Mini Railway Crew

Mini Railway Crew

Posted for Royal Gunpowder Mills

Posted by Volunteer Essex

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The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a 170 acre site protected for its’ industrial heritage and natural history. Almost the whole site is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). We open to the public to share the exhibitions and offer tours and activities. We run a schools programme that fits with the history of the site and the National Curriculum. We offer hire space and interesting environments for filming. The charity’s aims are to protect, preserve and enhance the special aspects of the site and to share the story of the industrial and social history, the science and the nature. 

The mini railway runs on public days. People of all ages visiting the site can have a ride on the carriages along the track, through the trees up the west side of the site and back. The Mini Railway is also a fun way for visitors to get to the station for our Narrow Gauge Railway. 

There are varioustasks and responsibilities involved in running the mini trains for passengers. Volunteer Crew need to work together as a team to ensure the passengers enjoy their rides safely. We need volunteers to welcome and assist visitors as they approach the station, be the whistle blowing ‘Station Master’,assist passengers on and off the carriages, drive the trains and help with setting up and shutting down each day. There are also other tasks if you are keen to help with the ‘behind the scenes’ work of maintaining the rolling stock and track, but that is up to you. 

As guided by the experienced volunteers and dependant on the time/tasks offered/accepted – 

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• Station Master-Welcome visitors and assist them on and off the carriages. 

• Driver-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then drive the train, carrying passengers. 

• Guard-Ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers on the platform and carriages. 

What skills do I need?

We seek someone:

- With the ability and willingness to understand and follow the rules/procedures to enable the visitors to enjoy their experience in safety and comfort. 

- Who is able to work with a wide range of the public in a calm, helpful and friendly manner. 

- Who is confident incommunicating with the other crew members and visitors. 

- Who has a positive attitude and will work cooperatively in a team environment. 

- Who will be physically able to set up the engine and carriages, fit the batteries for running and remove the batteries for charging. 

- Who is keen to work out doors. 

- Who is reliable, e.g. informing the relevant volunteers of the RGM staff ASAP, if not able to attend on any pre-agreed days/times.