Railways have always played a crucial role in shaping communities, especially in regions like Cornwall and Devon. One group that has dedicated itself to celebrating and preserving this railway heritage is the Cornwall Railway Society. Formed by passionate enthusiasts, the society continues to document, promote, and protect the rich railway legacy of southwest England. Whether you’re a long-time rail lover or a curious visitor, the Cornwall Railway Society offers something inspiring and informative for everyone.
Founding & History of the Cornwall Railway Society
The Cornwall Railway Society began its journey in November 1977, when a group of local railway enthusiasts gathered in Redruth. Chaired by Gordon Dobbs, the first meeting marked the beginning of an organization built on passion, history, and community spirit.
In its early days, the society produced basic newsletters using a Gestetner duplicator. But over time, these humble beginnings evolved into a professional, well-designed 40-page A5 magazine with color covers, distributed to members three times a year. This growth reflects the dedication of the volunteers who have kept the society active and evolving for nearly five decades.
What Membership Offers
Being part of the Cornwall Railway Society isn’t just about reading history—it’s about experiencing it. Members enjoy:
- Monthly meetings in Redruth with presentations and talks.
- Community atmosphere with tea, coffee, and like-minded enthusiasts.
- Exclusive access to the printed society magazine.
- Annual excursions and rail tours, often using rover tickets.
- A chance to contribute photography, stories, and articles.
Annual membership is affordable, too. Individuals can join for just £10, while couples can sign up for £13. Newcomers can join at meetings or directly through the society’s official website.
Publications & Website Resources
One of the biggest strengths of the Cornwall Railway Society is its incredible online presence. Their website offers:
- Thousands of historic and modern railway photographs.
- Detailed pages on Cornwall and Devon’s main lines and branch lines.
- A regularly updated railtour calendar.
- Features on heritage railways, stations, and locomotives.
- A platform for members to contribute their own material.
This archive serves as an educational goldmine for students, railfans, and even tourists planning to explore Cornwall by train.
Branch Lines & Historical Railways Covered
The Cornwall Railway Society does a fantastic job of documenting Cornwall’s most iconic and forgotten railway lines. Here are a few notable examples:
The Maritime Line
Running from Truro to Falmouth, this line was opened between 1859 and 1863. Today, it operates as a Community Rail line and has become a popular route for both locals and tourists. The society covers this line extensively, sharing its transformations over the years.
The Helston Railway
Originally a Great Western Railway (GWR) branch, this line was closed and later reopened as a heritage railway. Thanks to efforts by preservation groups and enthusiasts, trains now run again on parts of the original line. The Cornwall Railway Society has played a part in promoting and photographing its journey back to life.
Lostwithiel to Fowey
Another line rich in industrial history, particularly for its china clay transport, is this coastal track. Though no longer open to passengers, the society keeps its story alive with old maps, images, and articles.
Railtours and Present-Day Engagement
The Cornwall Railway Society is not just about the past. They’re very much engaged in today’s railway scene. Their Railtour Calendar is packed with interesting trips, offering members and guests the chance to ride on special services that explore the scenic lines of Devon and Cornwall.
In addition, the society documents current developments like the testing of Class 175 DMUs at Newton Abbot and Plymouth. They often feature updates on rolling stock, station upgrades, and service changes—all captured in real time by their dedicated members.
Partnership with the Community
The society works in close alignment with organizations like the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, which promotes local railways as part of community life. Through this collaboration, CRS contributes:
- Archived content for education and tourism promotion.
- Photo contributions for guidebooks and public campaigns.
- Heritage material to encourage railway-based tourism.
Together, they help showcase Cornwall’s rail network not just as transport, but as a living part of the region’s identity.
Impact on Local Culture and Tourism
By keeping history alive, the Cornwall Railway Society plays a major role in boosting local tourism and cultural appreciation. Their photography inspires visits to historic stations, heritage railways, and branch line destinations that might otherwise be forgotten.
The society also helps build cross-generational interest in railways—from retired rail workers to school kids who discover railway history through the site’s simple layouts and colorful photos.
Why the Cornwall Railway Society Still Matters
In a digital age, where everything moves fast, there’s great value in preserving the slow, steady legacy of trains, tracks, and the stories behind them. The Cornwall Railway Society does just that. It connects people to their past, keeps communities informed about the present, and inspires curiosity for the future of travel in southwest England.
It isn’t just about old engines and dusty rails—it’s about identity, pride, and remembering how people once lived, moved, and worked.
How to Join or Support the Society
If this sounds like something you want to be part of, joining is easy. Just head over to cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk and check the Membership section.
You can also:
- Attend a monthly meeting in Redruth.
- Submit a photograph, article, or memory.
- Explore the website’s image galleries and history pages.
Even if you’re not based in Cornwall, the CRS is welcoming to enthusiasts from across the UK—and even internationally.
Final Thoughts
The Cornwall Railway Society is a gem of the British railway community. With its deep archives, committed members, and active website, it preserves a rich tapestry of regional history. Whether you love locomotives, community stories, or just a good scenic railway photo, this society has something valuable to offer.
