Thank you for your interest in the Group.

I would like to give you a little insight into the Group together with its aims and aspirations. We receive no
regular financial backing although we do occasionally receive one-off grants from various bodies for specific
projects which are aimed at promoting awareness of the Group (eg Railtours, advertising campaigns etc)

Our main ‘raison d’etre’ is to promote the Saltburn branch line (Darlington to Saltburn) and to help look after
the interests of its users. In this field we work closely with the line’s present operators (Northern Rail), and
other local operators First TransPennine Express (Middlesbrough and Thornaby to Manchester Airport) and
Grand Central (Eaglescliffe to Sunderland and London King’s Cross). We are actively involved with consultation
with the bidders for new franchises as they arise. We consult frequently with other Rail User Groups
(RUGs), Railfuture (formerly the Railway Development Society); Passenger Focus(formerly the Rail Passengers
Committee); the Strategic Rail Authority and The British Transport Police. Consultation with local RUGs is a
requirement of bidding for any rail franchise. I enclose a copy of the Group’s ‘wish list’ for the Branch. This
has been given to all bidders and has been embodied in a document presented to the SRA – this can be seen by going to our “News & Events” page.

We meet on the first Tuesday of each month (excl August) at The Conservative Club, Saltburn. Meetings are very informal.
Our AGM is held in Redcar Station Business Centre in April. Please come along to any meeting if you can, you
can be assured of a warm welcome.

Once again, thank you very much for your support – it is valued and appreciated.

Yours sincerely
Hon President