More details of merger

The Portishead Railway Group was formed by the merger of two groups - the Portishead Railway Action Group and the Portishead Heritage Rail Project. Both groups were working together towards the same goals, the former on the technical aspects and the latter on educational, heritage and publicity aspects. However, it was felt that to avoid public confusion over the two groups a merger was desirable.

The Portishead Railway Action Group was formed in April 2000 and had been instrumental in keeping the cause alive in the corridors of power, and had done considerable work in establishing a sound technical case for the railway’s restoration.

The Portishead Heritage Rail Project was formed in September 2003, and had undertaken a number of publicity events, and presented a petition to both Bristol and North Somerset Councils.

The groups formally merged at the inaugural meeting on 24 November 2005, with unanimous support from all members present from both former groups.