The River of Black Gold event celebrates the 125th anniversary of the discovery of the coalfields in the Cessnock area. Richmond Vale Railway Museum is participating in this celebration by holding a special weekend on the 13th and 14th August.
A feature of this weekend will be the first public presentation of the restored John Brown’s carriage. John Brown was the owner of the Richmond Main Colliery, now the site of the Richmond Vale Railway Museum. The carriage was used to transport John Brown and members of the Board to meetings and inspections of the mines. Members of the Richmond Vale Railway Museum have spent many hours repairing the woodwork and chassis, and painting this vehicle in preparation for its return to service.
The restored, non-air coal hopper train will also be available for public viewing at various times over the weekend. These wagons will be pulled by the 0-4-0 tank engine Marjorie, who will be taking the passenger train at other times during the event.
The Pipes and Drums and Scottish dancers will keep visitors entertained between train trips. Unlimited, full sized train rides are free after entry. The Entry Building will house prints by David Hampton, a local artist. David recently used these prints to decorate Marjorie for a photographic session. The photographs, and other coal related memorabilia, will be displayed at the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery through-out August and September.
Guided tours of the old Richmond Main colliery buildings will be available, featuring those buildings celebrating their centenary in 2011. This year is also the 20th anniversary of the completion of the rebuilt track between the former Richmond Main and Pelaw Main collieries. The former administration building houses a mining museum.
Entry fees are Adults $15; Concession $10; Children [5-15 Years] $7. Children under 5 are free. Gates open at 10.00 am and close around 4.00 pm. The canteen provides a variety of food and drink or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy in the grounds. The Souvenir shop stocks a range of train related DVDs, books and souvenirs.
Volunteers are always needed to help with restoration and running days. If you can paint, sweep, polish, garden or swing a hammer, there’s a job for you: participation is different for each person. Some folk restore trains, some drive them – others help organise, or enjoy a talk with visitors. New members are always welcome, and membership forms are available at the souvenir shop.
For more information see our website www.richmondvalerailwaymuseum.org or phone 40010197.
