Are you passionate about history, steam trains, or community involvement? At Tanfield Railway, we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our dedicated team. Whether you have a love for railways or simply want to give back to your community, volunteering at the world’s oldest railway is a rewarding and enriching experience.
During the late 1960s a small group of friends decided that something must be done to save the North East’s railway heritage, since then the Tanfield Railway has been rebuilt and preserved by passionate volunteers.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US?
PRESERVE HISTORY
Help us keep the rich heritage of Tanfield Railway alive. As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in preserving and sharing the history of our unique railway with visitors from around the world.
LEARN NEW SKILLS
Whether you’re interested in engineering, customer service, gardening, or event planning, there are countless opportunities to learn new skills and expand your knowledge. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
MEET LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE
Join a community of passionate and friendly individuals who share your interests. Volunteering with us is a great way to make new friends and connect with others who are dedicated to preserving our railway heritage.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your time and efforts directly contribute to the success and sustainability of Tanfield Railway. Volunteers are the backbone of our operations, and your contributions help ensure that future generations can enjoy this historic treasure.
“There is loads of work and plenty of
variety. There is opportunity for
physical work of varying degrees
or activities or a more genteel nature.”
Angela,
Trust Secretary
VOLUNTEER ROLES
We offer a variety of volunteer roles to suit different interests and skill sets, including:
- Train Crew: Assist as a guard, driver, or fireman on our heritage steam and diesel trains.
- Station Staff: Help with ticket sales, passenger assistance, and station maintenance.
- Engineering and Maintenance: Work on the restoration and upkeep of our locomotives, carriages, and infrastructure.
- Gardening and Groundskeeping: Maintain the beauty of our station grounds and surrounding areas.
- Events and Education: Assist with organising and running special events, tours, and educational programs.
- Administration and Marketing: Support our behind-the-scenes operations with tasks such as marketing, administration, and customer service.
HOW TO GET STARTED
- Apply: Fill out our volunteer application form, available on our website or at our stations. Tell us a bit about yourself, your interests, and any relevant experience.
- Meet the Team: Once we receive your application, we’ll invite you to an informal meeting or induction session to learn more about the railway and the roles available.
- Training: We provide training for all volunteer roles, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. You’ll receive guidance and support from experienced volunteers and staff members.
- Get Involved: Start volunteering in your chosen role and enjoy being part of the Tanfield Railway family!
Join Us Today
Ready to make a difference and be part of a living piece of history? Apply to become a volunteer at Tanfield Railway and embark on a fulfilling journey with us. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected]. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Together, we can ensure that the magic of Tanfield Railway continues to inspire and delight visitors for years to come.