:: Burton Railway Society


BACKGROUND Burton Railway Society was formed in 1985 by local railway enthusiasts to cater for people in Burton-upon-Trent and the surrounding area. Some of the original members were former railway employees from the local steam shed (17B) and others were still working in the rail industry. The current membership of more than 200 now includes those people from outside the railway industry and members come to meetings from over a wide area. In its early days, the Society’s activities revolved around showing films and arranging trips to interesting railway locations. These activities still continue but others have been added to suit many tastes. One such activity is the annual Quiz Night where members are spilt into teams and are tested on their knowledge of railways, past and present. Another is the annual Photographic Competition where entries in different categories are judged by the membership. And, in addition to the regular monthly club meetings, there is usually an annual ‘Wardle’s Dawdle’ (named after the member who instigated the idea) consisting of a leisurely walk incorporating as much railway interest as possible. The Society makes a special effort to invite highly respected guest speakers to make presentations on a wide variety of railway topics. Throughout the year there are 'Natter Nights' where members and non-members can give presentations on more specialist or local topics. BRS has its own newsletter, aptly titled ‘17B’. Up to one hundred members attend the monthly club nights that are held at Marston’s Sports and Social Club, Shobnall Road, Burton [click on 'Location' above for directions]. As befits the location, there is a bar available and there is a wide variety of books on sale from 'The Railway Bookshop' [click on 'Links' for more information]. Non-members are always most welcome to the monthly meetings and 'Natter Nights' - there is a small fee for admission. HERITAGE Burton-upon-Trent was once renown as the brewing capital of the country and was famous for possessing its own extensive brewery railway system used mainly for internal movements. However, this system was more infamous than famous with vehicle drivers and pedestrians in the town for its 32 railway crossings! Most of this system was closed down in the mid-1960s as road transport took over from rail. Burton was also once very well connected by rail. There were the lines of the North Staffordshire to Ashbourne, Leek, and Stoke-on-Trent; the Great Northern to Stafford and Nottingham (via Derby Friar Gate); the Midland to Derby, Birmingham, Hampton in Arden, Leicester (via Coalville) and Trent (via Stenson junction); the London & North Western to Lichfield; and the L&NW and Midland Joint to Nuneaton. But many of those lines, or the lnks to them, have gone leaving only links Birmingham (via Tamworth and via Lichfield); Derby; Trent (via Stenson junction); and to Knighton junction (via Coalville). Over one hundred years ago, Burton Corporation operated trams in the town and the Midland Railway operated the Burton & Ashby Light Railways system between Burton and Ashby-de-la-Zouch via Swadlincote.

BACKGROUND

Burton Railway Society was formed in 1985 by local railway enthusiasts to cater for people in Burton-upon-Trent and the surrounding area. Some of the original members were former railway employees from the local steam shed (17B) and others were still working in the rail industry. The current membership of more than 200 now includes those people from outside the railway industry and members come to meetings from over a wide area.

In its early days, the Society’s activities revolved around showing films and arranging trips to interesting railway locations. These activities still continue but others have been added to suit many tastes. One such activity is the annual Quiz Night where members are spilt into teams and are tested on their knowledge of railways, past and present. Another is the annual Photographic Competition where entries in different categories are judged by the membership. And, in addition to the regular monthly club meetings, there is usually an annual ‘Wardle’s Dawdle’ (named after the member who instigated the idea) consisting of a leisurely walk incorporating as much railway interest as possible. The Society makes a special effort to invite highly respected guest speakers to make presentations on a wide variety of railway topics. Throughout the year there are 'Natter Nights' where members and non-members can give presentations on more specialist or local topics. BRS has its own newsletter, aptly titled ‘17B’.

Up to one hundred members attend the monthly club nights that are held at Marston’s Sports and Social Club, Shobnall Road, Burton [click on 'Location' above for directions]. As befits the location, there is a bar available and there is a wide variety of books on sale from 'The Railway Bookshop' [click on 'Links' for more information].

Non-members are always most welcome to the monthly meetings and 'Natter Nights' - there is a small fee for admission.

HERITAGE

Burton-upon-Trent was once renown as the brewing capital of the country and was famous for possessing its own extensive brewery railway system used mainly for internal movements. However, this system was more infamous than famous with vehicle drivers and pedestrians in the town for its 32 railway crossings! Most of this system was closed down in the mid-1960s as road transport took over from rail.

Burton was also once very well connected by rail. There were the lines of the North Staffordshire to Ashbourne, Leek, and Stoke-on-Trent; the Great Northern to Stafford and Nottingham (via Derby Friar Gate); the Midland to Derby, Birmingham, Hampton in Arden, Leicester (via Coalville) and Trent (via Stenson junction); the London & North Western to Lichfield; and the L&NW and Midland Joint to Nuneaton. But many of those lines, or the lnks to them, have gone leaving only links Birmingham (via Tamworth and via Lichfield); Derby; Trent (via Stenson junction); and to Knighton junction (via Coalville).

Over one hundred years ago, Burton Corporation operated trams in the town and the Midland Railway operated the Burton & Ashby Light Railways system between Burton and Ashby-de-la-Zouch via Swadlincote.