When you have decided when you want to come to the Railway, give us a ring or send an email to the Volunteer Co-ordinator, and let us know. You will then be sent the necessary information telling you where, when and to whom to report on your first day of volunteering. Volunteers are welcome to work alongside our staff on weekdays and at most weekends, but please ring first.
You should report to the designated Supervisor, who will be expecting you. He or she will discuss possible work options with you in order to involve you in something suitable and, hopefully, enjoyable. On your first visit we will arrange a short volunteering Induction. You will have safety issues explained to you, be shown around and introduced to key people. Let us know what time to expect you.
Suitable clothing and footwear for your work (see separate note below).
Overalls or protective clothing may be required.
Waterproofs
Packed lunch (tea/ coffee is sometimes provided depending on where you are working)
When working on the Railways, it is important to have the right clothing for personal comfort, safety and the image of the organisation.
you will need to look smart and be part of the corporate image of the Railway.
This means:
If you are working on the trains (in any capacity), you will need good sturdy shoes, as in the event of a breakdown you may be required
to leave the train and walk along the track to assist etc. Shoes with fashion heels etc. are not suitable and could affect your
personal safety.
Trainers are never acceptable.
Some jobs require a specific uniform which will be issued to you on loan at the start of your visit. If you enjoy the volunteer work you do, and you become a regular volunteer, you may wish to buy your own uniform from the Railway's suppliers. Your supervisor will be able to give you details of the cost involved.
Second-hand charity shops can be a good source of inexpensive work items such as plain waistcoats, waterproofs, headgear, white shirts etc.
you will need appropriate old clothing in which you can work safely.
Remember that you may well work out of doors, so waterproof clothing that does not matter if marked or damaged is essential.
Your supervisor may be able to lend you some waterproofs if you have nothing suitable.
Footwear needs to be safe not fashionable. Trainers or similar are a definite 'no' when working on the Railways.
Instead, comfortable, sensible footwear with good sole grips is a far better bet.
If your work involves you in working with heavy objects, on the tracks, in building work or in the workshops,
then proper safety boots with steel toecaps are essential. You may not drop anything, but somebody else could - on your feet!
Inexpensive boots of this type can be purchased from the Railways - please ask when you book in to work.
North Wales is a very beautiful part of the UK and because it is a popular holiday destination for many thousands every year, there are lots of interesting and pleasurable visits, activities and past-times for the family to enjoy whilst one or more members are working on the Railway, or on your days off.
Beaches with good sand are plentiful, there are swimming pools in all the major towns, and most beaches are safe for sea paddling and swimming.
If you are into history, there is an abundance of mediaeval castles to visit; there are National Trust properties in the area, which make a good day out. The Snowdonia National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and guided walks in the Park are available. Details can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centres.
Most towns have at least one big supermarket, and Llandudno is the nearest M & S sized shopping venue.
If you want ideas for the children, there is everything from a Sea Zoo on Anglesey to candle making in Porthmadog.
The local tourist information centres are full of leaflets on things to do with your time in the area - far too many for one visit. The Porthmadog Tourist Information Centre phone number is 01766 512981.
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.
Many staff and volunteers enjoy using the railway's own very popular Café-Bar - 'Spooners', situated in the old goods shed at Porthmadog Harbour Station. A good evening meal can also be obtained here as well as a good 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 railway 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.
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!