How to join (page last updated 29th January 2012)
Our fantastic value new member savings deal applies to ALL first time members
We have a standard scheme and a new-member Gift Membership scheme so if you are considering taking out a membership in your own right you can use this quick link to jump past the description of our Gift Scheme. The options available are Full year (Jan - Dec) or half year (Jun - Dec).
Buying a Gift Membership as a present makes their day last a year and is tremendous value. Whether for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement - make their day last a year! , We have seven different images available for your selection of Gift membership cards as below. (The thumbnails open a larger version of the image)
Although the reduced fee aspect of the gift membership scheme outlined below is solely for completely new members if you wish to give a subscription renewal for an existing member as a gift the card element of the scheme is, of course, still applicable. In this instance email the Promotions Officer at stephenson@stephensonloco.org.uk for further details. Link to details about actively supporting Orion
| Image 1 (Black 5) |  |
Image 2 (Class 24) |  |
| Image 3 (Bittern) |  |
Image 4 (Sir Lamiel) |  |
| Image 5 (Tornado) |  |
Image 6 (1501) |  |
| Image 7 (6201) |  |
Card stock details Finished cards are folded to A5 size. Card 1 will be printed on heavy weight art card, cards 2 through 7 will be printed on 240gsm glossy photo' paper. |
To order the following process applies:-
- Email the Promotions Officer at stephenson@stephensonloco.org.uk stating (1) the number you wish to buy (2) your card choices(s) and (3) your return address.
- You will then be sent the gift card pack (Card, envelope and brochure endorsed "Welcome to the SLS - A gift membership has been purchased on your behalf) plus an extra blank membership brochure(s) coded – Gift for date ……………… . NB Existing SLS members please also add your membership number for monitoring purposes.
- The gift pack is for you to give to the recipient,
- You send the completed new member form(s) with the new members address on it plus the cheque to the Society Membership Secretary at the address on the form.
- Please indicate any "do not send before date" if the gift is date specific so that you can give the Gift membership card before the first SLS mailing is sent to the new member.
Standard membership offers (For completely new members)
Full year - £10.00 for full year (Normal full year £25.00)
With this option membership commences on 1st January in eaach year . A standard renewal fee (Currently £25.00) is then due in the January following. This offer provides 6 Journals through the year and a new recruit will receive any back number Journals. In the second half of the year a new member has the option of taking out the full year with back issue Journals or the half year deal as below..
Part year option - £5.00 for 2nd half year then standard renewal on 1st Jan. (NB Option is only available between 1st Jul & 30 Nov in each year')
This option is available each year as an alternative for members joing well into the year. It gives immediate membership and includes all Journals for July to December including any relevant back numbers for Autumn joiners . A standard renewal fee of £25.00 is then due in the following January 2011. This offer provides 9 Journals in the first 18 months of membership at a total cost of £30.00 as an alternative to the full year option which with the relevant back numbers, would give 12 Journals for the same period but cost £35.00.
To apply for either "new member" option - Please click the link to the application form then print, complete and send with your cheque to the SLS Membership Secretary, M. D. Dickin (SLS), 1A Lostock Avenue, Poynton, Cheshire, SK12 1DR . If when completing the form you answer the voluntary questions too this will assist us in managing future recruitment and member expectation.
Can I renew an existing member's subscription as a gift? - yes
Although the reduced fee aspect of the gift membership scheme outlined above is solely for completely new members if you wish to give a subscription renewal for an existing member as a gift the card element of the scheme is, of course, still applicable. In this instance email the Promotions Officer at stephenson@stephensonloco.org.uk for further details.
(Section updated 18th April 2011)
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.
