A masterful prize

There are plenty of reasons to enter the Taranaki Masters Games - including the chance to win some great prizes.

Indoor bowls player Bonnie Read was the winner of last year's prize of a trip on the Forgotten World Highway railcars and says it was unforgettable.

"It was very special to my husband and I as we took the trip on our 45th wedding anniversary." Bonnie and her husband Bill married at the Stratford Anglican Church on January 31, 1970.

Bonnie says another reason the trip was so special to the couple was because they once lived on a farm in Huiroa. "We lived a quarter of a mile past the Huiroa School. My husband Bill grew up there."

Carol Digby, owner operator of the rails, told the couple they could stop wherever they wanted to " but I think she was a bit worried we would never get to Whangamomona as we made numerous stops along the way", says Bonnie.

The couple were particularly impressed by the tunnels along the rails. "They are a real feat of engineering. It was pretty surreal stopping in the middle and turning out the lights, never had we been in such complete darkness."

The couple lunched at Whangamomona, "a long-bearded local guy very kindly turned the cart around for us, we think he was probably the mayor".

While Bonnie has been playing indoor bowls for almost 30 years, last year was the first time she had participated in the Taranaki Masters Games. "It is a wonderful event and I look forward to coming back again this year."

Bonnie thanks the Forgotten Highway Adventures team for donating the prize and to Carol who was "so knowledgeable about the history of the making of the rail track".

All entries into the Taranaki Masters Games go in the draw to win a trip along the Forgotten World Highway. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.taranakielectricitytrust.co.nz/masters-games.htm.