The three-day event which took place from Friday the 22nd to Sunday the 24th of April saw volunteers get behind the railway and welcome visitors for the Spring Gala at Midsomer Norton South.

The Gala featured a rigorous timetable for all three days sometimes seeing up to 5 locomotives in operation, including the new resident Class 107 DMU.

The DMU ran its first passenger services through the event and provided a different aspect to the railway which was extremely popular with visitors.

Freight train demonstrations were also taking place throughout the event between passenger trains, which provided a great opportunity for the hard-working carriage and waggon volunteers to show off their impeccable work on the freight set alongside the more recently renovated Second Corridor (SK) coach.

Friday the 22nd did see some rather dreary weather with the Railway Miniature Buffet (RMB) seeing a selection of hot soups as their top-selling item. Luckily the weather warmed up for the rest of the event. A lot of visitors also enjoyed the patio area and the well-maintained station garden which are looked after by the railway’s award-winning gardening team.

Special events and galas provide a great chance for the majority of Somerset and Dorset Railway volunteers to work together during the same period. The use of Joyce, Austin 1, the 03, the 08, the DMU and a 3 coach train meant that including drivers, firemen/second men, guards, signallers, trainees, cleaners and responsible officers over 20 operationally qualified volunteers were required to operate the trains.

Off the tracks, further volunteer support was also needed for the platform, shop, buffet and museum with around 40 staff members required each day with the devoted volunteers turning out each day in order to make the event the success that it has been.

Volunteers are always welcome at the Somerset and Dorset Railway with positions available for everyone with ages ranging from 16 to 84. A good array of jobs are available through all departments on the railway, supported by practical work and behind the scenes positions. Relevant skills are useful but are not essential as training can be provided where required.

If you would like to become a volunteer with the Somerset and Dorset Railway, please see the volunteer’s section on the website which also features current vacancies: https://sdjr.co.uk/volunteering