@stevekelly5166

4 months ago

1975, the year I used to cycle 2 miles after school to Parson Street station in Bristol, and (train spot - don't tell anybody my Ian Allen secret). I remember seeing an HST come through in Oct 1976, and it was a crazy as Concorde. What was it? Futuristic. No Google in those days.
I joined the railway at 7am on the 21st September 1981, as an S&T trainee tech. Still working and a Engineer now. I've worked around the UK, including not just York, but the world. Just because of cycling to watch trains, instead of doing my homework.
Like Blackpool Rock, snap me in half and it says, not Blackpoo! But 'RAILWAYMAN'.
Here's to your next FIFTY.
How I got my job. I cycled to a job centre with a friend as he wanted a job. I saw the railway advert. Enquired at a desk. Job centre asked if I could go immediately to Bristol Temple Meads. So I cycled there, absolutely unprepared, sweaty. Went into the 'Office' and was interviewed by a welshman called Vince. During the interview I mentioned the school I had attended, and I'd just ridden Land's End to John O'Groats - (didn't mention I was a trainspotter 🙂). He asked me if I knew Nick (surname purposely omiited)? Yes, he was in the year above me, so you live in Whitchurch, and Nick road races bycycles. Vince said, OK, you have the job providing you pass the medical, as Nick is my son. He shook my hand and the rest is, like 200 years, or 50 years, history.
Whilst I was not doing my homework 50 years ago, railway engineering, mechanics, maths, astro-physics in later years. I think I was lucky to get to where I am, not just my later hard work, but other railwayman, and railwaywomen, who had faith in me.
Right, I'm down to the BRSA club that no longer exists. Cheers

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