A station supervisor at Margate has celebrated his 55th anniversary of working on the railways.
Dougie Calder was 16 when he joined British Rail in 1969 and has spent more than five decades in a range of roles.
He started as a junior porter at Margate. He was promoted to be a railwayman and a shunter, before moving to Ramsgate to become a conductor. He later returned to Margate to work at the station.
The 71-year-old from Broadstairs is showing no signs of slowing down. He still cycles to and from work and regularly works 12-hour early, late, and night shifts.
Reflecting on his career, he said:
"When you enjoy what you do, you keep doing it. I've enjoyed all the jobs I've had on the railway.
"I've seen many things change over the years. When I started, I had to get under dirty trains to couple the wagons, but they're now gone. Slam door trains have also been replaced with highspeed trains and it's amazing how much that transformed the service.
"I've had so many opportunities and I'm lucky to have worked with so many characters. I've been very lucky to have achieved everything I have on the railway, and I have no plans to retire all the time I'm healthy."
His long service was recognised at a special event attended by former and current Southeastern colleagues on Friday, 6 December.
The coin collector was presented with a coin engraved with the date he joined the railway.
David Wornham, Southeastern's Passenger Services Director, said:
"Dougie's passion and his commitment to the railways in Kent over his career has been remarkable. He's hugely popular among his colleagues and the many customers he's served over his 55 years.
"He is a real-life example of how the railway can be a career for life – and as we look forward to the 200th anniversary of the railway in 2025, I hope his story inspires a new generation to join us."
Working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. Find out more about working for Southeastern here.
