Become a Volunteer
Whatever your skills and regardless of how much time you have, there are many ways you can get involved and help us build and enjoy running our miniature railway.
Being an inclusive community project we welcome members from all walks of life, ranging from those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), young members supporting technical career paths and members who join us to socialise, thus reducing loneliness for some retired and isolated community members.
Apart from building and operating a railway, we provide a structured social calendar for members, ranging from Summer BBQ’s, members only running, interest talks, and field trips to more established railways of whom we have valuable links with. These can all include family and friends of members.
“This group has achieved so much in such a short time, and is going from strength to strength each time we meet. We have a very diverse workforce and skill set, and everyone is happy to help and mentor each other. I genuinely look forward to every meeting”
James Cobbett (Group Secretary and founding member)
“Having recently turned 16 (April’21), the support and mentoring from other members has been brilliant and has provided the foundations for a future career in engineering. Plus, I absolutely love driving the trains!”
James Richmond (member since 2018)
TYPICAL WORK AREAS
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Track building, signalling and infrastructure
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Building refurbishment and new structures
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Landscaping and conservation
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Engines and Rolling stock building and maintenance
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Juniors Locomotive project
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Wagon restoration
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Become a train driver, guard, station master, and signalman.
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Ticket sales and shop
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Organise and run events and public running days
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Social member events
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Health and Safety, Operations
All Training provided. Plus, we thrive on our members passing on their extensive knowledge to others providing a unique and organic up-skilling of other members.
Sounds interesting? Then get in touch: -
ITS NOT ALL ABOUT TRAINS!
Not all our members have an interest in trains. Whilst the building of the railway itself provides the backbone of the community group, and the ultimate running of the railway providing a unique asset to the wider community, many of our members have interests in lots of other areas such as carpentry, engineering, gardening, conservation, and wildlife to name a few.
We are very fortunate to be building our railway in such a scenic location, next to the river, and within the beautiful grounds of Russells Garden Centre, with its secret quarry garden, wetlands walks, hedge maze, and specialist horticulturists. There is literally something for everyone to enjoy and perfect for supporting members wellbeing and a sense of purpose in the community.