VOLUNTEER LIAISON OFFICER // MARKETING MANAGER
RICHARD

​My name is Richard and I am the roster clerk, volunteer liaison officer and marketing manager for the railway. I volunteered because I have a lifelong interest in steam engines and railways. I wanted to work outside, doing physical work (which is the exact opposite of my ‘day job’), learn new skills and meet new people. I certainly got my wish.

I continue to volunteer for one reason only - the people. I was made very welcome by everyone from day one and the friendships I have made at the railway are very important to me now. I have been shown new skills, taught how to use machinery safely and really made to feel at home.  It can be hard work at times but there is a lot of laughter, and we all look after one another. I have been a volunteer for three years now and it is the best decision I have ever made. I have definitely found my happy place!

So much has been achieved by our volunteers over the years, and the potential for this railway is incredible, with planned extensions to Doseley and ultimately Ironbridge, to become one of the major heritage railways in the country. To realise this dream however, we need more members and working volunteers. Every single new person who joins us brings that dream closer to reality. I want to be a part of that, and you can be too!

VOLUNTEER // STEAM LOCO DRIVER
ALAN

I volunteer at Telford Steam Railway because I believe in the aims of the Trust, and above all else, because I enjoy doing so.

I have been interested in railways since my school days and joined TSR as a volunteer around 25 years ago so that I could use that interest in a practical way. My first day as a volunteer was spent with a team relaying one of the turnouts in the yard. The lesson I learnt that day was that everything on the operational railway is very heavy, and teamwork is essential to get the jobs done.

During my time as a volunteer I have done most jobs that are necessary to keep the railway going, and during my time I have qualified as a Guard and Steam Driver, something that I am extremely proud of.

For a number of years I was involved with the management of the Trust. During this time I found that I was able to use my professional knowledge to further the aims of the Trust, but I also learnt many lessons that I was able to use for the benefit of my career.

Around 10 years ago I moved away from Telford so my time at the railway became limited, but I continue to volunteer as often as I can. As well as knowing that I am still contributing to the team that keeps the railway going it also keeps me in touch with the many friends that I have made at the railway over the years.

VOLUNTEER // CARRIAGE & WAGON TEAM
BEN

I started at Telford Steam Railway back in 2019 as part of my Duke of Edinburgh volunteering and I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I have always had a love for transport and its history so I thought it would be a perfect place to spend some of my extra time. What I didn’t expect was that I would make so many new friends and learn so many new skills during my 3 years at the railway. 

Our first project as a youth group was the old platform trolley on Spring Village platform. When we look back at it now, we should’ve done things a lot differently to make it look better, but this is what learning is all about. I have learnt so much from various departments that it has given me so many life skills for the future. 

I have also had so many experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to have had in the past. I’ve been lucky enough to drive a diesel locomotive and ride on the footplate of a steam locomotive. As a kid these were only dreams but now, they’ve turned into reality. 
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I currently spend a lot of time working on our carriages and wagons, with me owning a BR Box Van myself. Along with the new skills I have learnt along the way, it is extremely rewarding when you can look back at what you and your team have achieved over as period of time. It is an extremely rewarding experience and for people of any ages, you are able to learn so much! 
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VOLUNTEER // COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
MARK

​Hi. My name is Mark and I became involved with the Telford Steam Railway when I moved to the area in 2012. I needed a hobby to get me out of the house and one significantly different from my day job so I became a volunteer to rekindle my interest in heritage railways. I am happy to turn my hand to whatever task or project needs doing and very quickly I found myself stepping forward to become the Commercial Director for the railway.

In the subsequent years I have helped to develop the railway both at a local and strategic level and to increase ridership numbers and most importantly commercial revenue streams, whether that is selling a TSR teddy bear in the shop or organizing Locomotive Driver Experience days. I also help in visiting other shows and events with what we call the “TSR Roadshow” to advertise and spread the word about our railway. We now have a great team in the Commercial Department and it is definitely one of the less glamorous sides of running a heritage railway but it is certainly one of the most important.

​In my time at the railway, I have been involved with working on locomotives, carriage restoration, trackwork, cleaning, staffing the shop and café, organizing events, attending meetings with local councillors, being a qualified member of traincrew or frequently found as the Duty Operations Manager on a running day. I never know what each day at the railway brings but it will always include plenty of laughs, lots of coffee and the occasional ice cream.
I often get asked “why do I volunteer my time for free?” to which I reply “because I enjoy it”

VOLUNTEER // STEAM LOCO DRIVER
DAVE

​Hi, I'm Dave Angell and I've been a member of TSR for over 25 years.

Back in 1996 I unknowingly was made a member as a birthday gift! My membership card arrived before I was informed it was a present and my initial thoughts were that the railways marketing team had done well to offer me a free membership package.
Since those days I've seen many changes at Horsehay, both in personnel, the physical railway and its standing in the preservation movement. Mainly for the better!
Over the years I have been involved in many varied roles, including Loco and rolling stock restoration, track laying, building, creating Lawley extension and station, event organising, editing the newsletter and Marketing – yes marketing!
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A few of the highlights for me are the restoration of 5619, we had some great times stripping and rebuilding parts of the loco and Telford and Tyseley before she was away to be completed, Laying track to Doseley for disposal of spoil from Lawley extension. There was a real determined effort to ensure outside help could commence work on the removal of 50000 tons of spoil from Lawley. Without this I'm not sure we would have the new station yet. Opening Lawley Station was a tremendous achievement for our small group of volunteers with a brilliant opening day supported by local and national dignitaries and press coverage​. ‘Passing out’ as a driver, the fulfilment of many hours in house training was a big highlight for me, as well as our first Thomas event - The first real set of commercial events put on by the railway – a big risk but paid off well!

Over the years i've done many things, including evolving the marketing of the railway, which was a bit of a strange one! I had no idea abut marketing except the firm I then worked for was good at it. I made the mistake of not stepping back when a volunteer was needed and fell I learnt a lot and really evolved our position. Due to work changes, my time over the last years has not been more limited but I am still able to help a few times every month, sometimes more, sometimes not. But I know when I go up there my time is well spent, always something to do and good fun with other volunteers.
It’s also possible to do plenty of support work away from site – for example, I’ve recently written a new Guide Book and Stock list. I also trade at many toy fairs locally and provide a face for the public to ask about TSR  - and buy guide books.

So, all in all plenty of opportunity to work in numerous areas. There's something for everyone!