A couple who have volunteered on a heritage railway line for a combined total of 83 years have said Christmas is “a very special time” for the charity.
Chandra and Richard Law, who both give their time to East Lancashire Railway (ELR), first met in Malaysia when Richard was a civil engineer working on its railways.
A railway enthusiast since leaving school, Richard soon brought Chandra to the UK. When they eventually got married, they even held their wedding reception on the steam train Black 5 at ELR.
“Richard brought me to meet his family, we got married in the UK and he introduced me to East Lancashire Railway, and that’s how my volunteering began,” Chandra explained.
The heritage railway charity is known for its annual Santa Special service [BBC]
Originally built during the 1840s railway mania, the ELR was closed to passengers by British Rail in 1972.
Richard was among the preservationists who rebuilt the line in the 1970s and 1980s.
It reopened between Bury and Ramsbottom in 1987 before extending to Rawtenstall and Heywood.
Today, this 12.5 mile (20km) heritage route runs through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages.
It remains a popular tourist attraction, particularly at Christmas when it runs Santa Specials, only made possible by a team of more than 800 volunteers.
Among them is Chandra, who has now been volunteering for the past 27 years and is currently station master at Ramsbottom.
“It’s wonderful,” she said.
“I know I’m doing something to support my husband as well, with what he loves.
“I’m not a railway person but I enjoy it. I meet lovely people, you make friends.”
Richard, who has had a number of roles over the years, is now in charge of health and safety, drawing on decades of expertise.
“I’ve been on railways just about every day since I left school,” he said.
“I’ve been part of this railway for 56 years and enjoyed it all, it’s very satisfying.
“At one time, I was a fireman and then a driver. Now I only drive paperwork, but somebody has to do it!”
Chandra Law said working as a station master is “wonderful” [BBC]
Chandra’s responsibilities also extend to managing the gift shop, the waiting room, and also ticket sales when needed.
“The best part is welcoming my trains and my customers and making sure they have a happy day,” she said.
“Christmas is a very special time for the railway,” she said.
“It’s a jolly time and it makes us happy to come to work in the morning feeling Christmas is here!”
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