First sod turned for New Zealand National Railway Museum Project.
Extracts from an article by K Young.

October 8th 2005 signified a special day for the Canterbury Railway Society and indeed New Zealand when the first sod was turned by Sir Neil Cossons who is chairman of English Heritage, the government body for the historic environment in England. He was in Christchurch for our heritage week and dispite the unpleasent weather a great day was had by all who atended.

Sir Neil Cossons, chairman of English Heritage, the government body for the historic environment in England making his presentation. Photograph by K Young.

Sir Neil made one of those excellent addresses, interesting and to the point. We also heard from our president Bruce Shalders and Euan McQueen, noted New Zealand Rail Heritage authority and chairperson of the New Zealand Rail heritage Trust.

Caught on Camera, the turning of the first sod by Sir Neil Cossons. Photograph by K Young.

The weather relented somewhat after all this and a good time was had by all, riding the train and giving those we knew well a hard time. The wretched start the weather provided, could have no effect on the warm hearted enjoyment had by all who took the trouble to attend. Let's face it, it was history in the making. Roll on the Heritage Rail Museum!