The signing of EKRT's permanent agreement with Ark Academy Uk, was well supported and well received by many ongoing supporters and brought on board some new and very influential supporters.
I would like to thank everyone who did attend and thank those who could not attend but supported us with some much needed letters of support,encouragement and promises of further support in the future.
This is a big step for EKRT and our local communities but we are still in need of help.
Of course we need funding?
That's goes without saying and it would certainly help, especially with the Apprentice Scheme.
More visitors?
That would bring in more revenue and certainly it is what we are working towards.
Increasing our Mining Heritage Railway visitor experience, especially with bringing back steam, would and will, increase footfall and is the direction that we are travelling in.
However at this time there is something even more important than any of the above.
Volunteers are what we are desperately short of.
Without volunteers we cannot reach the level of standard that we want to aspire to.
Funding and visitors are important but without more volunteers we will struggle.
The volunteers we have now are a great bunch of people, all working hard and they have made such a massive change at EKR over the last 18 months and will continue to make progress but they need your help.
To us, we know that our site is a Jewel and a site that we are proud of but we also know that it is work in progress and much more work is needed to bring EKR up to the next level.
EKRT and its existing volunteers need your support.
Everyone is welcome, there is no age or other limits that will stand in your way, you do not even have to be interested in trains because there is far more to this heritage site than just the railway.
Helping in our "Knees Woodland" creating an educational, historical and outdoor wonderland, with our Woodland Ranger Team would suit all ages and genders.
With our shop and Colonels Café, to joining our energetic Youth Team, there are plenty of reasons to come along and see for yourself how you could help.
From taking bookings, selling tickets, being train & crossing guards and even driving our trains, we have something for everyone.
Don't get bored this summer, get volunteering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if its 1 hour or 1 day a week, if you have some spare time you can and will make a difference.
For more info please contact me at
garyekr@sky.com"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
