Why should I join the Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Group?
If you have an interest in railway history, heritage preservation, or the cultural legacy of North
Wales you should consider joining the Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Group (WHRHG)
(Photo by David Firth)
The Welsh Highland Railway Heritage Group is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and restoration of the original infrastructure associated with the former Welsh Highland and North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways and of its documentation.
The Group ensured where possible that the buildings and other features that contributed to the character of the railway, and to the countryside through which it ran, were preserved during the reconstruction phase, helping both to enhance the experience of today’s passengers and to preserve the ethos which made the line unique.
With the reconstruction completed, the Group has moved on its priorities from ‘preservation’ to conservation and restoration. At the same time, cataloguing and recording of the line’s history continues.
Past restoration projects have included:
- Reconstruction of Cambrian Crossing Signal Box, where narrow gauge crossed standard gauge in Porthmadog
- Renovation of the derelict Tryfan Junction station building.
- Conservation of the remains of Betws Garmon station building
Historical researches
The Group welcomes everyone who is concerned about, and interested in, those railways which contributed their character and background to what in 1923 became known as The Welsh Highland Railway.
The Group publishes a quarterly journal, “Welsh Highland Heritage” which is sent to all members and contains articles about the old line and its workings.
The benefits of joining the WHRHG include:
- Preserving a Unique Piece of History
The WHRHG works to document, preserve, and share the heritage of the original Welsh Highland Railway and its rebirth, a line with a rich and complex past dating back to the 19th century. By joining, you are actively contributing to protecting artifacts, documents, stories, and historical sites from being lost to time
- Hands-On Involvement
If you like practical heritage work, there are volunteering opportunities in restoration, archiving, exhibitions, and education. You can contribute towards preserving, conserving, restoring and recreating the railway’s heritage features such as buildings, station nameboards and much more. You can contribute well researched articles to our quarterly heritage journal
- Access to Exclusive Resources
Members receive the WHH journal , historical publications, and updates not always available to the public including our members only on line photograph library and archive which will ultimately contain over 5,000 historic images. You get insider access to research materials, archives, and ongoing projects – ideal for railway historians and/or enthusiasts
- Community and Events
You’ll join a like-minded community passionate about Welsh railway, industrial and commercial heritage. Regular meetings, heritage tours, talks, and social gatherings foster connection and learning
- Support the Broader Railway Movement
The WHRHG supports the heritage dimension of the modern-day Welsh Highland Railway, now operated by the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways. Your involvement can help ensure the historic character is maintained amid modern operations.
To activate these benefits and and receive regular copies of “Welsh Highland
Heritage”, either in print or electronically we invite you to print out and complete the
membership form below, and post it together with an SAE and a cheque for your
subscription to the membership secretary Derek Lystor
Current membership subscriptions:
- Annual Membership £15 – to receive “Welsh Highland Heritage” – electronically
- Annual Membership £18 – to receive a print copy of “Welsh Highland Heritage” – by post
- Life Membership – to receive the Journal electronically (Under 65) £300 (Over 65) £200
- Life Membership – to receive the Journal in print (Under 65) £400 (Over 65) £250
Annual memberships are due by 1st January, and run 12 months from that date.
Click here to download the membership form.
The WHRHG is a registered charity and is able to claim Gift Aid on subscriptions and donations.
Please consider using Gift Aid. Click here for the Gift Aid form.