Home » About Us » Volunteering - Volunteering
At the Nene Valley Railway, we operate as a combined team and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for our volunteers. We value and develop volunteers of all experiences and backgrounds. We firmly believe
that collaboration among our volunteers, who have varied pasts and perspectives, generates a more fulfilling experience for all concerned.
Volunteering provides the opportunity to do something different, learn a new skill or fulfil a long-held dream. Making new friends and being part of a team enables our railway heritage to be maintained for future generations. Volunteering allows you to offer as much time as you choose, gaining a sense of pride in what you achieve as an individual supporting your chosen department.
If you have an interest in joining the railway to become a working volunteer and are over 18 years old, you first must become a member (for full membership fees, please click on the link below 'online membership form'. Then you can either email the team on volunteers@nvr.org.uk, or phone the NVR Office on 01780 784444 and leave a message for the Volunteer Liaison Group. To become a member, complete the online membership form or print and post a physical copy to us and you will be contacted by one of the team to arrange an introductory tour of the site at Wansford. Once a member, we offer a formal induction and referral to a manager in your area of choice.
We will also follow your progress and ensure that you are happy in your chosen role.
Due to the nature of the work, we have to ensure that volunteers are able to achieve certain levels of fitness and pass exams to enable them to work in safety-critical areas. We are governed by the ORR (Office of Rail and Road) who ensure that we reach the appropriate levels of health and safety to run a steam railway.
There are many differerent areas to work in at the railway, including:
And more not listed here.
Each role has different requirements: engine crew, for example, work long days, starting very early in the morning. Many roles require a good level of fitness, together with taking written and practical exams. Good communication skills and uniforms are required in public-facing roles to enhance the perception of a bygone age.
Team for Summer Cream Teas
• Two people to lead and take charge of the service
• Additional two to four people to assist with service
• You will be responsible for full set-up and service on the day and also ensuring all crockery and glasses are cleaned after the service
• This will take place on the main service train of the day at 12:15 and 14:30 on 25th May, 29th June, 20th July, 17th August and 28th September
Check-in for Afternoon Tea / Summer Cream Teas / Flying Codman Fish & Chips
• One or two people required
• Checking in pre-booked customers as they arrive
• Mother's Day Afternoon Tea is at 15:25 on 30th March
• Nene Valley Afternoon Teas are at 12:00 and 15:25 on 13th April, 11th May, 8th June, 13th July, 7th September and (subject to loco availability) 12th October
• Summer Cream Teas (subject to volunteers to run the service) are at 12:15 and 14:30 on 25th May, 29th June, 20th July, 17th August and 28th September
• The Flying Codman Fish & Chips are at 14:30 on 18th April, 3rd May, 6th June, 27th August and 5th October
• You will ideally be here an hour before the first service, with check-in opening half an hour before the service
Table Cloth / Napkin Cleaning and Ironing
• We need someone / some people who can take our table cloths and napkins away and wash them following afternoon teas and murder mysteries. This could be as many as 40-60 table cloths and 200 napkins
• Once cleaned, these will need to be ironed. They can either be done in your own home or we have ironing facilities for up to 2 people in the office
General Events Assistants
• Multiple people required to help with events, including during set-up, on the day and clear-up
• The roles on event days may be running a stall, directing people around the platform and generally assisting with whatever is needed
• We will be running a number of events throughout the year, but especially in the summer when there will be a family day every Wednesday
We can offer a day at the NVR tailored to your employees, whether they would prefer lineside maintenance, painting, gardening or other areas of work. Members of the Volunteer Liaison Group will be on hand to advise and answer any questions on the day.
We usually offer Tuesdays or Thursdays.
Please email volunteers@nvr.org.uk or call the office on 01780 784444 and leave a message.