1 minute read
Train trip down memory lane
from January 2023
By Local Studies librarian Jenny McConchie
Pictures like this conjure up thoughts of the romance of train travel in the 19th century. However, the reality was that, while not romantic, steam trains made travel faster, more comfortable and accessible to more people. This train (above, main image) is heading north on the sea bank between Stanwell Park and Coalcliff.
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The Stanwell Park Railway Station was opened on the 14th March 1890 with a single track snaking through Stanwell Park on what is now Lawrence Hargrave Drive. However, trains heading north faced the challenge of a 1-in-40 gradient. This meant that steam engines only had the power to haul half the train at a time to Otford.
In addition, the 1550-metre Otford Railway Tunnel produced hot and suffocating conditions for the crew. A lack of ventilation also left travellers gasping for fresh air.
1920 brought relief with the opening of the double track deviation, including an eight-span curved viaduct, which still skirts Stanwell Park.
You too can take a trip down memory lane online @Illawarra Images.
Summer Fun at Thirroul Library
Feature Creatures – Fancy feeding a lizard or holding a snake? Meet reptiles, amphibians, and mini beasts up close at our creatures show. Tuesday 10th January
12pm. Ages 5+
Basket Weaving – Practise your weaving skills and make a basket using rafia and coloured yarn. Thursday 12th
January 10.30am. Ages 5+
Offbits – Try out our nutsand-bolts construction kits to make a quirky character.
Monday 16th January
Bookings are essential
10.30am. Ages 8+
Summer Movie – Finding Nemo – 20-year anniversary screening. Thursday 19th
January 2pm. Ages 5+.
Dream Catcher - Chase away those bad dreams with your very own hand-made dream catcher. Tuesday 24th January
10.30am. Ages 8+.
1st Wednesday Knitting Group – the knitters will be meeting on Friday 6th for their January gathering @10.30am
– all crafters welcome.
Summer Reading Picks by library staff
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Weekend by Charlotte Wood
• The Champagne Wars by Fiona McIntosh
• Sunbathing by Isobel Beech
• Limberlost by Robbie Arnott
• Clarke by Holly Throsby
