Corporate Volunteering Opportunity
Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers
Description
Where: Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers (ESME) at the Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Edinburgh EH52 5PF.
When: Volunteering Opportunity: Thursdays in March, May and June. Please note: this must be pre-booked so we have time to plan for your visit.
Who: 1-6 volunteers at any one time, and larger groups split over multiple weeks.
Example schedule:
0945 -1000 Arrive on site and sign in
1000 Issue of PPE, introduction, safety briefing and instructions
1230 Lunch (bring your own)
1530-1600 Finish
Who are we? We are the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, one of the oldest model engineering clubs in the world and a registered charity. We promote the hobby of model engineering, protect its heritage, encourage education through the construction of miniature machines and provide a place where anyone can learn about our constructional hobbies. Our activities benefit our physical and mental health and provide participants with education and skills.
Background: 12 years ago, we bought an 11-acre derelict woodland, where we have created a large model railway and a venue for people to enjoy model engineering and other constructional activities. The project will continue to develop over generations and will become a centre for the heritage of our hobby. We enjoy making things, and we hope it will never be finished!
Why do we need your help? We continuously build and maintain our track and infrastructure and tend to the nature around us. Some of our embankments have “settled” since construction, and we have decided to raise and widen them to improve passenger safety. It is a big decision as it commits us to moving a vast amount of material by wheelbarrow. During the winter, we have prepared a wheelbarrow loading ramp and started work, but we need help.
We also need a hand with lighter work, such as clearing undergrowth and creosoting fences.
What do you need to bring? Enthusiasm, old clothes, sturdy work footwear or wellies, and your packed lunch! Be suitably dressed for the weather. We can provide Hi-Viz tabards, work gloves, and safety glasses if you don’t have them, and we will have all the required equipment and materials.
What is the environment like? The good news – There is plenty of free parking, a building with toilets, a kitchen and space to leave (non-valuable) items or relax if it gets too wet to work. We will be working outside all day and hopefully have lunch outside on picnic tables. The bad news - It’s a woodland, you will get dirty! There are no shops nearby. Bring sun cream, hat and a water bottle.
Why do we do this? It’s fun! This is our hobby. There are no staff, and nobody gets paid. We are building and maintaining this site so that everyone can enjoy it. It is physical work, so stop and rest whenever you want.
We are a charity that relies entirely on self-funding. We don't charge for your participation, but we are always in need of materials or a cash donation. Please chat to us about what we currently need.
We are also looking for aggregate and building materials.