Hwork w/e 24/12/12 Wallangarra - Red rails in the sun sit

[Maureen K Clifford]

Built in 1887 the Wallangarra Railway station sits between Wallangarra and Jennings on the Queensland Border. It is historically listed and a hop skip and a jump from the Stanthorpe area Granite Belt with its vineyards, lavender farms, sheep and amazing rock formations contained within several National Parks.

The Australian Railway Historical Society host the bi-annual Winelander train journeys from Brisbane to Stanthorpe and on to Wallangarra in summer and winter. These weekend trips include accommodation and winery tours in a package deal.

There is a refurbished refreshment room on the station that caters lunches as well as special functions. It is a step back in time with its high ceilings and grand architecture.

An interesting item of note with the station is the difference in the overhead covering on the NSW platform versus the Queensland platform. The NSW awning was built in 1890 using flat racked iron and brackets and columns cast by the Toowoomba foundry. The Brisbane platform has a curved bull nose shade similar to those seen on the South Brisbane railway stations. The Qld/NSW border passes diagonally through the station, which is little used these days but plays an important part in the Tourism in the area .


RED RAILS IN THE SUN SIT

The noonday heat was scorching hot – the sky indigo blue
the metal rails were rusted red, in town nothing to do.
The restaurant was empty now apart from buzzing fly
that nonchalantly flew around then buggered off to die.

The platform baked in summer heat in this season of storms
the thirteen steps down to the tracks were cracked, broken and worn.
Above a wedgetail rode the air currents, a feathered glider
perusing all from lofty heights, a brown fearless storm rider.

The sound of grinding grating gears destroyed the noontime peace,
a lumbering behemoth of steel bought worshippers to feast
on sushi, lamb in cherry sauce, and on the regions fruit,
washed down with local wines and ale along with sparkling Brut.

The feast eaten, and drinks all drunk, the party now departed
out to the Vineyards near the town, the guests were all light-hearted.
The last warrior climbed aboard the bus and took his seat.
Jazz in the vineyards the next stop – they were in for a treat.

The day continued hot and dry – the sky indigo blue
the metal rails were rusted red, in town nothing to do.
The restaurant empty again, the platform now deserted
another fly bumbled around, fly spray from one can squirted.

Maureen Clifford © 12/12

[Jeff Thorpe]

Love that Title Maureen - and the poem too.

Cheers, Jeff

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you Jeff - I thought it suited the photo and glad you liked the poem - it's a true story

Cheers

Maureen

[Neville Briggs]

Sushi, lamb in cherry sauce ! they're a bit fancy out in the backblocks aren't they, what happened to the ole railway pies ?

[Maureen K Clifford]

Too upmarket for that Neville, this is all about showcasing the local produce. Tender lamb, venison, wines, fruits, ciders - the best that the Granite Belt can offer and served in a gorgeous location - a real step back into history. and done with style. Silver service and fine china.