The 2874 Trust Joins the Heritage Railway Association

We are delighted to announce that our recent application to join the Heritage Railway Association has been accepted, and The 2874 Trust is now a full member.

We are looking forward to learning about the experiences of other HRA members and working with them to the benefit of both The 2874 Trust and the heritage railway industry throughout the UK.

About the Heritage Railway Association

The Heritage Railway Association (HRA) is the trade body for heritage and tourist railways, tramways, and railway preservation groups across the UK and Ireland. Established in 1962, the organisation represents over 300 members, ranging from major tourist attractions carrying millions of passengers annually to small preservation groups dedicated to specific aspects of railway heritage.

The HRA works to promote and protect the interests of the heritage rail sector through:

• Political advocacy and lobbying on behalf of the sector
• Sharing best practices and expertise among members
• Providing technical advice and support
• Offering networking opportunities through conferences and events
• Celebrating excellence through its annual awards programme
• Maintaining relationships with regulatory bodies including the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
• Supporting members with legal and operational guidance

The heritage railway sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, bringing tourism to rural areas, preserving important industrial heritage, and providing educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Heritage railways also maintain traditional engineering skills that might otherwise be lost, and many operate apprenticeship schemes to pass these skills on to future generations.

Benefits for The 2874 Trust

Membership in the HRA will provide our Trust with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to a wealth of expertise as we continue our work to restore GWR locomotive No. 2874.

We look forward to engaging with the wider heritage railway community and contributing to the ongoing preservation of Britain's unique and cherished railway heritage.

For more information about the Heritage Railway Association, visit their website at www.hra.uk.com.