Sat, 7th Mar, 2015 Forth Recreation Ground (Steamfest at Sheffield)

Overcast morning, 17 degrees and light wind. Leanne & I got out our Ecopot and got dinner ready for tonight as we are off to Sheffield for the day to the annual Steamfest. Rick knocked on the door to let Steve know that we had another flat tyre. It is only flat on the bottom. Another rim as split – on the rear again. Will have to look into this and change something – maybe all the stuff we have in the back of the truck!!!

Cuppa at the van before heading off to Sheffield. Along another road out of Forth – for a little town it has lots of roads leading out of it. Across the Forth River.

Looking over the farmland out to the Bass Strait. Not looking too pretty this morning.

Mt Roland covered in cloud this morning.

Drove into Sheffield – lots of cars lining the street. We turned off near the event and parked in a horse paddock – for free too. No gold coin donation!!! Got our tickets – I was as ‘Concession’ again and should have said yes to save $10 for the two of us. Will have to look into the Seniors Card as Leanne gets lots off just by saying ‘Concession’.  The little train was getting ready to take some passengers for a ride.

People dressing up for the event.

On one of the sheds was a great mural of a newspaper printing press – Sheffield is the Village of Murals.

There is heaps to see and lots happening. Found this old cane train from Babinda Sugar Mill. These engines were used on the old timber mill train lines hauling timber etc then when that stopped they were sent up to the sugar mills as they are the same gauge – 2 foot.

Some bullocks were in a pen and the man was going show us how they get them all joined up ready to pull a log etc. Very interesting. They are very quiet and well trained.

The steam train goes straight through the Steamfest and it was amazing as there were people everywhere and there was no barricades etc.

A steam driven tractor rumbled past.

How’s this for a cute little car – zippy too.

The bullocks towing a log using a ‘shoe’. The chap said these were used in Tassie, on the mainland they used to waste a lot of the tree by shaping the end of the log so it didn’t dig in.

Took some videos too. This was great. He rolled the log up on to the wagon using the bullocks and chains.

Steam tractors were rumbling around us everywhere.

We thought Steve’s great grandfather’s steam engine might be here as a chap in Kingaroy had restored it. Albert Geck used it to transport and run his travelling sawmill around Eidsvold, Mundubbera area. Terry, David and Bradley have been for a ride on it too.

This one was built in 1908. It is a Burrell Devonshire Engine, 6 nhp and was used for chaff cutting.

This is a rock crushing set up and they did demonstrations and it worked well.

Steve and Rick liked the old motorbike better.

Gorgeous old Ford ute.

We heard a roar and Leanne said it was the tractor pull so rushed over to check it out. She had been to one with big modified tractors that roared. This was a vintage tractor event.

This one was souped up though and sounded great.

Wandered around checking out all the old tractors.

Now this is vintage – man and machine. Reminds me of my uncle Thorold logging timber in Millaa Millaa.  He made it to the end of the Pull.

I was looking for Steve’s dad, Terry’s tractor that he used a Woodgate to put the boat in on the beach – an old grey Fergie. Not quite but it was like this one.

Steve reckons Grandad should upgrade to this one. 1956 Fergie with a Holden 253 engine.

Nice bike and sidecar.

Now this is a strange looking tractor.

Samson 8 to 10 horsepull Sieve Grip.

There was a piano in the paddock so Leanne had a tinkle.

I played Chopsticks then Heart & Soul. That was fun.

Another tractor goes past.

This is an International Stationary Hay Press using Foden Compound 7HP steam engine, top speed 6km/h, built in 1912, weighing 14.5 ton.

Some more steam rollers.

Cute little folding caravan.

Lot of other forms of vintage transport on display too.

Now this is luxurious.

This is certainly a flash way to go out in style. A Marsden Hearse , built 1810.

Some other old vehicles.

Steve liked the old Riley Drophead Special.

 Amazing photos of its restoration.

Great paintwork on the truck.

It even has eagle lights.

A Lincoln Continental would be fun trying to park in the shopping centre!!

There was whip cracking demonstrations and lessons. The boy on the left was getting a lesson from the lad in the middle who was very good.

A steam omnibus.

There were a few soldiers wandering around.

Watched the kids compete in the tug of war with the steam engine. The kids won!!

Old pop was out in another tractor, a crawler, in the tractor pull competition.

Lovely listening to the bagpipes.

Into another shed where there was lots of homemade items for sale. The young girl was having fun making the pianola play.

Got a pass out to go for a wander in town for a bit to check out the murals. Past a lovely old house.

Chinese shopkeeper mural by John Lendis 1995.

An Apple for the Teacher by John Lendis 1996.

ANZAC & WW1Commemorative Mural Story.

Show Time.

The whole wall of this shop was painted - Blacksmith.

 Then around the front over the entrance.

Mountain Rescue  - this mural features Senior Constable Harry Clark, who upon his retirement in 1985, was Tasmanian’s longest serving policeman. In 1971, 21 students from the Footscray Institute of Technology were caught in a sudden blizzard in the Cradle Mountain area. One student perished. To save the students, Const. Clark directed the first mountain rescue using a helicopter. Artist – Cheyne Purdue.

Blackberries & Sorrel.

More murals.

This one is about Gustav Weindorfer.

Farming mural.

Mt Roland is out from under the clouds. Having a great time with Leanne & Rick.

Slaters Country Store, established 1899 – In 1926, Jessie & Nellie Slaters old business friend Mr Coles of Wilmot came into the shop. He tried to persuade them to invest money in a new company, G.J. Coles Pty Ltd which his sons were forming in Melbourne. The new concept was of open display shopping with nothing selling for more than two shillings and sixpence. Mr and Mrs Slater couldn’t be persuaded to invest. The success of G.J. Coles P/L is legendary. Slaters Country Store is still on the corner of Main and High Streets, Sheffield – Ain’t that life.

Inside they had a flying fox system like Deebs had in their Manchester store in Cairns.

Across the road is a lovely old building.

A mural about the postman. The tree trunk in the middle is a post box.

The other end is another Weindorfer and Cradle Mountain mural.

We are just so impressed with the artist’s work on these murals. This is one of Forth Falls. We could only get to these by a boat.

And a few more murals.

This one is amazing.

Leanne wanted to take home one of these Superb Blue Fairy Wrens.

More murals as we headed back to the park for the Grand Parade.

Steve couldn’t get over this truck and its extended back – check out where the tow ball is.

Steve could make me this chair.

Back to the park and the steam train station.

Got a yummy fresh raspberry icecream, Steve had strawberry. The grand parade started but it was very slow as each engine came up and then talked about the engine.

Dick Smith was there to open the celebrations, it goes for three days (Monday is Labour Day public holiday). He has his own steam engine and train track around his house.

Dick had fun driving one of the tractors too.

Took a few videos and a couple of more photos. The sky is clear and it has warmed up.

Got our cars and drove back to the Information Centre to check out some more murals. This one was Christian Heritage.

Each year they have a Mural Fest and artists create murals with their own themes and visitors can vote for their favourite. Certainly are amazing paintings.

Postcard from Tasmania by Loretta & Keith Sommer, Brisbane, Qld.  When you read ‘food bowl’ you immediately think of the vast supply and variety of food that Tasmania has to offer. We have personalised the experience with children eating amidst a background of golden skies and canola fields. ‘Café board’ style illustrations of local produce & memories of Mural Fest.

I Land by Patricia Smart & Ollie Grohs, NSW. We are no longer as isolated on island because of the internet, and through the wonder of new technologies we can explore all the mysteries of the past. Yet with all of this we still find magic in the simplicity of our daily lives. Like seeing a bubble float on the breeze, or watching a mural being painted.

Sandy Track of Time by Gren Freeman, Tasmania. My mural is partially an interactive mural. People can engage and try to identify the footprints and tracks; there are clues in the mural … My painting depicts a brief bird’s eye view of some things in the history of Tasmania as the sandy track winds its way to now, and into Sheffield where that history is painted on the town … life is so different now than in the past.

Then and Now: A Celebration by Fereleth Lee, Jacqueline LaCava & Tom Powlay, Tasmania & Queensland. We wanted to portray a lesson learnt from the history of our Tiger … Here, the Tassie Devils, celebrating their island life, painting a brighter future for their species, as we do our best to ensure that outcome: “WE are the icons of this island now! And we intent to stay!”

Stamp of Joy by Eleanor Yates, USA. I am so happy to find treasure houses of art like Sheffield and the Tasmanian petroglyphs; because they are stamps of joy and food for the soul. “Island Life” exemplifies “Ningenneh Tunapry” (to give knowledge and understanding); so I painted a magical friendship amid ancient maps and petroglyphs.

The Great Southern Land by Damian Cazaly, Victoria. To be part of Australia is wonderment in itself. The island continent so far removed from the source of its colonial history, as well as a land that has nurtured the beauty, spirituality and dreaming of the oldest living culture for 75,000 years. Which brings us to the magic of the present, and the wonder of being conscious of it. Being a part of a great old town that allows its vacant walls to speak its history through the sheer power of art.

Memory Island by Kerry Nicholson, Queensland. From the raw beauty of her landscape to the warmth of her people she gives me that comfortable feeling of contentment. Apple trees in bloom, little penguins, Bennett’s wallabies, Truganini, Errol Flynn, the beauty and the tragedy of Port Arthur, and Piping Lane winning the Melbourne Cup all come to mind. Batting legend, Ricky Ponting, world champion axeman, David Foster, the Tiger and the Devil all belong here. But mostly I love her quiet serenity. This is my Tasmania.

The Artist Hand Does Underscore by Paul Scott, West Australia. Within, around and outside – this town’s treasures and charms carries far and wide. From the smallest flower, right through to its majestic mountain.  Its wonder is an endless fountain … of brilliance, mystery and awe. The artist hand does underscore.

We Are Still Discovering Tasmania by Keith & Loretta Sommer , Queensland. Our aim is to represent the poem ‘Island Life’ graphically, from ‘the Mysteries of our Histories’ … to ‘Painted on this Town’. Going back to the part of history that allows us to appreciate ‘All the magic of our Island Life’ … Abel Tasman arriving at what is now Bruny Island ‘s Adventure Bay.

Put Yourself in the Picture by Lindsay Gardam, Tasmania. Come to: No Demands Land. Get away from it all, leave the Rat Race, get on the slow boat, come and enjoy all things natural in life.

On some other boards a few more murals.

Cute little house where you cast your vote with a payment of $1.

Around at the Info Centre is a little house like we would see at Tasmazia and the Village of Greater Crackpot. They have lots of mazes etc so might go check that out.

Across the road was a huge mural in memory of the local Doctor. Dr Leslie Sender was the GP to the Kentish Municipality from 1946 to 1976. A huge practice for one man and he did the lot! For over thirty years ‘Doc’ Sender was: ‘on call’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year; many specialists rolled into one, even a vet on occasion; at times dental assistant to his wife, June; dedicated, skilled, determined and without fuss. No medical challenge was too much for him to tackle. No nurse! No secretary! No appointments! 2 sessions a day at Sheffield surgery, once a week at Railton, once a fortnight at Wilmot. One weekly surgical session at Latrobe Hospital. Daily house calls after hours all over the district. Accidents and emergencies all over the district. Gowrie Park in 1964 enlarged the practice by 1300. Dr Les came to us post WW2 from Sydney having served as an AIF Captain in New Guinea where he was awarded MID honours for ‘exceptional services in the field’, a trait he carried into civilian life. At home, 25 High Street, he set up a 5 bed maternity room in use until 1956 when the District Nursing Centre was built. Over 800 babies were born during the 31 years of service. Despite the workload ‘Doc’ found time to be part of the community socially. He took his place with many others in providing voluntary labour building the Sheffield Community Olympic Swimming Pool. He was a keen sportsman and had a love of horses and dogs. Over the years his Irish Setters, Rusty & Rufus, kept watch over patients in the waiting room.  ‘The Doc’ retired but still doctoring 1977 to 2007 – “He wasn’t just our doctor, he was our friend.”  For himself ‘Doc’ had two dreams – a sports car and a racehorse. The E Type Jaguar came during the Sheffield years. The horses of which there were many in Barrington over the next 30 years, brought him great pleasure, and some success, culminating with his stallion ‘The Taswegian’. After 7 years he was recalled to the practice and gave a further 3 years in an official capacity but even in retirement the Doc’s farm door was always open.

Will have to come back as there are still heaps of murals to check out. Headed back out of town and turned off at Barrington to check out another Hydro Tasmania dam, Devils Gate Dam and Lake Barrington. It is an arch dam like Gordon Dam but smaller.

Looking over the dam with Mt Roland in the background.

Parked the car at the gate and walked down towards the dam wall.

Just under the spillway.

There were holes in the mesh to get some good photos. Created a great echo.

 Long way down.

Info board.

An engineering marker.

Further down the wall, looking over the river.

Headed back to the van – fabulous views back to the Bass Strait over the farmland.

Last drinks with Leanne & Rick – again. No wind so it is quite nice to sit outside again. We had both prepared dinner in the Ecopot so we even had dinner outside. It is quite warmed compared to the other day when we had 10 degrees. It is now 22 degrees.