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Wednesday 25 Feb 2009

NETWORK RAIL HONOURS DEDICATION OF SUSSEX RAILWAY EMPLOYEES

Region & Route:

| Southern

Network Rail has honoured two Sussex-based employees who between them have given almost 90 years of distinguished service to the railway industry by naming a locomotive after them.

David Gay and Ron Westwood were invited to unveil the new name of a Network Rail Class 73 engine on platform 1 at Brighton station. Unbeknown to them, the locomotive, used in south east England for a range of rail improvement and maintenance works including clearing snow and transporting building materials, was fitted with a plate in David’s name on one side and Ron’s name on the other. The surprise ceremony was attended by the two men’s families, friends and colleagues.

Fiona Taylor, Sussex route director, said: “It is the ultimate honour for a railway employee to have a train named after them. In most cases, including in David’s and Ron’s, it is an accolade extended to those who have shown exceptional dedication and made an outstanding contribution to the rail industry. We are delighted to recognise and celebrate almost a century of service to the industry and wish David and Ron all the best for their well-deserved retirement.”

David Gay retired in December 2008 after 43 years’ service. He worked as a local operations manager in Eastbourne, where he also lives. In this role, he was responsible for the safe operation and management of 35 signallers at seven signal boxes situated throughout East Sussex.

Ron Westwood, who lives in Lewes, retires from his role as Sussex route control manager in March 2009 following 45 years’ service. Based at Network Rail’s control centre in Croydon, Ron is manages a team of 50 staff who are responsible for running trains on the route safely and to the timetable, as well as resolving unforeseen incidents.