If you are wondering how you can become involved in a practical way with the AVR then keep on reading…
Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand whenever they can, be it a single afternoon, a day, a week or as many months as you like! Currently we’re working on our rolling stock at Longhoughton and Wooler but when we get ‘on the ground’ sometime in 2010 it will be ‘all hands on deck’.
Jobs are available for all, no matter what your level of skill - training will be given where required. You also have the opportunity to meet likemeinded people, make new friends, as well as having the satisfaction of helping to develop the project.
What can volunteers do?
The list below is not an exhaustive one and you’re not limited to one particular job or function:
Engineering and Maintenance - anything from roling stock restoration and general maintenance, to welding, fabricating and painting etc. We have a current need of assistance in this area and all help will be welcome.
Track Maintenance, Civil Engineering and General Permanent Way work - not in demand at the moment, but when we start building this is where the greatest amount of volunteer time will go. With a few miles of line to construct, including design, construction, track laying and plant operation. The original trackbed will require clearing of shrubs, trees and overgrowth, as will the old drainage channels alongside.
How do I start?
In the first instance, volunteers MUST be members of the AVRS so that they are covered by insurance. Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Secretary (click on the Committee link on the right) who will be pleased to give details of current working parties.