Talyllyn Navvies

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Do you want to try railway volunteering, but not sure how to go about it? Talyllyn Navies can help! We meet for one week each year in August, always the week (Sunday to Friday) leading up to the Bank Holiday weekend, and carry out a variety of work tasks on the railway.

The group exists to provide opportunities for interested youngsters aged 10 upward, or anyone older who wishes to try volunteering for the first time, to experience working on the railway.

The Navvies at work during 2004, near Nant Gwernol

In 2007 we built this short platform at Bryglas for guards to use instead of standing in brambles!

We plan work that youngsters can cope with and ask that parents or relatives join us on a rota basis for as many days as they wish, to act in a supervisory capacity, though they are not discouraged from helping with the work! Needless to say, if you're one of the 'older-first-time-volunteers' mentioned above, you won't need parental supervision, just enthusiasm!

In the past, we have covered tasks in many areas; trackwork, painting, fencing and footpath repairs being most common - we have built a reputation for fencing with slate, which is traditional in this former quarrying area. Our work diary covers Monday to Thursday of the week and then an early (7 a.m.!) start on steam loco preparation (with bacon butties at 8) on the Friday takes care of the morning. During the afternoon, if the weather allows, we aim to hold a celebratory barbecue to round off the week.

Everyone is asked to provide their own daily lunch/snacks as we may not be working near stations with refreshment facilities. We can provide high visibility vests and work gloves, though own working clothes are needed - specialist overalls and boots are not essential for growing youngsters as long as work clothing/footwear is sturdy and practical.

There is no charge for joining the Navvies, though we expect everyone to chip in to cover the costs of Friday butties and barbecue.

Interested? Organiser Dale Coton can be contacted via dale.coton@ntlworld.com (note: new e-mail address)