A heritage railway has celebrated decades of dedication by its volunteers.
The Watercress Line hosted a long-service volunteer lunch at its Alresford station on Saturday, July 5, honouring those who have given 30 years or more to the railway's preservation and operation.
The event brought together long-standing volunteers for a relaxed lunch, giving them the opportunity to share memories and reflect on their contributions to one of Hampshire’s leading heritage destinations.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said: "We were delighted to celebrate the long-serving volunteers whose years of dedicated service have contributed significantly to keeping The [[Watercress Line]] on track.
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"We would be pleased to hear from anyone who has an interest in volunteering and would like to get involved."
Volunteers were presented with awards in recognition of their commitment, with staff and trustees expressing their gratitude for the essential role they play in the railway’s ongoing success.
Many of those honoured began volunteering in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and have since helped shape The Watercress Line into the popular visitor attraction it is today.
The railway relies on a dedicated team of volunteers for a wide range of roles, including locomotive engineering, customer service, events and catering.
In 2023, The Watercress Line received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade a voluntary group can achieve in the UK.
The award was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson.
The railway is currently taking part in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries of railway history.
The event not only celebrated past achievements but also highlighted the ongoing importance of volunteer support in securing the future of the heritage line.
Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to find out more about the variety of roles on offer.
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