"A trip of a lifetime" says MTRO

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 628, 19 March 1996, Page 1

"A trip of a lifetime" says MTRO

Bob Norling, president of Main Trunk Rail Ohakune (MTRO), in describing last Saturday evening's Twilight Champagne run to Raurimu, said "That was a beauty and everyone who wasn't on board the train that day missed out on a trip of a lifetime." The 70 or so passengers who travelled to Raurimu and back all spoke highly of the service provided by MTRO ' staff throughout the j ourney and many of them remarked on the real value for money ($34) for the 4-hour trip which started at 5pm and ended in Ohakune after a 'bonus' run to Tangiwai and back at 9pm. Among the passengers who enjoyed the Champagne Run were some from Whitianga, Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Palmerston North, Wanganui and Marton as

well as a few 'locals' . MTRO staff on board the train were specially dressed for the occasion in tuxedos and bow ties. In addition to the champagne and soft drinks (for those who wanted non alcoholic beverages) passengers were served a liberal supply of 'high class nibbles' ( including crayfish!) with some taste treats specially named for the occasion such as 'Spiral Specials' (a pyramid- shaped sandwich) and 'Lahar Lamingtons' prepared by Colleen and Shirley Laracey and served at Tangiwai to commemorate last year's eruptions. MTRO secretary Jane Voon said that all the passengers were impressed by the presentation of the food and the Turn to Paee 4

"trip of lifetime"

From Page 1 service they received. Another commemoration, marked by a tree-planting ceremony at the Last Spike was in memory of the late Gladys Goldfinch of Ohakune who was always a strong supporter of MTRO and many other local groups and enterprises. Two young Kowhai trees were planted by RDC mayor Weston Kirton and deputy mayor Bob Peck who were on board the train for the champagne run. It was a busy weekend for MTRO members starting on Friday morning when some 300 local primary school children travelled behind a DC diesel locomotive to Horopito and back. On Saturday morning a Family Run to 'Smash Palace' to view the vintage car museum was enjoyed by all and again on Sunday another two family runs were made to Horopito, both being patronised by visitors and locals. So pleased was Bob Norling with the success of the MTRO weekend that "we'll do it again next year."