Meet the Teams - Indoor Gang
The Indoor Gang Updated 24th June 2026
A very apt title for a great gang and originated by Paul W.
The work of the Indoor Gang covers many different things, almost all inside our coaches whether during major refurbishment, repairs in our running rakes (Rakes 1 and 2), or simply the maintenance of Rakes 3 and 4 at Winchcombe (as such they are also listed with 3rd/4th Rake Maintenance).
Originally the Indoor Gang comprised the two stalwarts Ron and Rog who have retired. With the passing of time, new members have come along and the main active team now comprises Alan, Geoff and Roger. Some of the gang you may have already seen as also part of the Electrical and Metalwork teams.
Alan
Geoff
Phil
Finally there is Bob S. who occasionally helps the team
He also helps the Mechanical ("Dirty") and Metalwork teams.9
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Former members: -
Ron Woodruff
Ron joined in October 2008 and, as previously described in the opening section, eventually worked with Roger Whicker on Thursdays and as such becoming the initial duo under the title of the "Indoor Gang". Several years ago Ron and his wife Celia had to move to near Arundal, Sussex. Ron is also one of the Winchcombe Santas and will come back to do the occasional session, and in so doing visit us too. He keeps in touch via email.
Roger Whicker
Roger joined in October 2007 and regularly attended on Wednesdays. As mentioned above he joined Ron on Thursdays and in so doing they became the Indoor Gang. Roger also moved away some years ago and as such is no longer able to attend.
Tony Baker
Tony, a long time and skilled member of the Indoor Gang, passed away in September 2022, not long after his final visit. He had been unable to volunteer for a while following the discovery that he had cancer, although he did manage to do the occasional day with us. He is much missed by us all.
Pat Niblett
Pat, another long time and skilled team member, took on other volunteering work after the pandemic. He is much missed.
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Their jobs are many and very varied, and include: -
- Removing and reseating window glass
- Rebuilding internal window frames
- Repairing internal panelling on walls and the backs of doors
- Reinstating ceiling panelling
- Reinstating luggage racks and repairing the netting
- Reinstating toilets and sinks, and all the associated plumbing
- Reinstating tables and small compartment shelves
- Reseating ceiling ventilation covers
- Repairing and reinstating internal lighting
- Reinstating compartment doors
- Repairing and clearing internal window drainage
Many examples of their work appear in the following sequence of photos
Occasionally there is a general call for help and the Indoor Gang dramatically increases! The luggage racks in FO 3132 "Mary" were somewhat long. While everyone holds up the rack, Pat rushes about fixing the bolts.
A well-earned break!
Come back soon Ron !!