The Bala Lake Railway relies on the volunteers of the Bala Lake Railway Society, who turn out to help staff the trains, repair the engines and coaches, and relay the track, as well as the hundred-and-one other vital jobs which go to make up the work of a railway company.
The Society was founded in 1973 to act as a support for the Bala Lake Railway Company in the operation of the Railway, it does this by providing practical Volunteer and Financial support.
You are invited to join in the real fun of working on our 2ft gauge railway along the shores of the beautiful Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake). We would be delighted to welcome you as either “armchair” member or a working volunteer, there are a vast number of tasks waiting to be tackled, ranging from Train Crews (Guards, Signalmen, Drivers and Fireman) to Engineering (Engineers, Painters, Joiners and Track workers).
Our comparatively small membership means that there are always more jobs to be done than there are volunteers to fill them, so anyone interested in joining will be given a very warm welcome. Whatever your skills, age or aspirations we will provide any training required. At the same time we would hope to provide you with both enjoyment & satisfaction. All we need is your support!
Besides the opportunity to work on the railway, Society members receive a quarterly illustrated magazine keeping them in touch with what is happening at the Railway. They also enjoy some free travel and privilege fares on certain other preserved lines.
Cymdeithas Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid is a friendly organisation, which though small at the moment is growing as the railway gains popularity. We hope that you will be one of the increasing number who fall under the spell of our unique little line and will want to lend us your support. Whether that support is moral or active, you are assured of a warm welcome.
For those visiting the line and wishing to stay overnight there are a number of B&Bs and campsites nearby or working volunteers can use accommodation provided at Llanuwchllyn station.
Do come and join us and help us to run our Railway.
Members’ benefits:
- The Society’s full-colour quarterly magazine, the Llanuwchllyn Express, which keeps members in touch with the Railway and related matters
- Free travel on the railway on normal operating days, subject to availability of seats (max 3 return trips per year). Free travel may be restricted on some special event days.
- A voice and vote at the Annual General Meeting
- Society Members Day (to coincide with the AGM)
- Access to the society members area website, with a growing archive of Llanuwchllyn Express back issues.
- Involvement with a new and friendly group of like minded people
- Being part of The Bala Lake Railway
Membership Rates
| Adult | £20.00 |
| Associate (spouse/partner) | £14.00 |
| Family | £40.00 |
| Senior (over 65) | £16.50 |
| Junior (under 21) | £12.00 |
| Dog | £2.00 |
| Overseas membership supplement (Europe) | £7.00 |
| Overseas membership supplement (Rest of World) | £11.50 |
Life Membership Rates
| Adult Life Member (18 – 64) | £395.00 |
| Associate Life Membership (spouse/partner) | £280.00 |
| Senior Life Membership (over 65) | £250.00 |
| Senior Associate Life Membership (over 65 spouse/partner) | £210.00 |
| Dog of Life Member | £10.00 |
Joining the Society
Membership applications can be submitted by post or email.
Payment: The society accepts payments by PayPal, Standing Order, Cheque and Cash. Debit/Credit card payment can also be arranged by the membership secretary. Banking cheques is increasingly difficult, so please send us your payment electronically if you are able to do so. You will find the full payment instructions in the membership form.
If you wish to renew your membership, you may also use the payment details in the membership form, but there is no need to fill in and send a copy of the form to us.
Use the links below to download the society membership application form and privacy policy:
- Membership form in Word DOCX format - download to fill in electronically.
- Membership form in PDF Format - for printing.
- Society Privacy Policy (PDF).
Donations
If you wish to donate money to the society for any reason, you can do so via PayPal using the button below:
Officers of the Society
| Name | Role | Name | Role |
| Peter Miller | President | Nick Talbot | Magazine Editor |
| Julian Birley | Vice President | Francis Stapleton | Heritage Officer |
| Chris Jackson | Vice President | Rob Houghton | Committee member |
| Robert Greenhalge | Vice President | Hilary Moorhouse | Committee Member |
| Tim Williams | Chairman | Bob Newton | Committee Member |
| Dave Fildes | Treasurer | Cathy Houghton | Joint Membership Secretary |
| Matthew Peacock | Hon Secretary | Martin Houghton | Joint Membership Secretary |
Note the position of Vice-Chairman is currently vacant.
Contacting the Society