Tuesday 30 Nov 2021
Network Rail volunteers give boost to Bodmin & Wenford heritage railway
- Region & Route:
- Wales & Western: Western
- | Wales & Western
A team of volunteers from Network Rail recently joined forces with staff from Bodmin & Wenford Railway to help spruce up the heritage railway in preparation for the return of the Santa Special steam trains relaunching this December.
The 25-strong team of volunteers from Network Rail worked with the heritage railway staff to tidy up the platforms at Bodmin General, clear away fallen leaves, remove overgrown vegetation around the signal box, and clean and paint fences as well as a wall in the visitors’ car park.
Following these volunteering efforts, this heritage railway in Cornwall is now ready to welcome the return of Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s much anticipated Santa Special Christmas trains, taking passengers on a 13-mile round trip to and from Bodmin General station throughout December in the run up to Christmas
Lee Hildreth, Network Rail project manager, said: “It was great to come together and volunteer at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and utilise our skills and experience to do something that will benefit the community.
“The Santa Special gives a boost to the local economy and we wanted to help add a touch of festive magic to the heritage railway.
“As well as working to spruce up the facilities, the time away from our usual roles provided us with a great opportunity to spend time together and talk about safety, mental health and wellbeing.
“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community and we hope to be able to work with Bodmin & Wenford Railway on similar projects in the future.”
Jenna Kirkpatrick, marketing and commercial co-ordinator, Bodmin & Wenford Railway said: “We were delighted to have so many Network Rail volunteers join us for the day at Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
“It allowed us to tick off a number of jobs ahead of our Santa Special trains. Without volunteers our railway would not be what it is. Their energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and we hope to work with Network Rail again in the future.”
For more information about the Santa Special trains at Bodmin & Wenford Railway this December, please visit https://bodminrailway.co.uk/things-to-do/events/santa-special-trains-return-to-bodmin-wenford-railway/
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