See behind the scenes of Chinnor heritage railway

ON Saturday, May 30, the wholly volunteer-run Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway will welcome visitors to their annual Open Day at Chinnor station.

Open between 10am and 3pm, the day will be entirely free and over 550 people enjoyed a visit on the last occasion. There will be free train rides along the line in the preserved railcar and visitors will have an opportunity to see behind the scenes and talk with the friendly volunteers.

There are many roles and activities within the railway, and representatives from the following areas will be on hand to talk with visitors and show them what they do: Operations (engine crews, guards, signalling), Carriage & Wagon (restoration and maintenance), Permanent Way (track maintenance and re-laying), Passenger Services (on-train stewards, catering crew, guides, ticket collectors), Tuesday Gang (restoration, painting, repairs), Tea Rooms & Shop, Booking Office & Enquiries, Marketing/PR & Publicity, Website and Social Media, Fundraising, Membership activities including Young Members Group (14-18 yrs), and more.

Danny Woodward, Chairman of the C&PR Railway, said: “‘Our award winning railway is celebrating its 21st year of operation with special events and extra running days – including steam trains on Thursdays in August. On our Open Day we are delighted to give visitors an opportunity to enjoy the railway for free and to take a free railcar ride along the line. They will be able to get up close and personal with the trains and also see the progress on our new Restoration and Education Centre, and more generally to see behind the scenes. As the railway continues to expand, more volunteers are needed to help keep it running. Whether you’re an interested visitor or someone who is perhaps thinking of volunteering, please come along on Saturday, 30 May 2015 – everyone will be made very welcome!”

SOURCE: Contributed