Getting Involved

If 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.

We 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!

Visitors 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.

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.

Working 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/yard are MK1 First Open 3131 (a future dining car),  a MK1 being converted into a Kitchen Car and the DEMU Centre Car – there’s always 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 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!

The 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.

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. Restoration projects currently include our 3F LMS Jinty & LBSCR Terrier ‘Sutton’, as well as routine maintenance.

A 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 benefits include:

• Free copy of the ‘Spa Valley Starter’ full-colour A5 Magazine delivered to your door four times a year!
• Member’s Privilege Rate Tickets allow unlimited travel on the day of purchase.
• An invite to the Society’s Annual General Meeting.
• The chance to actively participate in the running of the railway as a volunteer.