Steam train trip brings back memories
WHEN John and Jeff Bryant travelled on the Southern Downs steam train on Saturday, they followed in the footsteps of someone very close to them.
Their grandfather, JS Kingsford, was the stationmaster at Applethorpe between 1916 and 1923, and then 1933 to 1948. He later became the postmaster until 1958.
"We thought we would go back on the journey and see the journey that grandad used to do often," Jeff said.
"When he was the postmaster we used to go across the road to get the mailbag for him, which was a big thing as kids.
"We used to go from Wallangarra to Applethorpe during the school holidays - I can still remember going on the old carriages.
"One of the big memories I have is that Nan used to give us wafer biscuits to take on the train journey.
"Travelling on the train was such an important part of life back then."
Even though he has since moved away from the Southern Downs to Brisbane, Jeff said he still supported the Southern Downs Steam Railway. "I'm still a member of the Southern Downs Steam Railway," he said.
While they had only completed around one quarter of the journey when they stopped in Warwick, Jeff said he enjoyed the trip.
"It's been really good so far," he said.
"Some of the countryside on the trip has been fantastic."
For information on upcoming Southern Downs Steam Railway events click here
