• Premium high-visibility clothing presented by Pulsar® UK Ltd • Lineside drainage team benefits from ~£2,500 presentation
It’s vital that volunteers working on and alongside the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway’s (GWSR) line between Cheltenham and Broadway can easily be seen by the footplate crews of passing trains. Pulsar, the UK’s leading supplier of personal protection equipment (PPE) to the rail industry, has given a real boost to the GWSR’s infrastructure volunteers, by donating carefully selected technical items from their environmentally responsible, RIS-3279-TOM certified – PULSAR® Life collection.
The donation followed an approach by Jonathan Taylor, a member of the GWSR’s lineside drainage team, to PULSAR® on their stand at the recent RailLive rail industry event at Long Marston, Warwickshire.
The clothing, comprising hi-viz certified long-sleeved polo shirts, EN343 class 4:4 shell jackets and certified stretch combat trousers, was handed over by Pulsar’s Sales Director, in a ceremony at the GWSR’s Winchcombe station. Also in attendance were John Forkes, the railway’s Safety Officer and Dr Graham Plant, Civil Engineering Director, who is responsible for the infrastructure volunteers.
Jonathan Taylor commented: “In the past we provided our own high-visibility clothing but this new kit really gives a professional edge to the team. Given that we work in all weathers, it’s important we are safe, dry and comfortable and can be seen. We’re really grateful to PULSAR® for donating this excellent kit.
“We are often spotted by passengers in passing trains and they give us a wave. They’ll be able to see us even more easily now!”
The railway’s drainage team is responsible for maintaining some 60 culverts and drains that carry water off the Cotswold escarpment, crossing the railway towards the rivers Avon and Severn.
Said Dr Graham Plant: “Given the history of landslips along the railway, drainage is vital to maintain the integrity of the railway’s embankments and cuttings. Our volunteers play an essential role in securing the stability of the railway. This clothing will give the team a real boost.”
David Smith of Pulsar UK said: “As the leading supplier of high performance and certified apparel to the rail industry, it is a pleasure to be able to give something back for the benefit of the GWSR. Given that we are based semi-locally, it geographically makes sense for us to partner with this wonderful railway. The team were delighted to receive their new PULSAR® Life items and it’s super-comforting to know that the volunteers are safe and protected from the elements year round.
“I am amazed to learn that the railway is run by so many volunteers and so few paid staff. Yet it is operated to the highest possible standards of maintenance and safety. I’m particularly struck by the challenges that the railway has overcome, not least the significant works to the very striking Stanway Viaduct.”
David Smith added: “I look forward to developing our partnership with the railway to mutual benefit, for example, we plan to organise a photo-shoot of our soon to be launched, latest collection of railway-certified apparel and equipment on the line.”
The new clothing, to a value of nearly £2,500, was immediately tried on by the team for photographs before they moved on to continue working on a lineside drainage project between Toddington and Broadway.
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