Final departure for rail worker after 50-year career

Tommy Michalek, 65, whose career on the railway began in Watford when he was just a boy, led Avanti West Coast’s platform team for the last time on Thursday (March 31).

Mr Michalek first started in Watford in July 1971 when he was aged just 15, joining his uncle who had been transferred from Carlisle following the closure of a station.

But Mr Michalek would return to his Cumbrian roots in 1983, where he was deployed in the Carlisle area in various roles for freight and passenger services, culminating in being a platform team leader.

To mark his retirement, Avanti's managing director Phil Whittingham presented Mr Michalek with a framed print of his service report detailing his long career in Watford, London, and Carlisle.

Tommy pictured holding a British ID Rail card issued earlier in his career. Credit: Avanti/PA

Thursday's shift also signalled the end of his family’s career in the sector.

He follows his cousins Stan (a train driver for 50 years), Ron (who worked in accounts for 46 years) and Tony (who worked in roles at Euston and Watford for 40 years) into retirement after decades of service on the West Coast Main Line.

Reflecting on his working life, Mr Michalek said: "I’ve really enjoyed my time on the railway and had a good career.

"I love Carlisle station – it’s my home station, where I’ve spent most of my working life – but it’s the people that make it.

"I’m going to miss my colleagues and look forward to seeing them when I travel by train to watch Carlisle United."

Colleagues marked Tommy's retirement from the railway with a presentation on Thursday at Carlisle station. Credit: Avanti West Coast

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Carlisle, said: "Tommy is a well-loved member of the team, who will be sorely missed by everyone here in Carlisle. He’s a rare breed of railway staff – his dedication has always been unwavering. He’s conscientious and there isn’t anything he doesn’t seem to know!

"Tommy’s knowledge of the railway is extensive and invaluable – everyone seems to turn to him when they have a query. It has been a pleasure working with Tommy and we all wish him the very best for his retirement."