The Ffestiniog Railway has always had volunteer groups. Originally these groups were geographically based, organized clubs from one area of the country who arranged fund raising events in their local area and shared the cost of volunteering by arranging group working parties.In recent years, the railway has also seen the growth of functional groups and project teams, groups of like minded people from all over the country who share an interest in a particular aspect of the railway and who arrange to meet in Wales to work on their 'thing'.
At the moment I just have a list of names and addresses. Please could somebody from each group write a bit about what the group does and when it does it. If you have a functions or area group which does voluntary work which is notlisted here then PLEASE let me know.
In due course I hope this section will allow each group to say something about themselves and encourage new recruits.
Group Secretary: A Gray, 25 The Pound, Syresham, Brackley, Northants NN13 5HG
The JASPER Group (Joint Association of Signal Pole Erectors and Renovators) repair, maintain and upgrade the S&T Pole and cable route along the F.R. We are an active team and hold monthly working parties, with 3 working weeks during the year.
Our infrastructure features a unique 'heritage' open wire telegraph route that carries both telephony and signalling traffic and forms an essential part of the railway's operation. We frequently get involved in a variety of other volunteer activites, often with fellow departments and also enjoy the social side of the railway.
For more information contact : Peter Asquith, email : peter.g4ena@boltblue.com
Whilst primarily based at Dinas (WHR) we are available for the use of the whole FfR Ffamily. Our main task is mechanical work at Dinas Depot. During the operating season, we undertake mechanical checks and oil up the rolling stock - mainly the carriages that is. In any time left over, we are slowly progressing the overhaul of Beyer Garratt NGG16 #140 and when the time comes, the 'Kalahari' NG15 #134. During the off-peak and winter evenings for the foreseeable future, the main task will be 140.... Occasionally we get out and about on PW or Phase 4 work which makes an interesting diversion and enables us to keep up with what else is going on.
We meet in the former Dinas PW 'clip shed' - mid way between the Goods Shed and carriage shed in the North (station) Yard where we have made a satellite mechanical workshop and stores out of a proverbial black hole between 7 and 10pm most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Watch out on this site and the official (Dr Ben's) and unofficial (Barrie Hughes) WHR web sites for updates of our whereabouts.
We're a small, friendly, dedicated team and would welcome some new recruits.
Contact: Clive Briscoe Mob: 07756 489780 Daytime (office DDI) 01407 733595 E-mail: clive.briscoe@magnox.co.uk.
Contact: Norman Bond, 01766 540374
Group Secretary: D.Nelson, 7 Dale View,Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9BP (01943 600782)
Email : davenmag@blueyonder.co.uk
Working Party Organisers: Joe Tarver (01274 551012) and Paul Ellis
Email : joe.tarver@btinternet.com