New Bluebell safety director is appointed
THE Bluebell Railway has appointed George Barclay as its new safety and assurance director, it was confirmed at its board meeting on September 29.
Aged 16, George joined BR’s Scottish Region as a train register boy at a signalbox just outside Glasgow Queen Street station, later becoming operations manager for the West Highlands Line.
He also served as station manager at Edinburgh Waverley, and later worked for North American railways. He joined an American construction company before returning to the UK to become senior environment health and safety manager on the M25 highway widening development project.
He said: “What I would like to put across to members of the Bluebell Railway is that they should keep the fantastic heritage product but also know they are living within a modern, legal, moral and systematic structure.
“Heritage railways are an ageing asset and people understand that. We must build on the existing values of Bluebell Railway people, while being mindful of significant risks that come with the territory.”
Geoff Mee, Bluebell Railway plc chairman, said: “We are delighted that George Barclay has joined the board. Operating a safe railway is our top priority and it is paramount that everyone has safety at the forefront of their mind – staff, volunteers and visitors. George brings experience of the railway safety sector to our way of working.”
George replaces Martin Cresswell, who has retired after three years from his role of operational safety adviser to one of Network Rail’s key engineering suppliers.