The future of the Nene Valley Railway depends on the younger generations, this means we must attract younger members and volunteers and retain their enthusiasm.

In the past year, we began to recruit younger members to form the foundations for a new NVR young persons group. This group will be managed by 4 established volunteers each of whom have been C.R.B checked.

The current group of young people (aged 15-18) have proven that they can conduct themselves respectfully & maturely both around the public and other volunteers. Their enthusiasm and quality of work has also been impressive, and in a short space of time they have become established members of the railway.

After this very successful trial, we plan to formerly establish two groups of young working volunteers, one on a Sunday for teenagers aged 15 to 18 and the second on a saturday morning for those aged 12 to 14.

Nene Valley Apprentice

The eldest group will be classed as 'Nene Valley Apprentices', and will work under the supervision of C.R.B checked railway members. Any new 'Apprentice' will receive a full induction, covering all aspects of safety while working at the NVR and safe working practices e.g. using tools correctly.

The work they will be partaking in will initially revolve around the work of 'The International Railway Preservation Society' who are based at the NVR. Their main projects are the ongoing restoration of a Wagon-Lits Sleeping car and Restaurant car.

There are many other projects available if one should require to try their hand at something else, such as restoring a small industrial diesel shunter named 'FRANK' and the ongoing cosmetic restoration of Swedish B Class 101.

However, we understand that mechanical restoration is not to everyone's preference so for those who do not wish to be involved with this aspect of the group there is the possibility to work on the model railway or train for station duties. On reaching the required age it will be possible to train as a guard or signalman.

We will also be commencing the development of the site opposite Ferry Meadows station for new workshops and the Night Mail Museum.

The group will also have a social aspect, offering the chance to make new friends and enjoy trips to other railways and societies as well as evenings out away from the railway scene.

All we ask is that our members conduct themselves in a mature manner, commit to regular attendance and are members of the Nene Valley Railway.

The Railway Club

The Nene Valley Railway Club will be for the younger members aged 12 to 14, they will be closely supervised at all times and will be based away from safety critical areas.

The Club members will concentrate on basic skills, restoring small items such as a shunt signal, guards lamps and the numerous small items common to the railway scene.

The model railway will feature with the opportunity to build and operate small demonstration layouts, where they can learn the basics of railway operation.

Most importantly the member will be able to make friends with other children their own age, learning together and progressing towards being Railway Apprentices.

How to join

If you are between the age of 12 to 18 and would like to join us, please contact us by printing out the form below and sending it in. If you prefer you can contact me by phone (Phil Marshall) on 07973109226 or leave a message with the Railway's office, phone number (01780) 784444.

Once you have contacted us we will arrange for the young person, and a parent or guardian to meet me and discuss the volunteer opportunities further. Places are limited and there may be a waiting list.

We welcome children of all ability, both male and female and will endeavor to do our best to cater for any who are disabled.

Click Here to Open our Application Form