British freight operators have a noble history of charity support. So it is with no small fanfare that Direct Rail Services has announced the return of its highly popular charity open day. The freight carrier is preparing to welcome a huge crowd of visitors to its Carlisle headquarters on Saturday, 6 July. Proceeds from expected sell-outs will all go to the company’s sponsorship and donation fund.

Carlisle Kingmoor Yard will host the eagerly-anticipated return of the DRS Open Day in just a few month’s time. The first Saturday in July has been set aside for the event. It is well known as one of the city’s most anticipated events, but it’s also a huge charity fundraiser. It’s the first time the company has held an open day since 2022 and the first time in five years that the headquarters has been the venue.

Family day out showcases the freight sector

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is well known. The company is part of Nuclear Transport Solutions, and they are the specialist carrier of radioactive nuclear flasks around the UK. However, the company has a much broader remit, carrying a variety of loads around the UK. That varied portfolio is served by an equally varied fleet of rolling stock and motive power. That makes their open-day event hugely popular with the public.

Charities around the country benefit from the proceeds of the popular open day. The DRS event, which was annual until the pandemic, is a guaranteed sell-out. The family day out gives the public the opportunity to see behind the scenes at one of the UK’s leading rail freight operators. Moving forward, the company proposes to alternate between Carlisle and Crewe every two years. Staff at Gresty Bridge are already eager for their return to the public stage in 2026.

Tickets revenue supports multiple charities

“Visitors will get to look around the company’s maintenance depot in Carlisle”, said a DRS statement. “They can sit in the driver’s seat of a variety of locomotives, ask questions to industry experts and much more. There will also be a naming ceremony for locomotives and their new nameplates unveiled.”

Funds raised from the five-pound (six euro) ticket price will aid UK charities and other deserving community causes. However, eyebrows were raised at the agency Eventbrite. The online booking platform will add more than two pounds (2.3 euros) in booking fees. Gates will open at 10:00 on Saturday, 6 July, and close at 16:00. DRS stress that no tickets will be available on the day.

GBRf first in a queue of events coming up

The news comes on a great day for rail freight engagement with good causes. Operator GB Railfreight has just announced a tie-up with a leading children’s hospital. After a ballot among staff, the company has chosen to partner with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. GOSH Charity was among fifty deserving causes nominated by its 1,400 train crew and staff.

Over a two-year partnership, GBRf hopes to raise as much as possible for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Seriously ill children from across the whole UK are treated at the specialist hospital in London. Among those benefitting from life-saving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital was Dottie Rees, daughter of GBRf Train Manager, John Rees. Dottie was rushed to GOSH in September 2020, where she spent 17 days in intensive care after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Dottie is still cared for by the Hospital on a monthly basis.

Wait all day for a charity event to come along, and, as they say, three show up. Third in the queue is The Railway Benefit Fund. This charity was formed specifically to support those with connections to the industry. The Fund has just launched its annual raffle with a trainload of prizes donated by industry. Lucky winners might pick up tickets to West End musicals, model railways, and – something no home should be without a replica station departure board – with live, real-time train departures. Well, it is for a good cause.