Pakenham Upper CFA volunteers and partners from the left: Karen and Rhett Thompson, Lisa and Steve Hicks, Neville Walsh, Mike Bedford (back) Cheryl Walsh, Jo Bedford, Rose and Ian Wake and Peter Gillespie stand in front of Puffing Billy.By Sarah Schwager
THE Puffing Billy Preservation Society last Wednesday treated CFA volunteers to a night ride on the historic train.
Brigades in the Pakenham and Ranges district, which would respond if there was a fire on the Puffing Billy line, were invited.
Pakenham Upper CFA captain Mike Bedford said the Puffing Billy Preservation Society put on a train for members to thank them for their help during the year, and to say what steps they took to help prevent fires.
He said some of their fire prevention methods included trackside slashing, using a different coal on high fire danger days that does not let off sparks, and having a little train run behind the steam engine carrying water.
“It was a very good night,” Mr Bedford said.
“It was the first time they haven’t allowed kids because it was too packed last time.” Mr Bedford said volunteers and partners were picked up at 6pm from Belgrave and taken to Gembrook and back, finishing at 10.30pm.
“You could take a picnic basket. We all had a few drinks and nibbles,” he said, adding that 10 people attend including partners represented the Pakenham Upper brigade.
“Most brigades had some sort of representation. It was a nice, warm night which added to the evening,” he said.
“It was good to leave the kids at home and go out for a night as well.”
Mr Bedford said a special locomotive used only very occasionally was taken out for the trip. People stood trackside taking photographs of the train in its 50th year.
“On behalf of everyone, I would like to thank the Puffing Billy Society for putting this on every year. It is much appreciated by all members,” he said.
Pakenham CFA brigade support officer Lisa Hicks said without the society the Puffing Billy would have been lost in the bush.
“They do a wonderful job and yet they thank us each year by taking the CFA volunteers for a magnificent trip through the hills,” Ms Hicks said.
“Puffing Billy is a wonderful experience for all ages and, like the firefighters on board, it is solely run by volunteers.
“We also appreciate the magnificent job done by their team to keep such a wonderful attraction up and running, and for the clearing they do around the track to keep it safe during the fire season.
“We are all looking forward to next year’s run.”
