JOIN BRITAIN’S GREAT LITTLE RAILWAYS
Britain’s Great Little Railways Ltd was formed in 1994 in order to create a forum for miniature and narrow gauge railway operators, owners along with associated traders. It’s a company limited by guarantee.
The organisation provides opportunities to exchange information views/ideas on many matters.
We are active in promoting our members’ interests by publishing annual leaflets, posters and this website which all list our member railways.
We are a group member of the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) which enables our members, some of whom might not meet the criteria or afford to join individually, to enjoy the benefits of the organisation at a far lower cost.
The company has links with HSE/HMRI and is involved in matters of legislation at the formation stage. The HRA take the leading role for all railways which come within the scope of the Railway Inspectorate but for those with gauges below 350mm we take the lead in advising the HRA/HSE/HMRI.
A quarterly e Newsletter is published so that all members are kept in contact with each other and developments. Any items of interest which are passed on by the HRA are also circulated to members.
The company is managed by 4 Directors appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting which is held in March each year.
During the year there are two meetings arranged which are hosted by one of our members and are always in different locations. The dates are arranged to be outside the main operating season.
The company dedicates all its available funds to promoting its work. No person receives any payment for work done.
Benefits of Membership of Britain’s Great Little Railways
Regular Meetings at different venues
Interchange of ideas, knowledge, successes and failures.
Annual Production of publicity posters and leaflets to advertise our members’ railways.
Web links from this web site and other members web sites and a members web forum.
Publicity in railway press.
Special deals for railways accepting credit or debit cards
Exchange of staff.
Social gatherings
HRA Membership
National level representation to HSE/HMRI on safety issues
Creation of guidelines for railway construction & operation in different gauges to allow exchanges between members.
Advice on many issues (i.e. V.A.T., Insurance, web sites. advertising etc).
Finally friendship and support from like minded people.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
We publish a poster on an annual basis giving details of members. The poster is provided for display by members and copies are also available for sale by members. See the BGLR Map web page for details
An annual publicity leaflet is distributed nationally listing all members railways. This is very well regarded by the public and generates useful income. With a current annual print run of 40,000 you will easily more than pay for your annual membership with extra visitors.
A revised Web site with public information and a members area to give a central base for details of the facilities offered by all our members. A quarterly e newsletter is produced. Click here to see a sample copy
If you need a copy to read the newsletter pdf file a free download can be found here http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/
A voluntary scheme of inspection of member railways is being developed.
Member access to sample records, policies, procedures and practices.
We are actively involved with two of the committees of the Heritage Railway Association and thus are quickly aware of any developments which may be being discussed that could have an effect on our members miniature and narrow gauge railways.
We are in the final stages of producing a set of guidelines for the various gauges that we represent based on the official publications from HSE and current practice.
If you want to more information please contact us by email or telephone. There is no obligation.
APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
The last meeting and agm on 23rd March 2011 at the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway was treated to superb weather and a display of the excellent collection of locomotives resident on Clive Upton’s railway.