Somerset history trail

THE history of the Somerset region, and the vital role the railway played in building the region, will be on show in April.

The Lowood Railway Station played a vital role the development of the early Somerset region.

THE history of the Somerset region, and the vital role the railway played in building the region, will be on show in April.

The month has been named Somerset Heritage month and will see performance events held at Coominya, Esk and Linville railway stations on April 21, 27-28 respectively.

Somerset Regional Council promotions and tourism officer Bruce Potter said the event would recognise the history of the region.

"We want to encourage community groups to come together for a re-enactment celebrating the construction of the Brisbane Valley railway and the prosperity it fostered," he said.

"The event will have heritage, performance and community values with benefits to tourism and education and it will be a lot of fun for adults and children alike."

Each event will see a rail-head construction camp, from around the turn of the century, set up complete with tents and shelters.

Local actors, dressed in the clothing of the time, will tell tales, poetry music and dance and include spectator participation.

The camps will also include a camp kitchen serving tea and damper and a blacksmith making tools of the era and souvenir rail spikes.

Somerset mayor Graeme Lehmann said the event would see some of the region's best performers telling the story of the Brisbane Valley.

"We have a wonderful selection of local poets, actors, musicians and story tellers who have the ability to really bring this live theatre to life and create a popular annual event," he said.

"The story is there, financial support from council is there and the framework for the re-enactment is in place, all we need is community involvement."

Cr Lehmann said the council was still looking for community members to get involved in the days.

A planning and information evening will be held at the Esk Visitor Information Centre at 6pm next Wednesday.

Local Somerset poets, musicians, actors, historians, artists, builders, labourers and re-enactment groups are all invited to bring their ideas and skills to the table.

For further information phone Somerset promotions and tourism officer Bruce Potter on 5424 4000 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Somerset history trail