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Wednesday 4 Jan 2017

Kath’s New Year’s Honour for 50 years’ service in the rail industry

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A Rayleigh woman who has worked in the rail industry for over 50 years has been awarded an MBE for services to Transport in the East of England.

Kath Liddell, a team organiser at Network Rail’s maintenance delivery unit based in Romford, Essex, is a vital figure in a team that works hard to improve the railway line on the hugely busy commuter route into Liverpool Street station – which sees 63.6 million passenger journeys every year. Kath is committed to the seamless running of the team, ensuring that everyone has the support that they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

In a career spanning 50 years, one of her many highlights was providing support at the iconic London 2012 Olympics where she volunteered to help with security and help the thousands of people travelling to events across London get there easily and on time.

On receiving her award, Kath said: “I feel really honoured that I have been chosen to receive the award. I couldn’t quite believe it at first.”

Kath began her career in the 1960s in Manchester working in the payroll department at British Rail, before moving to Watford five years later and then to Romford, Essex, in the 1980s. And despite moving home several times, the people and varied work made her stay in the railway industry.

Asked why she’s stayed so long working in the rail industry, Kath commented: “I really enjoy how varied the work is, and above all it’s like working for a big family. Though there have been changes, it still feels the same today, like we’re all one big family.”

Richard Schofield, Network Rail’s route managing director for Anglia, said: “Kath is a great support to her team and has shown incredible dedication to the organisation over the last 50 years. Through her commitment and passion, she has shown an outstanding level of contribution to her team’s efforts in delivering our Railway Upgrade Plan. I’d like to congratulate Kath on behalf of everyone at Network Rail for a truly deserved honour.”