Alex Volossevich Interview

Lydia Paine, Railway Mission’s Marketing Manager, spent some time with Chair, Alex Volossevich, to ask about his impressions of the role

How have you found your first year as Chair?

It’s been very exciting, interesting and challenging. The other trustees have shown such great dedication to the charity, which has been brilliant and a real privilege to be a part of. My role is to pull together the skills of other people, which is something I really enjoy doing. The more challenging side is to witness the work the charity does on a daily basis. There are some 400 fatalities on the railway each year, about 300 of which are suicides. The chaplains are doing a very serious job and the trustees’ role is to enable the chaplains to do their jobs. We have seen how political and economic tensions have been growing in this last year. How can Railway Mission bring God’s grace into these discussions?

We are there to stabilise and support existing structures. We’re not just doing it in our name but in God’s name. We try and show a different way, not by taking sides in a conflict. Railway Mission has

always provided impartial advice and support, to give people the tools to cope when things aren’t good. Through our work, we aim to show people that when provoked we don’t have to retaliate. What are the best ways that stakeholders can support their chaplains and the charity as a whole? Pray – it’s very important to seek God’s agenda. Not my will but God’s, as Christ prayed in Gethsemane. Ask – if you know your local chaplain, ask what they may need. You can find out who your local chaplain is on our website if you’re unsure. Tell – of your experience of the mission because you value it, share it with others and spread the word about the work of the chaplains. Consider how you could use your gifts to raise awareness and support for the charity. 1Peter 3:15: “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Do you have a favourite train and/or journey? I would really like to do West Highland Line across the Glenfinnan Viaduct –the views are fantastic! Greatest railway journey that I have done was from one side of Canada to the other. Travelling across the Rockies arriving in Banff was like travelling from autumn to winter, as it snowed the night we arrived. Another personal favourite was on board a steam engine on London Transport, travelling on the footplate.

Great Western Rail held a remembrance service at Plymouth station on Tuesday 14th June, where they unveiled a special Falklands 40 livery dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice 40 years ago. Railway Mission chaplain John Roe said, “It was a privilege, on what was a very hot, sunny day, to lead the short Falklands remembrance service, accompanied by veterans who served in the conflict. It brought back many memories to myself, watching the horrors of the war unfolding in real time on the news.” “This Act of Remembrance served to pay tribute to the courageous men and women who joined the military task force and helped liberate the Falkland Islands in 1982. Plymouth and Devonport played a significant part in the conflict, and we honoured the service and bravery of all those who never returned home, along with the many more who were wounded, physically and mentally.”