I had originally planned a trip with a friend to Scone Races in late June 2022. We were then to travel on to Tamworth for a few days .I caught Covid at the end of June, so that was the end of that. And there was a rail strike to deal with in this travel mix.
Instead, I decided to alter my plans, and to travel this time by train to Tamworth on Thursday July 21 2022. Teddy, my Cavalier went to his dog minders, Nancy and Fred on Wednesday morning along with his bed, some toys and food. I then packed my permitted 5kg bag, which had expanded somewhat.
The train left promptly at 930am.The staff member had thoughtfully separated the passengers to one to a seat. It was a pleasant journey; my hot lunch was lovely –turkey, vegetables, bread roll and a juice. I read a book, which helped pass the time.
The train stopped at Werris Creek for 20 minutes or so, to allow the rear of the train to be unbuckled, as it goes on to Moree.
The train arrived in Tamworth at almost 4pm. I was then able to take a ten minute walk down Brisbane Street to the CH Boutique Hotel. My room was in the restored heritage wing, and was very comfortable. I can recommend this hotel. The motels are largely located out of the CBD, which makes access harder to the CBD if you did not have a car.
I had been up since 530am Thursday morning, so I was tired. I ate dinner in the bar, as the hotel’s restaurant was booked out. A concert was being held in town on Thursday night, and people were enjoying a pre-show dinner.
Friday morning after breakfast, I had a look at the shops in the main street, Peel Street. At noon, I went to the hairdressers, Runway in Peel Street for a tint. Georgia looked after me, and I settled on a different colour. She told me what restaurants to eat at, and we also chatted about some local matters, whilst she attended to my hair.
It is always good to get the local news at the hairdressers! When I was in Orange in early April 2022, I had a haircut before driving to Carcoar for lunch with a former Arncliffe, Sydney resident. Teddy came with me and sat next to me on the floor as my hair was cut. Country hairdressers don’t mind if you take your dog with you to your appointment.
At almost 2pm, I called for a taxi and went out to the racecourse to attend the race meeting. I forgot to take my warm coat, as it had been warm in the morning .The taxi driver warned me that it is open and that it will be cold.
I was asked a number of times “if i had a horse running today”. It was pleasing to see a number of female jockeys riding. I had a look at the horses in their stables; a couple of horses came with a mate –a gorgeous pony. I chatted to one of the 2 bookmakers, who had grown up in Campsie in Sydney.
After race 7, I caught a taxi into town. I was so cold that I had to leave ……Dinner on Friday night was in the restaurant, which was very busy. The hotel food was wonderful.
Saturday morning, I did what some of the locals do-I bought a newspaper and went to a coffee shop to read it, whilst enjoying my coffee. The front page of the newspaper featured Tamworth’s new multi- million dollar industrial precinct. This proposal is attracting interest from big manufacturing businesses. Tamworth is certainly moving ahead.
In this café, family groups were meeting for lunch, and groups of ladies were enjoying coffee or lunch .Town was busy on Saturday morning. My friend, Bonnie was due from Inverell at 1pm, so I filled my time in whilst waiting on her.
Bonnie and I went to Maguires Pub for a late lunch. Then, we drove up to the Oxley Lookout, which provided panoramic views over Tamworth, and the Peel River Valley. We finally worked out that the airport is on the road to Gunnedah .Then we drove to the Big Guitar, and the Tourist Information Centre.
Unfortunately, the restaurant we wanted to eat at was booked out on Saturday night. Dinner was at Banjos at the Wests Club. After dinner, we returned to the hotel. I had to return to Sydney on Sunday by coach, due to track work. Fortunately, the coach stopped only at Scone for lunch, Hornsby and then Central Station. The coach left Tamworth at possibly 10.45am, and arrived at Central at 5.15pm. I then caught the train to Kogarah, and a friend picked me up at Kogarah Station.
