Riverside Railway Workers

The Blenheim Riverside Railway was established well over twenty five years ago.
The Railway Station is in the Brayshaw Heritage Park environs near the Marlborough Museum. The tracks wind for five kilometers along the Taylor River Reserve, crossing the river at times and ending at the "Beaver Station" in Riverside Park, almost in downtown Blenheim. The route is interesting and attractive with lovely sweeping views, wide expanses of grass and trees and riverside plantings.
The railway line itself is of a two foot gauge which copes well with the sometimes tight curves.
There is a large group of keen railway enthusiasts involved with the whole project. They have working bees every Saturday morning at the railway sheds adjacent to Brayshaw Park. It can be heavy work but fun. Over the years they have developed great friendships in sharing this absorbing interest. Some Saturdays there may be up to 15 members beavering away at numerous tasks.
When I dropped by on my dog walk this morning a group of eight were busy making concrete sleepers. Here Brian and Tony pour concrete into one of the moulds and smooth the mixture.
There are plans for extending the railway line itself so folk can travel across the Taylor River to the world famous Aviation Heritage Centre in the grounds of the Omaka Airfield. www.omaka.org.nz
The school holidays are busy times for the railway with regular trips run along the route to town and back. Over time thousands of children (and adults) have enjoyed these exciting railway trips.
Over the years I have taken a particular interest in the Riverside Railway as I was a member of the original special Council Committee which granted consent for this project to proceed.
I will make a point of posting images depicting the various activities of this dedicated group of people who work so hard and unstintingly to keep the Riverside Railway project going and growing, thus contributing to the enjoyment of living in or visiting Marlborough.