VOLUNTEERS have been the lifeblood of the heritage railway sector from its very inception... millions of hours from many thousands of enthusiasts over many decades have built and maintained so many of the attractions and venues we perhaps today take for granted as being fixtures on our tourism and heritage landscape.
The tasks undertaken by this unsung army range from the hidden and thankless, to the ‘glamorous’ and public-facing. Raising funds, raising steam, applying for grants, lending expertise, lending muscle, some requiring technical and engineering expertise or simply a steady painting hand... there are so many roles that need filling.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent cost of living crisis hit the UK, many heritage groups were thriving. Most weekends through the year saw enthusiast galas or family events at various locations around the UK. But many places were mothballed as lockdowns were imposed, and some events have simply not returned to the same extent as before as groups struggle to fully recover, with many volunteers having left the sector.
Be the answer