As Talyllyn Railway’s family volunteering scheme turns 30, a record numbers of youngsters have rolled up their sleeves to help.

Talyllyn Tracksiders, established in 1996, gives youngsters and their families the opportunity to get actively involved with the world's first preserved railway. 

Three decades of participants have contributed more than 5,000 Tracksider days, lifelong friendships have been forged and former youngsters have progressed into senior volunteering roles at Talyllyn.

This year saw the arrival of the first second generation Tracksider, as children of former participants followed their parents onto the railway.

The anniversary celebrations came after a record-breaking May week saw 53 junior members travel to Tywyn to volunteer, the largest number in the group's history.

Andrew Thomas’ childhood experiences led all the way to the footplate.

“My experience as a Tracksider was incredibly positive," he said.

“It gave me the opportunity to make new friends who shared the same passion for railways while allowing me to gain hands on experience through volunteering. 

“Following Tracksiders, I became a volunteer in the Locomotive Department, where I have progressed to driving the steam trains.

“The practical skills, teamwork and confidence I developed on the railway have also been invaluable in my paid employment, making the experience both personally and professionally rewarding.”

Another former Tracksider, Poppy Wakeham, was just three when she first became involved.

“I was introduced to the Talyllyn Railway through Tracksiders as a train obsessed three-year-old who only wanted to be a steam train driver, and it really put me on the right track,” she said.

“You'd meet for a week or two every single year to develop skills and build these incredible friendships that I still have now, 17 years on.

“Tracksiders enabled me to have the confidence to work on the railway as a volunteer Guard and Passed Cleaner and put myself forward for things like a seat on council, which is part of the railway's governing structure. I wouldn't be where I am now without Tracksiders,” she added.

Unlike many volunteering programmes, Tracksiders is deliberately designed as something families can experience together. 

Working weeks are normally organised two or three times each year, with children taking part alongside a parent or guardian. Projects range from restoring traditional slate fencing and clearing vegetation to painting, maintaining footpaths and helping prepare for special events. Work is mixed with barbecues, picnics, beach parties, games, films and other social activities designed to ensure volunteering remains fun.

Liz Porrett, General Manager Operations at the Talyllyn Railway, has seen the impact of Tracksiders from both sides, with her own children having taken part in the scheme.

“The Talyllyn Railway is extremely proud of our young volunteer programme and particularly Tracksiders as it celebrates its 30th anniversary,” she said.

“These young volunteers are key to ensuring the railway is here long into the future, and the fantastic attendance we saw in May demonstrates that children and families still have a real interest in the magic of steam trains and want to become actively involved in preserving them.

The anniversary was marked with a special awards ceremony and barbecue.