Last night, a wonderful evening was enjoyed with our Tamworth friends, Allan and Nicolette Moss and Neville and Jenny Thompson at a Chinese restaurant and it was sad to say farewell for the time being. 

 

First stop today was Quirindi which was the first railway town in New South Wales.  Unfortunately we were too early to enjoy their large railway museum.

We enjoyed the ever-changing scenery through the New England Ranges with quaint historic towns - no time to check out antique or craft shops!  Then through the Blandford area, and on to Scone, the horse capital of Australia.  In this area, one large racing horse stud is owned by the United Arab Emirates. 

In Singleton, we met up with Scott and Jo Brookes and their daughter Julie who escorted us into the Singleton Show with their 9G tractor.  This created a great deal of interest as the two 9G's and convoy drove through the main street of Singleton and into the Showgrounds.  The ladies of our group enjoyed a brief opportunity to wander around part of the show while Allan kept himself busy by rounding up three of the contestants for the 'Miss Showgirl Singleton', competition,  being Alex, Melinda Lee and Lauren.  These three lovely young ladies captured the undivided attention of the Tail End Charlie menfolk!

We were welcomed to Kurri Kurri at the Hunter Valley Business Centre by local Hal Moloney, a car rally enthusiast.  Apart from other car collectors, Adam Draper brought his Champion 306 tractor, and Jim Pellew displayed his 9G as well.  Also on show was a Peugeot 203 and a Vanguard 1952 sedan.  While we were there, we received a truly wonderful donation from a gentleman who worked near the centre. 

 

Liz Meddows, wife of Peter from the Richmond Vale Railway and Mining Museum, escorted us to their museum where we camped the night.

The Richmond Vale Preservation Co-operative Society Ltd is responsible for the restoration and operation of steam locomotives, vintage rolling stock, railway and mining exhibits, maintenance of the track and operation of the Railway and Mining Museum.  All the members are volunteers and receive no reward other than the pleasure of knowing that they are preserving the history of what helped shape our society - the railways and mining.

 

Not long after we arrived, Liz informed us that the Society and community members were today celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the closure of the railway.  A special loco and old coal hoppers were making regular trips from the old colliery administration office at Pelaw to the Pelaw Main siding.  We were extremely fortunate to be able to ride on a return trip to the Richmond Vale Railway Museum.  Once we arrived at the administration office, we enjoyed exploring around the old buildings and the museum.  Tea, coffee and beautiful sponge cake was greatly appreciated by all.  On the return journey, Allan was thrilled to be invited to ride in the loco, with the request that he not touch anything!

 

A few of our members had never ridden on a steam train before and George had never even been on a train!  George has had an exciting couple of days, first train ride and first chinese dinner last night!

 

Our group was thrilled at the unexpected train trip and thank Peter and Liz Meddows for organising this event.  Once we had set up campers etc and strolled around the grounds and the old railway/mining buildings, we retreated to a delicious BBQ at their home.  Grandson James treated us to rides around the Meddows home on a miniature train and Liz took delight in showing us their extensive collection of trains and miniature train displays.  Thank you so much for your hospitality and friendliness.