Help keep Mid Norfolk Railway on track

It could be the start of an exciting new career or a retirement project to keep the body and mind active but the Mid Norfolk Railway is welcoming anyone interested in trains and railways to its Volunteer Day on Sunday March 15.

The event is being held to enable the MNR to expand its skills base with each department within the heritage team showcasing the opportunities available from drivers to gardeners.

Routine maintenance of the running section of the MNR is an essential first priority; and beside that, MNR holds half a million pounds worth of developmental ambitions and opportunities which require further support.

A spokesman for the railway said: 'Volunteering can play an important part in boosting people's personal well being, as well as benefitting the organisation they are actually working with.

'Several MNR members have also gone on to work as train conductors/guards or in a ticket office on the 'big railway'.'

The MNR has volunteer opportunities for builders, architects, carpenters, surveyors, electricians, gardeners, painters, plumbers, roofers, structural steel design and draughting, business support, accountancy, catering, commercial sales and events organisers, graphics artists, health & safety, IT, legal experts, customer opinion surveyors, youth team leaders.

For the rolling stock maintenance they need fitters and coachworkers who may be able to restore locos from scrap, and for operations they need drivers, firemen, cleaners, guards, level crossing keepers and signallers.

In order to become a driver, guard or signaller, a significant level of commitment is necessary, as well as extensive training. Drivers with mainline or preserved railway tickets are very welcome.

There are lineside positions and people needed to maintain drains and fences and gardeners primarily at Dereham, Thuxton and Wymondham.

Shop and buffet staff are always needed, particularly for major special events.

All persons on the line or lineside will need to pass a Personal Track Safety Exam but training and work experience will be given at no cost to volunteers to induct them into any safety critical roles.

The MNR has many projects it hopes to complete including signalising the whole railway, restoring track to North Elmham county school, restoring stables and creating a small museum at Dereham, completing a new station building at Thuxton an installing a signal box at Kimberley.

Volunteers must be members to benefit from insurance cover and must be over 18.

Attendees who take paid membership on the day will be provided with a free ride voucher for normal service days.

To become volunteers contact coordinators Roy and Greg via e-mail at volunteer@mnr.org.uk or turn up at Dereham station on the day from 9am onwards.

For more information visit www.mnr.org.uk or telephone 01362 690633.