Railway Volunteer – VH139

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway; Walsingham, Wells; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job description

Overview

The Wells and Walsingham light railway are looking for volunteers for a range of different roles, starting February 2024.

Available roles

• Guard: This is a safety critical role which involves working outside. Your duties include preparing the train for passengers, cleaning the seats, checking door locks, welcoming and assisting passengers at Wells and Walsingham stations, issuing tickets prior to departure and taking payment via cash or card. It is essential to ensure the safety of the train and passengers at all times. Guards travel aboard each train, keeping a general lookout to ensure passenger safety and signal to the driver. Full training will be given. Duties as guard are typically 9:30am – 5:00pm or 9:00am – 6:00pm, subject to the season. Regular commitment is preferred for this role, ideally 1 day per week, but this can be flexible as discussed.
• Steam raiser: This is a safety critical role. Working in the engine shed, the Steam raiser is responsible for ensuring that the locomotive is in steam, presentable and ready for service 1 hour before the first train is due to depart. Ensure that the locomotive shed is tidy and all items are put away. Complete the signing on checklist with details of any faults discovered and any alterations. Full training will be given. This is a flexible role but regular commitment is helpful.
• Duty Manager: This is a safety critical role which involves working outside. The Duty Manager is in charge of the operation of the railway while on duty and will normally be based at Wells station. Ensure that all staff are competent to carry out their rostered duties and are in a fit state to do so. Complete the signing on checklist with details of any faults discovered, alterations or work carried out during the duty. Ensure the station is safe, the track is clear and all points are correctly set and locked before admitting the passenger train into or out of the station. During the day, ensure a ready supply of coal for the loco crew for the next day’s operation and note the quality of the water at the water tower. Full training will be given for the role.
• Volunteer drivers: This is your chance to fulfil a dream of becoming a train driver. Full training will be given and you will be working with a group of like-minded volunteers.
• Gardeners & General Maintenance: If you’re green-fingered or handy, we have a role for you. Help us keep the place safe, clean, in good order and presentable for our passengers. You can also get involved in the restoration of our Victorian GER carriages.

Time commitment

Dependant on the role you are interested in, starting from the new season February 2024.

About the organisation

Regular steam trains from the seaside town of Wells next the Sea to the beautiful village of Walsingham, with its famous Abbey and shrines. Sit back and enjoy the nostalgic and atmospheric sights, sounds and smells of steam travel. Clanking over and under bridges, past a hill-fort and an abandoned platform, you get to choose between a mooch in Walsingham or the hustle and bustle of the beach and shops of Wells.

How to apply

If you are interested in this role and would like to apply or would like more information, contact the Volunteer Hub at Merchants’ Place –
E: [e-mail]
T: 01263 519454

Alternatively, you can complete an online registration form and your details will be sent to us directly. A link for the form can be found on our Volunteer Hub page on our website.