Teaming up with Bodmin & Wenford Railway staff members, 25 Network Rail volunteers helped smarten up the railway ready for the return of the Santa Specials this month.

The tidy up saw platforms cleared of fallen leaves at Bodmin General, overgrown vegetation around the signal box and fences and a wall in the visitor car park, cleaned and painted.

After an incredible effort from both staff and Network Rail volunteers, the heritage railway which is based in Cornwall is now ready to welcome the return of their well-loved Santa Specials which sadly could not run during 2020 due to the pandemic.

Lee Hildreth, Network Rail project manager, said: “It was great to come together and volunteer at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and utilise our skills and experience to do something that will benefit the community.

“The Santa Special gives a boost to the local economy and we wanted to help add a touch of festive magic to the heritage railway.

“As well as working to spruce up the facilities, the time away from our usual roles provided us with a great opportunity to spend time together and talk about safety, mental health and wellbeing.

“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community and we hope to be able to work with Bodmin & Wenford Railway on similar projects in the future.”

Jenna Kirkpatrick, marketing and commercial co-ordinator, Bodmin & Wenford Railway said: “We were delighted to have so many Network Rail volunteers join us for the day at Bodmin & Wenford Railway.

“It allowed us to tick off a number of jobs ahead of our Santa Special trains. Without volunteers our railway would not be what it is. Their energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and we hope to work with Network Rail again in the future.”

The Santa Specials will run right through December for the run-up to Christmas with passengers able to enjoy a fabulously festive 13-mile journey starting from Bodmin General station on the weekends of the 4th & 5th,  11th & 12th and 17th & 24th of December.

Tickets for the Santa Specials must be booked in advance. To find out more information or to book tickets please visit the Bodmin and Wenford Railway

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