Volunteering at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Introduction

Running a preservation railway is an interesting and varied task and now that the railway is operating service to Duffield we need your help.

There are many roles to be performed!

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering can be very rewarding. There is an opportunity to make a real difference to the community, have fun doing a new hobby and make many new friends. Not to mention the added bonus of helping to build up experience in many areas. In reverse, you may have the skills that we desire to help further the project and make a real difference.

How much time do I have to put in?

There is no set amount of time for volunteering, whether it be one day in three months or several days a week, everybody is welcome.

How much does it cost me to volunteer?

Joining our team requires membership to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association (EVRA). This membership will get you basic site working insurance, as well as quarterly magazines. This costs around £20 a year.

We hope that you choose to start your new hobby with us!

What sort of roles are there?

Booking Hall & Station Staff

Running passenger services require many station staff to be the face of the railway.

The Booking Hall at Wirksworth is the place where tickets and products are sold and as a result can provide volunteers with an exciting day meeting members of the public who visit the railway.

Once the passengers have passed through the Booking Hall, they leisurely make their way towards the departing trains.

Members of the team help them on their way by opening doors and having general chatter about the railway. Volunteers are required to assist our Buffet Car Supervisor in serving food and managing the catering facilities.

We are continually looking for staff to perform these roles. We require staff at both Wirksworth and Duffield on operating days!

Permanent Way

For those who are feeling energetic, working on the Permanent Way (Track Gang) is a great way to keep yourself fit whilst also making a massive difference to our project.

The track is in continuous need of maintenance with use. The Permanent Way Gang has many members who provide light-hearted humour to make the task interesting and enjoyable.

It doesn't matter if you don't know anything about tracks - all are welcome!

Permanent Way work traditionally takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

On Train Crew

Ever fancied becoming a member of a Steam Train 'Footplate Crew', a Diesel Train 'Driver', or a 'Guard'?

The majority of passenger trains have a Driver, Guard and a Third Man. We are looking for people to join and progress into these roles.

Upon joining the railway, you will start by being a Third Man.

This involves travelling onboard services learning the route of the valley whilst opening the level crossing gates at Gorsey Bank and Idridgehay to allow the train to pass.

Upon gaining the required aptitude, you can progress to learn to drive one of our heritage trains or become a Guard who is in charge of the train. The Guard plays an important role in managing train departures, events on board as well as talking to the general public.

We will increasingly be requiring volunteers for operating our steam locomotive. This requires you to have been a member of the railway for a short while before training to learn how railways operate.

Maintenance & Restoration

This area is very important to ensure that we have correctly maintained and pleasant vehicles for the public to enjoy.

Due to the age of the majority of our rolling stock many tasks are performed on a weekly basis, from mechanical servicing to internal woodwork.

Of course, gaining the knowledge in this area is difficult unless you are already a skilled workman, but our friendly team will share their knowledge of the area to pass on the skills.

Simply restoring a Diesel Railcar involves mechanical, electrical, carpentry, joinery, painting and many other interesting and unusual tasks.

Currently, vehicle maintenance and restoration is mostly performed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Permanent Way Gang under Cemetry Lane Bridge.jpg

What is the age range?

The railway can accept volunteers from the age of 16.

There is currently no upper age limit to working on the railway, though working on the track or operating a vehicle requires a reasonable level of health.

How do I get started?

Firstly, please fill out our volunteer enquiry form here: https://forms.office.com/e/ePZZ4f6fSX

Alternatively, you can call our team on 01629 823076 to express your interest.

Depending upon which department(s) you're interested to volunteering in, one of the department team leads will contact you to give you more information on what to expect and your suitability for the role(s).

Following initial conversations, and if you find volunteering at the railway is definitely for you, you will be invited to an induction day where you will be given a site tour, issued with the EVR volunteer handbook, and arrangements will be made for you to obtain EVRA membership.

EVRA membership provides volunteers with site working insurance when volunteering on the railway. You can obtain EVRA membership before becoming a volunteer should you wish, where you'll be able to keep up-to-date with the railway's activities through our quarterly newsletter.

You can become a member of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association by visiting our membership page here.