The  Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society is an International group, based  in the UK, dedicated to promoting awareness of, interest in, and support  for, The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India.  The DHR Society was founded by a small band of concerned enthusiasts  in 1997, who, aware of the railways uncertain state, decided to be active and form a focus for all those who are interested in the line and are concerned for its future. With a membership of over 800 in 24 countries the DHRS seeks to appeal to those who may, have an interest in the area, or merely this remarkable line, whether it is of an historical nature, more contemporary history or even to 'model it'. The new Director DHR is now in post. He is Mr Partha Pratham Roy, and will base himself initially between NJP and the Elysia Building, Kurseong NOTICE TO TRAVELLERS - DISRUPTION OF DHR SERVICES - 17 JUNE  2010 DHR services between New Jalpaiguri and Kurseong are currently suspended following yesterday's severe earth slip at Paglajhora. National Highway NH55 (The Hill Cart Road) is also blocked at this point. Repair work is expected to take several weeks. Intending travellers should  consult their tour operator for alternative arrangements. DHR 128th Anniversary celebrations DHR Society Wins International Award for Community Projects   At a gala dinner ceremony held at Carlisle on Friday 25 September 2009, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS) received a special 'Best International Achievement Award' for projects along the DHR.   The award recognises the combined efforts of the Society's India Support Group, the DHRS Education Group, the Society's associated charity the Darjeeling Railway Community Support, and the Society itself in sponsoring a wide range of community initiatives.   The award was made by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRPS), a federation of over 60 community rail partnerships and rail promotion groups.   Initiatives sponsored by the individual groups include health check ups, children's playgrounds, provision of local employment opportunities, sponsoring children's school competitions and many other projects.   Said DHRS Chairman David Barrie, "This prestigious award recognises the especial efforts of our friends and partners in India who have done so much. To name all of them would be impossible, but special recognition must go to the President of our India Support Group, Rajendra Baid and his son Vivek at Siliguri, to Sushil Dikshit at Kurseong, and to the ladies of the Inner Wheel Club at Darjeeling. The Director DHR, Subrato Nath, is also very committed to increasing local community involvement in this unique World Heritage Railway. Terry Martin After a long, courageous fight against  cancer, Terry Martin, DHRS Archivist and Bibliographer died peacefully, Thursday 29 April  2010. DHR 2009 Schools Art and Quiz Competition Kurseong A full report and pictures of this very successful event will be in the February 2010 issue of the Darjeeling Mail magazine. In the meantime click on the link below to view a delightful ten minute film record. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V24Aj9A0wE Sincere thanks to Vikram Rai and the students of St Joseph's College, Darjeeling for its production. For the latest DHR news see News from the Line 2010 AGM Details of the 2010 AGM posted here. Membership  of the society Includes a high quality 'quarterly' magazine, The Darjeeling Mail packed with a wide variety of articles and photos, including current  information from the line, as well as reports and submissions from past  workers  and people who live along the line. To join our society, please see “DHRS Membership” page We  have a growing selection of sales items, including the new book on the DHR - "The Iron  Sherpa Vol. 1 & Vol. 2" by Terry Martin Full details of all goods for sale including books, video's, DVDs, atlas  and maps of the DHR and details of payment by credit card, please see “DHRS Shop” 2008 DHR Tour Report by Peter Jordan Holiday Tours to DHR and other locations in India and USA For those wishing to visiting the DHR line and other locations, tours that include charter trains and access to Tindharia workshops, are arranged through Darjeeling Tours Ltd. (www.darjeelingtours.co.uk) DHRS Education Group Formed in 2005 the Education Group aims to encourage and support local schools and colleges along the DHR in achieving an increased awareness of, and commitment to the railway. DRCS The "Darjeeling  Railway Community Support" group is adjunct to the  DHRS, formed to give direct support to the local people along the line. We also have a social calendar that includes local area groups, nation-wide talks and many other events Contact the secretary  for details. Members have access to our considerable archive. In  the time the society has been in existence, liaising with Indian Railways,  it has played a key role in the decision not only to retain steam on the DHR but to inject fresh energy into the line as well. Indian Web Site for the DHR Indian  Railways has given the DHR its own dedicated web site, the site at www.dhr.in has much of interest including full details of train services, timetables and maps.