For the last few months I’ve been spending time with the volunteers who maintain, repair and operate the miniature railway that runs through the Valley Gardens area of Saltburn in Cleveland. This group of dedicated volunteers spend 2 days a week, unpaid and unsupported by the local council, down in the work shed that houses the trains and the carriages making sure that they are fit to run when they open for the first day of the season – Easter bank holiday.
Their only funds are raised from the tickets that are sold to visitors to the railway and they take it in turns to operate the train during the season which runs from up in the Vally Gardens to the sea front. As a traditional part of life in Saltburn for many years the railway seems to be doing well but only due to the hard work and commitment of the volunteers and of course the members of the public who visit the town and pay to take a ride on the railway. So next time you pass them working on the trains stop and say hello and while you’re there why not buy a ticket, jump on and take ride.
It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face…whatever your age!
Below is a photofilm that I’ve edited from some of the footage that I produced when I spent time there and below that are a large selection of images made during that time. Feel free to take a look and I welcome any comments…
Cheers,
Ian
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