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.

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The DFRS also owns a range of rolling stock on the Railway, most notably the Mark 1 and Mark 2 coaching stock and Andrew Barclay loco no. 2221. Additionally the Society is custodian of Peckett loco 'Uskmouth 1'.

Summary

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

- Parkend extension, which opened in 2006

- Whitecroft station re-opening in 2012

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

- Installation of a memorial garden at Norchard

- Building of a photographers enclosure and recreated waiting room at Parkend

- Restoration of coaching stock and wagons

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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.