Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway’s longest serving employee is celebrating 50 years working for the popular visitor attraction.
Trevor Stockton, 68, was first introduced to the railway line in the 1950s as part of his family holidays. Later, he put himself forward as a volunteer before securing his first role as a guard in April 1973.
For over half a century he has worked for the company continuously, taking on a large range of roles including 14 seasons as a driver on flagship engine ‘Northern Rock’, maintenance foreman and general manager on the railway.
Trevor has also met a string of high-profile figures over the years, from World War II flying ace Sir Douglas to Doctor Who’s third doctor, Jon Pertwee.
He has even made a special guest appearance on CBeebies, making a train journey with his granddaughter Lucy as part of a family history series for children.
He also travelled to Japan to help instruct local drivers on the Ravenglass-build ‘Northern Rock 2’ which he called a career highlight.
To mark his landmark 50th anniversary of work, Trevor has been made Honorary Vice President of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. He has also been presented with a collection of photos from the past half century by colleagues from the railway.
Trevor’s anniversary comes as the railway plans to mark 100 years of historic steam locomotive ‘River Esk’ with an ‘Anniversary Gala’ Weekend’ over the May Day Bank Holiday – another of the trains he has driven during his long-running career.
The event will include a display of resident steam and diesel engines, signal box tours and other special ‘behind the scenes’ treats for passengers over the three-day weekend from Saturday 29 April to Monday 1 May.
There will also be one, two and three-day ‘rover tickets’ available enabling passengers to hop on and off the different trains.
Trevor said: “It’s a happy coincidence that these two anniversaries come just days apart. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway is in my blood – and really is a lifelong passion for me – so it is fantastic to be celebrating this unique heritage railway which has a reputation that spreads far beyond the Lake District and Cumbria.
“I am honoured to continue working in the signal box two days a week alongside a great bunch of people and carrying on my dad’s legacy, who himself worked for British Railways for many years.”
