Volunteer or no?

[ACE1888]

Deadly serious question here...
Have been a volunteer in the past at two different organisations, but am at present, mainly through work commitments, unable to do much in that line. The first time was in the early 1990's and laterly from around 2005 to 2009, met some really nice people along the way, and mostly really enjoyed it, didn't expect to become an engine driver overnight I would like to add
Unfortunately one person arrived at my local railway and 'ruined' it with a very poor attitude (basically the first time I met this chap I could have 'lamped' him one), so instead of putting in the effort to turn up and enjoy the time there, I haven't been to my local line for some 18 months(the chap who upset has now left the organisation I have heard), the 'workdays' there are days that I work at the paid job anyway, I'm not going to 'name' the organisations i am involved with, thats not the issue here, but really some idiots with no 'people' skills can put you off things that you should really love doing!
Preservation needs all types and I feel more time and effort, especially with those in 'positions' should put more effort and time into 'general'chat amongst the volunteers? Obviously this is just my opinion on this matter, volunteer and be wanted basically...and respected

 

[Tomnick]

Unfortunately you'll find people like that wherever you go, whether they're on the paid staff or just volunteers. It's especially frustrating when you feel that parts of the management are 'anti-volunteer' - I've always dealt with it (not always successfully!) by remembering why I'm there, trying to put the 'politics' to one side and continuing to put my efforts into what I'm there for, for the benefit of the railway and my own enjoyment.

Not sure exactly what you're asking, but yes, those who don't have the 'people skills' really shouldn't be put in a position where they potentially can upset a large proportion of the workforce!

 

[50Fan91]

Volunteering is a fantastically important thing to do; as Tomnick says - avoid the politics. Me, for example, I keep myself shut up in 50017's interior for most of my time at the PVR and therefore am largely oblivious to anything going on outside! (But I would just like to say that I've been hugely lucky in that everyone at the PVR does seem to be very nice!)

To quote Tomnick again:

Unfortunately you'll find people like that wherever you go, whether they're on the paid staff or just volunteers.

That just about sums it up - and whether we like it or not we've got to deal with it to continue doing the preservation work we love!

 

[YorkshireBear]

Unfortunately you'll find people like that wherever you go, whether they're on the paid staff or just volunteers. It's especially frustrating when you feel that parts of the management are 'anti-volunteer' - I've always dealt with it (not always successfully!) by remembering why I'm there, trying to put the 'politics' to one side and continuing to put my efforts into what I'm there for, for the benefit of the railway and my own enjoyment.

Not sure exactly what you're asking, but yes, those who don't have the 'people skills' really shouldn't be put in a position where they potentially can upset a large proportion of the workforce!

Just like any job though.

Volunteering is a fantastically important thing to do; as Tomnick says - avoid the politics. Me, for example, I keep myself shut up in 50017's interior for most of my time at the PVR and therefore am largely oblivious to anything going on outside! (But I would just like to say that I've been hugely lucky in that everyone at the PVR does seem to be very nice!)

To quote Tomnick again:



That just about sums it up - and whether we like it or not we've got to deal with it to continue doing the preservation work we love!

Spot on. At KWVR i work in a dept which in its self has little politics but i keep my head out of way down there.

Just on a personal note, how is work at PVR going, railway wise and with the class 50? i do keep regularly checking as i have family in saltash and enjoy that part of the country very much despite being all way oop north.

Send it in a p.m if you dont want to clog up thread

 

[50Fan91]

Just on a personal note, how is work at PVR going, railway wise and with the class 50? i do keep regularly checking as i have family in saltash and enjoy that part of the country very much despite being all way oop north.

Send it in a p.m if you dont want to clog up thread

^^ Good idea! Keep an eye on your inbox and I'll send you a message before the evening is out..

 

[YorkshireBear]

^^ Good idea! Keep an eye on your inbox and I'll send you a message before the evening is out..

will do cheers

 

[Tomnick]

Just like any job though.

Correct - but most of us work for a living because we have to. Where you're relying on people giving their time and efforts through their own choice, it's a pretty unfortunate attitude!

 

[The Decapod]

Not sure exactly what you're asking, but yes, those who don't have the 'people skills' really shouldn't be put in a position where they potentially can upset a large proportion of the workforce!

Maybe there's a heritage case for preserving the 'British Rail mentality' before it's lost for good

 

[ACE1888]

In the first time in some 18 months, I 'bit the bullet' and went back to the the latter preservation centre today, and it felt good to be back there, nice to catch up with a few people, lovely day, took plenty of photos. Basically finished work at 1pm, got in the car and went there, glad I did now!