What We Do

The Dean Forest Railway Society funds developments and improvements to the Dean Forest Railway, as well as supporting its members through funding for training courses. It does not provide funds for general day-to-day running costs of the Railway.

Summary

In the past we’ve helped fund a number of important milestones for the DFR, via our draw and other fundraising schemes. These include:

- The Parkend extension, which opened in 2006

- The Whitecroft station re-opening in 2012

- The purchase of our first Road-Rail vehicle in 2013

- The restoration of various locomotives, including steam locos 5541, 9681 and Wilbert

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Our Constitution

The Dean Forest Railway Society was initially formed in 1970 but was reconstituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 21st March 2019, our Charity Number being 1183538.

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You can find us in the Charity Commission for England and Wales register HERE or access the governing document of the Charity below:

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Objects (Summarised from Governing Document)

The objects of the CIO (Dean Forest Railway Society) are:

1. To preserve, restore, develop and operate the Dean Forest Railway;

2. To advance the education of the public in railway history and in particular the preservation and development of the Dean Forest Railway, the former Severn and Wye Joint Railway and other railways in or around the Forest of Dean, including the history of associated canals, plateways and tramways and connected industries;

3. To advance education by training in craft, engineering, business and all other skills pertinent to the maintenance and operation of a heritage railway as the trustees consider appropriate.