Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Railway highlights its volunteering opportunities

* Repairing  a 60-year old Class 26 locomotive’s traction motors (above) to dressing up as elves to help Santa for Christmas (below) are some of the volunteering opportunities on offer. 


Llangollen Railway will be launching new volunteer recruitment activities throughout this year.

It will also be hosting an inaugural open day on Saturday February 25 with the aim of showcasing volunteer opportunities across all areas of the railway.

A railway spokesperson said: "We have ambitious plans for 2023, with our brand new station in Corwen opening, a busy schedule of trains to run, a lot of improvement work scheduled on our track and infrastructure, teas, sandwiches and delicious cakes to make and serve, gardens to plant and tidy, stations to paint and popular special events like our Classic Transport weekend to run. 

"We also welcome people who would be interested in supporting the Business, Governance and Board management side of the railway. It’s a challenging but amazing time for us.

The spokesperson added: "Whatever you’re interested in doing, if you can spare any time, we will be taking you up on it.

"Of course, we welcome people with prior experience, transferable skills or specialist technical knowledge, but that is not vital. Enthusiasm, interest and commitment are far more important. 

"No prior knowledge, experience or skills are necessary for getting involved as a volunteer – in fact we actively encourage people to try something new or different from their day job – that’s what volunteering is all about. Whatever you may choose to have a go at, full training is provided, whether you’re looking after our passengers as they arrive or helping to rebuild a 90 year old steam locomotive.

"There really is something for everyone in the volunteering experience – be it front-of-house, back-of-house, somewhere in-between or a bit of everything.

"Many volunteers get involved in several different things - you’re not expected to stick to one job. You may see someone dressed as an elf at Christmas who is then getting stuck in to repairing the track. Whatever you want to try your hand at the only real requirement is to be safe and trained to do it - and be willing to get stuck in."

The railway says places are limited so potential volunteers are being encouraged to register as soon as possible by emailing vlo@llangollen-railway.co.uk or telephoning 01978 860979 during office hours.

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