The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society

Registered Charity No. 514939 - Patron: Lord Inglewood.

If you are reading this page, you may be interested in becoming a member of the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, the organisation that manages, maintains and operates the South Tynedale Railway.

The number of members of the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society is variable, but usually fluctuates between 250 and 300 at any given time. Many members join the Society to find out more about the railway, keep in touch with progress and to give us their general support - all of which is welcomed. Some members, about 50 in number, are able to support us in a more practical way by becoming active volunteers carrying out a range of functions in support of running a tourist railway. This includes train operating duties, such as guards, signalpersons, steam locomotive crew and diesel drivers, assisting with locomotive and rolling stock maintenance and restoration, track laying and maintenance, catering, working in the shop and fund raising -   in fact every imaginable role which is needed to ensure both the safe operation of the railway and that our visitors have a first class experience when they come to the railway.

New volunteers are always welcome.

There is always something that you could do to help the railway and new members, especially as active volunteers are always welcome at any time during the year. Training will be provided to all volunteers as required by the duties that they will perform. You can spend as much time or as little time volunteering as you wish. If you would like to become part of the team - however much or little time you can spare - the information on this internet page gives the information you need in order to find out more about becoming a member and being an active volunteer on the railway.

If you are interested in assisting with any of the above tasks on the railway, please telephone 01434 381696, or e-mail [email protected]

Membership application forms can be obtained from the Railway Shop at Alston Station, or by writing to the Membership Secretary, c/o The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.  or by printing out, completing and posting the membership application form and posting it to the address shown on the for, or handing it to the booking clerk in the Railway Shop at Alston Station.

Members are kept up to date with the progress of the railway through the railways quarterly magazine, the ‘Tynedalesman’.

South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society Membership Fees

Membership fees applicable from 1st January 2012 are shown below:-

• Annual subscription, full rate - £20.
• Annual subscription, reduced rate* - £15.
• Junior Associate Membership (Under 18 years)† - £15.
• Donations are also welcome to Society funds.

* Reduced rate applies to members aged 60 or over and to all members (aged 18 and over) living at the same address as a member paying the equivalent full rate.

† Junior Associate membership is available to those below the age of 18 years. They do not have the right to vote at the Society’s Annual General Meeting or at any Special General Meetings.

Please note: The membership year runs from 1st January to 31st December. New members joining after 1st October will be credited with membership to the end of the following year.

Data Protection Acts: You are advised that the details on the membership application form may be held on a computer file.

Gift Aid Scheme Donation

Gift Aiding your donations to the railway allows us to reclaim income tax (at the standard rate) that you have paid on that sum. If you are a UK tax payer we ask that you consider completing a Gift Aid form - it costs you nothing but substantial increases the money actually received by the railway.

The only requirement is that the donor must have paid tax equal to the amount to be reclaimed by the charity. This can be income tax on your salary or pension, tax deducted from bank or building society savings, or capital gains tax.