A ride down memory lane: Former Roodepoort mayor visits RSME

The Rand Society of Model Engineers (RSME) received a visit from an old friend on Sunday, June 22, when former Ward 70 councillor – and former mayor of Roodepoort – Alderman Leon Smith dropped in to deliver a very special gift.

Smith, now in his 80s, served for over 20 years as ward councillor for Florida in his younger days, eventually becoming deputy mayor in 1985 and being appointed mayor in 1986.

“In those days, we didn’t have a whole entourage of staff. We did everything ourselves. You could only manage one year as mayor,” he jokes.

Smith was instrumental in bringing the RSME to Florida and, according to him, personally insisted they be granted their current site, as there were initial suggestions to relocate them elsewhere in Len Rutter Park.

“I was adamant they be given this site because it was easily accessible and allowed them to build their railway bridge and tunnel,” he explains.

Smith, who now resides at Kruinpark Retirement Village with his wife, says he lived for 31 years in his house on The Highway before moving to Florida Hills.

“I was always the one who insisted I would never live in a retirement centre, but I’m loving every minute of it,” he chuckles.

“I was going through my things and came across two old books I had forgotten about.”

“They were printed by Caxton Printers in 1951 and are all about the most beautiful old trains, complete with detailed pictures and technical specifications.

“I immediately thought of the RSME train museum as the ideal home for these rare volumes.”

RSME committee member Patrick Ackerman, whose father was a founding member of the society, says it’s an immense honour receiving the books on behalf of the organisation.

“These books are extremely rare, and for those of us who love old trains, they are priceless.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to the alderman for this generous donation.”

Smith ended his visit with a ride on one of the model trains.