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Tuesday 28 Mar 2006

PORTSMOUTH SIGNALLER CELEBRATES 50 YEARS SERVICE ON THE RAILWAYS

Region & Route:

| Southern: Wessex

| Southern

It’s all change for Portsmouth signaller Brian Roe who is going full steam ahead into retirement after working on the railway for 50 years and helping millions of people enjoy a smooth journey. Brian, who ends his career with Network Rail at Portsmouth signal box, was first employed as a lamp boy at the age of 15 and held an interest in the railway since being allowed to ride on the footplate of a steam engine as a young boy. The 65-year-old railway veteran said: “Every significant moment in my life links to my days on the railway so I have some very special memories to cherish. I’ve lived through the days of steam, electrification and modernisation of all railway equipment and have enjoyed each day as much as my first, half a century ago.” David Pape, Network Rail’s route director said: “Brian’s incredibly long service with Network Rail, and formerly British Rail, shows his commitment to the railway and to the local community. Over the past 50 years, he has helped thousands of train services run smoothly, safely and on time. We’d like to wish him a very happy retirement – he will be sorely missed but I’m sure he’ll retain an interest in the railway!” Brian’s career history:

• 3 April 1956 – Brian is employed as a lamp boy at Portsmouth Harbour
• 1958 – employed as a relief booking boy covering Portsmouth Yard Box, Fratton West, Portcreek Junction, Green Lane.  He also worked on the platforms at Southsea helping out the Porter Guard
• 1960 – employed as a signalman at Hook signal box (before electrification) and then moves to Winchfield signal box 
• 1963 – employed at Cosham Junction
• 1967 – employed at Farlington Junction signal box
• 1969 – employed at Haslemere signal box
• 1970 – employed at Petersfield signal box
• 1979 – employed at Portsmouth Panel signal box where he remains for the rest of his career