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First class memories of a lifelong railway man
A RAILWAY driver was remembered by friends and colleagues on Monday (February 6) when a train was named in his honour.
The widow of Mick Winnett unveiled the name plate on a train berthed in platform 1A.
Her late husband started his railway career in 1958 as an engine cleaner on a steam train. He graduated to firing duties, ‘firing’ on the old-style trains, before becoming a driver and then an instructor on all types of diesel trains.
He retired in 2007, and died four years later.
Jackie Townsend, operations director for rail operator First Capital Connect (FCC), attended Monday’s ceremony and said: “This was a very important occasion for FCC and colleagues and we were delighted to be able to name one of our trains after Mick.
“Mick was one of our most respected driver instructors who taught scores of trainees to a high standard. Without the likes of Mick and others who have followed in his footsteps, we would not be able to transport the 150,000 people we do every day.”
Bill Davies, a retired driver from Chapman Close, Kempston, was a close friend.
He said: “It was always a joy to have Mick as your instructor as he made learning a pleasure. Mick had a marvellous smile and dedicated his working life to the railway.
“When he died it was a spontaneous reaction of all the drivers at Bedford that we make this permanent reminder of him. Now, when someone says ‘Where’s Mick?’ we can say: ‘He’s probably on his way to Brighton or on his way round the Wimbledon Loop!’.”
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Weather for Bedford
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
