Start: 2014-05-17T14:00:00
End: 2014-05-17T20:00:00
Location: Australian Technlogy Park, Locomotive Workshop, 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015
Experience Sydney’s
rich industrial past at ATP
“We
used buckets to wash. Workers would heat up a piece of steel and dunk it in the
water to warm it up. We had just three minutes to clean ourselves.”
Richard
Butcher worked as a Blacksmith at Eveleigh Railyards in the 1950s, now the site
of Australian Technology Park (ATP). Mr Butcher will be sharing his stories of
a bygone era at the ATP Heritage Community Days on 16 and 17 May as part of the
National Trust Heritage Festival.
“Blacksmithing
was a challenge – it was very hot and there was no refrigerated water on site
or showers. We would be able to stand up a pair of overalls like suits of armour
because of the coal and oil.”
Mr
Butcher worked on site for six years and will be sharing more fascinating
stories about ATP’s industrial past at the ATP Heritage Community Days.
“ATP
recognises its rich past,” he says. “There were 4,900 people that worked here
so my role as a tour guide for this event will capture the activities and the
history that once was. The park still is a hub of activity and workers in a
modern day setting and it is fantastic that the park continues to celebrate its
industrial history.
“My
grandfather and father both worked for the railways and I really enjoyed my
time working here so I am looking forward to inviting the community to share
this experience of what the Park used to be like.”
Richard
will be joined by other passionate volunteers and is inviting families to the
free ATP Heritage Community Days on Friday, 16 and Saturday, 17 May 2014. Tours
will run from the Locomotive Workshop at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
There
will be real Blacksmith demonstrations by Wrought Artworks and train displays
courtesy of ATP tenant 3801 Ltd where everyone will be welcomed aboard to
explore restored historical train carriages and engines. Devonshire tea will be
served in the buffet with a backdrop of 1920s train memorabilia and décor.
“The
Eveleigh Rail Yards was one of the largest of its kind and produced some of the
finest steam locomotives in the world. This space represents a unique part of
Sydney and Australia’s industrial heritage and it is fantastic that the public
can access it,” added Mr Butcher.
The
Locomotive Workshop at ATP has been kept predominately in its original state
and is easily accessible to the community being a short walk from Redfern
Station.
For
more information visit
Australian
Technology Park is home to a range of businesses leading the way in innovation,
science, technology and media. The onsite ATP Conference Centre also attracts
world class events in a unique heritage setting.
MoiraSaunders
| Communications Manager |
P +61 2 9209 4162 | F +61 2 9209
4222 | W: www.atp.com.au
Australian
Technlogy Park Sydney Limited |
Suite 3220, Locomotive Workshop, 2 Locomotive Street, Eveleigh NSW 2015