VOLUNTEERS DAY
SATURDAY 4th JULY
CHILDREN IN NEED
SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER
Our most rewarding event of the year!
CHILDREN IN NEED
SUNDAY 1st NOVEMBER
Our most rewarding event of the year!
How you can help us with ongoing support:
The West Lancs Letter
Sign up for our Newsletter! Published every two months, it's full of news and information about the Railway.
We would love to share it with you - your details will be kept safe in accordance with our privacy policy.
Fill in your details below and we will add you to our mailing list and send you the latest edition. Unsubscribe at any time.
Back numbers are here.
Membership
If you would like to support the Railway, we would love you to be a member!
As well as free rides, members receive our twice-yearly journal Short Axle, and other occasional publications, and can join in with a wide variety of activities.
The Railway is governed by 10 elected
Trustees, each with a different role. Members can vote at general meetings and have a say in the running of the Railway. Adult, family and junior membership is available, also life membership.
Volunteering
Get involved in running a unique heritage steam railway! We have no paid staff, all our workforce give their time to operate and maintain the Railway.
We have a wide range of activities you can help with - see the descriptions below. No experience is necessary, as training will be given as required.
If you would like to help, come along on any Thursday or Sunday afternoon to see what we do, or contact us here.
FOOTPLATE CREW - DIESEL
We have about twenty diesel, petrol and electric locomotives. We use them for shunting, demonstration freight trains and occasional motive power for passenger service. Learn to drive several types - they are all slightly different in operation.
FOOTPLATE CREW - STEAM
Be at the heart of what we do, driving and firing our historic steam engines. First on site and one of the last to leave, it's a great way to keep fit (and get a little grubby). Everyone loves a steam engine, and you'll get lots of interest from our visitors.
GUARD
The guard is responsible for the safety of the passengers and for the prompt departure of the train. If you enjoy interacting with people it's a great way to be fully involved with operation of our railway.
SHOP STAFF
Our 'meeters and greeters' who are our first contact with visitors, to make them welcome, organise their tickets and answer any queries. It helps if you're good with figures (but there's always the calculator).
ENGINEERING
Help to restore and maintain our fleet of locomotives, coaches, wagons and vans - some over a century old! Our workshops are well-equipped for the task, and we pride ourselves on the results we achieve.
CATERING
Another role with plenty of contact with our customers. We operate a busy tea-room serving a variety of snacks and drinks, using local suppliers where possible. And as you would expect, our standards of service and hygiene are high.
TRACKWORK
This involves physical labour outdoors, another chance to keep fit! Our track is not very long but needs regular upkeep, and there are always modifications and adjustments to do. A satisfying and essential job to keep the Railway running.
WOODWORKING
Most projects involve wood to some extent, so this is a busy department. Jobs can be quite straightforward, such as painting and varnishing, or can involve considerable skill in shaping wood by hand or machine.
ADMINISTRATION
So many things to be done! Record-keeping, finance, staffing, memberships, correspondence, fund-raising, event planning, the newsletter, leaflets, the magazine, etc., etc. We need many people to spread the load!
BUILDINGS & BOUNDARIES
There's lots to do across the site, hedge trimming, mowing, painting, cleaning, rubbish removal, repairs and general maintenance. Also new projects large and small - there's something for everyone!
