Operations focus: The next generation

19th August, 2025

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is always on the lookout for new volunteers and we've some exciting news on that front.

Jack Balmer and Ollie Tompkins have just started as the newest and youngest cleaners (trainee firemen) on our fabulous steam locomotives at Woody Bay.

They both started as junior volunteers leaning the ropes by helping to run and maintain the 7¼” gauge miniature railway which is becoming increasingly popular with visitors.

Our future relies on new volunteers, especially younger volunteers who can safely learn from the older hands and bring new perspectives to the railway.

We’re incredibly proud of how well Jack and Ollie have performed on the footplate, they're clearly naturals and their smiles say it all.

They’ve received great support from everyone at the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, and we would love to hear from other enthusiasts (young and less young) who want to get involved in the last great narrow-gauge adventure.