Young Volunteer Heritage Railway Guard Passes Exam

Jack Palmer, a volunteer with the Leighton Buzzard Railway for some years, has passed his Guard’s assessment with flying colours, becoming the youngest full guard the railway has ever had and possibly one of the youngest qualified heritage guards in the UK, having only turned 18 in May this year.

Jack’s family have been part of Buzzrail for generations, including his parents and grandparents, one of whom still runs the Craft Shop at the railway’s historic Stonehenge Works terminus. Jack began his assistant guard’s training as soon as he turned 16, and declared he was ready to take his test almost before the candles were out on his 18th birthday cake. However, he’s been attending the railway with his family since he was just two years old.

The railway has recently founded its Junior Railway Club, a volunteer-led group encouraging young people to get involved in their local railway, passing on skills and knowledge for future generations, and helping to forge career aspirations for use in both employment and volunteering.

For further information visit www.buzzrail.uk.

Photo credit: Tim Parsons