South West Group

Welcome to the South West Regional Group Pages. We cover the geographical areas of South West England and South Wales, separated by the River Severn and the Bristol Channel, but joined by a rail tunnel and the road bridges.

Dorset: Maiden Newton station in 1968 with a Bristol to Weymouth service.

The region has a rich and varied railway and canal history, with something to interest everyone.

The historic railway landscape is dominated by the Great Western Railway but with significant inroads by the London & South Western Railway in the west country and the Midland Railway in the Bristol area.  Many smaller companies were active in the coal mining valleys and industry of South Wales. The network suffered major reductions in the 1960s

Although less obviously a centre of the canal industry than other parts of the country, the region hosts a range from major restored waterways such as the Kennet and Avon Canal to the country’s still-used first pound-lock canal running between Exeter and Topsham.

Because RCHS membership in the South West is dispersed and with the Bristol Channel running through much of the area, a traditional Group has not been considered suitable for the region.  Following expressions of interest in the members’ survey in establishing a regional group, a committee of volunteers supported by national officers began planning group activities during September 2021.

Our aim is to provide a varied programme of talks and discussions held on line, supplemented by outdoor visits and face-to-face meetings where circumstances allow.

We want these to be of interest to members (and guests) who wish to study, research, or simply explore the history of railways, canals, and industrial archaeology.

Suggestions for topics and speakers are welcome, and should be sent to Mike Beale.

Go to the Group Events page to see a list of South West Group events

Go to the Events Page to see a list of all RCHS events.

Go to South West Blogs for reports on group activities and other miscellanea.

For contact information see the  South West Group Contacts