PLANS are being finalised for one of Wauchope's big events of 2015 - the centenary celebrations of the arrival of rail transport to the Mid North Coast.
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"Our plan is to have fitting and vibrant community celebrations of the advent of rail transport with a range of events, activities and exhibitions," said Wauchope Centenary of Rail Committee Chair, Jeannette Rainbow.
"These celebrations are not just for Wauchope but for all the Hastings as the arrival of rail transport connected the area to the whole eastern seaboard, enabling goods and products to reach a wider market thus ensuring the future growth and economic wellbeing of the district.
"The advent of rail in 1915 brought a period of great prosperity to the district and helped establish Wauchope as the commercial and industrial centre of the Hastings.
"With the spotlight on us next year we are keen to make the most of the opportunity to promote our town, its people and our goods and services, as well as the district's vast tourist potential."
On Sunday, April 12, 2015 that is the start of Heritage Week, there will be a tribute service and the official opening of Heritage Week at Rocks Ferry, giving thanks to all who contributed to rail over the years.
On Tuesday, April 14 2015, the actual centenary date, a simple ceremony will be held at which a commemorative plaque will be unveiled.
The following Saturday, April 18, 2015, the Hastings Mid North Coast Golden Oldies will challenge the Newcastle Lord Taverners in a special centenary cricket match - this is an event not to be missed.
A month later, mid-May the steam train arrives. That will be a more appropriate time for the re-enactment of what occurred a hundred years ago.
This will be followed by a street parade with floats to Andrews Park for a full-on community celebration with food, music and entertainment for all.
A celebratory dinner is also planned.
There will be displays and activities throughout the year, with a photographic exhibition in the Glasshouse running from 27 March to 26 April 2015.
There will also be competitions for school children of all ages.
The Wauchope District Historical Society (WDHS) is working on a number of publications with lots of stories and photos of those who made it all happen; the local pollies who triumphed over the shipping lobby to force the NSW government to act, the surveyors and engineers who overcame the technical problems, the timber workers who felled the trees and hewed the sleepers and, last but not least, the navvies, many of whom were migrants, whose hard yakka prepared the way.
"It is important that the stories of all who contributed to the advent of rail be told," said WDHS President, Ray Cooper.
"The Society will put on a Centenary Exhibition in its new location using our store of photos and historic items but we are always on the lookout for more.
"So if you have any images or other memorabilia tucked away, you might consider sharing with the wider community.
"The Historical Society has excellent reproduction facilities and you will not be separated from your prize possessions for long," said Ray Cooper.
If you would like to offer your assistance in planning any of the events for the Wauchope Centenary of Rail, please contact Jeannette Rainbow on 0424 226 258 or 6585 1895.