There has never been a better time to become
a volunteer on the
Churnet Valley Railway !
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.
In the space of
six years the railway's grown from a 100 yard ride within Cheddleton yard
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.
In turn for this
offer of help, each person receives something rather unique: -
A chance to: -
meet different
people and make new friends
work in a
friendly 1950s atmosphere
meet and deal
with the public
learn and
develop new skills
enjoy the
stunning Staffordshire Countryside at its best
put something
back into the local community
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.
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.
Consall
Station, just as it would have been in the 1950s
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.
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.
One of the
new borders recently created at Consall Station
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.
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.
S160, 5197,
being coaled at Cheddleton by the MPD
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.
Commercial
Department
If you're not
particularly interested in trains then the Commercial Department
may well be what you're looking for, responsible for such things
as staffing the souvenir shop, the station refreshment rooms and
the on-train buffet. 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', 'Friends of Thomas', 'The Ghost Train' and 'Santa &
Steam'.
Three
suspicious looking characters seen at Froghall during the
'Station at War' event
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.
Signalling
Department
The Signalling
Engineering Department is responsible for the installation and
maintenance of the railway's signalling equipment along its
entire length. The work covers a wide range of activities ranging
from electrical and mechanical engineering through to
refurbishing and painting of signalling equipment.
Members of
the Signalling Department inspecting points near Consall Station
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.
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.
Maintenance
work between Consall and Kingsley & Froghall
Almost
exclusively outdoors, there is no better place to be than
track-side on a hot Summer's afternoon in the Churnet Valley
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.
Civils
Department fencing at Kingsley & Froghall station
A superb
opportunity to get into the great outdoors whilst contributing
something worthwhile to society.
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.
Overhead telephone
lines being installed at Kingsley &
Froghall
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.
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 1950s
Diesel Multiple Unit under restoration at Oakamoor
And finally
finished in its original colours
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.
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
Please contact
us for further details of
any of the jobs described above.
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.
