User:Slaphappy1947

Let me start by saying, I am not a writer but just someone who is passionate about the stories of the disaster being told, as well as relating to the grief and sorrow which followed. Why I am so passionate about Granville and the stories which have surrounded it for many years is, unlike many who have written about Granville, I was there. For thirty years, I put it in the back of my mind till I was approached in 2008 and asked to get involved. I was tracked down by a survivor which led to a visit with survivor Debbie Woodgate who I was meeting for the first time. During our conversation she asked me if I had any knowledge of a young girl who she was about to help on the train just before the bridge came down on them. For thirty 30 years Debbie always wondered if this young girl had survived. It just so happened I was able to put her mind at ease and with the aid of another survivor named Tina, we tracked the young girl down. Two years later at the 34th anniversary service I was pleased to reunite these two for the first time in 34 years. That’s what the memoriam is all about, as well as remembering the 83 fatally injured. Well, how did all this happen? Debbie just happened to mention it to the right person, for I was the one who sat with that young girl most of the time under the bridge. This leads me to my story which I will try to keep short as many stories are to follow. I was just one of the team of rescuers on that day in January and until I sat down to gather information for this book; I had almost blanked 18th January 1977 out of my mind. I had wiped much knowledge from my memory, strange how the mind works. I hadn’t given it much thought until this time and now find it hard to relive that day all over again. I now remember back, standing alone under that bridge in the silence and company of death, I give thanks for the training I was given and the team effort of all, on the day.

The day now known as, ‘The Day of the Roses’.

In 2010 the Granville Train Disaster Trust was reformed into a new committee due to the remaining member Mr John Hennessey having other commitments and lacking in support. The new committee was formed and made up for the first time of members who were actually involved, by either being a rescuer, survivor or a relative of those lost that day. After exploring all avenues the committee decided on a new name, ‘The Granville Train Disaster Memoriam Foundation’ which dissociates itself from any doings of the former ‘Trust Committee’ and now works as a non-profit operating foundation.

At 11:00am every 5th year a service is held at St Marks Church in Jamieson Street Granville, in 2012 conducting the service is Anglican Bishop the Rt.Rev. Forsyth and Rev. Wong. The man behind the scenes producing the day and Master of Ceremonies is the 1st Ambulance Officer who arrived on the scene some 35 years ago, Barry J Gobbe. Mr Gobbe met with Her Excellency The Governor of New South Wales in December, presenting her with his new book and invited her to the services. Also attending is the Premier of New South Wales, the Lord Mayor of Parramatta and many dignitaries. Following the service there is a short walk to the Memorial Wall where a wreath laying ceremony takes place followed by the disbursement of roses off the bridge.

To commemorate the anniversary, Mr Gobbe’s book being the 1st factual book relating to the disaster, was released at the service. Titled, '35 Years of Memories' the book was designed for schools and libraries so as the real stories from the rescuers, survivors and relatives of those killed could finally tell their stories before being lost forever, with many passing away due to the years gone by. Included also is data such as the original railway and police reports plus a pictorial section.

As the book had to put together in record time (9 months) so as to have it ready for the anniversary date, publishers could not assist, however it is hoped publishers will assist in the future.

The book can be purchased by emailing their details to memories@thedayoftheroses.com.au or free call 1800 040 721.

The foundation operates as an 'operating foundation' with no government or grant funding available. The day is supported by the Parramatta City Council but the out of pocket expenditures are paid out from the pocket of the committee members who are mostly on pensions. The book has been funded, mainly by the rescuers and survivors. Any profits generated from the sale of the book will be donated to the foundation so as to keep the memories alive of the 83 soles lost that day in January 1977.