About Us
Our organisation, led by a diverse team of enthusiasts, is embarking on a mission to safeguard and celebrate the unique charm of 9.5-inch gauge railways. The Heritage Railways Trust for the 9.5 Inch Gauge is a dedicated initiative driven by a profound love for railway history and a commitment to its preservation.
Meet Our Trustees
With a deliberate focus on efficiency and decision-making, our organisation is led by a compact but dynamic team of three dedicated trustees. This streamlined structure empowers us to make agile decisions, fostering a swift and effective establishment of our charity from its inception in December 2023.
Timothy Pennock
Trustee, Chair
Tim is a seasoned professional engineer with over three decades of experience in the heritage and miniature railways sector. His commitment to preserving railway heritage is exemplified by his ownership of a 9.5 Inch Gauge railway and a remarkable collection of heritage locomotives and rolling stock.
James Bennett
Trustee
Jamie is a farmer with over a decade-long passion for heritage and miniature railways. Jamie’s background includes volunteering for various charitable causes, and he proudly possesses a 9.5 Inch Gauge heritage locomotive.
Frederick Toher
Trustee
Freddie is dedicated student in higher education with over five years immersed in the heritage and miniature railways realm. His commitment to community service is reflected in previous volunteer work, and he is the proud owner of a 9.5 Inch Gauge railway with a cherished collection of heritage locomotives and rolling stock.
Our Journey
Rooted in a shared passion for railways and cultivated during our formative years, we bring a profound wealth of experience and an intimate connection to the 9.5-inch gauge. Our collective journey commenced in childhood, as we immersed ourselves in the activities of the Downs Light Railway. Today, as products of this cherished heritage, our commitment extends beyond mere enthusiasm.
We have actively contributed to the wider heritage railway community, forging connections with fellow enthusiasts and supporting community events such as the Lakeshore Railroad‘s 45th and 50th galas in South Shields. Our trustees and volunteers, instrumental in the Downs Light Railway‘s success and recipients of accolades at the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards in 2021 and 2022, have seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the Heritage Railways Trust.
This collective expertise extends beyond our own projects. In the last ten years we have developed an online community that unites owners and operators from across the UK and Europe, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. This collaborative spirit underscores our steadfast dedication to preserving and promoting the 9.5-inch gauge, ensuring its enduring enchantment for generations to come.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our community. Comprising dedicated individuals who own or operate 9.5-inch gauge railways, they passionately share our mission and vision for preserving and promoting heritage railway assets. Their invaluable contributions, whether through hands-on restoration work, knowledge sharing, or advocacy efforts, play a pivotal role in advancing our cause and ensuring the enduring enchantment of these cherished historical treasures.
Our Mission: At the heart of our mission is the preservation of the rich history encapsulated within the 9.5 Inch Gauge, a miniature railway track that has charmed enthusiasts for over a century. In the 21st century, with only a few operational railways open to the public and numerous locomotives and rolling stock tucked away in private collections or storage, the need to safeguard and share this heritage has never been more critical.
What Drives Us: Our team is fueled by a shared love for miniature railways, a fascination with the craftsmanship of historic locomotives, and a commitment to ensuring that these remarkable pieces of history are not lost or forgotten. We believe in the power of heritage to inspire, educate, and unite communities, and it is this belief that propels our efforts.
Our Initiatives: The Heritage Railways Trust for the 9.5 Inch Gauge is actively involved in securing, repairing, and finding new uses for heritage locomotives, rolling stock, and equipment in the 9.5 Inch Gauge. Our commitment extends to researching, preserving, and promoting the history of these miniature railways. We strive to prevent conversion to other more popular gauges, halt deterioration, and bring these pieces of history out of the shadows and into the public eye.
Community and Collaboration: We recognise the importance of community in our mission. By fostering collaboration with existing owners of 9.5 Inch Gauge assets, whether private, public, or commercial, we aim to make this unique heritage more accessible to the general public. Through knowledge sharing, events, and outreach, we hope to build a vibrant community that appreciates and contributes to the legacy of 9.5 Inch Gauge railways.
Our Inclusive 9.5 Inch Gauge Community
Whether you’re a seasoned railway enthusiast or a newcomer to the captivating world of 9.5 Inch Gauge heritage railways, our commitment to inclusivity ensures that there’s a welcoming space for everyone in our vibrant community.
As our website and social media presence continue to flourish, we hope to create a dynamic hub for enthusiasts, learners, and the curious alike. We extend an open invitation for you to visit regularly, exploring our evolving platform to delve into the details of our projects, initiatives, and the fascinating universe of 9.5 Inch Gauge heritage railways.