Dean Forest Railway to host Volunteers Open Day this month

The Dean Forest Railway (DFR) is hosting a Volunteers Open Day later this month for members of the public interested in volunteering at the railway.

DFR is operated almost entirely by volunteers who work in groups across the railway, such as the Wagoneers, the Monday Gang, the Signal and Telegraph Group, Permanent Way, Lineside, Dean Forest Locomotive Group, the DMU Group, Dean Forest Diesel Association and Carriage & Wagon.

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Starting at 10am on Sunday, September 19, the Dean Forest Railway will present opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

Wayne Crowley, DFR’s volunteering coordinator, said, “We’ll take a trip up the line to Parkend, return for a tour of the main Norchard site and meet Heads of Department to discuss specific functions over a buffet lunch in Whistles Café.

“Our critical roles are trained to a similar standard as the main line railway, with the same emphasis on safety. We are here not just for our customers to enjoy a great day out, but also for their safety: you simply can’t separate those two aspects.”

Alastair Clarke, chair of the Society’s board of trustees and the company’s Director of Operations, said: “We are now operating our full timetable and coping very well with the remaining restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Everybody has been so pleased to be back running trains for our visitors. Apart from celebrating the industrial history of the Royal Forest – and the Severn and Wye Railway – it’s why we exist!

Visit the Dean Forest Railway Society website to register for the Open Day. Contact Mr Crowley on [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering but are unable to attend on the day.