The Watercress Line is celebrating its longstanding volunteers, recently holding a long service volunteer lunch for those who have volunteered for 30+ years.

They held the special lunch at the line’s Alresford station on the 5th July, bringing together numerous volunteers to share stories and reflect on their incredible contributions to the railway.

To commemorate their years of contribution, volunteers were presented with an award and a heartfelt thank you from staff and trustees.

The lunch showed the lines’ appreciation for their volunteers after previously being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award a volunteer group can receive.

Many of the volunteers began contributing to the railway on and off, going back to the 1970s.

These volunteers have been vital to the continued running of the line and have allowed it to become a beloved attraction in Hampshire.

“We were delighted to celebrate the long-serving volunteers whose years of dedicated service have contributed significantly to keeping The Watercress Line on track!

“We are fortunate to have more than 550 volunteers, who do everything from driving the trains and maintaining the rolling stock, tracks and stations to providing customer-facing retail, catering services and horticulture.

“We would be pleased to hear from anyone who has an interest in volunteering and would like to get involved.”

The Watercress Line’s CEO Rebecca Dalley