Behind the scenes: What it's like to work for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Part One

With the third series of the documentary The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard currently screening on Channel 5, our rural North Yorkshire reporter, Louise Perrin, went along to meet some of those who work behind the scenes to find out what they do.

In the first part of her article Louise spoke to those who work in the offices and tearooms of the much loved attraction.

Chris Price, General Manager

Vice Chair of the Heritage Railway Association, Chris came to Pickering four years ago from the Talyllyn Railway in Wales.

He said: “The best way to describe a general manager is that you spin plates. On occasions you get your hands dirty, but you only go to the pit face when you have to. I’m very lucky to have an exceptional team of managers and staff.

“I’m not a train spotter, and I don’t do it for the money,” he said, laughing. “Like anyone who works in the charitable sector, the job is the thing that attracts people in and it’s the enthusiasm for the railway which holds you here.

“We would always like more money. Ideally we’d like financial security and a certain future. But it’s very hard to future proof something when it’s half a century old.”

Tim Fisher, 44, Hospitality and Events Manager

Tim has one of the most varied jobs at NYMR. He organises charter trains and special events, including the afternoon tea and gin trains. He also manages NYMR’s letting accommodation which comprises two camping coaches and The Station House at Grosmont.

Tim said: “Weddings are a big thing, we’ve done about 50 so far. Every wedding is unique. I plan them all with the help of volunteer wedding organiser, Val, who is superb.

“In the future, I’d like to see us do ceremonies further up the line. It would be nice to do them in Grosmont or Goathland, for example.”

Tim, who is from Pickering, said: “I grew up with the railway, so it’s nice to be a part of it. It’s a fascinating place to work.”

Tracey Westwood, Management Accountant

Tracey provides financial information for the company each month, and is currently studying for her CIMA exams.

She said: “Money is a massive issue here because it’s a charity, and in the winter we don’t have a lot of money coming in.

“When it’s busy the atmosphere is lovely and the events are really good. On War Weekend, walking up from the Market Place is fantastic.”

Sandra McNicoll, Booking Office Manager, Suzie Shea and Chris Earnshaw, Customer Service Administrators, Eve Welford, Business Support Assistant

The booking office at Pickering Stations is a hive of activity, even in the off season. Chris said this is one of the reasons she chose to work for the railway when she retired: “I came to get my brain active and it certainly helps doing this, it gives you a buzz.”

The booking office is always busy, with the ladies dealing with email sales, lost property and phone calls.

Sandra began working with NYMR in 2009 when volunteering for the Santa Specials. She took various roles in the company before becoming Booking Office Manager in 2015.

Suzie has been with the company since June 1990, spending 25 years working in the finance department before transferring to infrastructure. “Last year I was acting Pullman Manager,” she said. “I really enjoyed doing that.”

Eve started her apprenticeship in November. She said: “It’s good, I enjoy it, I do customer service three days a week and HR two and I get to go through every department including finance and marketing.”

Sandra said: “Whatever is going on in your life, you could come here and you feel like it helps you stay sane. I just love working for the railway. It’s a great place to work.”

Chris said: “You do feel part of a family, it’s a big organisation but it feels small.”

Maddie Coulson, 22, Tea Room Supervisor at Grosmont

Maddie has been working for the railway for two years. She said: “I’m normally here five days per week cooking, ordering and serving customers.

“I enjoy working with the people I work with, it’s like a different world, I’ve never been in a place where there are so many different types of people.”

Maddie, who started as a tea room assistant, said she hopes to have a hand in the upcoming plans for redecoration: “It would be nice to put my own spin on a classic railway tearooms,” she said.

Peter Fisher, 38, Marketing Co-ordinator

Day to day, Peter looks after NYMR’s website and the company’s social media presence: “I prepare artwork, adverts, press releases, and help to plan events such as ‘60s Weekend, War Weekend, Santa Specials,” he said. “I also deal with filming requests, we’ve just been featured in the opening scenes of the Downton Abbey movie.

“I love that it’s so varied and that there are so many different aspects to my role, the people I work with can be great.

“It’s good to get the railway in front of more eyes. I enjoy being part of a family.”