Volunteering opportunities at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust

The Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust is holding a number of working weekends throughout January at its base at Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

Work will be carried out by the trust’s permanent way team to renew the Down line within the station area, and also work on the Up line parallel to the engineers’ siding. The work will provide a great opportunity for existing and new volunteers to get involved at the railway.

Several complete track panels in the station areas are being replaced with new rails and sleepers, with the old rail and sleepers being made up into 30 ft. panels and sold. Other work involves ballasting, jacking, and packing of the Up line in the area parallel to the engineers siding.

The trust is appealing for new volunteers to join the team. They will need to join as members and will be given a short induction and a Health and Safety briefing prior to being permitted into the work areas. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the railway, get fit, meet new friends and learn new skills.

Volunteers should be physically fit and have safety boots and work clothes. Anyone who enjoys fresh air and some physical work is invited to come along and get involved. Hi-Viz clothing is also required, although a limited number of hi-viz bibs are available for those who do not have their own Hi-Viz.

Anyone interested should contact either Steve Thornton or Mike Abbott. Further information for new volunteers can be obtained by emailing [email protected], or just visit the site on one of the working days.

The railway is based at Midsomer Norton station, which is located partway up the 1 in 50 gradient from Radstock to the highest point of the old Somerset & Dorset railway at Masbury.