Many of the staff you meet on the trains and see working on the line are volunteers. They may also be enjoying a holiday in Wales, simply having a day off from their ‘normal jobs’ or using their retirement to come and help the railway. Many volunteers are also members of the Ffestiniog Railway Society or the Welsh Highland Railway Society.
In addition to the usual range of activities, volunteers are closely involved in helping with the organising and running of the annual beer festival, shows, events and our Santa Trains – followed by a get-together after work to relax and share a meal or a drink in one of the local pubs.
There is a wide social mix of volunteers. New arrivals soon feel part of the railway family. Friendships made whilst volunteering on the railway are long-lasting and many railway romances have later led to marriage! Some ‘railway’ families are now bringing along the third generation of volunteers, who seem just as keen as Grandad and Grandma ever were!
- Take a look at the panels below, which provide an overview of where we are in need of help from our Volunteers over the coming months.
- Please use the Volunteering Calendar for an overview of working party dates.
- Once you’ve noted some dates you would like to come over and help, send us an email at volunteer@ffwhr.com
Social life
The railway social life partly revolves round meeting friends in the evening whilst talking through the events of the day and the latest in hot railway gossip, or politics. Because the railway is away from major conurbations, the majority of volunteers stay in the area whilst they are working so there is usually someone to share a meal or have a drink with. Many staff and volunteers enjoy using the railway’s own very popular ‘Spooner’s Café & Bar’ – situated in the old goods shed at Porthmadog Harbour Station. A good evening meal can also be obtained here as well as a wide range of guest draft beers.
There is a wide choice of other pubs and restaurants, take-aways, fish and chip shops etc. in the locality of the two railways and colleagues will be able to advise you which ones give value for money and offer the best choice for your needs.
Evening trains are run from time to time as social events for staff and friends and with the buffet car open and often food available, these are always popular.
The railways' own hostels
The railway has high-quality hostel accommodation available free of charge. This accommodation is booked via the Ffestiniog Railway Society. We also have a camping field with electricity supply available at £6.00 per night. If you are coming for the first time to volunteer, our volunteer co-ordinator will assist you in contacting the relevant person.
Our accomodation guide is available here.
groups / team building
so how do i start?
Just give us a call! – or better still, email us by hitting the button below and our volunteer co-ordinator will respond.