Full steam ahead for first Billy trip

RELIVING boyhood memories of his favourite steam engine, Don Richards has re-released his storybook Puffing Billy’s Fabulous First Day.
The former Upwey man has had a love of the iconic steam train since he was a boy.
“We lived in a flat in Station Street and Puffing Billy ran past our house every day,” he said.
As a child, Mr Richards and his mates would travel on the steam train all the time.
But he said it wasn’t until 2000 that he had the desire to put pen to paper and write a book about the tourist train.
Mr Richards first released the book in 2003 but has now decided to reprint the popular picture book.
The book was about Puffing Billy’s first ever trip on 18 December 1900.
The picture book was put together with the help of renowned illustrator WEG (William Ellis Green).
The story follows Dan, the train driver as he sets off on Puffing Billy’s first ever trip from Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook.
Now after more than three years, Mr Richards has decided to re-print the book because of Puffing Billy’s continued popularity.
The book costs $9.95 and is now on sale at Puffing Billy in Belgrave or through Yarra Ranges Regional Marketing by calling 5962 5996.