Volunteering
Get on board!
Volunteering at the Bodmin Railway
Have you always wanted to get hands on at a heritage railway? Do you love talking to the public about your passions? Would you like to be part of a friendly team who work together to make a difference?
Your skills could be just what we need!
Our railway simply couldn’t operate without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. Every aspect of the railway is supported by volunteers, with roles available across a wide range of activities – from office and station duties, the booking office, shop and buffet, to train crews on both steam and diesel services, including drivers, firemen, guards and ticket inspectors. Volunteers also play a vital role in Permanent Way and Signal & Telegraph work, as well as in the maintenance, repair and restoration of our carriages, wagons and locomotives.
All of this is made possible through the enthusiastic involvement of our volunteers, working alongside and supported by our small team of paid staff.
Volunteering with us is a rewarding opportunity to try something new, develop valuable skills, and enjoy a unique behind-the-scenes experience at a much‑loved heritage railway and visitor attraction. Most importantly, by volunteering you help ensure that our railway’s unique heritage is preserved and enjoyed by future generations.
To find out more about the general requirements for volunteering, please read this.
Did you know, the majority of our team are volunteers?
The railway is maintained and operated by its volunteers with the support of a small team of dedicated and professional staff. Whether it’s the train crew, the booking office clerks, the office staff or the people who carry out the restoration and maintenance work that helps to keep the railway in first class condition, we’re all passionate about what we do and want to make a difference.
Volunteering is good for you!
Whether you’re looking to make friends, gain valuable skills, or just do something different, the benefits of volunteering are plentiful.
The Roles Available
Click the role to view the job description to see if you would be suitable and find out more.
Here at the BR, our volunteers receive a number of additional benefits, including:
Free travel on all service trains
Discounts on our event trains and private hire
Free tea and coffee from the Cornish Rail Coffee Co. at Bodmin General
Travel concessions on several other heritage railways
The opportunity to purchase a Heritage Railway Association Inter-Rail Pass
Invitations to staff/volunteer events
Who can volunteer?
Our volunteers are people of all ages over 14, all backgrounds and genders, but who all share a common aim – to do their bit towards ensuring a bright future for the BR.
Some joined as school children, others when they retired. Some have particular skills, others are totally unskilled. All are equally welcome and have an important part to play in the continued future success of the railway.
So – whether you wield a paint brush or a sweeping brush, a hammer and chisel or a computer or a till, we need you! Why not come along and join the team!
If you are considering volunteering but have a disability or you want to apply on behalf of someone with a disability then this briefing note will give initial guidance.
If you would like to volunteer please fill out this application form and either email it to [email protected] or post it to: Bodmin Railway, Bodmin General Station, Bodmin, PL31 1AG.
How to join
New volunteers are warmly welcomed to the friendly team who keep the Railway’s wheels turning.
Simply fill in the application form to Volunteer, and we will be in touch to welcome you to the team.
If you have any questions please email : Email [email protected] or telephone 01208 73555.
Our volunteer coordinators review applications on a fortnightly basis. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is completed and will be in contact with you as soon as an update is available.
Support us
You could do something amazing today and help to secure the future of live steam in the heart of Cornwall.
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