HELP PRESERVE A RAIL LEGACY

Volunteers have been the lifeblood of the heritage railway sector from its very inception... millions of hours from many thousands of enthusiasts over many decades have built and maintained so many of the attractions we perhaps today take for granted as being fixtures on our tourism and heritage landscape. The tasks undertaken range from the hidden and thankless, to the ‘glamorous’ and public-facing. Raising funds, raising steam, applying for grants, lending expertise, lending muscle, some requiring technical expertise or simply a steady painting hand... there are so many roles. Before the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis hit the UK, many heritage groups were thriving. Most weekends through the year saw enthusiast galas or family events at various locations around the UK. But many places were mothballed as lockdowns were imposed, and some events have simply not returned as groups struggle to fully recover, with many volunteers having left the sector. Be the answer Now, heritage lines and groups around the UK are calling out for help... and maybe YOU could be the answer – not by dipping into your wallet (although that is always welcome), but by donating valuable time. Volunteering allows you to get ‘hands on’ in your hobby, and getting involved with your local railway brings many benefits, such as making new friends, becoming more active, going behind the scenes in areas you may not have a chance to as a regular visitor... and it can lead to exclusive opportunities and experiences. The volunteers of the past have helped create so many wonderful places, locomotives and opportunities... why not step forward and help preserve that legacy by giving your local line a call?