On Monday, 28th November, Avanti West Coast hosted a Retired Rail Community Event at their training academy in Crewe for the industry charity, the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF).

The event was the first of a new initiative from the Railway Benefit Fund and provided the opportunity for retired railway employees to gather together to share stories and look back on their time on the railway.

President of the Railway Benefit Fund, Pete Waterman, joined the gathering to share his memories from his time in the industry, whilst Avanti West Coast provided some facts and figures on the Pendolino named Railway Benefit Fund.

Research by the charity with railway pensioners has shown that railway people often experience isolation during their retirement, especially at this time of the year. During the last year, nearly half of those present had experienced feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many stated that it was because a number of railway groups had been forced to close since the pandemic.

The Railway Benefit Fund is also looking after ex-railway employees by helping them through the cost of living crisis this winter.

One attendee said: “I had been looking forward to this event for weeks and I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. It was really comforting to meet with people who spoke my language and could relate to my experiences working in rail. Loneliness is a real issue amongst the retired community, but events such as this help us to get out and about and meet new people.”

RBF President Pete Waterman said: “My first job was in rail so it’s an industry I love and continue to support. Rail has changed enormously in the last 50 years, which is why it is so important to connect with those who share memories from the days gone by. Loneliness amongst pensioners has worsened since the pandemic, which is why we are keen to support the retired community and help combat this issue.”