STEAM on the Look-out for Meet the Railway Workers Volunteers

STEAM is looking for additional volunteers to help with its hugely popular Meet the Railway Workers events.

The fortnightly events are a chance for people to find out what life was like both inside and outside Swindon’s famous railway works from those that worked as signalmen, firemen and engine drivers.

Lucy Kender, Lifelong Learning Officer at STEAM who is heading up the volunteer recruitment for Meet the Railway Workers events, said: “We’re really keen to hear from anyone over the age of 18 who would like to be part of our wonderful volunteering team at STEAM.

“The main activities or duties of the role will involve talking to visitors in an informal manner and sharing historical knowledge as well as answering their questions, in a friendly and interactive way.

“This role will suit someone who is a good team worker with an enthusiastic and friendly manner and a love of history and learning, although you don’t need to be a specialist in the GWR.

“Ideally candidates will be able to commit to one event per month but this can be flexible. There may also be opportunities for a similar role in other busy periods such as school holidays.”

Volunteers will receive full training to carry out the role and no experience of this type of work is necessary. There will also be other training opportunities as the role develops, so candidates can develop valuable skills and expertise for their future careers if they so wish.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills, said: “STEAM’s team of Meet the Railway Workers volunteers play an invaluable role at these fortnightly events, which really bring the story of steam to life and help engage both children and adults in the important history of the GWR.

“The role of a volunteer is certainly a rewarding one and offers many career-building benefits for those looking to develop their CV; while it could equally suit someone seeking a new and absorbing pastime.”

If you are interested in volunteering, please send your CV and a covering email to Lucy Kender at:[email protected]

The next Meet the Railway Workers event is this Saturday (23 Jan). For more information about STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, see the website at www.steam-museum.org.uk