Aims and Governance of the CRA

Aims of the Association

The Cumbrian Railways Association was formed in 1976 in order to foster a widening interest in the railways of Cumbria. The founders were also concerned to draw together the work of those actively researching Cumbrian railway history, to encourage and co-ordinate their activities, and to provide a medium for publication of the results of their researches. At a time when the railway scene of the past was rapidly disappearing, a further objective was to record as much as possible of what remained from an earlier age.

Let’s not forget what is happening in today’s railways with privatisation, private companies running the railways and the track. We all remember the “old days” with affection in our own particular way but it is also important to remember what happens today is tomorrow’s history. Recording the current railway scene is just as important to the group as researching history. We all have a role to play and a contribution to make to the Association; being in the right place at the right time with a camera or notebook can record a unique event for posterity.

Download our Mission Statement.

Membership

Membership of the Association is open to all who are interested in the railways of Cumbria, past, present and future. Whether you are an active researcher or modeller or just enjoy reading about the glories of the Cumbrian railway scene, please join us. You can purchase membership from our on-line shop or download an application form to post to us.

Governance

The activities of the Association are handled by the Management Committee which consists of the following posts:

  • Chairman
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Editor
  • Committee members (4)

Currently there are three sub-committees which manage the detail of specific areas of the Association’s activities.

  • Publications – responsible for production of the Association’s publications.
  • Collections Management – responsible for the collections of archives, and other documents, photographs, models, genealogy etc.
  • Publicity – responsible for our corporate image, publicity material, press releases, electronic newsletter, website, etc.
  • It is hoped to set up an Education Group in the future to advise on how best to interest younger people.