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PETER FOREMAN has been
permanently living on our Island for the last 14 years, but has been
holidaying here since ’52. His Uncle George “Gentleman “Smith, a
professional fisherman, was born on the Island (Western Boulevard-near
Steamer Landing)
Peter is a retired
schoolteacher spending some 9 years at Dromana Secondary School, as
well as doing a stint at Ferntree Gully Tech.
He has built every bit
of the house he lives in and Buddy, a Staffy/ Kelpie cross, keeps him
company. As he tells us Buddy was dumped at Bemm River and Peter
picked him up from the Bairnsdale dog pound. They have been
inseparable since.
Apart from his passion
for trains, Peter is a founding member of the original
group which has now over
200 members state wide. When first launched there was some government
funding available but since then the organization has been reduced to,
what Peter calls: “Begging”.
They
teaches
ethical and sustainable fishing practices in schools and conducts
workshops during school holidays. As well as many other activities .
Peter’s passion for
trains was ignited when he was twelve. He had seen others getting
great enjoyment from this hobby and he wanted to be part of the
Brotherhood of Train Fanatics. When 12 years of age he saw the train
set he wanted to buy. There were two problems, one the cost was 22
Pounds and two, he didn’t have a penny to his name. So he started
mowing neighborhood lawns and did so for 10 months to become the proud
owner of his first train set…
Today, he owns one of
the most extensive train networks you’d wish to see. The set takes up
almost the entire huge outside shed.
When asked how much he
had spent on the current set, he explained that a lot of the trains he
bought overseas, but the local value would be in the vicinity of $
9000. “Plus the 22 pounds spent on the original set. Don’t forget that
one!” he adds.
Peter is happy to show
his train set to the young and young at heart. He does ask you to
phone first to make sure he’s home. …..AND… children are more than
welcome, but only in the company of an adult.
“It’s a hobby.” Peter
says. “I have never charged any money for letting people enjoy my
collection. But, there is a money box which will accept donations for
the Paynesville Ambulance Auxiliary.”
Peter Foreman… 54 Tenth
Ave. 5156 6083
Ps:
For the technically
minded: The train set is a LBG brand, made in Germany and is on a No 1
gauge ,with 45 mm between rails. 22.5 scale
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