The event will start with a presentation from historians Robyn Florance and Alan Clark about the opening of the line in 1893.

The presentations will be followed upstairs in the library with a launch of a collection of never-before-seen photos showing the construction of the railway.  

These will be a focal point of Kiama's celebration of this important milestone and will be available for the general public for a period after the launch at our meeting and for two weeks or so afterwards. 

“We are very fortunate to have Robyn and Alan from Shoalhaven Historical Society as our guest speakers,” KDHS member Gillian Spooner said. 

“Both are accomplished authors and Robyn is currently writing a book Going South: Constructing the Railway from Kiama to Bomaderry to be published by the Shoalhaven Historical Society.” 

Further celebrations to mark the 125^th anniversary will be held at Gerringong and Berry on Saturday, June 2.

DETAILS: Saturday, May 26 at 2.30pm in the Kiama Family History, Railway Parade, Kiama.

Celebrations are also planned at Berry and Gerringong to mark the 125^th anniversary of the railway extension for Saturday, June 2.

Those interested in visiting Berry Railway Station can meet at Gerringong Station at 11.45am to catch the 12pm train to Berry.  

At Berry Station members of Berry Historical Society will meet the train. They will then give a talk on the Station Master’s Cottage, and the Berry Station Master will conduct a tour of the old signal box and other items of historical interest.

Following which, there will be free time to purchase lunch at Berry before catching the 2.30pm train back to Gerringong. 

At Gerringong, activities will commence at 2.45pm and run until 4pm at the old Gerringong Dairy Co-Operative building alongside Gerringong Station.

There will be a display of old photographs of the railway and a tour of the facility, now set up as a function centre.

Ian Godfrey, from Gerringong, who has written a history of the co-op, will speak about the importance of the railway siding to the Dairy Company throughout its history.

Ken Miller will speak and answer questions about his memories as a child using the line in the 1930s and 1940s. Ken has some fascinating facts and memories to share.  

Tea and Coffee will be available. There is no charge, nor need to book.

Celebrations at Bomaderry are being organised by Shoalhaven Historical Society and Pride of Bomaderry.

On Sunday, June 3, a decorated train will leave Kiama at 11.53am, stop at Gerringong at 12.02pm, and arrive at Bomaderry at 12.22pm, as part of the normal timetable.

It will be an Endeavour class in latest livery with headboards on both ends of the train advertising the celebration.

Nowra Town Band will play at Bomaderry Station, a plaque will be unveiled to commemorate the event, and an anniversary cake will be cut.

Dignitaries present will include Kiama  MP Gareth Ward and Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley.

There will be a display of historical photographs at the station.

Festivities will move to Waratah Park, where there will be musicians, a book launch, games and vintage cars.

Trains return from Bomaderry at 2.29pm and 4.33pm.