Avon Valley Experience Days

[Ivo]

Hi,

My first post in the Preservation section for quite some time!

Anyway, has anyone here ever been on an "Experience Day" with the AVR (Oldland Common to Avon Riverside) at all? I ask because I, along with another local member with whom I visited the AVR yesterday, are applying to become volunteers there and have been advised that we may be invited to join an "Experience Day". Having never helped with heritage operations, I am not that sure as to what to expect! So if anyone is able to provide some insight, it would be most welcome.

On that point, is anyone here a volunteer on the AVR at present? For the record, I am looking to become a guard in the long term, and TTI in the shot and medium term.

 

[ralphchadkirk]

Go for it!

I don't know anything about the AVR, but on the MHR we run Induction days where talks are given from heads of departments about the work and roles, and the railway. I assume they would be similar to that. Again, I don't know about the AVR, but we require prospective guards to start on platforms and work up to guard level. From TTI to guard requires you to work on the platforms. I've been on platforms since Sept. 08, and I've just started as a trainee guard.
Don't expect it to be a quick thing up to senior levels. I did, and trust me, it isn't! Having said that, I have made my way up to guard level relatively quickly for the MHR, and am also passed in a number of operational aspects as well (handsignalling etc).

It'll be one of the best experiences of your life. It has been for me. You'll meet great people, make great friends, and have a damn good time whilst doing it.