Williams becomes CBE as railway workers honoured
THE man whose ideas are at the heart of the rail reforms that will create Great British Railways has been awarded a CBE.
Keith Williams, independent chairman of the rail review, was among those named in the latest Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which coincides with the Platinum Jubilee. He was recognised for services to the railway industry.
Also becoming a CBE in the latest round of honours is the chairman of rail land regeneration company London & Continental Railways. Nicholas Markham has been recognised for services to the economy and government.
Meanwhile, HS1 Ltd Chief
Executive Dyan Crowther becomes an OBE, as does Network Rail Industry Programme Director Christian Irwin - both for their work in rail.
Great Western Railway Head of Public Affairs Jane Jones receives an MBE, as does Philip O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer at Northern Ireland’s Translink. The latter has been recognised for his services to sustainable and accessible transport.
It was not only industry leaders that were recognised in the June list, with GWR’s Bex Hartley, Charlotte Murray and Matt Cambourne each awarded a BEM for their COVID-19 response. This included managing regular changes to the timetable, introducing an enhanced cleaning regime, and implementing the latest advice on social distancing.
Describing the train operator as
Honours have been awarded to (left to right): Dyan Crowther OBE; Christian Irwin OBE; Victoria Snell BEM; Lydia Fairman BEM; Bill Cooke BEM.
a “vital part of the communities we serve”, GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “The outstanding work of these individuals and their teams played a significant part in helping to keep key workers safely on the move.”
TransPennine Express Customer Relations Manager Victoria Snell, described as an “inspiration” to colleagues, has also been awarded a BEM for her work as a mental health champion.
NR’s Lydia Fairman receives a BEM for work in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), and for leading a team of volunteers who gained the infrastructure owner’s accreditation with White Ribbon, a leading charity aiming to end violence against women.
Meanwhile, fellow NR employee Bill Cooke receives a BEM for services to the railway and to charity. As well as driving safety in his previous role as head of workforce health, safety and environment on the North West & Central Region, he is known as a prolific charity fundraiser.
Responding to the news of the honours awarded to NR employees, Chief Executive Andrew Haines said he was “hugely proud to see their generosity and hard work being rightfully celebrated”.
Nor is it just employees who have been honoured for their input into the railways. Among others to receive a BEM is station adoption volunteer Julia Brecknell-Prigg, for services to Community Rail in Wrabness (Essex).