FRIENDS of the GREAT CENTRAL MAIN LINE

Lovatt House, 3, Wharnclife Road, Loughborough, LE11 1SL  Tel:01509 632323

Grand Spring Draw

In aid of the restoration of No.6990 “Witherslack Hall”

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 

The Great Central Railway (GCR) aims to re-create, for present and future generations, the experience of British main line railway operation during the best years of steam locomotives.  We run regular Steam and Diesel hauled trains for tourists and enthusiasts between Loughborough and Leicester and we are a Gold award East Midlands Tourism Accredited Visitor Attraction and are Britain’s only Double Track Main Line Heritage Railway.

The Friends of the Great Central Main Line (FoGCML) is the railway’s membership organisation and helps provide the continually improving heritage experience that is the GCR.  The vast majority of people who operate our railway are unpaid volunteers, all of whom are members of the FoGCML.  Operating our 100 year old railway, comprising bridges, track, buildings, signalling, locomotives and rolling stock is an expensive business, becoming even more so as time continues to march on!

The ongoing support from our members and volunteers is essential in ensuring the continued success of the railway. Why not help us and join the FoGCML?  In return for a modest membership subscription, you will receive many  benefits, including our regular magazine Main Line, and except during some special events, reduced fare travel on the railway.

We regularly receive positive comments about our main line atmosphere and courteous staff and your generous support will help us to keep the GCR running for future generations to enjoy.  Please click on the appropriate link below to join us.  Your support would be very welcome!

Andy Fillingham – Chairman

CLICK HERE TO JOIN FRIENDS | CLICK HERE TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

 

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

Adult (16 and over)                                                                           £22 per year 

Senior (over 65)                                                                                 £17 per year 

Family/Joint (Two adults and up to three children)                      £35 per year

First Class                                                                                          £80 per year 

Student (up to 24)                                                                             £15 per year

Junior (under 16)                                                                              £15 per year

Working Member                                                                              £10 per year

Working Family                                                                                 £10 per year

For overseas members a £5 supplement is applied to the membership categories.

There’s a great range of benefits for the Friends of the Great Central Main Line 

  • Four copies per year of the award winning magazine Main Line
  • Four copies per year of the Friends Newsletter
  • Access to Main Line Xtra on the GCR website for additional news, features and special offers
  • Free access to GCR stations and discounts on fares including galas (except as advertised)
  • Special offers at the GCR’s shop
  • The chance to support the Railway and join as a volunteer
  • The opportunity to apply for a Lineside Access Permit (£30 per year)

First Class Friends also get

  • Discounts for themselves and up to five others on 1st Class Dining Trains

Working Friends (volunteers) also get

  • Discounts on 1st Class Dining Trains and Drive a Locomotive Experience services

AND you will be safe in the knowledge that your support will help preserve the experience of a unque steam operated double track main line railway for you and future generations to enjoy!

Area Groups

 

Download our Constitution as a PDF document here

To see our Working Members benefits, click here

Main Line Xtra

If you are a Friend of the Great Central Railway, you can access Main Line Xtra which provides additional news, special offers and features. To access Main Line Xtra click here

Want to become a Friend? Join now by clicking here

Special Events

This is a selection of our special events, to see the full list, click here

Loco Roster

Our next running days are the 18th to 19th May

Diesel Gala - Click here for the list of locomotives

48624 - Charter and diner operation only

78019 - Charter and diner operation only

Our next running days are the 25th to 30th May


Please note that our locomotives are subject to availability and may be changed at short notice.

Donate to our charity

To donate to our charity, click the Donate button below