SIGNALLER FOR NETWORK RAIL
MIKE MILLS ensures everyone stays safe on the railways in Mid Wales, but is never happier than when he’s hacking solo.
“It gives me a great sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I’m one of many thousands of workers keeping the railway network functioning during the pandemic, taking key workers to and from their jobs.
My role as a signaller in the Mid Wales area involves keeping the trains, engineers working on the tracks and those negotiating level crossings safe. We use the computerised European Rail Traffic Management System and so there is no pulling of levers any more. There were plenty of levers, though, when I started working for British Rail 33 years ago.
From the age of eight I’d wanted to be a train driver, but after two years on the Youth Training Scheme with British Rail, two jobs became available — a crossing keeper or a carriage cleaner. I chose the former and signalling has been my career ever since. Each shift lasts for 12 hours. I work with two other people during the day, but night shifts are usually done solo.
Covid hasn’t affected me directly, and while we have slightly fewer trains on the network at present, there has been more engineering work. We’re still taking a lot of calls from the telephone-operated level crossings, too — although the particularly busy one connected to the caravan park (200 calls per day at its peak) is currently quiet as the park has had to close.
I love my job, but I also love my horses — they allow me to get away from it all. Horses mean freedom to me and I mainly go out alone. My shifts aren’t generally too stressful, but I have had to deal with three suicides. That is truly grim, and at such times tacking up and heading out can help. I also love just spending time with my horses.
I started riding at 26 and then took a long break. I began again around eight years ago with the cool, calm Jess, who has been my mainstay for a number of years. I also have three other horses — Diva (now retired with kissing spines), Casi (a 13.1hh Welsh cob intended for my wife, Lauren, to ride) and Bali. Because of Jess’ age, Bali, a 14-year-old, 16.2hh, Arab/ Warmblood, will do some #Hack1000miles rides this year. I’ve completed the challenge three times, the first year covering 1,200 miles. I bought Bali last September and while she’s good in traffic, she has bucked me off a couple of times, but it’s early days in our relationship.
I’m a founder member of Pass Wide and Slow, and I thank my lucky stars that I was riding Jess when I had my own close encounter with a car. The driver saw me at the last minute and skidded to a halt, momentarily losing control. Luckily the car didn’t hit us and Jess didn’t flinch, but I was very glad that I hadn’t been on Diva at the time, as she had a tendency to bolt. I’d encourage all riders to join us on Facebook — it’s a way to educate drivers, and we’re already making progress.”
“I have had to deal with three suicides. That is truly grim”