A little known left luggage attendant from Victoria railway station in London and a teenage apprentice from York have both been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the railway industry in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours. Alongside many other Britons, from all walks of life, they have received ceremonial accolades for their contributions to civic life and to the nation.
It has taken a while, but after reuniting burdened travellers with their heavy suitcases, umbrellas and overcoats, Andrew Haines has been rewarded with a Knighthood in the Honours list. Sir Andrew, as he is now known, still works in the railway industry, as Chief Executive of Network Rail, the British infrastructure agency. As such, he still has responsibility for the Left Luggage office at Victoria Station.
Not really bowing and curtsying
The young technician from York is also still hard at work in the railway industry. He has passed his apprenticeship and now works in an office job on the freight side of the industry. He also has the most common name in the English speaking world. John Smith now serves as Chief Executive Officer of GB Railfreight (GBRf).
John has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to the rail freight industry. It’s already been stressed that it is not necessary to refer to him as “Sir John”. However, RailFreight.com understands that bowing and curtsying will not be discouraged.
Latest in a long line of rail industry awards
National opinion is divided on the British Honours system. However, it does offer an opportunity for people from all parts of society, who make a positive contribution, to be recognised for their efforts. For every high-profile industry leader, there are dozens of carers, teachers, volunteers and unsung heroes nominated by their colleagues and neighbours. Whatever flaws there may be, there really is an opportunity for everyone to be recognised – be that a luggage attendant or a chief executive.
Andrew Haines of Network Rail and John Smith of GB Railfreight may be the rail industry’s highest-profile recipients in this year’s Honours, but they are far from the first. Nigel Gresley, designer of the famous steam locomotives Flying Scotsman and the world record-holding Mallard, was made Sir Nigel in 1936. Somewhat more recently, for a distinguished career in advocating the industry, and serving as the Director General of the Rail Freight Group, Maggie Simpson was appointed OBE in 2020.
Awards for work at home and away
Other Network Rail personnel have been Honoured too. Among them, Janet Trowse, a human resources professional, is now made a “Member of the Order of the British Empire” (MBE). Janet was instrumental in making an impactful legacy around menopause awareness. Over nine years, she has created a UK-wide network of allies and ambassadors, reaching 150,000 employees across the rail industry.
Support for the embattled railways of Ukraine has been recognised. It’s earned Peter Gibbons, NR Chief Security Officer, an MBE for delivering a £10m (€11.7m) aid programme to Ukrainian Railways. Closer to home, Kathleen O’Malley, Project Manager in Network Rail’s Southern Region, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding work in creating the Routes Out of Homelessness charter for the railway, which has helped more than 300 homeless individuals in Birmingham, Manchester and London. Kathleen O’Malley said it’s been incredibly rewarding to get to work on such a special project that helps so many vulnerable people. “To receive this recognition is really lovely.”