Christmas Party

Yesterday was the Christmas Party. Nearly twenty people enjoyed the relaxing day at the restoration site. Although it appeared a casual affair a great deal of planning went into the day.

Justin and Kevin arrived early and set up a large tarp to provide shade. This was important as the day was forecast to be over 30 and fine. Paul arrived soon after to start preparing the lunch. As it was a warm day it was decide to have a cold smorgasbord and Paul, with assistance from Jeanette, arranged a selection of cold meats, salads and fresh bread rolls. This was followed by fresh fruit salad. It was set up and covered with plenty of ice until the guests arrived. A large container of cool drink proved popular during the day.

Jim arrived a little later with the other tables and after Kevin and he set them up it was time for a coffee. Getting Paul to have a break proved difficult though. There was a few small jobs to do making sure the carriages on display were accessible. Also a couple of last minute cleaning jobs were found. However it was all under control before the guests arrived.

We were pleased to see some members who can't attend many events. It was good to catch up. Jeanette made sure everyone had some nibblies and a cool drink until it was time to start the main course.

The meal was well received with everyone going back for more. A bit of clever thinking saw the cover with the ice moved to a spare tyre forming a small pool that the fruit salad bowl was floated on and kept cool.

Some mince tarts and Christmas cake was served with coffee.

Of course each year someone has to make a spectacular arrival and Mario wins the award this year after being towed into the yard, his truck had broken down on the other side of Sydney early in the morning.

There were still several people sitting around talking well into the afternoon. An enjoyable day was had by all who attended.

A big thank you must go to those members of the carriage group who made the day a success. Kevin for setting up the tarp and Paul for the catering deserve a special mention.

The photo shows Paul and Kevin having a well earned rest. There are several other photos in our photo gallery in the Carriage Site Activities album.

Ready to Party

This Sunday we finished getting the site ready for the Christmas event. There was some tidying up and the toilet area was cleaned. Paul as arranged some of our Heritage items for display in 361.

Justin and Kevin did some work on 547 but were not able to finish the end deck. One platform is done so it will be possible to have a look inside 547 just not exit at the other end.

Members who intend being there but haven't let Jeanette know please do so asap.

Preparing for Christmas

Actually for the Christmas event which is in a fortnight. The main plan for yesterday's activity was to tidy up the carriages. With the continued work going on there is little thought given to keeping the place tidy. Also we had to reduce the chance of injury to visitors walking through the cars.

Justin and Kevin arrived early and did some work on the ends of 547. We plan to have the end platform decks renewed before the event and one is finished. Hopefully the other one will be done next weekend.

The past week has seen some wild weather with wind and plenty of rain. We found the tarp on 547 had moved a bit so that took the highest priority. We managed to pull it back into position and tie it down properly.

Justin then concentrated on 547 and Kevin and Jim on 361. Several containers of rubbish were removed and they both look a lot better.

With the main aim of the day achieved we had an early day.

Photos of the exterior work on the toilet and the new deck on 547 are in the photo gallery.