Three members of staff at the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways have clocked up 25 years of service on the railway.

Oliver Bennett, Stephen Greig and Chris Harrison all started on the railway in 1999, and to mark the anniversary, all three teamed up to run the 10:40 Mountain Spirit service on the 4th August 2024.

All three members of staff joined during Kids Week during 1999, with Guard Matthew Hall celebrating 20 years of service during Young Person’s Volunteer Week.

“The team working on the then “Kids’ Week” were passionate about making the railway as inclusive and open as possible to volunteers. 

“Group leader Eileen Clayton MBE, encouraged and engaged people at a level that was suitable and safe for them, ensuring that volunteering on the railway was made possible for everyone once they were too old for children’s activities – matching peoples’ skill sets and levels of ability to volunteering roles.” 

“It is especially important to not only say just how much our volunteers do for the railway, but the other way around as well. The railway has taught all three of us many skills, life lessons and experiences. 

“It is thanks to these skills that Oliver and I have had the opportunity to work here full time. Chris was also a paid staff member but moved on to drive for other railway companies – again, using the skills that he learnt on the F&WHR.” 

Stephen Greig

“I did not expect, when I started all those years ago, to work my way up to a senior position. It is fun working here and busy – and one thing about it, you make lifelong friendships.” 

Oliver Bennett

“It is really a cool thing to do and very nostalgic to get together with Ollie and Stephen to run the train today. I am looking forward now to clocking up 30 years as a volunteer!” 

Chris Harrison

“Having Linda haul ‘The Quarryman’ on my 20th anniversary was also nostalgically appropriate, as her fellow Penrhyn Lady ‘Blanche’ hauled the Induction Train on my first Kids’ Week twenty years ago as well! 

“Passengers on ‘The Quarryman’ really added to the occasion – as I walked through the train checking tickets each carriage applauded once they learnt the significance of the day to me. “Not going to lie, it did feel a bit emotional at this point. A timely reminder of why everyone here does what they do.” 

Matt Hall