...on the train
The K&ESR has provided both station and on-train catering facilities since the
line re-opened in 1974 – indeed, the railway was the first to introduce the ‘wine
& dine’ format to heritage steam railways as ‘The Wealden Pullman’.
Our visitors expect and enjoy a high standard of service from these facilities,
which in turn requires a large amount of volunteer input both behind the
scenes and front of house.
There are opportunities to assist with on-train catering from the age of fourteen
with a broader range of responsibilities and duties available, both in the licensed
Station Refreshment Rooms and aboard our luxury dining train. Here, skills in
the kitchen, behind the bar or with silver service can be learned, honed and
refined.
Whether you’re a novice or have established skills to offer there are ample
opportunities to become involved. Training to nationally recognised standards is
available in-house.
...on the station
Signallers and Crossing Keepers
Though not strictly on the station, signalmen are included here as all our signalboxes are at stations: Tenterden, Rolvenden, Wittersham Road and Northiam.
To become a signalman if you have no experience of railway operation you will
first qualify as a crossing keeper before progressing
to train as a signalman which includes a 12 lesson
classroom course. There exists the opportunity
for those aged from 14 to become ‘box boys’, an
established railway term which provides an early
insight to the intricacies of signalling. The signalman’s
job is essential to the safe running of the railway,
and before passing out trainees will need to have
a thorough knowledge of the operation of the
railway as well as the details of the signal-box and
signalling systems. The signalman is responsible for
the operation of points and signals, and for making
sure that engine drivers have the correct token which
allows safe travel on the single line. The minimum
age to qualify as a signalman is 18 and 16 for
Crossing Keepers.
Station Operations
Other jobs at each station all involve ‘meeting and greeting’ our visitors, so an
ability to get on well with people is essential. The Booking Clerk is often the first
member of staff that the public talks to and, as such, must be able to answer
questions not just about trains times and fares, but about the railway generally.
The Station Master is in charge of his station, responsible for health & safety, the
cleanliness and general appearance of the station, timekeeping and to a degree,
decision making.
Shop Staff
The railway’s gift shop is at Tenterden Station and plays an important role in
enhancing the experience for our visitors. It often extends outside for special
events when a greater sales area is required. Two additional outlets are now
situated at Northiam and Bodiam stations which provide a basic product range
plus ice cream and refreshments.
Guards and inspectors
To become a guard you must be over 18 year of age. Initially you will train with
a qualified guard progressing to your own qualification following full training,
assessment and rules examination.
Travelling Ticket Inspectors (TTI’s) cover a variety of vital roles on the trains.
Collecting revenue is a priority, however, selling guidebooks, answering
questions and pointing out things of interest to visitors are equally important.
Volunteers who wish to progress through the commercial ranks to Station
Master obtain a thorough grounding as a TTI and Booking Clerk first.