By Jesse Graham
YARRA GLEN will be embracing the Christmas spirit with Santa’s train coming to town courtesy of the Yarra Glen and District Men’s Shed.
Men from the Men’s Shed have been working over the last two months to create and refurbish decorations, depicting Santa riding a train emblazoned with “Merry Christmas”.
Member, Stanley Hardidge, said that 12 trains would be erected around town, with shop windows taking the decorations and a much larger train to be installed at the town square in Bell Street.
He said the smaller trains were refurbished from last year’s decorations, with the men at the shed working to install them by Saturday, 26 November.
“There’s going to be a train on the wavy wall … in Bell Street, which will be on show from both sides,” Mr Hardidge said.
“Because Santa’s coming from the North Pole … the trains are coming north-to-south.”
Mr Hardidge said the focus on trains highlighted the work of the Yarra Valley Railway volunteers, who have been working to restore the train line between Yarra Glen and Healesville.
“It’ll probably come into vogue more often now, especially with the train, when it starts running – it’s going to be a big tourist attraction,” he said.
“I think, if we focus on the train business, it’s going to capture the imaginations of most of the residents up here – kids will love it.”
The Men’s Shed has about 54 members, and is open every day from 9am-4pm. A morning tea chat is held each Wednesday morning, with the shed hosting a speaker on the last Wednesday of each month.
For more information, visit the shed at 16 Anzac Avenue, Yarra Glen, next to the Gary Cooper Pavilion, visit yarraglen.com/mensshed or email ygdms.secretary@gmail.com.
