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Volunteers keep line on track

3/ 9/2003

MARGARET and Derek Barber share a passion of steam and railways.

And ten years ago that passion led them to join the army of volunteers that make the East Lancashire Railway possible. Since then they have risen through the ranks to stationmaster and signalman at Ramsbottom station.

Margaret, the stationmaster, said: 'We have always been interested in the railway but when Derek retired from lorry driving we had the time on our hands to volunteer, and we love it.

'I have been stationmaster for about two years now. I started working on the station, learning all the daily duties then after five years became deputy stationmaster.

'It is a responsible job but I have a great staff. The events that attract the children, such as the Days out with Thomas the Tank Engine and the teddy bears picnics are probably the most fun. Its wonderful to see the platforms busy and all the happy faces.'

Margaret's team consists of station staff Bob Macbeth, Barry Sale, Scott Cooper and Gill Johnson. Ron Hodkinson is the booking office supervisor and Chandra Law runs the station shop.

• MANY young children dream of growing up to be a train driver, and the East Lancashire Railway gives grown-ups the chance to make that dream a reality.

The company has 30 regular volunteer drivers who travel up and down the eight-mile-line between Bury and Rawtenstall and they all being trained to drive on the extra four-mile of track to Heywood.

Some of the drivers are retired but many have full-time jobs and drive in their free time.

It takes several years of rigorous training before a driver takes up the prized position on the footplate. First they must work as an engine cleaner, then comes a stint as fireman before eventually taking the coveted job.

At the moment all the drivers are men, but the company would welcome any women who would like to give it a go.

The drivers come from all over the North West and range in age from their 30s to their 60s. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years but no official retirement age, although drivers are regularly tested and have to pass medical assessments.