The BRISTOL RAILWAY CIRCLE was founded in 1934 originally catering for both “full-size” and model railway enthusiasts. The Circle had its own permanent club rooms for many years firstly in Clifton, then Redland Station and at a couple of venues in the Sea Mills area but now rents a room at Redland Parish Church Hall on Redland Road, a few minutes walk from the Downs.

The Circle meets every Tuesday evening between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Alternate meetings take the form of lectures, slide shows, etc. Other evenings are given over to informal discussion, when books from the Circle’s extensive library and the latest magazines are available. Light refreshments in the form of tea, coffee and biscuits are also served. The Circle’s lecture programme covers a wide range of subjects of railway and associated interest (other transport, industrial archaeology, etc.).

During the summer months, visits and walks are arranged, usually to local places of interest although some outings are to places further afield. Evening walks and visits are usually held on evenings other than a Tuesday and so are in additional to the normal Tuesday gatherings. Weekend days trips are made to specific events on nearby preserved railways as well as to those on the Railtrack owned network. Until the early 1980s, the Circle chartered a special train to a destination further afield with appeal both to the enthusiast and the public at large. The Circle still organises a similar event on a smaller scale where a group of about 20 to 30 Circle members, family and friends travel to a chosen destination either on a scheduled train service or by a charter organised by someone else. Other events include an annual walk in an area of interest in South Wales which is held in the Spring and an annual party held just before Christmas.

Details of subscriptions, etc are available from the Honorary Secretary: