Staff Vacancies

The BHR opened in the summer of 1963. The raised trackbed now called ‘Mid-Land Railway’ is where it all began. Peter Bower started with the large ‘Distant Signal’ standing close to the track and before long added the main Signal Box. The original steam loco's had been in his father Paul's family for many years. Paul Bower's engineering background was certainly an asset in those early days getting it all going. Our latest electric loco on the ’Riverside Railway‘ is dedicated to his memory.

As the numbers of visitors grew, the ‘Riverside Railway’ was established and later extended to what it is now. It's still growing! In the last 10 years, we have added the popular Evening Running in September to show off our large collection of original lamps.

We have also added our ‘Santa Specials’; this one day in December is also growing in popularity and last year (December 2007) we were entertained by ‘Bellfolk’. Six of their team played carols on hand bells.

The whole railway team you meet at BHR are volunteers, who enjoy running the trains and raising money to help those in need. We have a number of original railway items in use and on display in the museum and follow railway practises operating the trains. We welcome like-minded people to come and join us.

Join the Friends of the BHR and then become a volunteer member of staff.

We need people to train in the following roles:

Booking Clerk - Selling traditional railway tickets in our suitably fitted booking office (shortly to be replaced and upgraded) and dealing with our customers' queries and requests.

Ticket Collector - On our Mid-Land Railway - a front line job where you need to be able to chat to the public, assist them on and off trains and clip and collect expired tickets. This role would suit someone who enjoys talking to people.

Signalmen - Learn to operate our traditional signals and tablet instruments for controlling trains on single lines.

Drivers - Steam & Electric - Learn how to drive one of our electric locos and respond to our authentic signalling system. For those who are really keen, we can teach you the complexities of the steam loco, including preparation of your loco and disposal afterwards.

Guards - An important role especially suited for youngsters. As well as being responsible for your train and its passengers, you will be taught to understand the principals of signalling and the ticketing system. You need to be comfortable in talking to the public.

Porters - Help with general duties for a time and then decide in which roles you would like to receive training.

Requirements

Commitment - Attendance at our ‘Running Days’ (3rd Sunday, April to October), in addition, a few special events, total runnings not normally more than 10 days per year.

Age limits - Minimum age 10 years, but we have no retirement age! Drivers on the BHR must be 18 years or over and you must be 14 years or over to work in a situation handling money.

Enthusiasm - Working in a voluntary organisation that not only gives enjoyment to the visitors, but also raises money for ‘good causes’ - in 2007 we gave £1000.

As well as the benefits of membership of the Friends, (3 newsletters per year, participation in friends' events), as a BHR Staff Member you will receive the monthly staff magazine ‘Smokebox’, have use of the staff mess room, (with your own locker if you wish); join in social events including meals and outings and if you wish help with regular Sunday working parties. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic group of volunteers and have the satisfaction of helping to preserve the past but at the same time contributing to the needs of our society.

To Join, you can write to our postal address or send an email, details on the ‘Contact Us’ button. Come along on one the running days and express your interest. You will receive a ‘Friends Application Form’. Current Yearly Rates - Adults £10, Two adults £15, Children under 14 years £5, Family £25. Children must join with an adult.

Training will be given and a uniform - hat & jacket is provided.