Members' Benefits

With hundreds of members around the country and abroad, there will always be someone available to help with any searches or to advise on the best way to proceed with your research, so joining the Circle can save much time and effort. In addition, there are other facilities and events available to members....

The Welsh Railways Archive – Our Bi-annual Illustrated Research Journal

The Circle journal, The Welsh Railways Archive, has been published every six months since 1990.

Copies of the magazine are lodged with a number of libraries and public bodies in Wales, and also at the British Library.

Articles and contributions to the Archive are mainly from the Circle membership, so there is thus the opportunity to present your researches in print to a wider audience but in a relatively informal manner. Help, guidance and support is offered to our members undertaking research as well as with writing it up.

Follow the link to see a sample Archive >>WRA Vol.5 No.2.

The Circle publishes a quarterly Newsletter and this is the main vehicle through which Circle business is conducted and members can maintain contact with each other. Space is always found in the Newsletter for publishing members' queries and findings.

Follow the link to see a sample Newsletter >>Autumn 2022.

Research Centre

Members may also access our extensive holdings of documents, railway publications, period photographs, drawings, property plans and maps together with a Welsh Railway Library which are all available to members at our Research Centre in Rhiwderin near Newport. Many of these records have been scanned and can be viewed or provided digitally to members. A guide to sources of Welsh-subject photographs and Circle research resources is published as a data sheet.

Assistance with Research

To facilitate this process, many of the Railways of Wales have a nominated Circle Line Superintendent who acts as a first contact and is responsible for disseminating information about their line. There are dedicated Line Superintendents responsible for the railway lines listed on the Railways of Wales page as well as Superintendents who look after Private Owner Wagons, Modelling and Family History Topics.

Members Area of the web site

New members can access the Members Area of the web site that contains an initial guide to sources of information within the Circle and those available elsewhere. It also gives access to data sheets and online the copies of Newsletters and our WRA Journal, together with an invaluable guide to railway research resources across the UK.
The major aim of the WRRC is to enable researchers to work on their Welsh railways of interest and to make information and materials available for that purpose.

Indoor & Online – Talks and Presentations

Please see the events diary for details. The Indoor meetings are arranged between September and March and are in the form of illustrated talks on subjects of Welsh railway interest. Suggestions for future talks may be made to the Indoor meetings Secretary.

Quarterly Online Circle Catchups

Informal online meetings of members providing an opportunity to catch up on news of what’s coming up and usually a good chat about modelling and what members are doing or looking for. Always interesting and inspiring with so many ideas and suggestions to help members advance their projects.

Guided walks

The Outdoor Meetings are arranged between March and October and cover the and take in such areas of interest as walks, visits to archives, a Traction Maintenance Depot and narrow gauge railways. Suggestions for future meetings may be made to the Outdoor Meetings Secretary.

WRRC Forum - Message Board

The Circle has a lively on-line discussion board where members can discuss a wide range of matters pertaining to the history, modelling and research into Welsh Railways. Circle members may post to the board where non-members can only view the discussions.

Quarterly Online Research Forum

An opportunity to meet Circle researchers in a relaxed forum and hear about their recent finds and research topics. Also, for those new to this area or railway interest to see what is being done, other people’s approaches, techniques and sources of info, along with an opportunity to ask questions and seek help from where to start to unlocking a sticking point. Join us and say hello and sit back if this is all new to you.

The Circle Annual Members Open Day and AGM

The Members Open Day and AGM is an all-day event that typically occurs around the first Saturday in June in Rhiwderin Community Centre, Rhiwderin, Newport.
Apart from the formal business of the Circle, which is limited to an hour or so, there are layouts, displays, book sales, illustrated talks and a welcome opportunity to chat with like-minded people. Plus, it provides members with an opportunity to visit or Archive and Resource Centre. Light catering is available. The content of the day changes from year to year so keep an eye on the Forum and Newsletter for updates.

WRRC Publications - Member Discounts

The Circle itself publishes a series of outstanding books on the railways of Wales. Details may be found on the Publications page along with Member discounts. The Circle also has a range of Cambrian Railways transfers available for 4mm and 7mm scale models - again with Member discounts available.

So why not join the Circle?