Pensions Management, Darlington  - this website contains a wealth of information and useful links to other sites.  

The Pensions Service - this government website, part of the Department of Work & Pensions, gives information on state pensions and benefit entitlements for pensioners. There are further links to advice services and voluntary organisations for pensioners and the over-50s, including ways to stay fit, keep busy and improve your income in retirement.

National Pensioners' Convention - the BTPF is affiliated to this campaigning organisation for all state pensioners.

Travel Facilities - ATOC's Rail Staff Travel site contains up to date and accurate information about Travel Facilities and special offers for active and retired staff, and includes forms that you can print out.

Transport Direct - a government-sponsored "one-stop shop" for information on all modes of transport.  You can use this to work out a door-to-door journey using bus, train, car and much more.

National Rail - this is a 'gateway' to all the Train Operating Companies and also provides timetable information.  Recent 'improvements' to this website have made it less easy to print information.  Alternatively you can obtain accurate UK Rail Timetable information from...

German Railways - accurate railway timetable information for all European Railways, including the UK.  Fare information is also available for many journeys in mainland Europe. There is a user-friendly 'Print' facility for your results.

REPTA - the Railway Employees' Privilege Ticket Association was founded in 1893 with the aim of helping railway staff to get the best out of their free and "priv" tickets.  The yearly Handbook contains details of railways and shipping companies throughout the world and, for a very modest joining fee, offers preferential rates and discounts on insurance, travel and other goods and services. Staff Travel Card Loss cover is included free of charge.

Railnews - the independent newspaper for the rail industry.

Railfuture - for those of you still interested in the railway and its future this is the campaigning arm of the Railway Development Society, an independent organisation committed to a better passenger and freight rail network.  Our former Chairman, Peter Rayner, is a regular contributor to their quarterly Railwatch magazine.

Railway Benefit Fund - This is the new name for the Railway Benevolent Institution - its address is still Electra Way, Crewe Business Park, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6HS and they now have a website.  This charity exists to help former railway employees and their dependants - their motto is "Looking after our own".

Railway Convalescent Centre - at Dawlish, is a registered charity founded over 100 years ago and is open to those in need of a convalescent break following illness or bereavement.  Charges are modest and it is possible for a carer to accompany the guest at the same rate.  Guests are also welcome for short holidays, even if not in need of convalescence.

The Railway Mission - is a Christian society formed in 1881 to communicate the good news of the gospel to people working in the rail and associated industries.  The Mission's experienced chaplains provide a listening ear, with help and understanding for active and retired staff in times of difficulty and stress.

Retired Railway Officers' Society - an organisation for former senior managers and those who have occupied positions of responsibility in the industry.

Department for Transport - this is the Railways section of the DfT's website, interesting for those who wish to keep abreast of government initiatives affecting the industry.  There are links from this page to other transport-related subjects, such as Freight and Shipping.

Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer - the UIC website includes links to continental railway timetables and is in English (as well as French and German).

Trains Europe - this company, based in March, Cambridgeshire, will obtain tickets and reservations for European train services and help you plan your continental journeys.  They are also able to supply FIP (privilege) tickets, subject to a booking fee of £10 per complete booking.

National Railway Museum - the NRM in York is the world's largest railway museum and houses an unrivalled collection of preserved rolling stock and railway artefacts.  "Friends of the NRM" are currently engaged in a lottery-funded project to compile an oral history of the railway, reflecting the changes that have taken place over the past fifty years - click here for further details.

Railwaywomen - a website devoted to the work of women on the railways from 1830 to the present day.  This, and the accompanying book, have been compiled by a woman who herself worked in the rail industry.  The author is currently researching a book on women's work on the railways during World War II and would be interested in accounts of members' experiences.

Railway Children - this registered charity was founded by David Maidment OBE, former Controller of Safety Policy with Railtrack, and works to rescue the many runaway and abandoned children living in or around railway stations worldwide.

ACORP - Association of Community Rail Partnerships.  A voluntary organisation promoting the use of railways in the community.  Based in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield.

Over-50s - information from the Dept. of Work & Pensions on keeping fit and healthy, volunteering, training opportunities for older people and more.

Pensioner On-Line - this is a website for Post Office and BT pensioners.  It is not possible to access the members-only section, but there is much useful and interesting information, including extracts from parliamentary debates.

RUKBA - Royal United Kingdom Beneficent Association.  This charitable organisation has just published a comprehensive guide for older people to ensure they get the help and support they need.

Safe Retirement - this website was launched in 2005 and provides plenty of tips for staying safe in retirement.

University of the Third Age -  educational opportunities for older people.  U3A's main purpose is to encourage lifelong learning for those no longer in full time gainful employment.

Experience Corps - an organisation that puts people with useful skills and a bit of time to spare in touch with groups needing volunteers.

Saga - the company that specialises in holidays, finance and insurance for the over-50's.  There is also a link to Saga Radio.

Friends Reunited - this website now includes Workplaces, as well as Schools and Colleges, and there are a number of railway establishments listed.