The Society is a UK-based voluntary association for railway enthusiasts. It is a nationally spread organisation with a membership of over 800 (including a few resident overseas).
It was established in 1955 and is widely recognised as Britain's leading amateur group for the study of railway infrastructure and history of networks (and not nowadays, despite its title, just minor lines).
It pursues its aims by a news service, tours and visits, and the production and distribution of publications.
Unlike many enthusiast groups, our emphasis is on the physical works and on operating arrangements, rather than power and rolling stock. Whilst seeking to record matters of history accurately for archive purposes, a prime aim is to publicise coming events and activities.
The news service is centred on Branch Line News (BLN), a newsletter which by its virtue of its twice monthly publication is able to maintain a high degree of topicality.
BLN covers both the history of and the current evolution of railways, especially in Britain, but also around the world. A particular objective in the current climate of increasing investment in new freight and passenger links throughout the world is the dissemination of accurate and well-informed details about progress with infrastructure projects.
[ Download Adobe Acrobat Reader ]Application for membership should be made on the membership form; the subscription rates are applicable to UK residents only. Overseas, including Eire, residents should enquire for an appropriate rate of the Membership Secretary, before sending any remittance, stating whether airmail or surface despatch is required.
Details of membership categories and subscription rates are as follows
A: Each issue of Branch Line News despatched on publication by FIRST CLASS post - GBP 28.50 per annum.
B: Each issue of Branch Line News despatched on publication by SECOND CLASS post - GBP 26.50 per annum.
If you do not wish to receive the International Section of Branch Line news, there is a GBP 2.00 reduction in the above membership rates. Membership is also open to the spouses of members and to other persons not requiring their own separate copies of BLN at a basic fee of GBP 5.00. This is at the discretion of the Committee - please check with the Membership Secretary if you are interested.
The Society regrets that it is unable to accept credit cards or payments in foreign currency for any transaction.
Below is a link to a copy of the membership application form, which can be printed completed, signed and sent to the Membership Secretary - Mr. A G Welsh, 22 Treemount Court, Grove Avenue, EPSOM, Surrey KT17 4DU together with a sterling cheque (payable to Branch Line Society) for the amount due.[ Membership Application Form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)].
[ Download Adobe Acrobat Reader ]There is an additional Overseas Events Information Service for members only, available by e-mail (at no additional cost) or by printed inserts at an extra charge of GBP 6.00 per annum, which gives greater detail of heritage railways, railtours and service trains diverted via unusual routes mainly in Europe.
For further details please write to the Membership Secretary -
Mr. A G Welsh
22 Treemount Court
Grove Avenue
EPSOM
Surrey
KT17 4DU
The Society maintains an active programme of varied outdoor fixtures, and these are run primarily for members. In some cases, especially major train charters we are pleased to accommodate non-members.
The Society's Sales Officer is Mr. S R Chandler, 34 Midhope Road, WOKING, Surrey GU22 7UE
or send an e-mail to [sales@branchline.org.uk]
The Sales Officer is able to supply books and maps from a variety of publishers post free to members as well as back numbers of Society Items.
Currently we have two useful booklets on sale at GBP 2.50 each, post free available from him:
Passenger Train Services over Unusual Lines
Minor Railways
These can be supplied to non members as well as members, on receipt of a sterling cheque for the appropriate amount.
These pages are not maintained by the Branch Line Society, which cannot accept either any responsibility for their content or liability of any nature in consequence of any incorrect information being displayed therein.
[Minor Railways OnLine]
[Enthusiast's Guide to Travelling the Railways of Europe]
[Passenger Train Services over Unusual Lines]
[Rinbad for international news archives and other resources]
[National Rail Journey Planner]
[London Underground Journey Planner etc.]
[The Train Line Journey Planner and Ticket Information]
[DB Hafas Journey Planner]
[Quail Railway Maps catalogue]
[Chester-le-Track railway information]
Membership Secretary
Mr. A G Welsh
22 Treemount Court
Grove Avenue
EPSOM
Surrey
KT17 4DU
Email: [membership@branchline.org.uk]
Sales Officer
Mr. S R Chandler
37 Osberton Place
Hunters Bar
SHEFFIELD
South Yorkshire
S11 8XL
Email: [sales@branchline.org.uk]
Email: [info@branchline.org.uk] General enquiries, including requests for information about fixtures and railtours etc.
Email: [webmaster@branchline.org.uk] Comments and queries about this website (welcomed!).