Smart appearance is required at all times, with a suggested uniform of black trousers/skirt and white shire/blouse and men are required to wear a sensible tie! Sensible, strong shoes should be worn - there is a lot of walking!

Bala Lake Railway is 4.5 miles long and has along both sides for most of that distance embankments and open space thatneed to be managed – that’s 9 miles of trees, bushes and grassland that have to be looked after every year.

We have our major station and headquarters at Llanuwchllyn, which has plants, flowers, trees and bushes plus lots and lots of grass that needs to be maintained. Add to that the small halts at Pentrepiod, Glanllyn, Llangower, Bryn Hynod plus our Bala (Pont) terminus and we have a lot of land that requires constant management.

So if you would like to help us help the railway and its passengers but want to be out in the fresh Welsh air, why not offer your services as an Eco-Management volunteer?

Quite often, major lineside clearance work is carried out when passenger services are not operating, so a willingness to work during the winter months would be appreciated but is not essential.

Clothes you don't mid getting dirty, strong boots or shoes plus a set of wet weather clothing will be required. Other safety equipment (goggles, masks, gloves etc) will be supplied by the railway.

The railway has, over the last few years, been creating its own fleet of locally constructed wagons, each designed to meet the lines specific needs and suitably qualified volunteers are always wanted to help with this work.

The railways carriage stock was all specifically built for the railway and has been heavily modified by railway staff and volunteers.

Our small, but thriving Carriage & Wagon Department always extends a warm welcome to new volunteers.

It is responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and restoration of our numerous coaches and wagons, jobs requiring a variety of skills. The work is varied and interesting ranging from welding and machining to woodworking. We look after all aspects of the rail vehicles including wheelsets and bogies, braking system, external bodywork and paintwork, windows and interiors, cleaning and much more.

You must possess the necessary personal equipment to work in the carriage & wagon department. Steel capped boots are mandatory.

The main task of this department is to maintain and renew the track & line-side drainage throughout the Railway. This is vital work if the railway is to operate safely.

The role of the ‘platelayer’ is ideal for anyone who enjoys working outdoors and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required.

The Permanent Way dept. is required to operate as a team and, to many volunteers the team spirit is one of the most important aspects of their involvement. New members are always welcome and full training in all tasks is provided. This department makes a significant contribution to the Railway.

Quite often, major permanent way works are carried out when the passenger services are not operating and therefore a willingness to work in the winter months would be an advantage

You must possess the necessary personal equipment to work in the permanent way department, with waterproof clothing a must. If you are able to supply your own hi-vis clothing, that would be an advantage. Steel capped boots are mandatory.

The railways signalling system is essential for its safe and efficient operation and if you want to be a signalman you will need to have a thorough knowledge of the signalling systems and of our Railway operations.

Currently our Railway has two operational signal boxes, at Llanuwchllyn Station & at the Llangower passing loop. The Llangower loop box is rarely used as the railway normally operates a one train in use staff and ticket system.

Llanuwchllyn Box has a number of traffic movements to deal with throughout each operating day, as the majority of points and signals are inter-locked and manipulated by the Signalman.

We would hope that Signalmen would also take responsibility for routine maintenance of the equipment in their charge.

The Signalman would also be expected to explain the history and operation of our ex-GWR Signal Box to our visitors whenever possible.

Being Signalman is a very public job and will suit out-going people who enjoy meeting and dealing with the public. A confident speaking voice would also be an advantage as the railways PA system is based in the Llanuwchllyn Signal Box.

Smart appearance is required at all times, with a sugested uniform of black trousers/skirt and white shire/blouse and (if worn)a sensible tie! Sensible, strong shoes should be worn - there is a lot of walking!

All of the railways structures need constant maintenance - skills to be used or learned include electrician, plumbing, tiling, bricklaying & pointing, roof repairs, woodworking, glazing, painting and much, much more.

Llanuwchllyn
The headquarters site has many buildings - the historical main station with platform canopy, cafe extension (a wooden construction), Signal box, two platforms, platform two ex-waiting room (with canopy) and a stone built goods shed. The main station site also incorporates the Volunteer Hostel and Caravan.

The site includes some more modern buildings - workshop/engine shed, carriage shed and lubricants store. And throughout the site there are numerous signs and the whole site features extensive fencing.

Pentrepiod
At Pentrepiod there is just a small platform and station sign.

Flag/Glanllyn
There is a newly constructed block-built waiting room, a stone built platform, station sign and fencing. This station is the site of our Santa's Grotto and is therefore heavily used and must be well maintained.

Llangower
This station consists of one long, recently built/extended platform and an iron-framed, steel sheeted Signal cabin, station sign and fencing.

Bala (Pont)
At our Bala terminus there is a single main platform and bay siding plus a waiting shelter, station signs and fencing.

Building maintenance volunteers must be prepared to work outdoors and unsupervised, need to possess the necessary personal equipment to work in the permanent including overalls or similar clothing. Because you may be required to enter or work anywhere on the railway, having your own hi-vis clothing would be an advantage. Steel capped boots are mandatory.

The railway is able to provide most of the equipment required but any volunteer able to provide their own specialist tools (trowels, spirit level, electric drill/driver etc) will be accomodated.

Whatever your skill level - novice or fully experienced, there will be a warm welcome waiting for you on the Bala Lake Railway - come along and join in and help us to help keep steam trains running beside the lake!