GB Railfreight dedicates locomotive to the Branch Line Society in Newcastle

On 19 December, GB Railfreight honoured the Branch Line Society with a special locomotive naming ceremony at Newcastle station, as part of a festive Christmas charter from London King’s Cross.

The Branch Line Society, a UK-based rail enthusiast organisation, has been arranging distinctive rail tours and charity charters since 1955 and recently celebrated reaching the remarkable milestone of its three‑thousandth fixture. The group of volunteers have fundraised £1.5 million since 2015 for a wide range of charities, including Railway Children, Railway Benefit Fund, Martin House Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

Just days before Christmas Day, the Branch Line Society ran a special Christmas charity charter, offering guests a luxury dining experience through scenic routes from London King’s Cross to Durham and Newcastle. The event raised £1,200 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, GB Railfreight’s official charity partner.

At Newcastle Station, locomotive 57306 was officially named ‘Branch Line Society’ in recognition of the group’s contribution to the rail community for the past seven decades. The ceremony was attended by Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight, and Graeme Jolley, Chairman of the Branch Line Society

Branch Line Society has an exciting programme of events for 2026 in partnership with GB Railfreight, details of which are shared on their website: https://www.branchline.uk/home.php.

Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight, said:
“The Branch Line Society has championed the enjoyment and understanding of Britain’s railways for generations. Dedicating locomotive 57306 in their name is our way of recognising the positive impact they make through charitable activities, and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”.

Kev Adlam, Branch Line Society Fixtures Secretary, added:

“Our relationship with GB Railfreight continues to go from strength to strength, with a shared focus on delivering a fantastic experience to our passengers whilst raising funds for good causes. We look forward to our partnership continuing to grow throughout 2026.”.