Volunteers deliver three months of upgrades in just two days at Bedale Station
To demonstrate our continued support for local community projects, more than 60 employees and supply chain partners have transformed Bedale Station, part of the Wensleydale Railway heritage line in North Yorkshire.
Wensleydale Railway, a 22-mile heritage diesel line, is a vital part of the region’s cultural and transport heritage. Bedale Station, located just a short walk from the town’s Georgian high street, offers visitors access to local shops, a small museum, and other attractions.
Across two days, teams united to deliver essential upgrades to the station and surrounding infrastructure. This included:
- Renewal of four timber bearers beneath the crossing nose
- Replacement of 16 softwood sleepers across the plain line and farmers’ crossing
- Welding inspections and repairs
- Construction of a new footpath
- Station maintenance, including painting markers and staining fences
- Litter picking and de-vegetation works
- Installation of two new planters and benches
- Survey work to support future drainage improvements
The work undertaken by these volunteers would typically take Wensleydale Railway over three months to deliver, highlighting the power of collaboration and community spirit.
Sam Allen, VolkerRail’s metro and rail projects manager, said: “A big thank you to everyone involved. Undertaking such an extensive upgrade in two days is testament to the dedication of our people. What was achieved is no small feat, and it really shows what we can achieve when we pull together.
“A special thank you also goes to the volunteers at Bedale Station, who kindly provided lunch for all participants. Their hospitality, including homemade pies and tea, was warmly appreciated.”
Jon Trueman, director of Wensleydale Railway, said: “Thank you for your fantastic support of our heritage railway. An outstanding effort on multiple fronts by so many people at Bedale. We greatly appreciate the tremendous work your team and supply chain partners have done for us.”
Supply chain support
The initiative was made possible thanks to the generous support of our supply chain partners, SEP Drainage, PLS Civil-Engineering, Reactive Hire, and Land Recovery. Their contributions of labour, equipment, and materials were instrumental in the success of the event.
James Morley, project manager at PLS Civil-Engineering, said: "Whilst we were not familiar with the Wensleydale Historical Railway and its unique place within the UK's railway heritage, we were still keen to show support, and were pleasantly surprised by what we found; a quaint and unique railway which is still sizeable. I was certainly amazed at how it is operated by a dedicated set of volunteers most of whom are not from a railway background.
“It was a pleasure to contribute in our own small way to the upkeep and futureproofing of this unique place."
Richard Holmes, sales director, Reactive Hire Ltd, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to help and support with this incredible project. At Reactive Hire, we understand the importance of giving back and supporting local communities, and we were delighted to be involved.”
Niall Donnelly, contract manager at Land Recovery, commented: “At Land Recovery, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. Supporting this project was not just about providing materials; it was an opportunity to contribute alongside our partners and volunteers in making a lasting impact on the railway and the community it serves.”
Community and team impact
The event also fostered team building and offered insight into the vital work involved in maintaining the railway network, with VolkerRail academy members also in attendance, providing value on site experience.
In total, the efforts by all involved resulted in 720 volunteering hours and more than £7,000 worth of social value.
