Railway Afternoon Tea Thank You for Volunteers

The Trustees of Friends of the Shakespeare Line organised a thank-you event on Sunday, 1 September, to honour over 70 station volunteers who tirelessly look after the 18 railway stations between Stratford upon Avon and Birmingham along what is known as the Shakespeare Line.

Pictured: volunteers and their partners from Wilmcote’s station with Fraser Pithie, Chair of Friends of the Shakespeare Line (5th from left). They joined volunteers from the 17 other stations between Stratford upon Avon and Birmingham for a special “thank you” afternoon tea on Vintage Trains’ steam hauled “Shakespeare Express” on Sunday 1 September 2024.

Reflecting on another remarkable year, which has included the opening of The Station, Henley in Arden, and the commencement of the first City & Guilds NVQ 2 qualification in the UK based on railway volunteering at Wythall, the trustees wished to express their deep appreciation for the volunteers' unwavering commitment and hard work.

Volunteers from various stations along the Shakespeare Line have made an indelible impact on the community, enhancing the experience for countless rail travellers and ensuring that the railway route's heritage continues to thrive. 

As a token of gratitude, the trustees organised a complimentary journey on the Shakespeare Express steam train from Stratford upon Avon, complete with an afternoon tea prepared by the trustees, for all the station volunteers. This special event was a small way of saying thank you for the countless hours these volunteers have dedicated, the positive changes they have fostered, and the difference they continue to make along the Shakespeare Line. The volunteers also received a letter of thanks and poem!

“The dedication and commitment of our volunteers has been truly inspiring,” said Neil Morgan, Treasurer of Friends of the Shakespeare Line. “Their hard work not only enhances the travel experience but also helps to preserve the rich heritage of the Shakespeare Line." 

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements of the past year and to look forward to creating even more memories together in the future. The trustees expressed their thanks Vintage Trains for enabling the special trip for the station volunteers and their hope that the enthusiasm and support of the current volunteers will inspire others to get involved, ensuring the continued success of the Shakespeare Line for years to come.