A Railway Song To Help Revive Not Just Memories of Old Platforms
The old railway platform, once the hub of a town, with people and freight coming and going, if it could talk what stories would it tell?
This was the premise behind a song written by talented Capricorn Coast singer songwriter James Langan.
When Archer Park Rail Museum offered to open its doors during the covid-19 restrictions to Central Queensland artists (see Creative Day Pass) to seek inspiration from the solitude of the historic surroundings to create something to mark this unique period in our lives, James received some ideas and encouragement from a friend who knew he could write a suitable song, a song that James has simply called ‘platform’.
The lyrics recall the days when rail was king, the railway station and its platform the busy hub of a town, particularly those in the bush. People were greeted and fare-welled, son’s left to go to fight for King and country, wool left for overseas shores. Then the roads improved, trucks got bigger and bit by bit the trains stopped coming. The platform deserted, gates permanently locked, rust now the only traveler on the railway line. However, for some railway’s stations dedicated volunteers would later bring life back to the platform and even trains on their tracks. The platform would experience it all, the highs, lows and the for some their resurrection. Mixed amongst its sand, lime and gravel are the stories.
With the song now written and recorded the plan is to produce an accompanying video. Archer Park Rail Museum the logical location, however as the song is not about a particular platform James would also like to incorporate in the near 4-minute video vision from other railway platforms, particularly during their hay days. Thus, James is inviting people with any suitable photos to send a digital copy of them to warren@aspirecq.com, who is coordinating the video production, for their possible inclusion.
If you like to listen to the song visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNZgcOY3N5g
Archer Park Rail Museum, on the corner of Cambridge and Denison Street’s, is now re-opened to the public, Monday to Thursday’s 10.00am to 3.00pm, with the world’s only operating Purrey Steam Tram available for rides each Sunday from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
Central Queensland's Ready
by Bob Pacey ©
If you’ve been sitting back at home and almost
bored to tears
There is one thing now that you just have to do.
Pack your car or catch a plane, just get on the
frog and toad
Cause Central Queensland is the only place for you.
So many things that you can do to sit back and relax
while you shed the woes that sit there on your back.
From the outback to the reef you will find that
special spot
So grab your gear and get out on the track.
There are beaches by the ocean that still squeak beneath your feet
as you wander with the family on the sand.
Or perhaps a venture to the outback where time
almost stands still
No matter what your choice it will be grand.
Bring your family or some friends, meet up and
spread some cheer
you’ll be welcome on that point I guarantee.
Cause the people are so friendly and the weather always fine
should you head outback or wander by the sea.
So the only thing to ask now is
“What are you waiting for ?”
because time stands still for no one don’t you know.
We are primed , ready and waiting to welcome
you with open arms
and Central Queensland sure puts on a show.
Bob Pacey ©