2 minute read
KDRA
Volunteering at the Keith and Dufftown Railway
Your railway needs you! If you have ever fancied giving up some spare hours to help maintain this wonderful little railway, then read on.
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The Keith and Dufftown Railway is an organization run by volunteers who carry out all the tasks that keep the line running; from driving and train crew, engineering, line maintenance and carriage repairs, to gardening, cleaning, lopping branches along the line and dressing up for one of their many fun events.
The railway are always looking for folk to join the team. You don’t need a technical background or be a train buff to get involved and you can do as much or as little as you’d like. New volunteers are given full safety training before they start. More specialized jobs such as Train Guard and Driver also require a course of training and have minimum age requirements. The railway has no upper age limits.
At the moment, the trains and stations are getting spruced up ready for the railway re-opening to visitors from Good Friday. The new operating season begins with the Easter trains, where young and old are invited to try the Easter Bunny Challenge and will continue throughout the year with various themed events, culminating in the ever popular Santa Specials.
Volunteering with the railway can be an excellent gateway for work in the rail industry and young volunteers have gone on to find jobs with national rail companies. Older teens, with an interest in this line of work, are welcome to join us. Being part of the KDR team is very rewarding. There’s always something to get involved with and keep you busy. The work can be as relaxed or as challenging as you want it to be. Want to try something new and exciting, like crewing a vintage train? - Come give it a shot. Prefer a more relaxed environment? - The carriage cleaning team like a blether while they work.
Current volunteers, as well as new recruits, can get involved with the full programme of track work planned along the line this year. This is essential work as many of the old sleepers need to be replaced and if you like working outside, this is a perfect way to get fit and meet new friends. Join the
Permanent Way Team and do your bit!
If you are outgoing and love to have fun, get involved with our events team. Or if you are looking for something quiet and contemplative, come along a do a spot of gardening at the stations.
We have two volunteer work days each week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9am. Why not pop in to Dufftown or Keith Town Station, introduce yourself and see what we do.
For more information on what we do and how to get involved, visit our website www. keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk or our Facebook page: Keith Dufftown Railway Association or call Dufftown Station, 01340 821181, on a Tuesday or Saturday.
Give the railway a shout if you’d like to get involved . It’s a great opportunity to get out, keep active and meet new folk.
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