Volunteers Needed!

Lineside Volunteers needed - Chris Bull

Our Lineside Team was formed in 1996, when we had a problem with vegetation at Lydney Junction. A keen Lineside Team was formed, following my request in the DFR Newsletter.

Those volunteers enabled the railway to operate without branches hitting and scraping the sides of the loco, coaching stock or DMU's.

Fast forward nearly 30 years and sadly most of our initial Team are now in their late 70's or early 80's and reaching retirement age from Lineside volunteering. Two years ago, sadly we lost Roger K due to an illness. Last year John W was given Doctor's orders to quit. This year Ron T had a similar medical message. Presently we are losing one a year.

Could you throw a few sticks on a bonfire, use hand or power tools for clearing vegetation, mow the car park grass edges, strim a foot crossing in the summer months, or use a chainsaw with training?

We usually enjoy a Tuesday with our Works Train, but other jobs can be sorted for a weekend if you are at work?

Drop me an comment, turn up at one of the Society Volunteering days and talk to Liason Officer Anne re volunteering, or come and have a chat with the Lineside Lads at Norchard on a Tuesday, 9.15 am...

The DFR is always looking out for volunteers to work in our many and varied departments, if you have some skills or in fact wish to learn some new skills come along to our Volunteer day on Sunday 27th April 2025 from 1pm at Norchard.

Volunteers are required to be members of the Dean Forest Railway Society, you can join by clicking here.

You can also view our volunteer page and make contact with the team here.