15th October, 2026
It takes a lot of hard work to keep a heritage railway running, and the Somerset & Dorset Railway in Midsomer Norton is no exception. The railway is entirely volunteer run, unlike some heritage railways.
Like many railways, and other volunteer organisations, the railway is always looking for new volunteers.
There are a wide variety of jobs to be done in all of the departments on the railway, and you don't have to be a railway enthusiast to enjoy working at the railway! There are the obvious roles of train crew, station staff and signalling. Other roles include mainteance and restoration of the rolling stock, and also the Permanent Way team who look after the track. Then, away from the main railway functions, there is the gardening and grounds mainteance. Another important area is the museum telling the story of the railway.
Another very important part of the railway is the support roles of retail and catering. We have the station shop, plus the Emporium - second hand books and model railway items - and not foregeting the catering department who keep us all fed and watered!
There's no requirement to do one single job and a variety of work may be more appealing to you. Qualifications are required for some roles such as locomotive driving, maintenance and more, but training will be provided for these roles. However the main requirement is enthusiasm!