Volunteering is a good way to not only gain experience but also to make contacts and meet new people.
Whilst experienced people are always welcome, most of our volunteers arrive for the first time knowing nothing about railways or trains.
For all sorts of reasons, a wide cross section of people (of all ages) find working for the Bala Lake Railway not only satisfying, but very fulfilling, making new friends and expanding their social lives alongside the satisfaction of a day's work well done.
The railway benefits (from your volunteering) by being able to release permanent staff to carry out long term projects such as the rebuild of steam locomotive 'George B' or the diesel locomotive 'Chilmark'.
When you volunteer, you give part of yourself, your time, energy, skills and feelings.
What can I do in just one day?
When you next come to ride on the railway, why not you consider volunteering for just one day or even a part of that day?
Join in and experience the satisfaction of being part of the team running the railway, just ask in the shop what you can do to make a difference, perhaps by:
* Dead heading flowers or weeding in window boxes/tubs or a station garden
* Cutting the grass or picking up litter
* Painting benches or notice boards or fences
* Helping with line-side bush bashing (opening views of the lake)
* Helping with special events - Galas, Santa's etc
* Delivering timetables and publicity material
* Cleaning carriages - then admire your good work as you ride on the train!
Some of these jobs are for only a few hours - but will make all the difference to the Railway.
Accommodation
Working volunteers who wish to stay over at the railway can use the Hostel and Caravan provided within the Llanuwchllyn station site, click this link for more details: Volunteer Accommodation
The Society Council
Like all successful organisations, the Bala Lake Railway Society is overseen by a band of
enthusiastic people who together form the governing committee. Each year the membership elect persons to fill the following posts:
* President
* Chairman
* Secretary
* Treasurer
* Membership Secretary
* Publicity Officer (for railway and society)
* Llanuwchllyn Editor
* Commercial Officer (generate the needed finances)
* 5 Committee persons
Traditionally the committee has met at Llanuwchllyn throughout the year, with meetings set to coincide with "working weekends", where committee members can contribute to the railway and then in the evening meet to guide the society in its relationship with the railway.
The Society also has a Special Event's Group (drawn from the
membership) who are tasked with helping the Railway organise and staff Gala's and,
in particular, the very successful Santa Train services.
We attract members from the four corners of Britain, with some regularly travelling over 200 miles (one way)!
So if you fancy helping us to help the railway keep steam trains operating through beautiful Welsh countryside, why not get involved?
To read more on how you can help the railway and enjoy the companionship of others through volunteering, please click this link:
All About Volunteering