Train enthusiasts enjoyed a talk about Swanage Railway during a special event hosted at a Poole independent-living community. 

Homeowners from Platinum Skies’ Esprit, based in Poole town centre, and Vista, based in Mount Road, got together for the talk from Jonathan Evans, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Officer at Swanage Railway, in Vista’s communal homeowners’ lounge. 

Jonathan spoke about the number of people that it takes to run the heritage railway service including 25 members of staff and 400 volunteers. In 2018, the Swanage Railway team were officially recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is regarded as the MBE for voluntary organisations. 

Jonathan explained that pre-pandemic, Swanage Railway’s trains would carry upwards of 220,000 passengers each year, and it is a service that would not be possible without the help of 40 volunteers assisting each day. He added that the benefits for volunteers include a boost to the individual’s emotional and mental wellbeing, a communal sense of achievement, learning new skills or using existing skills, and the chance to participate in social activities. 

The talk was organised for the Platinum Skies homeowners following a visit by two Vista social group members last autumn to have a behind-the-scenes look around the Swanage Railway service to find out more about the volunteering opportunities available. 

Laura Warwick, Community Director at Platinum Skies, said: “We had a fantastic visit to Swanage Railway last year and were only pleased to invite Jonathan to come and talk to our two Poole communities about the impact they can make by volunteering. Our homeowners gain a sense of purpose by giving their time to community causes and they have so many skills between them which will prove invaluable to voluntary organisations.” 

Each Platinum Skies community has a dedicated onsite Community Manager who helps to organise fun activities such as wine tasting workshops, yoga, coffee mornings, quizzes, and crafts, as well as providing practical and emotional support to the community’s homeowners. 

Homeowners at Vista have access to a range of communal facilities including a homeowners’ lounge, activity room, treatment room, and garden with a viewing platform over Poole Harbour. Meanwhile at Esprit, homeowners have a host of communal facilities, as well as being just a stone’s throw from the Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole train station, Poole Quay, and Poole Park. 

Prices for an apartment in Esprit start from £107,500 and apartments in Vista start from £225,000 with the Platinum Skies flexible shared ownership option. 

To book an appointment to view an apartment in Vista, go to Platinumskies.co.uk or call the Platinum Skies team on 01202 040996.