Saturday 21 March 2026 saw the groups’ Annual General Meeting convene at Winchcombe on the GWR. Attendance was pretty sparse but those in attendance were able to have their say on a number of upcoming changes, events and opportunities that the group have in the pipeline for 2026/7.
We have already announced the sale of a strictly limited number of prints (37) of a painting done of D6948 and 37215 leaving Toddington by the celebrated cricketer, artist and Growler Group member, Jack Russell MBE. These limited prints are being sold exclusively through the group and will be personally signed and numbered by the man himself. Priced at £250 + P&P, email the group via info@thegrowlergroup.org.uk
Also announced was the ‘Members Day’ scheduled for Friday, 21 August 2026 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the birth of the group. Tickets are available from the online shop and are priced at: Adults £30 (£25 in advance if a GG member); Children (5-15 yo) £20 (under 5’s FREE).
We have also been in discussion with Accurascale with a view to producing a model of one of the Growler Group locomotives as part of their superb Class 37 range of locomotives. It has been decided that 37215 will be the chosen loco – not lease because there is no early 1980s representation of a BR Blue Class 37. That will change! Discussions are still ongoing so more details will be released as soon as we have them, but there will be DCC fitted and DCC ready versions available when released. Keep your eyes peeled!
Also in the pipeline is a book and details on this will be released as we get them.
However, amongst the good news there has to be some bad. With the increases in prices for the group (postage, printing, maintenance and running costs), it was agreed that on the 1st May 2026 membership prices will increase by 14%. This will take the membership pricing structure to the new rates of:
Adult membership (over 18 years of age) for one year from £22.00 to £25.00
Adult membership (over 18 years of age) for 5 years from £91.50 to £105
Junior membership (up to 18 years of age) for one year from £11.00 to £12.50
Junior membership (up to 18 years of age) for 5 years from £45.75 to £52.00
Family (2 Adults & 2 Juniors) for one year from £33.00 to £38.00
Family (2 Adults & 2 Juniors) for 5 years from £137.25 to £156.00
Life Membership A (59 years of age or under) from £330.00 to £375.00
Life Membership B (60 years of age or over) from £220.00 to £250.00
Overseas Supplement for one year from £18.30 to £20.00
Overseas Supplement for 5 years from £73.20 to £84.
So, if you have been putting off getting a membership or renewing an expired one, then way better time to do so than before 1st May when the increases take affect! Just go to our online shop and select the membership you require and you, too, can take an active role in maintaining the operation of the group locomotives.
