How to join (page last updated 215 June 2010)
Introductory half year membership offer - £5.00 (Normal full year £25.00)
Update - The £5.00 offer includes the Journals for July to December.
Please click the link to the application form then print, complete and send with your cheque to the SLS Secretary, M. A. Green, 3 Cresswell Court, Hartlepool, TS26 0ES. If when completing the form you answer the voluntary questions too this will assist us in managing future recruitment and member expectations. (Section updated 15th June 2010)
More information about the Society
The Stephenson Locomotive Society, founded in 1909, is the premier society for the study of railways and locomotion. It has an extensive library; publishes books, the S.L.S. Journal and items from its photographic and drawings collection; organises local meetings and events has its own archive material in museums; Custodian of 1/6 scale LNWR built locomotive Orion. (More information about active involvement with Orion below)
Who should consider joining
If you are a railway enthusiast, researcher, transport historian or railway modeller the SLS offers something for you. We publish a regular Journal. Our area centres hold meetings running from the Autumn through to Spring with quality speakers on a range of subjects. Additional one-off visits, trips and meetings are also arranged.
Joining gives access to an extremely comprehensive library of quality books, maps, timetables, magazines, manufacturer's catalogues and other railway related historical documentation covering an extensive range of topics. Joining the SLS will allow you to access the library loan system. If you cannot reach the Library in person the catalogue is available and a postal loan system is in place.
Membership also gives access to a web forum for exchange of information on railway related subjects.
Is SLS membership restricted to UK residents?
There is no UK residence qualification although there is a different membership rate for overseas members.
The events and meetings are UK based. However the Society's interests cover railways outside the UK. The Journal content includes non-UK subject material and the Library catalogue contains many items of interest to those researching non-UK topics.
Link to more information about the "Members Only" services.
Those who have seen Orion in steam at events will know that our flagship, historic, miniature steam engine at events always draws crowds of admirers young and old. More information about Orion here.
However for quite some time now the responsibility for maintenance and driving of Orion has been undertaken by a team of only three. The Society is keen to involve as many members as possible in the operation of Orion. To this end the Society wants to set up a Support Group to provide additional assistance at events when Orion is steamed. At the present time this would not involve driving the engine and would not be an onerous duty. On average Orion is steamed twice a year.
If you feel you are able to give a few hours when required to help, or require more details, please contact Derek Cobby on 07932 752774 or write to 102 Kingsley Road, Northampton. NN2 7BY. Current non-members are welcomed to enquire about this opportunity but membership of SLS would be required prior to active participation. Membership details here and application form here.
