Preservation, heritage steam railway lines in the UK have existed and grown primarily through volunteers and legacies driven by the nostalgia of a time gone by. With the numbers of people with a memory of steam diminishing, the income and support for this important part of history and working museums are now having to look at other avenues for the much needed income and voluntary support. This feature documentary goes behind the scenes of Britain’s oldest full gauge preservation line, now in its 60th year, with their presenter Becky in order to take a look at some of the important roles on the railway and meet those that generously give up their spare time to work there. Becky also gets mucked in with the locomotive duties, trying out the progressive grades of; cleaner, fireman and driver.
The railway relies upon upwards of 800 volunteers to keep it a viable concern. Through our film we endeavour to demonstrate the benefits to younger people in areas such as mental health and well-being, career progression, self confidence, companionship and teamwork. We also explore how the Bluebell Railway is working to promote diversity and inclusion through the efforts of Joanne who has made it her personal goal to break down the barriers which existed, particularly with the older generation whom volunteer there.