Spa Valley Railway » Membership & Volunteering!
The Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society – A registered charity to preserve the Spa Valley Railway for future generations!The Spa Valley Railway has established itself as one of the most progressive and friendliest societies in railway preservation. With visitor numbers increasing and exciting overhaul projects coming along, now is the time to get involved in this exciting and growing heritage railway! We are a registered charity, the Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society (1039493).
This Society provides the Spa Valley Railway with much-needed support for projects and to drive the longer-term aims of the railway. This includes projects such as buying LMS Jinty 47493, Broom Lane Bridge and the restoration of carriages and other locomotives.
We're on the lookout for Station Masters, Catering Staff, Guards, Signalman, Steam Engine Cleaners and locomotive/carriage maintenance staff!
The Spa Valley Railway operates trains through 5 miles of glorious High Weald countryside and is run by a 100% voluntary workforce! Enjoy the delights that a heritage railway has to offer, socialise and make lifelong friends.
Don't delay. Please email volunteering@spavalleyrailway.co.uk today to get involved with our wonderful railway, or come along to one of our FIND OUT MORE DAYS!
The dates for 2025 are below!
Meet at Tunbridge Wells West at the time shown above inside our Engine Shed underneath the canopy.
Remember, some employers also offer volunteer leave so you can become part of our Society and spend a few days helping out throughout the year!
You can be part of it - become a member of our Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society and start Volunteering!
DOWNLOAD A MEMBERSHIP LEAFLET HERE!
Please complete this form, either online or by hand and send a copy to Membership@spavalleyrailway.co.uk with your name as the subject matter in the email. If you are paying by BACS transfer, please send payment to:
You don't have to volunteer to become a member to join and take advantage of all the benefits. However, all volunteers must become members for insurance purposes.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 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 have a specific interest already or want to contribute to something that benefits the local community, there is something enjoyable and rewarding for you to do on the railway.We are known as a society for our camaraderie and relaxed but professional atmosphere. New members are always welcome. 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.
Remember, it doesn't matter how much time you feel you can give. If you can only come for a day or a morning every few weeks, that's fine. We'll be delighted to see you!
Station Staff - Station Masters, Shop and Ticket OfficeIf you enjoy meeting the public and like to be at the centre of things, ticket sales and platform duties are rewarding and fun roles. Station Masters and staff are a vital part of the visitor experience we aim to provide, and presentation and attention to detail are key.
We are extremely short of volunteers in this department, and we certainly need more at Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge, our terminus stations where most of our passengers come and go.
Catering & Dining TrainsWe operate a catering outlet at Eridge using our restored 1930s railway wagon, a refreshment kiosk at Groombridge, and our award-winning bar car, 'Kate', or on-train buffet car. A small band of uniformed stewards and stewardesses serve drinks and snacks across the railway. Similarly to station staff, the catering department offers enjoyment and satisfaction as part of a close-knit team.
We are very short of volunteers in all areas of railway catering. Catering is a huge source of our income, so the more people able to take on this vital task and generate revenue, the more we can develop our railway further.
We also proudly operate a large and diverse range of on-train dining products under the name 'Dining in the Weald'; this brand is the mainstay of the income that the Spa Valley Railway receives and requires volunteers urgently to ensure its continued success!
Permanent WayVisitors praise the ride quality of our railway and a growing understanding of plain trackwork, points, and crossings. The P-Way is an exciting and innovative group 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.
Civil EngineeringInstalling 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.
Carriage and WagonWorking both midweek (usually Wednesdays, but sometimes also other days) and at weekends, our C&W team undertakes restoration, overhauls and maintenance restoration on our historic passenger and goods fleet. Currently in the shed are MK1 First Open 3131 (a future dining car) and the MK1 being converted into a Kitchen Car - there's always plenty to do!
On Train staffYou 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.
Locomotive CrewStarting 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 to diesel locomotive work. If you have existing competencies from another railway, we would be happy to review these and adjust our training programme to suit your requirements.
Alternatively, could you join to learn how to drive diesel locomotives such as a Class 08 Shunter and the bigger diesel? Starting as a 3rd Man, you'll travel on the rostered locomotive learning the roles and responsibilities of 2nd Man; when the time comes, you'll be assessed for 2nd Man. When the time comes, you'll progress to learning what's required to be a Driver! It isn't a 5-minute task; please be patient!
Signalling and TelecomsThe S&T department's current focus is the installation of the passing loop at Groombridge – an enormous undertaking for a little team. However, steady progress is being made towards complete installation, and a new signal box and signals have been erected in readiness for this, and some are already in use.
Locomotive EngineeringWhether 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. Restoration projects currently include our 3F LMS Jinty & LBSCR Terrier 'Sutton', as well as routine maintenance.
Gardening and Lineside CultivationA happy band of people has restored our lineside to its steam-age glory, with embankments rich with wildflowers and Indigenous fauna. They work throughout the week and will be glad to welcome you. Our stations are decorated with planters and hanging baskets, which bring colour and life to the surroundings.
Annual Membership Subscription Rates (valid until 1st May 2025)
Life Membership Subscription Rates (valid until 1st May 2025)
Annual MembershipAnnual membership benefits include:
Help us raise £300,000 to replace the vital Broom Lane Bridge between High Rocks and Groombridge, click here for details and to donate!