Volunteering

Working on the KWVR

The KWVR is owned, operated and managed entirely by members of the Preservation Society. Members have the opportunity of volunteering for work on the Railway. The Railway's highly democratic structure enables all members to take an active part in forming policy of each department. Members of each department vote on issues which affect their department at monthly committee meetings and elect the chair and secretary of their committee each year who run the department from day-to-day. The elected officers of each committee in turn report to the Council of the Society (elected by the entire Society membership) which meets each month in Haworth. The KWVR is very proud of this unique democratic structure which is similar to a small town council. The KWVR is essentially a workers' co-operative.

How do I volunteer to work on the KWVR?

There is no typical KWVR volunteer: there are bank managers, shop workers, nurses, computer programmers, telephone engineers, bus drivers, the unemployed, clergymen, students and factory workers - plus the occasional professional railwayman too! Some volunteers virtually live on the Railway, others limit their commitment to a day a month. Some work in the public eye, others slave away in workshops (or at computer screens!). All departments provide training to new volunteers. The KWVR now has an excellent purpose built accommodation block - Stanier House at Haworth, which is available free of charge to volunteers working on the Line - advance booking is recommended. Please note that for their own safety and that of the passengers, volunteers with impaired eyesight, hearing or mobility will not normally be able to undertake operating duties or work on the track. However, the Railway's policy is to allow all people to do as much as they can safely and competently manage.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .