Meetings and Events list

 The Association’s indoor and outdoor meetings for 2026 /27

(which are usually held on the second Thursday of the month).

All indoor meetings are held at the

DCBL Stadium (Widnes Vikings RLFC), Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ

commencing at 19:00hrs.

(Free to members, NON members £2.50)

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Saturday, 30 May 2026.

‘By the Cheshire Lines Committee to Liverpool Central’

A guided history tour led by Paul Wright that will follow the course of the former CLC main line from Hunts Cross to Liverpool Central. Travelling by Merseytravel Class 777, stops will be made at key locations along the way that will bring the story to light. 

Please meet at Hunts Cross Station main entrance on Speke Road, L25 1NN by 10:00hrs 

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Thursday 10 September 2026. 

‘Bolton and Leigh Railway’ 

by Phil Wood.

The Bolton and Leigh Railway was the first public railway in Lancashire, opening in 1828, two years before the Liverpool and Manchester Railway with which it was closely linked. George and Robert Stephensons engineered the line and supplied locomotives; the line connected with the Liverpool and Manchester at Kenyon Junction, offering direct trains from Bolton to Liverpool from 1831. 

(Partly sponsored by 8D member Neil Wilson)

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Thursday, 8 October 2026.

‘The Cheshire Lines Railway to Southport 1884-1952’

by Keith Hick 

One of the very few railway companies to remain independent until Nationalisation in 1948, the Cheshire Lines Committee (CLC) was centred upon North West England, principally around Liverpool and Manchester. The formation of lines to Godley in the east, Chester to the south and Southport to the north is explained with the Southport & Cheshire Lines Extension Railway (S&CLER) giving direct access to the seaside resort of Southport from 1884 described in depth, The mighty Midland Railway led a consortium of railway companies to challenge the dominant LNWR by establishing the CLC and tap into the huge market potential of NW England.

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Thursday, 12 November 2026.

‘Scenes from the late 60’s’ – Part Three’

by John Sloane. 

John continues his illustrated talks from his ‘Mid 60’s Steam in the North West’ and ‘The 1960’s in Colour – Part Two’ excellent presentations, this being the third part follow on which will include more interesting and fascinating images which will include the North West of England. 

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Thursday, 10 December 2026.

‘Ted Baxendale Railway Photographs 1955-1970’

by Philip Parker.

A fascinating evening is in store when Philip presents images taken by Ted who travelled initially around on a motor scooter, then a car were he frequented various locations in Liverpool, WCML, Cumbria and North Wales showing a variety of motive power and railway infrastructure. 

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Thursday, 14 January 2027.

‘Reflections of the 1980’s’

by Brian Roberts.

Following on from Brian’s fascinating 1970’s presentation in early 2025, this will feature many excellent images taken around the North West and further afield during the 1980’s when the railway scene was ever changing and before privatisation arrived. 

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Thursday, 11 February 2027.

‘BR Sectorisation onwards 1990’s to early 2000’s’

by Paul Senior.

The follow on from Paul’s previous 1970’s / 1980’s presentation, this time taking us through the colourful and changing period from the BR Sectors period to privatisation. Again will feature many excellent quality images including some featuring the ‘preservation’ scene too. 

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Thursday, 11 March 2027.

‘Railways of Northern Ireland – A personal insight’

by Roy Chapman

(Chairperson of the ‘Irish Railway Record Society’ – Manchester Branch) 

Fascinating and intersting history of the railways of Northern Ireland from 1950 to the present day. 

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Thursday, 8 April 2027.

“From the Slums to the ‘Sidings’ – Part Five”

by David Armstrong.

David continues his series of talks with more fascinating stories and information from his Railway / Bus working career with on this occasion emphasis more on the public transport aspects especially Warrington Borough Transport and Deregulation.

(Tea, Coffee and Biscuits will be served at this event – sponsored by David Armstrong and Ben Jackson)

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Meetings are open to non-members also, but there will be subject to a small £2.50 entry charge. Also for some meetings especially outdoors where there is limited space, members will be given priority.

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