Following a period when members of the Supporters' Association were not welcome on railway property, the beginning of 1977 (which also marked the return of services between Ballasalla and Douglas for the first time since 1974) saw a period of much activity as was detailed in the following article entitled "Volunteer Work" in the first edition of the year . . .

FROM STEAM RAILWAY NEWS
ISSUE No. 43 - FEBRUARY 1977

On 11th February the impossible happened; after having been officially banned from Douglas Station since October 1974, the volunteers were given permission by the Railway Company to return.  Early the next day a large crowd of volunteers were waiting outside the station for the "ceremonial" unlocking of the main gates.  A small cheer was heard as the heavy metal gates swung open and in second the station yard was full of expectant faces as a new era in volunteer work begun.  Work had been organised by the Railway Company in the station booking hall and this included the sanding and repainting of numerous station benches in readiness for the coming season.  The Railway Company have also asked the Supporters' Association to take part in the large-scale renovation of Douglas Station and many other tasks along the line.

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Most people would admit that there is a great deal of work to be done and that it will be necessary to complete much of it before the height of the 1977 season.  Work has started in earnest with at least one of the set tasks already completed.  Full details regarding the restoration of Douglas Station will appear in future editions of Steam Railway News.  It is twelve months since the volunteers started signing the volunteer work book in F.44 for insurance purposes.  As well as providing a valuable record of all the work done, the volunteer work book has also allowed us to calculate the number of volunteer days performed over the past months.  By 5th February 1977 there were 334 signatures in the F.44 book.  If only six hours were worked in any one day by each volunteer, this works out at 2,004 hours of work.  This figure does not include work done by volunteers who have signed the Port Erin book, or that done by volunteers who failed to sign either book.  A figure of about 3,000 hours is probably more accurate.  Since the return of trains to Douglas the number of volunteers has increased, so it is hoped that even more work can be done during 1977.

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Once again there have been a number of new additions to the volunteers' toolbox.  The new tools include five "Chillington" heave-duty hoes and  a pair of tree-lopping "Speare & Jackson" shears, by courtesy of Mr. Longworth and Kirby Garden Centre, Braddan.  We have also acquired a number of long-handled sickles by courtesy of the Railway Company, a small grass scythe thanks to Mr. Shaw, a number of wire brushes and three "Draper" paint scrapers.

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Down on the line the volunteers have started to renovate Santon Station.  Because Santon is an area almost free of vandals, the station building has escaped its three years of neglect largely undamaged.  The grounds, however, had become very overgrown abnd a considerable amount of weeding has become necessary.  The return of volunteers to Douglas has meant that Santon will have to wait for further weeding and repainting in an attractive new colour scheme.  Port Soderick has also been the scene of volunteer work, though on a much smaller scale.  Digging of flower beds, together with weeding of the badly overgrown platform, are among the tasks attempted by solitary volunteers.  It is rumoured that the Saturday work party will descend on this hitherto peaceful area fairly soon.

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Projects in hand include the replacement of the 6 to 15 mileposts along the lineside.  Ron Cooper has undertaken the task of making and positioning these mileposts, which will continue from 1 to 5 mileposts already installed by the Greater Manchester Area Group.  Talks have been taking place regarding some form of "hostel" for mainland volunteers visiting the island this summer.  Port Soderick Station has been suggested by the Supporters' Association, but the Railway Company feel that there might be unforseen difficulties with this proposal.

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This summer the volunteers are hoping to take part in a "mammoth" publicity campaign to attract visitors already on the island to ride on the railway.  This will involve the distribution of leaflets and posters to various points around the island throughout the coming season.  It has been said many times before that the island-based work party is not as large as it might be.  More volunteers are needed now!  If the extensive renovation of Douglas Station, together with many other tasks, some of which are mentioned here, are to be completed before the peak of the 1977 holiday season, we must have a lot more help from members.  For all those that might be interested, please contact the Works Officer.