HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country near Liphook needs to add to its band of willing volunteers in order to keep up with an ever-increasing work programme of renovation and restoration.

Hollycombe provides a fun, family day out with its collection of Edwardian and Victorian fairground rides, steam railways, steam and traction engines and woodland walks.

Over the past 12 months the current volunteer team has overseen the reintroduction to the fairground of the world’s oldest Haunted House, opened up views from the Quarry Railway over the South Downs and painted new liveries on the railway carriages and steam boat Neptune. Volunteers operate the fairground rides and railways on open days, help maintain the gardens and assist in the gift shop and cafe.

Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding said: “Hollycombe couldn’t open without volunteers. Some joined the team when at school, others when they retired.

“The current team are incredibly proud of the attraction and keeping the tradition of steam alive for this and future generations.

“But the existing work programme means that moving forwards we need to welcome new members to the team. During the summer holidays we open six days a week between Tuesdays and Sundays – plus the August Bank Holiday Monday – when we look to operate as many rides as possible.

“On occasions when we do not have sufficient volunteers for all the rides, we run a ‘Pied Piper’ operation opening each fairground ride in turn, though our preference of course is to be able to run each continuously.

“Front facing roles are what the public sees, but those involved behind the scenes cleaning, painting and greasing perform equally important roles. Skills can quickly be picked up by anyone with the right aptitude.

“Full training will be given, and there is a role for everyone, no matter what their background.

“There is currently a Thursday evening gang in operation, with another key date for volunteers being Saturdays, though there is an opportunity to assist on other days of the week too. Everyone is very friendly and all come with the same mindset – a love for Hollycombe and a determination to see it succeed. We all love the uniqueness of the site and want future generations to be able to experience that too.

“Let’s keep Hollycombe alive and steaming.”