COLOURFUL KINGS - 2009

 The classic Jeepney is no stranger to most of my blogs, having quite the obsession for these icons means I photograph them wherever I am travelling around the Philippines. They have been found in most major cities I have ventured too, though some in far less numbers than others.

According to Wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt, can be traced back to the 1930s, when they were called 'auto calesas'. 
The calesa is the local name for the carriage behind the horse and carriages that operate around Manila, for tourists mostly, to this day.

Jeepney - On Wikipedia

Hardly a surprise to find out that I love the traditional jeepney.

 Sure they have their pros and cons, but, for me, they are the heart and soul of Manila. Their loss would rip out a huge chunk of what Manila is, what the Philippines is.

Then there are the many, MANY, families who will suffer hardship over the demise of the 'King'.

But, given it is now against the law for a foreigner to have any sort of opinion (seriously), I shall comment no more.

At least until we are allowed to have an opinion once again.

The majority ( but not all) of these photos were taken on a 2009 morning around Ermita and Luneta Park, while one's asawa patiently waited for me to try filling an SD card with jeepney images.

She may not get my fascination, but at least she tolerates it :-)

Just as colourful on the inside.

The clientele can be pretty beautiful as well.

Apparently not named after my cousin 'Annabelle'.

Corner of Kalaw Ave and Abenida Maria Orosa Street in Ermita.

NXC-381 'Princess Sweet' was certainly my favourite on the day.

The lining added so much to the livery design.

' Mather Fely 1 '

' Veloya '

Think it is called 'Joenhemar', but I can't really understand it.

' D'only Thorn Among The Roses'

That is my Philippines right there.

Whether you love or hate the jeepney, the country will feel somewhat emptier without them.

No idea what the name of this one is.

Looks like it says 'Speed 2', but also looks like the painter was a bit high. 

I love the way the Philippine flag lines Abenida Maria Orosa Street. Hopefully that is still the case.

Some lass peddling pamaypay at a jeepney stop on Abenida Maria Orosa Street.

Now, it was my asawa who told me the word 'pamaypay', so go gentle if it is wrong ;-)

No idea what that says.

'Grace Of The Lord'

'M/V New Century'

The M/V New Century is actually a crude oil tanker. Not sure if that has any relation to this name.

TFG-706 - Built 1992

'Fides'?

'San Carlos Empress'

'Cent-Cent'

' Edrian '

' Hamburg Atlantic '
This is the name of a hotel in Hamburg.

Thanks to San Sanix for jeepney build dates..

Philippine Jeepney

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Other Philippine Posts!

Philippine Random Photo Selection 2009

Manila Airport

Tagaytay Revisited 2009

Tanduay Factory Visit

Divisoria / Tutuban

Sabangan Beach Resort

STOCKINBINGAL

 

If you have ever travelled to Temora, from the east anyway, you would likely have passed through the little town of Stockinbingal.

Situated along the Burley Griffin Way, between Wallendbeen and Temora, it is a location I first became familiar with back in the late 80s, however my visits were probably most frequent during the 90s.

Over the years, anyone just passing through could be forgiven for thinking it was just a dying rural town. The shops appear to all be closed, and even the pub does not appear to be trading anymore.

However, due too my recently attending the inaugural meeting of the 'Stock Station Preservation Group', I had reason to spend more time around town. In addition, a lack of anywhere to stay in Cootamundra lead to my being recommended 'Balcraggon Accommodation', a previously unknown location to stay. 

While it was just for one night, it gave me a far bigger taste of Stockinbingal. Since returning back to Sydney, I have been finding out that there is so much more to be discovered.

I am far from qualified to say much about this wonderful town, its history, or what there is to find there. 
Hopefully the station project will take off and give me reason for more visits. I will take full advantage of that to get to know more about the town.

Below is a selection of photos taken around town, along with links of use and probably a comment two.

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The lovely peaceful location that is Balcraggon Accommodation in Stockinbingal. You will not get more with nature than here.
The location is ideal, the owners are so welcoming, the goats are such fun, I so highly recommend.

Trackside in the Riverina - my favourite place to be.

St Ita's Convent and School.

St Joseph's Catholic Church

The shopping strip along the main road makes an lovely, but somewhat sad, sight. A once busy shopping precinct, now the doors that are mostly closed.

Some years back I used to purposely go from Cootamundra to Stock, just to shop in the small general store. I felt supporting them was far better than forking out the hard earned to Woolies.

Sadly, the general store has also now shut its doors.

A look at Stockinbingal businesses of the past.

For further information on Stockinbingal.

Since my recent visit, I have been astounded by just how much there is to be seen and experienced in Stockinbingal.

To find out more there is no better place to start than the Stockinbingal Community Newsletter, published online and in hard copy, every month.

The online version can be found on their Facebook group.

Did you know that Stockinbingal has a heritage room and cafe, Clydesdale cart rides, a bowling club/bistro and that the town will soon have a motorcycle museum?

Nope, neither did I!

Newsletter editor Rosalie Dale sure knows what's going on in Stockinbingal. Read each interesting issue and so will you.

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Semi-Retired Foamer Blog

My main website will soon have more coverage of the recent trip to Stockinbingal, as well as updates from the 'Stock Station Preservation Group'.

Stockinbingal - Google Maps

Stockinbingal - Google Streetscape
Stockinbingal - Sydney Morning Herald

Stockinbingal Heritage Walk

Stockinbingal Railway Station Blog

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Stock Station Preservation Group

Thus we come to the main reason for my recent visit.

To give support to Nikki, Kelly and Brian, in their efforts to save the beautiful Stockinbingal station.

The station has long been a part of my life, while it's importance is reflected in the fact people came from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney.
Indeed, Brian himself is from the north coast of New South Wales, but still a regular visitor.

L to R: Brian Leedham, Kelly Hulbert, Nikki Stacey and John Close.

Trains still pass through, but a regular passenger service has not existed since the 1980s. Special passenger trains still occasionally stop by.

This fine gentleman is my friend John Close. John is a retired signalman who I first met during one of many, many Cootamundra North signal box visits.

Some two decades ago I spent some shifts around Stockinbingal box while he would be relieving the regulars.
Truly fantastic to be back there with him all these years later.

A couple of suspicious lads from the Riverina.

Rodney (in green) brought part of his Stockinbingal model railway for display on the day. Stephen (Grizzly Adams impersonator) came along for moral support.

A couple of photos from the day. It was nice to have a number of locals, along with passers by, stopping for a chat and to learn more about the project.

Finishing off with a few random older shots.

Before the down platform was removed.

Before the down track was removed.

After the down platform and track were removed :-(

This was the first tour train I had ever organised.

The tour was to the rarely visited (by passenger train) location of Naradhan.

It was the first time this type of locomotive had ever been to Naradhan, and the first time I was ever able to get off a train at Stockinbingal station. Quite a highlight.

This photo was taken by old mate Harold Winthrop, who was standing near me at the time. I'm just to lazy too go look for my own shot :-)

Stockinbingal Heritage Walk

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If you wish to show your support for saving the Stockinbingal station for future generations, please join their Facebook group.

Stock Station Preservation Group

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