Volunteering in Merseyside

Hello,

Are there any Heritage Railways close to Merseyside that are taking on volunteers? I've recently re-located up there and am keen to get involved as much as my job (hospital doctor) allows. Obviously I work some nights and weekends but should be able to manage a few days a month.
Not got a lot of experience, but keen to learn!

Thanks,

aaronb

 

West Lancs 2ft gauge line (Hesketh Bank), Ribble Steam Railway in Preston and Llangollen are all easily accessible from Merseyside within an hour.

 

Merseyside Tramway is even closer, or see this map.

Not being able (or just not wanting) to come every weekend is no problem, though for operational jobs such as driving, you may need to know your available dates well in advance (how far varies greatly, so ask).

If it is easier for you to volunteer on weekdays, ask what work is done then: many lines have at least one regular workshop weekday, even if they don't have regular running weekdays.

 

So what are you interested in doing. And how far would you travel.

 

I'd be looking for something operational, within an hour from Liverpool.

That tramway looks interesting but I think I'm more keen on "full size" trains - laplace may remember that I did a stint at Didcot before the unpredictiable nature of my timetable back then did away with it.
I get my rota well in advance so it shouldn't be hard to give dates. Would like to do maybe one or two weekends a month max, leaving time for other things and being able to make a realistic comitment.

Thanks all.

 

Why not have a drive to Llangollen one day & speak to some of the volunteers,who will undoubtably make you welcome. I think that all departments are looking for new volunteers - we certainly are in the C & W.

Bob.

 

Hi,

Ribble Steam Railway at Preston are on the look out for volunteers, please pm, & I can make arrangements to meet you on site 7 show you around.

Dave W

 

Oswestry is just about on the limit of 1 hour from Liverpool too.

 

East Lancs railway at Bury is about 45 mins away

 

when I was young I always had an ambition to volunteer at Steamport Southport.

It wasnt too far, I visited regularly and while it didnt have much of a running line it had the atmposhere of a working steam shed and had a really interesting collection of railway artifacts and vehicles.

I was devestated when they moved and the site was demolished.

I always thought the shed at Aintree could have been a contender for a similar railway centre,It is very close to where I live. I though it would have made a good museum especially if they had use of the rarely used North Mersey branch, it also needed a roof,
but sadly that was not to be it was demolished a few years before Steamport, I often wonder if it was ever considered as being used for a museum

Mike

 

You`d be welcomed at the East lancs, we always need volunteers for a variety of jobs, we have lads come from Yorkshire and Merseyside and all over for the PW as and when they can

 

Try Heaton Park tramway in manchester or Liverpool Rd (MOSI) which has volunteers 7 days aweek not just weekends.