Oakfield Park has announced that last weekend’s 24 hour sponsored train relay event has raised the amazing sum of €21,000.00 for the Irish Cancer Society.
To begin the countdown at 6pm on Saturday the 4th May, Sir Gerry & Lady Heather Robinson drove the Duchess of Difflin Steam train on its first trip around the track. Oakfield Park then had the honour of welcoming 90-year-old Michael Gallen to take the footplate for the next lap. As a driver on the original Raphoe to Letterkenny line it was a real trip down memory lane for many people.
The trains continued carrying passengers until darkness descended and the gardens were transformed by the running of the first ever, Midnight Express Train.
This pre-booked trip was completely sold out with extra trains being added later. Passengers were treated to a candlelit tour with floating lanterns on the lakes and glowing braziers around the track.
Alighting at the lakeside castle they were greeted with a glass of bubbly & delicious canapes, whilst being serenaded by the beautiful voice of local singer, Katie Porter. Once back on board the train again, all sorts of treats were in store. A “statue” came to life playing his saxophone, Robin Hood hung out of the trees calling on his trumpet and several ‘man-size’ ducks were to be seen chasing the carriages.
Meanwhile back at the station the live music and drinks at the bar stayed lively into the wee small hours.
Volunteer drivers kept the train going through the early hours of the morning and on into the dawn chorus. On Sunday the gates were flung open for the family fun day with more music, games & food, and of course more train trips.
Huge numbers of home baked cakes were donated for sale & despite the rain Mango Catering’s Airstream Van had constant queues for their tasty burgers. Noel Cunningham oversaw the Grand Duck Race, when 400 ducks were launched to ‘swim’ across the lake. Winners of the Duck Race were Orla McBrearty, Georgina Wallace & Liam Lindsay. Other attractions included a live animal exhibit by Alcorns, from their tropical house and a taxidermy display of wild animals by Clonmany Wildlife Museum. Gareth Wilson from Raphoe correctly guessed that there were 74 balloons inside the Yellow Mini.
At the end of the afternoon Noel Cunningham hosted the final draw for the business sponsorship prize and the three winners were:- Castleross Nursing & Retirement Village, Co. Monaghan; Vinehall Displays, Conference, Exhibition & Event Services, Dublin; & Panavision Ireland from Co. Wicklow. These three lucky companies have won a half day of personal business advice from Sir Gerry Robinson.
At 6pm on Sunday 5th May, after a wonderful but exhausting day, the two trains were driven around on a final and very special lap of honour. All the passengers were ‘survivors’ from the Relay for Life Cancer Society.
Oakfield Park would like to thank everyone who volunteered and gave so much energy and time to the event, not just over the weekend, but in all the days of hard work leading up to it. To all the suppliers who gave their goods and services free we are hugely grateful for their contributions, especially the many local ladies who donated such beautifully home baked cakes for sale. Thanks to the many musicians and singers who entertained our visitors. Finally our thanks to everyone who attended and turned the weekend into a wonderful community celebration to remember for years to come.
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