Much of the runaway success of the Geltwood Festival Model Railway Display in Millicent over the weekend can be attributed to the calibre of the five exhibits.

Hundreds marvelled in the Millicent RSL Hall each day at the talents of the exhibitors who put together layouts to delight young and old.

Of the three out-of-towners who accepted the invitation of the Limestone Coast Model Railway Group to participate was one with a past association with Millicent.

The Reverend Doctor Vernon Cracknell brought his G scale layout dubbed “Rosemount 2” from Adelaide.

He set the layout at floor level so children could sit on the carpet runners at close quarters.

All the Rosemount 2 structures, animals, figures and two-sided back scene were hand-made as well as some of the rolling stock.

Exhibition organiser Arthur O’Connell paid tribute to Dr Cracknell and his willingness to support the first such display in Millicent since 2019.

Now aged well into his 80s, Dr Cracknell took an interest in model railways several years ago after he was widowed.

His working life had been devoted to the ministry of the Methodist and Uniting churches.

Dr Cracknell was transferred from Riverton to the Millicent Methodist Parish at the beginning of 1967.

Three years later, he followed the call to go to Wallaroo.

It was a busy time in Millicent for the Cracknells as one of their four children was born here.

“I was a member of the Millicent Rotary Club and Scouts while the Millicent parish at that time included the Methodist churches at Mount Burr, Tantanoola and Beachport,” Dr Cracknell said.

“Back in those days, ministers would also take Religious Instruction lessons in local schools.”

Dr Cracknell moved out of parish ministry and was a lecturer at the Parkin Wesley Uniting Church theological college in Adelaide from 1988-2004.

“I celebrate 60 years as an ordained minister later in 2022,” he said.