THE volunteers who keep Midsomer Norton Station running have long been the quiet engine behind one of the area’s most cherished heritage attractions, writes Roger Burfitt, chair of trustees at Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust.

From restoring historic carriages to welcoming visitors, their work has helped breathe life back into a stretch of the old Somerset & Dorset line that once lay silent.

But as the railway grows in ambition, the number of active volunteers has not kept pace.

We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved here, but the reality is that a small group of people are carrying a very large load. To keep the railway moving forward, we need more local people to join us, whether that’s once a week, once a month, or even just for specific projects.

Those projects are significant and speak to the railway’s long‑term vision. The most transformative is the planned extension of the running line northwards to Chilcompton; achieving this would reconnect more of the historic route and create a longer, more immersive visitor experience.

Alongside this sits the ongoing restoration of a 9F steam locomotive currently stabled at Poole in Dorset, one of the most powerful classes ever to run on British rails and on the Somerset & Dorset mainline itself.

The railway is also developing plans for a three‑road engine shed situated at Tunnel Lane. This new facility would provide much‑needed workshop space, enabling volunteers to carry out mechanical, restoration, and maintenance work under cover and in improved conditions. It represents a crucial step in ensuring the railway can care for its growing collection of locomotives and rolling stock.

The tasks involved in supporting these ambitions are as varied as the people who take them on.

Some volunteers help maintain the track and rolling stock; others support events, tend the gardens, staff the shop, or assist with visitor engagement. No previous railway experience is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Heritage railways across the country are facing similar pressures as volunteer numbers decline and long‑serving members step back. At Midsomer Norton, the concern is not about imminent crisis but about long‑term sustainability.

Without a broader base of volunteers, future expansion plans, educational programmes, and restoration projects could become harder to deliver.

Local residents and those from afar who have joined the team say the rewards are considerable. Many speak of the camaraderie, the satisfaction of preserving local history, and the joy of seeing families discover the magic of the station for the first time.

As the railway prepares for another busy season, the message is clear: new volunteers are not just welcome, they are essential. The station’s revival has always been a community effort, and its future will depend on the same spirit of shared endeavour.

Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to visit the station, speak to current volunteers, and explore the roles available.

With more people on board, Midsomer Norton Railway Station can continue to grow as a living piece of Somerset’s heritage for decades to come.