Come and join us!
Have you ever toyed with the idea or wondered what it would be like to work on a narrow gauge steam railway, but weren’t sure how to go about it or how much time you have to commit?
Can you see yourself on a locomotive footplate, in the guards’ van, helping with your engineering skills or perhaps just wielding a paintbrush or lawn mower helping keep everything spick and span? Well on the Bala Lake Railway we can make it a reality!
Did you know that the Bala Lake Railway depends on volunteers for its operations? The guard who sells your tickets and the crew of the locomotive pulling your train are probably giving their time voluntarily, doing something they love. Meanwhile, the track the train runs on and our stations are all kept by our small, friendly band of maintenance volunteers.
If you’ve long harboured dreams of calling yourself an engine driver or signalman, are perhaps looking for some railway or tourist orientated work experience, or just have some spare time you’re looking to fill, we’d only be too pleased to hear from you. Prior experience or skills are in no way essential, provided you’re in good health and have some time to spare we can certainly find you something to do! Full training to suit you and your availability can be provided.
With the railway being well publicised over the past few years due to the increase in events / visiting locos and in the process of extending into the town of Bala our volunteer base will have to increase over the next number of years so come join our merry band and help take the railway that is going somewhere go that bit further down the track.
‘But you’re too far away!’
This is something the narrow gauge railways of North Wales often hear from potential volunteers. The fact is, that we’re less than 50 miles from Shrewsbury or Chester. We also have dedicated volunteer accommodation on-site at our Llanuwchllyn Headquarters, which you can stay in for a nominal fee. If you’ve a caravan or campervan, there is space on-site for those too.
You’ll find that joining the BLR isn’t just about becoming a volunteer – it’s joining a community of friendly, enthused individuals who share a common interest and passion. Evenings can be as important a part of your volunteering experience as the days if you so wish, eating at the excellent Eagles Inn in Llanuwchllyn or cooking something back at the Station and enjoying some social time.
Find out more……
We’re always pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining our small, friendly band of volunteers, so feel free to contact us by clicking on the link below, emailing us at volunteering@bala-lake-railway.co.uk or giving us a ring on 01678 540666.