Questions Volunteers May Ask

Ever considered offering your services to the Bala Lake Railway as a volunteer worker but want some answers first?

These frequently asked questionsare designed to help provide the answers you need.

Q: Can I just turn up for a volunteering day?

A: All trackwork, train crew and eco-management volunteering is best pre-arranged to ensure the facilities, equipment, supervision and/or training needed is available.

Q: Will you accept casual daily workers?

A: There are always jobs that can be done at anytime - picking up litter, painting railway fittings etc and we are more than happy to accommodate the casual worker on these projects.

Q: Do I need to have railway working experience?

A: No. Full training will be given for those jobs that need it and the relevant supervision for the remaining work. All we ask is that your constantly mindful that railways feature things you can trip over, walk into or move so you need to be careful at all times.

Q: What clothes should I wear?

A: Depending totally on the job or task you agree to carry out, youwill need a set of clothing you do not mind getting dirty and some waterproof clothing (jacket and if possible over-trousers).

If you are working as footplate-crew, a change to clean overalls, shirt would be appreciated to show a "cared for" image to the public.

If you are working as a Guard, Booking Office clerk or Signalman then black trousers (or skirt), black wasitcoat or jacket, white shirt, sensible tieand sturdy dark shoes.

Remember, trainers are NOT suitable footwear. if you are doing any outside, footplate or engine shedwork then you should wear steel toe-capped boots or shoes.

Q: When should I arrive at the railway?

A: All arrivals must be on days the railway is operating and during normal hours, unless pre-arranged with the Railway Manager.

Q: How do I get to the railway?

A: From the main Dolgellau - Bala road, A494, turn right into Llanuwchllyn village by the garage, proceed through the village and turn left at the bus shelter thentake theright fork over the river bridge. There are prominent tourist signs to follow.

Q: Where is the access to the railway?

A: Access to the Railway's Llanuwchllyn site is solely via the main gate at the end of Station Road.

Q: How do I book the volunteer accommodation places?

A: All accommodation bookings to be made to the Railway Manager. Accommodation cannot be guaranteed unless a booking has been made.

Q: What about car-parking?

A: Although you may have to park outside prior to opening the gate, please do not leave vehicles in Station Road; this both annoys the neighbours and causes access restrictions to other properties.

Q: Is there long-term car-parking?

A: The railway has ample on-site car parking at Llanuwchllyn for normal visitor and volunteer numbers. If you arrive at the Railway during operating hours, please park your vehicle, tidily, in the parking zone by the engine shed at Llanuwchllyn.

Q: I am staying in the Society caravan, where can I park?

A: Society caravan dwellers (who have pre-booked that facility) may park outside the caravan.

Q: I am staying in the hostel, what is the car-parking situation?

A: Outside of public opening times, vehicles can be pulled up to the station building so that hostel dwellers can unload/load their vehicles. When this process is completed, please return your vehicle to the workers parking zone.

Q: Are there rules for using the hostel or caravan?

A: Yes there are, please see the Volunteer Accommodation FAQ.

Q: Who do I contact to start volunteer working with you?

A: All arrangements must be made direct with the Railway Manager (Roger Hine) - click here.