Community Benefit Society
Vintage Trains is the only community run mainline train operating company in the UK. The Community Benefit Society was established to give people a genuine stake in that, not just as ticket-buyers or donors, but as members who help shape what the organisation does and where it goes. Membership funds real, tangible work, and gives you a level of access and involvement that most heritage organisations simply do not offer.
What Your Membership Supports
Membership subscriptions help develop the visitor facilities at Tyseley Locomotive Works, support the volunteers who keep the site and the trains running, fund open events, educational visits, and guided tours, and build partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community groups that support the long-term future of the organisation.
What Your Membership Gives You
As a member, you become part of a community of people who share a genuine interest in keeping mainline steam alive. You can get involved through volunteering, whether that is hands-on at Tyseley or remotely from home, and you have a vote at the annual board meeting, which means a say in the direction the organisation takes. Many members also pick up new skills and experience along the way, from engineering to events to communications.
Membership
£5 per month, or £60 paid annually.
frequently asked questions
What is the Vintage Trains Community Benefit Society?
The Community Benefit Society (CBS) is the organisation that established Vintage Trains’ train operating company. It exists to provide volunteer, financial, and community support, and gives members a direct stake in the organisation’s future.
How much does membership cost?
Membership costs £5 per month, or £60 if paid annually.
Do I need to live near Birmingham to be a member?
No. Many volunteering opportunities can be carried out remotely, from home, with just a computer and an internet connection.
What do I get as a member?
Members can get involved in volunteering, both on site at Tyseley and remotely, and have a vote at the annual board meeting. Many members also gain new skills and experience through their involvement.
Who manages the Community Benefit Society?
The CBS is managed by a Board of Directors made up of elected members and appointed representatives from Vintage Trains Charitable Trust.