Spa Valley Railway

The railway has many hundreds of members, a good proportion of whom actively contribute as volunteers. Members operate and support the railway by giving their time when they can. Everything you see around the railway is the fruit of our own labours, and our exciting future projects will require the same winning formula of people who wish to learn new skills and share existing ones.

Whether you've got a specific interest already, or simply want to contribute to something that benefits the local community, there's something interesting and rewarding for you to do on the railway.

As a society, we are known for our camaraderie and relaxed, but professional atmosphere, and new members are always welcomed into the fold. Existing volunteers will tell you of the friendships they have made and the satisfaction derived from seeing the railway develop.

It's the explanation of how something works, or the welcome our visitors receive that makes the difference to someone's day.

Being part of the team that runs the railway is richly fulfilling, and brings with it the benefit of acquiring new skills and new friends, so please join us and fill in the membership form, indicating what you might be interested in doing. Our volunteer liaison officer Peter Gilbert can then arrange for you to visit the railway, show you round and interest you to the relevant people. we're a friendly bunch, and look forward to meeting you. Remember, it doesn't matter how much time you feel able to give - every little helps - and if you can only come for a day or a morning every few weeks, that's fine. We'll be delighted to see you!

Membership fees are very reasonable, so please join us! Annual benefits include:

Free copy of the 'Spa Valley Starter' Magazine delivered to your door four times a year.

Member's Privilege Rate Tickets allowing unlimited travel on the day of purchase

A warm welcome to Spa Valley meeting and member events.

Share a common interest with like-minded people, and make friendships that can last a lifetime.

The chance to actively participate in the running of the railway. Jobs are many and varied, and embrace all aspects of railway work:

If you enjoy meeting the public and like to be at the centre of things, ticket sales and platform duites are rewarding and fun roles. Stationmasters and staff are a vital part of the visitor experience we aim to provide, and presentation and attention to detail are key.

We operate a static buffet car ("Emily") at Tunbridge Wells, two refreshment kiosks at Groombridge, a snack bar at Eridge, plus our award-winning bar car "Kate". A small band of uniformed stewards and stewardesses serve drinks and snacks across the railway, and similarly to station staff, the catering department offers enjoyment and satisfaction as part of a close-knit team.

Our railway is regularly praised by visitors from other lines about the quality of our track. With increasing mechanisation, and a growing understanding of plain trackwork, points and crossings, the P-Way team is an exciting and innovative gang to be part of. Providing the foundation for a safe and expanding railway is very fulfilling, and the team is known for its camaraderie and can-do attitude.

Installing and maintaining fences, bridges and structures is an essential part of ensuring our railway is fit for action. The Civils Team offer a varied and interesting selection of jobs for people of all fitness levels.

Meeting both midweek and at weekends, our C&W team restore and maintain our historic passenger and goods fleet. Currently engaged on a ground-up restoration of Thumper unit 1317 and a Mk1 open saloon, there's plenty to do!

You can progress from Travelling Ticket Inspector to Guard, one of the most responsible jobs on the line. With the right aptitude, you will in time be in overall charge of the train and the safety of its passengers. As with our station staff, a high standard of personal presentation is expected.

Starting as an engine cleaner, ensuring the locomotives are well turned-out for the day, you'll learn about how they work and how to work them. Progression to Fireman and then Driver is dependent on how well you can acquire the necessary skills to perform these safety-critical jobs. The same standards apply for diesel locomotive work.

The current focus of the S&T department is the installation of a new semaphore signalled passing loop at Groombridge - an enormous undertaking for a little team. However, with design work now complete, steady progress is being made towards full installation, and a new signal box and signals have been erected in readiness for this.

Whether you're a skilled engineer already or a complete novice, we have a boundless array of clean(ish) and (very) dirty jobs lined up for you in our original 1885 running shed.

A happy band of men and ladies have restored our lineside to it's steam-age glory, with embankments rich with wild flowers and indigenous fauna. Working both midweek and weekends, they'll be glad to welcome you. Also, our stations are decorated with planters and hanging baskets which bring colour and life to the surroundings.

With every job you'll receive full and professional safety training - the safety of both you and our visitors is of paramount importance.

You don't have to volunteer to become a member - you are most welcome to join as a member and just take advantage of all the membership benefits. However, we do ask that all volunteers are members for insurance purposes.

If you'd like to get involved, download a membership form, or call 01892 537715 and leave a message for Peter Gilbert, Volunteer Liaison Officer. Alternatively, drop him a line at volunteer@spavalleyrailway.co.uk.

How much does it cost to be a member?
The subscription rates are outlined below, different rates apply for concessions, as shown below

Corporate Membership

This is an annual subscription and is for a 12 month period from the date of renewal (as adjusted to the previous month end). The cost is £100.00 and includes 4 copies of the quarterly magazine in addition to 2 transferable membership cards entitling the holder to privilege rate travel on the Spa Valley Railway. Currently privilege tickets cost £3.00 for a return trip over the operational length of the line. This would be a saving of £4.00 per adult to Groombridge and £6.00 per adult to Eridge.

This category of membership is ideal for Clubs and Societies as well as corporate Social Clubs, Schools etc wishing to provide a benefit for their members/staff.

There are some restrictions on availability of privilege tickets (Days Out with Thomas, Santa Specials, Gala events) but generally they would be available for over 80 operating days in the year giving a potential saving in excess of £700.00 over and above membership cost.

Junior*	£6.00
Student	£12.00
Adult	£20.00
Senior	£13.00
Senior Couple	£20.00
Family/Joint	£30.00

Single	£400
Couple	£560
Senior (60+)	£200
Joint Senior	£300
Partner of Existing Life Member	£175