The distinctive mural at Blackheath railway station is being restored just in time for celebrations to mark the station's 150th birthday.
Blackheath station's sesquicentenary will be held on Saturday, December 14. While the actual anniversary of the opening is December 28, the party has been brought forward two weeks to avoid the holiday period when maintenance is planned.
The celebrations will take place on the station* from 10am and include a welcome to country, performances by The Heathens Choir and The U3A Ukelele Group, celebration flags painted by Blackheath school children, a display in the station waiting room and the display of a railway trolley specially restored for the 150 year celebrations across the Mountains
After the ceremony at the station, the Quota Club of Blackheath will be serving teas in a mock-up of a railway refreshment room in the community hall, where the birthday cake will also be cut.
There will be an exhibition of photographs of the station, a display of memorabilia by Mount Victoria & District Historical Society and commemorative merchandise for sale.
In celebration of the birthday, Sydney Trains has engaged local artist, Peter Marshall, to restore the mural of Govett's Leap painted by Vernon Treweeke
Treweeke painted many murals along the Blue Mountains railway line. Others are in the subway at Katoomba Station, on the eastern wall at Springwood station, and in Woodford station waiting room.
The organising committee is still seeking photographs, anecdotes or memorabilia regarding the railway station at Blackheath, particularly any photographs of the fire in January 1985. Please ring 0405 393 281 or contact Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre on 4787 7770.
*If raining (in Blackheath, surely not) the ceremony will be held in the community hall.
