morony, were well assistance on the day. On a personal note, it was received by all. Several of this group were also an amazing coincidence that two of our visitors members of their local historical society and had

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the chance to network with some of our team. This visit resulted from the good work done by Andrew Tester and David Wainwright at Windsor in August (as mentioned elsewhere).

Activities A visit to the Portland Cement Works, arranged by David Lewis of STARPS, was held on Wednesday 10 October. A group of over 20 Museum and STARPS members enjoyed an informative guided tour, conducted by long term works ex-employee Herb and daughter Katie. Site manager Richard was also on hand to explain future plans for this largely demolished site. Many of the group decamped to one of the local hotels for a warming lunch on a wet, misty and cold day out!

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Publicity Coming events Work is underway to decorate of exhibits and buildings for our Halloween weekend (27–28 October). Following the encouraging aspects of last year’s event, we are running it over two days, with late opening and closing on the Saturday. Definitely worth a look! Even if you can’t make it as a helper or visitor, please spread the word to family, neighbours, friends and workmates to make the weekend something to shout about! Again titled ‘Dracular Spectacular’ it will be well promoted in all the usual channels. Facebook 4001 and 3642 at June THNSW Expo at Central Andrew Tester’s good work on Facebook continues. Suffice it to say that social media, whether you’re involved or not, is a wonderfully effective and low cost way for us to reach our major audience, families. They are switched on to this type of communication and the results speak for themselves. Twitter The Museum's Twitter account is continuing to blossom. We now have over 260 followers, and whilst the bulk of them are overseas, there is growing support locally. Regardless of where LVR CPH24 at Springwood they are, this is a great vehicle for us to spread the word about our goings on. A very productive meeting was held onsite in Roundhouse Magazine August with Martina and Johnny from Schools Industry Partnership (SIP). This private An illustrated article was submitted for publication enterprise, government funded local business in the Spring edition. creates opportunities for young people aged 15- 24 in a variety of volunteer activities as a Networking transition from school to the workplace. The Volunteers from the Museum were on hand at Museum was represented by Ted Dickson, Jeff the THNSW Expo at Central on Monday 11 June. Russell, Andrew Tester and myself, with Duties included managing cab visits to steam apologies from Henk Luf and Bruce Coxon. It is loco 3642 during one of its last outings prior to a hoped that this will provide enthusiastic & long overdue spell out of action for major work. A younger starters an opening in 'meet & greet' and thrilling ride back to Springwood on one of way-finding roles, in a learning capacity, with a Lachlan Valley Railway's CPH railmotors capped view to stimulating their interest for the longer off an exciting, busy but satisfying day. term. There is also the potential for infrastructure and exhibits projects that can be assigned to teams under the direction of responsible Museum mentors. The relationship with SIP was strengthened with four helpers being on duty for a subsequent Open Day. Tim, Adam, Michael and Colin, arrived with supervisor Martina, and after induction, were rotated around different areas to gain brief insights into what goes on. Spells on the Valley Heights Mixed, behind the

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shop counter, in the model room and former Grant Robinson and I were at Bunnings Valley DLE’s office provided some variety and enabled Heights for their Father’s Day Family Night on 30 interaction with the public and several of our August. With the store specially opening until committee. 20:00, the 100 or so guests enjoyed a jumping castle, freshly baked pizza, a band and kids Thank you to volunteers David Wainwright and activities. It gave us the opportunity to promote Andrew Tester for attending industry sessions at the Museum and our own Father’s Day event. Hawkesbury Regional Museum (HRM) on the morning of Saturday 25 August. Representing Raffles Valley Heights, at the Dr Rex Stubbs History Symposium, the pair enjoyed the catered lunch With only a few opportunities remaining between before manning a ‘trade table’ that displayed us and the draw date, please assist to keep the some interesting railway exhibits and Museum money coming in by offering to sell or even BUY leaflets. The wet weather meant that this event, some tickets soon! TEN great prizes valued at planned for outdoors, was moved inside, over $1,000 will be drawn by ‘Santa’ later in the deterring a wider audience. I joined them in the year. afternoon and networked with some other groups.

Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM

Publicity Manager’s Trivia Quiz Corner A FOUR DIGIT running number was shared by a well-known British steam locomotive and an NSWGR diesel loco built 43 years apart. (They are in varying degrees of preservation!). Which loco has more wheels – on the rails? Depot Diary 119 Trivia Quiz answer: Braemar: site of the Clyde Engineering factory that built diesel locomotive 8207. This loco delivered the Ampol tanker to Valley Heights on 8 October 1994 - the Museum’s first large exhibit!

Check the question at infobluemountains.net.au/ locodepot/ depot-diary

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3. Infrastructure Fettlers’ Shed Crossover Driven by Building Restoration Manager Dave The movement of materials for the new shed has Grove, a composite team has been working on enabled work to re-commence (after a long advancing this project as quickly as possible and layover!) on the turnout from the arrival to the it already looks the part. The shell is complete departure road. The brick collar above a major and metal has now been delivered ready for the drainage culvert, adjacent to the excavation for doors to be fabricated. the points, has been repaired.

Culvert repair

Excavation and preparation for crossover

Fettlers’ shed work in progress Contractors are laying concrete at the western end of the Departure Road

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Civil Depot Training Much work has been done to prepare the site for Vice chairman Ted Dickson attended a workshop the transfer of equipment: sleepers have been organised by Heritage & Collections Manager grade sorted, and de-plated; nearly 80 tonnes of THNSW Jennifer Edmonds that focused on spoil has been levelled in readiness for the damage caused by insects in museums and arrival of some shipping containers, which will galleries. We aim to remain ‘bug-free’! dramatically boost site storage capacity.

Boundary fence

Site remediation and levelling for container

Workshop Manager Terry Matchett has developed a floor layout of the office space and a New rail corridor fence at coal stage road proposed plan and discussion paper has been considered by the Executive Committee. These documents seek comment, ideas and input for the future use of these offices by Managers who need space there. The office building requires repairs and modifications that will require the setting up of the carpenters’ workshop in the shed while repairs are in progress. Moving of machinery from the roundhouse has been deferred until this task is completed.

New rail corridor fence with 'Museum Open' sign

4. Grounds Honorary member and skilled arborist Luke side gate to Tusculum Road. Roslyn Reynolds Tolhurst has continued trimming trees, a major has single-handedly cleared out the coal bunker project in the coal road garden to maintain to make it more fit for purpose. Thanks to a essential clearances. Grounds Manager Steve whole team effort, the sleeper pile blocking Dive has constructed some substantial solid Number 1 Ash Road has been cleared. steps leading down to the signal box from the

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5. Big Toys X206 massive engine bay will provide yet another new adventure at Valley Heights. Alan Gardner from THNSW has provided the test report on the hydraulics in diesel tractor X206 Here’s a summary of Steve’s progress reports on and the loco is now ready for duty, awaiting our the exciting driver simulator: STARPS chums to finalise accreditation. Ten Member Leigh Stokes has done a candidates undertook driver training on Saturday considerable amount of work in the Trainz 25 August. Thanks to the hard work of Terry simulator, particularly in scenery development Matchett, Dave Hunt and others the loco and has used the latest version of the performed excellently. package. Leigh has had a demonstration of Our trainer, Ray Cullen, who has considerable our simulator implementation in 4601, an experience with this loco, provided us with an explanation of its functions and access to the entertaining and educational day. It will be a manual. He explained the features of the significant addition to operations on Open Days, latest version, and development of local as well as providing a turnkey resource for scenery is also being considered. This and shunting. Of course, an oft-discussed bonus will other factors will probably require replacing be the capacity to provide rides for mid-week the existing IT platform (computer and groups and on days of high fire risk or total ban. software) with a more up to date version to It has been a long journey and will be detailed in provide a richer and more realistic experience. a future Diary, but the days of revenue earning The scenery project is considerably more service are closing in. Watch this space! challenging. The ultimate goal, having a route from Valley Heights to Katoomba, will probably take years to develop! In the meantime, Leigh is checking if he can find more relevant Australian scenery which is compatible with our system. Also, as an interim step, it might be possible to make the existing scenery a little more realistic: adding overhead catenary would be a good start, but even this will be very time consuming. It was noticed in summer that the 12 volt power supply, which runs the lights as well as X206 on driver training the simulator electronics, became quite hot. HG Guard’s van This was probably because it is in a very restricted air circulation area. To address this Large Exhibits Manager Bruce Coxon has issue, a variable speed 12 volt automotive fan commenced the long process of arranging the has been installed to keep the air moving and paperwork required for restoration of the 4-wheel can be switched off when not needed. Our timber HG guards van. After discussions, the policy of not making changes to the team had decided the van would be restored at locomotive for non-original installations, the western end of Road 1 but new plans now means the fan has been clamped to an mean it will remain in Road 9 but change position existing conduit, thus avoiding drilling any with the louvre van. holes. 4601 During a recent visit by a former 46 class driver, the operation of the Line Switch and Bruce and Project Manager Steve Corrigan have Traction Motor Fan lights on the driver’s been in discussion re our ultimate aim to open up control desk was explained and it was electric loco 4601 to the public. Our visitors will suggested that it would be relatively simple to have a unique interactive experience in the cab simulate operation of these lights using light of this powerful beast and a walk through the emitting diodes in place of the original

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incandescent lamps, and some simple illuminated whenever the accelerating handle electronics. This would add to the realism of is away from the “Off” position, although the operation of the simulator, and so some intermittent operation suggests that a better preliminary wiring has been installed. ground connection may be in order. Following on from this it is planned to develop a suitable Following that idea, the existing Line Switch timer so as to get a simulated resistance fan light has been replaced with a LED and motor lamp working. suitable dropping resistor, and connected to the controls as indicated in the 46 class wiring A great project and well worth the wait! diagram. This appears to work, the lamp being

6. Model Moments Model Railway Manager Ray Beharrell is pleased to advise that the turntable on the DCC 1950s layout has been wired up and is now operating so we can demonstrate a loco turning on it. It did, however, prove difficult to get the loco bed to stop at the precise spot to take the loco on and off, plus the wiring for this to happen is quite complex and will be studied and executed at a later date. The control sockets which were installed earlier in the year have now been fully wired into the working circuit. Over recent years, Valley Heights Chairman Henk Luf has collected a large number of Australian model locomotives and rolling stock. As the items were primarily used at the Museum, he thought it a good idea to combine Museum exhibits with his own fleet to display a large and varied model railway attraction for all to enjoy. This generous donation will be valued by members and visitors for years to come. Thank you, Henk!

Henk Luf (L) with Model Railway Manager Ray Beharrell

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7. Shop Talk Retail manager, Steve Corrigan has arranged a available soon. You can reserve any of these wider variety of children’s books, plus a range of popular item for your library…just email me at Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise, the latter [email protected] with the with thanks to Mel Anderson at Thirlmere. Sales details. We also have a quantity of THNSW have already been generated by these popular calendars at just $18. Make a date to visit! additions. Member Michael Jessop has been skilfully The shop has re-stocked a selection of books in designing and making unique models for sale in the “Sydney’s Forgotten…” series. These the shop. These include a single fettlers’ shed, a publications continue to sell steadily, despite model of the shed on Hazelbrook station and being on the market for many years. As a result several tank engine kits. Exclusive to Valley of some interest in the recent publication on the Heights…have a good look at them and Hawkesbury Bridge, limited supplies will be remember to bring your wallet!

Some of the Thomas the Tank Engine merchandise available

8. Small stuff, but important… The team working with Small Exhibits Curator, colour and life to our large exhibits. A Michael Pensini has been busy on many fronts: wonderful idea - well received by our visitors! · Old photos from the Caves Express carriage · Six of the refurbished display cabinets have RBR1049 have been saved digitally and the been painted and will be finished soon. originals processed for storage. The exhibit · Ten child friendly signs and frames have will now display facsimiles. been installed around the Museum to bring

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9. Safety matters

I would like to congratulate all our volunteers for Racking their efforts in contributing towards a safer working place. We have had no incidents to The pallet racking at the back of the roundhouse report in the last six months. was identified as high risk and life expired during the safety audit. This pallet racking has Having said that, we (VHLDHM & STARPS) subsequently been safely dismantled. An continue to face the many challenges around independent audit specifically targeting the WH&S and rail safety, which require us to racking onsite later identified additional issues maintain and improve upon our current standard. with some of the Brownbuilt shelving. One such Many issues raised during the Safework NSW issue was the absence of SWL signage. This audit from late last year have been dealt with, but signage has now been obtained and is currently some of the bigger ticket items are either being fixed to the racks. Some of the racking also currently under review or are still waiting to be requires replacement and as this was a broader addressed. issue for THNSW, we are now working with Head Office to seek suitable replacements. Safety Fencing Testing and Tagging A team of volunteers led by David Wainwright has recently constructed a safety fence that A new machine has been acquired to assist us in extends along the top of the retaining wall from testing and tagging all our electrical equipment. the fire shed to the western side of the ash Training in its use will commence this year with tunnel. Built from onsite second hand materials, up to six people to be eventually qualified. the fence was low cost and is quite attractive. An extension from the ash tunnel eastwards along the retaining wall is also on the agenda.

Fettlers’ shed safety fence (left and centre), New safety signs in workshop store (right)

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Working in isolation UHF Radios At times we have volunteers working onsite The Museum has acquired two UHF hand-held alone (in isolation) and this has been a concern radios to use in assisting with communications for the Executive and Safety Committees. While onsite. This was raised during diesel shunter we have procedures in place for volunteers to X206 trials when it was found that follow when working alone, there is still the risk communication between loco crews and that something could go wrong which could affect conductor was impeded and the usual hand their safety. signals were inadequate. The radios could also In an attempt to assist a volunteer working in be used by volunteers working as car parking isolation, should their life be at risk, the Museum attendants, on busy event days, and if successful has recently acquired an PLB (Personal Locator an additional two may be acquired. Beacon). This device is only to be activated in extreme cases where they feel their life is at risk, Defibrillator e.g. medical episode, snake bite. Of course the The Museum is currently looking into the Museum does not encourage volunteers to work purchase of a defibrillator. These devices are alone, but sometimes this cannot be avoided and becoming more prevalent in today’s society and key holders can access the site at any time. Any it has been suggested that the Museum should key holder who plans to work and finds they are have one on standby in case of a medical the only one onsite, is required to phone another emergency. Let’s hope we never need to use it. Committee Member to let them know that they are onsite, what they are doing and how long Safety Roadshow they will be there. Similarly, a person remaining Transport Heritage NSW will be conducting the onsite alone after other volunteers have left must second Safety Roadshow at Valley Heights on notify a Committee Member. Upon leaving the Saturday 3 November 2018 commencing at volunteer is required to confirm their safety and 10:30. The presentation will cover WH&S issues imminent departure to the Committee Member. and where the larger organisation currently Whiteboard stands with addressing the issues bought about by the SafeWork NSW and EPA Audits last A new white board has been installed next to the September. sign-on computer in the amenities room for volunteers to indicate where they will be working. This aids the Duty Officer to identify who is onsite Thank you for your support and where they are working. Prior to this we had no idea of who was onsite and where they could Andrew Tester be found in the event of an emergency. Chair – Joint Operating & Safety Committee Electrical Switchboards All electrical switchboards and sub boards were recently inspected and have subsequently been upgraded by suitably qualified Museum volunteers, to bring them into line with the current safety standard. As a result all electrical circuits are now protected with RCDs (Residual Current Devices aka safety switches). We are grateful to these volunteers who dedicated their time and money to ensure these were wired to the safety standard applicable at the time.

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10. Membership

2018 Museum membership stands at 168, of Members who have joined recently whom 14 are new to our ranks. include Please note that your annual membership · Laura Broad renewal falls due on 1 January of each year. · The fee remains at $20 for adults and $10 for Sarah Broad school aged children. Renewals for 2019 can be · Linda Farrell paid from November onwards. · Elsa Gillespie · Lynn Hines A downloadable renewal form is on the right · Emma Horsley hand side of this web page. · Adam Horsley http://valleyheightsrailmuseum.info · Rory Keyes Click on ‘About VHLDHM’ then ‘Membership’. · Geoff Pryke If your details have not changed you need to · Richard Stalling write your name and membership number (and of course banking details if you are We welcome you and hope you enjoy all the using our banking system). activities and facilities at your Museum. If you have difficulty downloading or printing the Volunteering form, contact me on (02) 4751 2471 or We always need more volunteers at Valley [email protected] and I'll Heights – particularly to ease the load of those send you one. already putting in super efforts. Please make Please send the completed form: contact and we can discuss your interests, as shown on your original form along with your Electronically: availability to volunteer. with your bank details to: [email protected] – ICE Cards please supply your name and membership (ICE = In case of emergency) number. These allow us to contact family and friends in OR case you are injured or sick at the Depot. Spare cards (in envelopes) are in the plastic box on the By post: filing cabinet in the lunch room. It is important with your bank details or cheque to: that you complete one of these. Membership Officer Signing on Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum Please remember to sign on using the computer PO Box 484 in the lunch room. If you cannot do this please Springwood NSW 2777 write your name and details in the contact book (either on the table or near the computer). I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas and wish you a great 2019. Jeff Russell, Membership Officer

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11. Our coming events Please share Museum news with friends, relatives, workmates and neighbours.

Calendar of events 2018 Saturday October 27 EXTRA open day HALLOWEEN—LATE OPENING 14:00 & LATE CLOSING 20:00, last rides 19:00 Valley Heights Mixed rides today Sunday October 28 Museum open day HALLOWEEN Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday November 10 Committee meeting Sunday November 11 Museum open day Remembrance Day: Free entry for returned and serviing Defence Service personnel Steam tram rides today Saturday November 17 VHLDHM Annual General Meeting 11:00 @ Valley Heights Saturday November 24 THNSW Annual General Meeting 17:30 @ Thirlmere Sunday November 25 Museum open day Valley Heights Mixed rides today Saturday December 8 EXTRA open day Special Christmas Themed Weekend—Santa Arrives on Steam Tram Steam tram rides today Sunday December 9 Museum open day Special Christmas Themed Weekend—Santa Arrives on Steam Tram Steam tram rides today Saturday December 15 Committee meeting

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2019 calendar Sunday January 13 School holidays Museum open day Sunday January 27 School holidays Museum open day Sunday February 10 Museum open day “Trains Trams & Ts” Celebrate the Roaring 20s with old cars, jazz band, special displays, period dress competition & more Steam tram rides today Sunday February 24 Museum open day Seniors ‘One for One’ deal Valley Heights Mixed rides today

Keith Ward, Publicity Manager VHLDHM

TELL YOUR FRIENDS! Mid-week events, although needing extra planning and volunteer support, are always welcome. Valley Heights is the perfect site for special interest groups and attractive rates can be negotiated for birthday parties, wedding photography, film shoots, and so on. Please contact Keith Ward at the Museum on (02) 4751 4638 (leave message) if you know anyone who might be interested.

Photo credits Keith Ward, Eileen Ward, Andrew Tester, Bruce Coxon, Grant Robinson

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