The Spa Valley Railway at Tunbridge Wells in Kent is keen to recruit volunteers of all ages to add to its existing team of volunteers who together run the much-loved heritage railway.

On Monday, 8th May the railway is holding a Volunteers Day which is the ideal time for anyone who wishes to learn about the railway or to become a volunteer.

Two of the railway’s current volunteers, Brian Halford and Chris Bower, will lead the event which will be held between 10am and 1pm at Tunbridge Wells West Station, which is next to Sainsbury’s. Visitors should note that Sainsbury’s car park is for Sainsbury’s customers only, but there is plenty of other car parking in nearby car parks.
The day will start with an introductory talk followed by an opportunity for visitors to put their questions to other volunteers about the various departments and the roles available at the railway.

During the session, potential volunteers can tour the locomotive shed, visit the shop, and, look inside the ticket office. Anyone who is specifically interested in locomotive maintenance or working in the workshops can take part in a separate tour with a member of the locomotive maintenance or workshop staff.

The railway’s commercial manager Jonnie Pay said “Volunteering can be anything from a few hours a week to much more, it’s whatever spare time you may have to come and help us. All volunteering is important to us as we are a 100% volunteer-led railway. It’s also a great way to meet lifelong friends as well as have fun and learn new skills.

“On our Volunteers Day, everyone can join us for a complimentary train journey at either 11.30 or 14.10 between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge.

“This will also be the ideal opportunity to hear about volunteering in the catering department which also happens to be one of the most important areas of the railway as the revenue raised from the railway’s dining trains is essential to keeping the railway open for all to enjoy.

“Our dining experiences include Sunday lunches, Ploughman’s lunches, Fish and Chip Suppers, Real Ale Trains, Afternoon Tea, Cream Teas and Murder Mystery evenings.”

At Groombridge, guests can take a tour of the station, look in at the refreshment hut, and visit the signal box.
On the return journey to Tunbridge Wells West, which will leave Groombridge at 12.16pm and 14.56pm, everyone will have the chance to look inside the guard’s compartment.

Anyone wishing to attend the Volunteer Day should register their interest in attending by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

Membership forms will be available at Tunbridge Wells West Station, and volunteers will be on hand ready to answer any questions. Further information about the railway and volunteering is available online at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk