The Retired Railway Employees Association celebrated 100 years last week, with a visit to Maldon on the Victorian Goldfields Railway.

The group, which comprises former employees of the Victorian Railways, was formed in 1922, when a group of retired railway men met and decided it would be nice if retired railway workers were to meet occasionally, with the aim of exchanging reminiscences and retaining their many friendships which had been cemented during the many years with one another.

The group meets monthly and has regular social outings, but this year it was considered appropriate to celebrate the past 100 years by travelling on a steam train.

The group enjoyed lunch in the First Class section of the train, along with bar service.

Retired Electric Train Driver and President of the Association, Richard Gilbert said, “On departure from Castlemaine the stewards filled glasses of champagne and orange juice and the passengers raised them in a ‘toast’ to the success of the 100 years of the Retired Railway Employees Association.

“The ‘J’ class steam locomotive chugging through the scenic bush countryside brought back many memories for the retired members having served the railways in various occupations.

The former drivers commented on how the locomotive was working, others spoke of the quality of the ride on the track, and others commented on the quality of the carriages in comparing them to the famous trains of the past.”

There are now around 100 members of the association, with around 50 of the members travelling from Melbourne, Seymour, Bendigo, Geelong and Ballarat.

Members of the association are from all areas of the Victorian Railways such as locomotive drivers, electric train drivers, salaried staff from head office, refreshment room staff, stationmasters, ticket sales staff, roster clerks, track maintenance workers and clerical staff.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 29 July 2022.