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Becoming
a Volunteer
There has never been a better time |
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And the reason for this is very simple. After years and years of slow but steady toil, starting as far back as 1973 when Cheddleton Station was saved from demolition, the Churnet Valley Railway is now really 'taking off' and is currently going through the busiest and most exciting phase of its development so far. |
The railway has grown from a Steam Centre with a 300 yard demonstration line within Cheddleton yard in the 1980's to what we have today - Leekbrook through to Kingsley & Froghall, a total of 5.5 miles each way. Expansion and development is rapid with something new appearing almost every week, this being set to continue with plans to expand the railway one mile north to Leek to a new station site. Almost all of the development and operational work on the railway is done by volunteers who have decided to spend some of their free time helping out one of the many departments that are required to keep the railway running. |
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In turn for
this offer of help, each person receives something rather
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Click here
for a membership application form and optional Gift Aid form
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| The departments are listed below. Most need new members, whether it be every Sunday, once a month or just whenever you can spare the time. Whichever department you are interested in, you'll be assured of a warm welcome should you wish to become involved. | ||
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Station Staff Under this heading comes the Ticket Office Staff, Travelling Ticket Inspectors and Platform Staff. As is often said, it's first impressions that count and the station staff are the public face of our railway. It is their job to portray the railway as a friendly and professionally run operation where they instantly feel welcome and at home.  |
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| If you are naturally helpful and friendly and would like to be able to go back to a time where life was taken at a less hectic pace, consider joining the station staff at one of our three stations. A warm welcome and full on the job training will be given to all Station Staff volunteers. | ||
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Stations & Gardens: Stations and gardens, as the name suggests, involves looking after things like painting the stations, creating and maintaining the gardens and introducing all the little touches that give the stations their period feel. It doesn't matter if you're not a professional decorator, nor does it matter if you can't tell your weeds from your plants. All we ask is that you share the department's enjoyment in creating something worthwhile for the pleasure of others. |
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Motive Power Department: As the name implies, the Motive Power Department deals with all matters concerning the railway's diesel and steam locomotives. It is a well known fact of life that all machinery requires maintenance and elderly locomotives more so than most. So, understandably, much of the department's time is spent toiling in all situations to keep these mechanical leviathans in good running order. |
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| Whilst the work can be dirty and physically demanding, it has recompense by involving its members in work that ensures that these priceless locomotives run reliably and survive for future generations to enjoy. | ||
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Commercial Department: The Commercial Department is responsible for such things as staffing the souvenir shop and the station refreshment rooms. All of these offer great opportunities to meet and chat with our visitors and make new friends as, sooner or later, everyone on the railway needs a cup of tea ! The Commercial Department also gets involved in Special Events such as 'Station at War', 'Wizard's Express', 'The Ghost Train' and 'Santa & Steam'. |
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If you are
prepared to dress up and act out one of our special event roles you will
find the experience both different and great fun.
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Signalling Department The Signalling Engineering Department is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the railway's signalling equipment along its entire length. |
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The work covers a wide range of activities ranging from electrical and mechanical engineering through to refurbishing and painting of signalling equipment. | ||
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Consall Signal Box
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Members
of the Signalling Department inspecting points near Consall Station
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| Installation of signal boxes and associated signalling all form part of the Signalling Department's work. No prior knowledge of railway signalling is required, just an enthusiasm for signalling and the Churnet Valley Railway. | |||
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Permanent Way Department The Permanent Way Department is responsible for the maintenance and installation of the track and associated equipment on the railway. Whilst fairly physically demanding, the work is varied, necessary and rewarding. Almost exclusively outdoors, there is no better place to be than track-side on a hot Summer's afternoon in the Churnet Valley |
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Maintenance
work between Consall and Kingsley & Froghall
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Civil Engineering Department The Civil Engineering Department is responsible for the maintenance and refurbishment of the many bridges, platforms, crossings and fences along the Churnet Valley line. The department is an amiable group who are able to accommodate all trades and skills or teach a new one if required. A superb opportunity to get into the great outdoors whilst contributing something worthwhile to society. |
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Civils
Department fencing at Kingsley & Froghall station
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Telecomms Department The Telecomms Department is responsible for the installation, maintenance and development of the railway's internal telephone system. The work is both interesting and varied and includes the restoration and installation of 1950s telephone equipment which performs a necessary function as well as complementing the railway's 1950s theme. It also includes the installation and maintenance of underground signalling and telephone cables as well as the day-to-day maintenance of three 1960s Strowger electro-mechanical telephone exchanges that are in daily use. No prior knowledge of telephone systems is required but an understanding of electrical principals would be an advantage. |
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Overhead
telephone lines being installed at Kingsley & Froghall
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Carriage & Wagon Department The Carriage & Wagon Department is responsible for the maintenance and refurbishment of the railway's rolling stock. One of the most varied jobs around, work includes carpentry, metalwork, electrical work and painting. A huge amount of satisfaction can be gained from helping turn a derelict rusting item of rolling stock into a functioning thing of beauty that is preserved for future generations to use and enjoy. No experience is necessary but general DIY skills are an advantage. |
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A
1950s Diesel Multiple Unit under restoration at Oakamoor
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Restoration Team
inside the Coach Shed
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And
finally finished in its original colours
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Other Departments Vacancies also exist for guards, crossing keepers and signalmen. Once again, no previous experience is necessary as full on-the-job training will be given where necessary. All can be very rewarding and a worthwhile way to spend your spare time.
The Next Move ......... is really down to you
You will be made very welcome by our Volunteer Co-ordinator who will get in touch with you by e-mail or telephone and offer you an opportunity to visit the railway. The operation and structure of the railway will be explained and you will be shown around any departments that you feel you may like to join. There is no obligation what so ever to become a volunteer (and you will be left to make a decision in your own time without any pressure) but we're confident that we have something to offer most people. Even for one day or less each month, we would genuinely value your contribution. We look forward to meeting you soon. * Note that under Health & Safety rules, minimum age requirements may apply to certain jobs. |
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