On Wednesday 22nd October, Freightliner locomotive 66605 was named ‘Tribute’ in memory of late Freightliner colleagues. The locomotive was named at Freightliner’s Crewe Vehicle Maintenance Facility by Dave Penney, Freightliner Managing Director – Heavy Haul and Rail Services and Matthew Workman, Freightliner Head of Operational Strategy and Transformation.
Karen Schofield, Chaplain from Railway Mission, a charity working to provide critical mental health support for everyone in the railway family, led a Roll of Honour during the service, followed by a prayer in remembrance of late Freightliner colleagues. An online memorial book, where colleagues are able to add memories and thoughts, has also been created to help to remember the 26 Freightliner colleagues who have passed in the last five years.
The naming of locomotive 66605 also coincided with the official opening of the Freightliner Crewe Memorial Garden which was built by Freightliner Crewe colleagues. The memorial garden provides a safe space for remembrance and quiet reflection away from the busy day-to-day of the Crewe Vehicle Maintenance Facility. During the official opening, a cheque was also presented to MIND, a UK-based mental health charity providing essential information and support services, from Freightliner. Freightliner Crewe colleagues generously raised a large proportion of the funds with Freightliner adding to this donation to present £2,500 to a very worthy charity.
Dave Penney, Managing Director – Heavy Haul and Rail Services said, “Today was an important day to come together and remember Freightliner colleagues who we have very sadly lost over the last five years. The memorial garden at Crewe will provide a space for people to visit and remember colleagues who are no longer with us. A special thanks to Karen Schofield, Railway Chaplain, for being with us at Crewe and leading today’s thoughtful service.”