Network Rail volunteers joined forces with staff at Bodmin & Wenford Railway in a combined effort to get the heritage railway ready for a yuletide-themed service.
Ahead of the Santa Special, 25 volunteers tidied up the platforms at Bodmin General – clearing away fallen leaves, removing vegetation that had overgrown around the signal box and cleaning and painting fences and a wall in the visitor car park.
Network Rail project manager, Lee Hildreth, said: “It was great to come together and volunteer at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and utilise our skills and experience to do something that will benefit the community.
“The Santa Special gives a boost to the local economy and we wanted to help add a touch of festive magic to the heritage railway.
“As well as working to spruce up the facilities, the time away from our usual roles provided us with a great opportunity to spend time together and talk about safety, mental health and wellbeing.
“Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community and we hope to be able to work with Bodmin & Wenford Railway on similar projects in the future.”
Marketing and commercial co-ordinator at Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Jenna Kirkpatrick, said: “We were delighted to have so many Network Rail volunteers join us for the day at Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
“It allowed us to tick off a number of jobs ahead of our Santa Special trains. Without volunteers our railway would not be what it is. Their energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and we hope to work with Network Rail again in the future.”
For more information about the Santa Special trains at Bodmin & Wenford Railway this December, please click here.
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