THE first time Berwick mum Stacey Faletoese stepped onto the Puffing Billy platform – she was the 10 millionth passenger to ride on the iconic steam train.
Last Thursday, she was travelling on the train with her husband Lucas, their four-year-old son Tepa and 13-week-old daughter Mia.
“I wasn’t aware that Puffing Billy was so close to achieving such a huge milestone – we had just decided last night (Wednesday) to have a family outing to Puffing Billy as we had never been on Puffing Billy before and thought we’d make the most of the nice autumn weather,” she said.
“So it was a big surprise to be told I was the 10 millionth passenger to board the train.
“It will be my new claim to fame and a memory my family and I will remember and talk about for a long time.”
Puffing Billy CEO John Robinson credited the huge band of volunteers and staff who have worked to keep the restored railway alive and make it a premier tourist attraction.
“This achievement would never have been possible without all of our wonderful passengers who continue to visit us each and every year and share the Puffing Billy experience with their friends and family,” he said.
“We have passengers that have been riding the railway for many, many years and also babies and children who are experiencing their first ride.”
As part of the milestone celebrations, Puffing Billy Railway is running a competition on Facebook and Instagram encouraging people to share a photo of their favourite Puffing Billy ride or experience by tagging @puffingbilly #puffingbilly.
There are prizes to be won.
