27/03/2018
Hi Everyone,
I would like to title this "The Volunteer"
All to often we run around taking the all important shot of the equipment in service, but the men that operate it and maintain it are very often overlooked.
It is a widely known fact, that the volunteer is recognised by many individuals as the lifeblood of the many organisations within the rail preservation scene. These volunteers come from all walks of life, every not for profit organisation has them. Theirs is a thankless task and their reward is the enjoyment the task provides and the comradeship with other volunteers.
Their demographic is wide; some are enthusiastic railwaymen, whilst others are railway enthusiasts. Some are retired, and some are not. Some are young but most are old. Some live afar whilst others live close by. Some work in teams whilst others work alone. But whatever their capacity the job they do is invaluable.
It is their fingerprints you will find on the pen that signs the cheques, the spanners that create the restorations, and the broom that sweeps the floor and on the tea pot that makes the cuppa. There are no lines of demarcation to cross here.
They are the ones who continually step up, without looking for remuneration or recognition. It is hardly surprising that many of the not for profit organisations would be unable to survive without their valued contribution. They continue to come back time and time again to help with the cause.
A nurtured volunteer is worth their weight in gold, and that should be the focus of each and every executive committee to ensure the volunteer receives his or her necessary reward, ie. the satisfaction and enjoyment of doing their task. It is important to take the time to show they are appreciated and respected.
Too easily, are committees able to overlook the volunteer’s contribution, taking their effort for granted. They are often forgotten, or left out of the decision making or consultative processes. Sometimes they are even abused!
So I call upon the executive committee of all not for profit groups or larger organisations that utilise the volunteer, to take stock and look at the contribution these people make to your organisation. Then take some time to provide encouragement and support in appreciation of your volunteer work force.
The photo below shows Driver Colin at the controls of 58 RM on tour in his capacity as a V/Line heritage driver. Here he has the controller in pumping with the throttle cracked and a few volts showing on the volt gauge to keep the compressor turning over.. In his capacity as a DERMPAV volunteer he like the rest of the team at DERMPAV continues to prove how valuable an asset they are to our organisation..
I have used this before but it is a cracker of a photo and deserves a rerun. Photo by Ken Coram
Regards
Colin Kelly
Secretary
DERMPAV
