Lots going on for Westland Industrial Heritage Park

December at the Westland Industrial Heritage Park began with the drawing of our big raffle that has been running for some months to raise money for a new electric locomotive for the Mudfish Bush Railway. The raffle was very successful with all the tickets sold and the new locomotive has arrived.

The raffle results are:

	Prize	Ticket	Winner
1	A one-ounce gold nugget	773	Andrea from Invercargill
2	A helicopter trip for 4	384	Kerry from Darfield
3	Accommodation for 5 at Kiwi Holiday Park	320	Mary from Christchurch
4	Family entry to Treetop Walkway	904	Pam from Poerua

The Mudfish Bush Railway, including the new locomotive, will be operating extended days over the holiday period. Keep an eye on local papers and Facebook for times. There could well be sausage sizzles as well!

Our new forklift has also arrived and been put to work. Training for new drivers is planned and present drivers are praising the power steering, absent from the old machine.

Several of the Park vehicles took part in a successful Christmas Parade on Friday 8 December. The weather was kind and lots of people turned up to watch.

Nick Bennet contracting has made a great start on the new ‘Tracks and Wheels’ shed adjacent to the Fire Museum. If the weather holds it will be closed in by Christmas. The new Maritime Centre is going through the consenting process.

The Hokitika Museum is planning to rationalise some of its exhibits and has been in discussion with the Park to take some over. Watch this space for details.

Work has continued steadily on the power upgrade and a reliable permanent power supply will reach the railway station before Christmas.

We are open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but look out for additional events. Come and see our displays and talk to our members and join us if you like what you see.

Text and images: Westland Industrial Heritage Park

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