Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th of August were busy times for the staff at Sandstone. With the visit of the RSG 4 x 4 club due on Saturday for a full train trip around the line with Garratt No. 88, the loco was in steam for a test on Friday the 7th. This coincided with a visit from the local Kindi Primary School and their Grade R children who were offered a trip on the test train to Grootdraai and back, as well as a tour of the vintage collection.
Coinciding with this was a film crew from Homebrew Films, who were filming an insert on Sandstone for their Kwela programme on DSTV’s Kyknet channel. The steam train was an added bonus for them and they also interviewed Mike Myers, Lukas Nel, loco driver Les Labuschagne and Des Clarke for the programme as they were given a tour of the vintage collection and steam depot for their shoot. To the children’s delight and that of the film crew the full span of oxen were at work as part of their training with a voortrekker wagon.
The Kindi kids had a group photo at Grootdraai
Janet Barrett who runs the Kindi school sent us the following mail:
Dear Mr Mole and Leigh,
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity of seeing so much in one day. For some children the experience was overwhelming and when I asked what they enjoyed most the answer was ‘the meerkat’!!! For most children, the highlight still remains the train ride. Les (the train driver) shared his feelings with Leigh and me when we were all leaving. ‘Today was the happiest day in the year. The joy of receiving so many hugs from the heart from so many children was very special’. However, it takes a special person to notice the joy he has given to others. For sure, most of these children have never been on a train, never seen oxen pulling a wagon, never experienced cleanliness and order in a vast place. I do so hope they treasure this memory and aspire to such standards, with appreciation and respect for the heritage you care for.
On Tuesday, when we are back in the classroom the pupils have to draw a picture of their outing and that is what is attached for you to see. This goes in their portfolio.
MANY many thanks!!
All smiles on the train!
And a note from one of the children:
The whole Sandstone tean was honoured to host the children.
The Sandstone oxen delighted both the film crew and the Grade R children
When the film crew had completed their shoot it was time to prepare for Saturday. The Sandstone segment is due to be flighted on DSTV’s Kyknet channel on September 9th at 20h00.
The RSG 4 x 4 Club have been regular visitors to Sandstone for many years on their annual tour and 2015 was no exception. Saturday dawned a warm sunny day and after a morning walking tour of the collection the group of 39 visitors enjoyed a two hour train trip around the Sandstone rail system followed by a light lunch before departing for their next destination.
The RSG 4x4 train with No. 88 on the climb to Vailima Siding with Sandstone's Ratel in convoy
Francois Malan, the tour leader, and his group enjoyed both the train trip and their collection tour. They were particularly impressed with the Ratel following the train. Francois commented that the Sandstone visit is always a highlight of his travels.
Lunch was also a highlight and everyone complimented Selina on her farm grown sugar bean soup which was superb and served with homemade bread followed by a jelly and custard dessert.
Sandstone's secret weapon - Selina's jelly and custard dessert
Overall it was a great weekend for all our visitors. If you would like to visit Sandstone contact Leigh Sanders via email at