Valley Heights? How about Valley Frights?
For the first time, Valley Heights Rail Museum will host Halloween – a “Dracular spectacular” event on Sunday October 29.
Museum publicity manager, Keith Ward, has challenged locals “if you dare” to ride the Spooky Express, join the Tram of Terrors and to enter competitions like the Wacky Witch Hunt and Silly Stations or have their faces painted – with a gold coin donation to Girl Guides.
The genesis for the event began in October last year when Keith and his wife Eileen visited Britain – taking in 16 heritage railways in 30 days.
They arrived at the Epping Ongar Railway in London’s north east in the middle of a Halloween event and “were taken with the way Halloween had become so popular in England and felt that our historic and special museum was an ideal venue for a similar event”.
“We were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the volunteers and visitors who had totally engaged with the theme of the day. Nearly everyone dressed up for the event and many had come prepared with faces painted.
“Everyone recalls the Ghost Train at the Easter Show. We have our own collection of steam trains, trams and carriages that will be scarily decorated for the day and lots of surprises in store for children from five to 105,” he added.
The event will be at the museum at 17b Tusculum Road and runs from 10am until 4pm. Normal admission fees apply and the last ride is at 3.30pm.
All rides and activities will be included in the standard entry fee. The two model rooms and cafe will be open, as well as many large and small exhibits.
Mr Ward said as it is the first time they were “sorry to disappoint we’re sticking to daylight hours … but early next year all the rails and concrete will be re-laid so it will be easier for visitors to walk round after dark”.
Mr Ward added that the Spooky Express operated subject to any Total Fire Ban in place at the time.
For more details go to info@valleyheightsrailmuseum.info or phone: 02 4751 4638.