Ffestiniog Railway Society
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
The Society was established in 1954, initially with the ambition of owning, or at least controlling the restored railway. This ambition did not fit with Alan Pegler's vision so the aims were revised to the raising of money and the provision of volunteer labour to help with the restoration and rebuilding.
Over the fifty years of the restoration the Society, now a registered charity, has been hugely successful in both these areas, though it is no longer the case that all volunteers are members.
Membership is open to all and the benefits include free and reduced travel on the FR (see Travel Privileges) and a quarterly magazine full of news from and about the world's oldest railway company. For more details see the Society Website.
The Society was originally 'The Festiniog Railway Society', with one 'f', following the name of the Company as incorporated by Act of Parliament in 1832. In 1997, the Society changed its name to 'the Ffestiniog Railway Society', with two 'f's, and became a registered charity.
The Society is also referred by the initials FRS and FRSL in this wiki and other publications.