The clock will turn back quite a few years today when we have a visit from the Riverlander steam train featuring engine R707.
The train will be en route to Deniliquin for a couple of nights before calling into Moama to see the Moama Lights on the way home to Melbourne on Sunday.
For those not aware of local rail history, the section of line from Echuca to Deniliquin was not originally part of Victorian Railways.
Rather, it, and the bridge over the Murray River at Echuca, were financed and constructed by the landholders with properties along the route.
The project was designed to enable them to have supplies delivered more quickly – and get their grain and other farm produce to market.
Another interesting thing about the early trains was that rather than coal they ran on red gum timber. And we all know where they would have obtained the red gum
And if you miss the train today it will be back for another trip next weekend.
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Don’t forget the Mathoura Plant Swap including buy and sell that is coming up.
For the benefit of out of towners, the event will be held in the grounds of the Mathoura Public School at the south end of town off the Cobb Highway at Frome St.
To be held on Saturday, October 12 from 9.30am until 1pm, it will enable the green thumbed people among us to sell or swap some of their plants and others to buy from the selection available.
Entry will be by gold coin donation at the gate with proceeds going to the school.
In addition to the garden trading tables there will also a barbecue, cake stall and raffle.
So even if you don’t have an interest in gardening you could enjoy a meal, buy a cake to take home or win the raffle – the opportunities are endless.
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While Mathoura’s Speed Shear and Cancer Fundraiser event is not yet upon us, organisers are obviously feeling the cold already and are taking orders for their garments.
Orders are being accepted for great quality long tail hoodies bearing the group’s logo, in sizes from extra small upwards.
See Anne Robertson if you want to place an order.