A heritage railway in Northumberland is going full steam ahead as it attempts to recruit new volunteers to cope with its soaring popularity.
Since opening to the public in 2012, a team of dedicated volunteers has restored and lovingly created a heritage railway with the aim of reconnecting the Lionheart Station in Alnwick back to the East Coast Mainline at Alnmouth along the old Alnwick branch line. The line crosses the Cawledge Viaduct and the railway is roughly half way to Alnmouth, which was recently named one of the top 10 places rail users would most like to visit in the country.
Having featured on BBC TV programme Great British Coastal Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo, the railway's popularity has increased further and now it is holding a volunteer fair to fill a variety of roles including train guards, drivers and working in customer services in the café and museum. There is also a behind the scenes operation including marketing and promotion, admin, managing the site and working in the engine shed.
Read more: Four North East locations named in top 10 places rail users would most like to visit
Michael Proctor, Chairman of the Aln Valley Railway, said: " 2022 is a particularly important year for the railway, as it is 10 years since work first started on Lloyd's field. In that time, our dedicated band of volunteers have turned a farmer's field with no facilities and an overgrown length of trackbed into a working railway that grows in popularity every year.
"As we look forward to welcoming visitors each new season, we can also celebrate that huge achievement and thank everyone that has played a part, however small, in making it all possible. As the work, the complexity of our operations and the popularity of the railway increases, we need even more volunteers."
The Aln Valley Railway has no staff and is run exclusively by volunteers. On the open day, those interested will be able to speak to current volunteers from all departments, and take a ride on any of a steam, diesel or pacer train.
Gemma Maughan, Aln Valley Railway Trustee, said: " We hope that this special Volunteer Recruitment Fair will showcase the railway and the many roles which are vital to its success – and that it will help people think about volunteering. Whatever your abilities and experience, no matter whether you can spare just one day or can volunteer on a regular basis, your railway needs you and you will be very welcome. Please come along and talk to us on 1st October!"
Ahead of the volunteer event, the Railway is also hosting a double steam event on the weekend of September 24 and 25, with two Hudswell Clarke steam locomotives, Jennifer and Richboro in action.
The Aln Valley Railway's volunteer open day takes place on Saturday October 1 from 10.30am - 3pm. To find out more about the Aln Valley Railway, visit the website.
Would you give volunteering on the Aln Valley Railway a go? Let us know!
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