What is the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society?
The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society has been in existence since 1960 when it was formed "for the purpose of preserving the Railway, which is a continuing function until the Railway can run no more". Ever since then we have worked alongside the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Company (now part of Lake District Estates) as a separate organisation providing practical, financial and volunteer support to ensure the railway remains open for future generations.
from left: Douglas Ferreira; Colin Gilbert; Auctioneer Terry Hodgson; John Green; Tom Jones.
Photograph courtesy of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum
from left: Auctioneer Terry Hodgson; Douglas Ferreira; Colin Gilbert; John Green; Tom Jones.
Photograph courtesy of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Museum.
We own two steam locomotives ‘River Mite’ and ‘Whillan Beck’, a diesel locomotive ‘Douglas Ferreira’ and an open coach all of which are hired to the railway. In addition, our charitable arm The Preservation Society Trust owns the historic steam locomotive ‘Katie’, on display in the Ravenglass Railway Museum at Ravenglass.
Recent financial support of the railway has included:
- grants towards the rebuilding of the railway museum in Ravenglass,
- funding improved facilities and enhancement works at The Green station including a new picnic area,
- funding improvements to Fisherground Halt including a new platform,
- providing a loan to enable an enlarged footprint for the rebuilt engineering workshop.
We have also recently funded major overhauls of both 'Douglas Ferreira' and 'River Mite', a complete rebuild of 'Katie', and the purchase and restoration of the 'Train From Spain' Krauss of Munich 8457 now named 'Whillan Beck'. More information about the 2018 overhaul of 'Douglas Ferreira'.
'Heywood House' is our hostel-style self-catering premises in the village of Ravenglass providing good value accommodation for all members volunteering on the railway.
Over the years, a number of interest groups have been associated with us, including The Murthwaite Locomotive Group (MLG), The Siân Project Group (which owns the steam locomotive Siân currently based at Kirklees Light Railway), The Heritage Group and The West Yorkshire Group.
Our income comes predominantly from member subscriptions, donations and legacies. By applying for membership of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society you will help contribute to supporting the railway.
Our charitable arm, The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society Trust (registered charity number: 1067272), offers a tax-efficient route for those who would like to leave a legacy, be it financial or a specific gift to the railway.
All members receive a copy of our quarterly full colour glossy magazine with all the latest news about the railway.
Members are also entitled to free travel on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (subject to any restrictions applied by the General Manager; service trains only). For full details and a membership application form, Join Us