Valley Heights? How about Valley Frights?
For the first time, Valley Heights Rail Museum hosted Halloween – a “Dracular spectacular” event on Sunday October 29.
Museum publicity manager, Keith Ward 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 their 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.
The daytime event ran at the museum at 17b Tusculum Road. Next year they hope all the rails and concrete will be re-laid so it will be easier for visitors to walk round after dark.