Weddings, Parties, Anything

We have mentioned elsewhere that the CMR is ready and able to cater for charter operations such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, social groups, bus tours and the like.

Here Comes the Bride....

One could be forgiven for thinking that our railmotors are brand new, judging from this photo. But no, the newly repainted motor car number 22 and trailer car 55 came out early on this Saturday late in October 2006 to convey bridal party and guests to a wedding ceremony in our hall at Chakola. (Note the old original headlight on the trailer compared to the new style light on number 22).

Before long the train was assembled and decorated with the satin ribbons that have been a feature of previous wedding services. At the appointed time the guests and bridal party boarded the train. The bride and attendants were seated on the lounge at the rear of the trailer car for the journey.

At Chakola the guests alighted and waited for the bride to appear. In contrast to the previous weddings in which the CMR has been involved, the actual ceremony was conducted in the hall, with a reception to follow later in Cooma. Overnight the CMR converted the hall back from a row seating configuration to tables and chairs for a surprise teenage birthday party the next day. (Incidentally, that party completed a run of nine straight days of continuous CMR operations. Obviously the word is spreading of the good times to be had in conjunction with the railway.)

Another Example

Saturday 9th February 2002 was another perfect example. At 4pm a wedding was held on Cooma station platform. The train, decorated with traditional ribbons (left), had collected the bridal party at Snowy Junction on the edge of town, and conveyed them to the ceremony (right). Afterwards the party had drinks and nibbles on the platform (below) before boarding the train for Chakola.

Chakola is on the banks of the Numeralla River, which had a considerable volume of water flowing in it following recent rains. The typical Monaro countryside had benefited from the showers and put on its best face.

The wedding party's destination was the CMR run hall by the riverside. Until recently, the hall was run by the Anglican Church, as evidenced by the window at one end. The hall had been beautifully decorated for the occasion, catering was provided by a Canberra spit-roast company and entertainment by a talented local singer/guitarist.

A very convivial evening ensued until 11pm when the happy guests were conveyed back to Cooma. It was almost 1am when the railmotors were finally locked away for the night, but the CMR crew were pleased to have been part of this joyous occasion.

If you have an occasion that the CMR could assist in making memorable, please contact the Business Manager Jim Hatfield at manager@cmrailway.org.au or (02) 6452 7791.