The Umgeni Steam Railway, which has been devastated by the April floods, is hosting its third Fund Raising Open Day Festival, this time offering longer train rides, from Inchanga Station to Botha’s Hill and back – as well as a fabulous craft and food market and lots of train-themed attractions on Sunday 31 July at Inchanga Station.
Marc Bouchier of Umgeni Steam Railway said: “Thanks to the generosity of the thousands of supporters who attended the first two open days, sufficient funds have been raised to fix the line up to Botha’s Hill. So the trip this time around will be substantially longer, it will be one hour and 15 minutes to Botha’s Hill and back. The trip meanders along the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal through one of the oldest operating tunnels in South Africa, with the 1000 Hills in the distance.”
He added: “We were so excited by the turn out of the first two open days, it was quite extraordinary! Such was the demand for tickets for the shorty rides, that we added additional carriages on the train to accommodate all the passengers.”
Wesley, the refurbished vintage steam loco, will be doing three trips on Sunday, leaving Inchanga at 8.30am, 11am and 1.30pm. Tickets are R150 adults / R100 OAPs and children, and should be reserved and purchased in advance, to avoid disappointment on the day.
The Inchanga Craft Market will once more be in full swing with dozen of stalls offering family-friendly locally-sourced fare such as gift ideas, great coffee, bespoke wooden toys and décor, homemade delicacies, plants, books and so much more. The market will operate from 8am until 3pm.
The Inchanga Railway Museum will be open for tours, as will the model railway, Thomas and Friends, be operational in the Modeller’s hut. Tours will be offered through the shed to see the 110-year-old Steam locomotive, Maureen, under repairs as well as tour the vintage coaches.
There is also a tea garden offering a range of light meals and snacks, a play area and picnic site. “The public can’t wait to hop on the trains again. It is very exciting. We have had so many messages of support and encouragement, that we are eager to get back on track again,” said Bouchier.
For enquiries visit http://www.umgenisteamrailway.com or call 082 353 6003.
