‘ELR Godfather’ and oldest working volunteer celebrates 93rd birthday

Bob Johnson, the East Lancashire Railway’s oldest working volunteer celebrated his 93^rd birthday and his 36 years of service in style.

ELR marked the occasion with a presentation of a special award from Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancs Railway, surrounded by staff and volunteers. Bob has seen and been part of many milestones on the railway, from being a snowman on the first Santa Special, storyteller on the Day Out With Thomas events, leading the present picking team on the Santa Specials through to serving as a Director.

Mike Kelly said “It was my privilege to present a special award to Bob who is, quite rightly acknowledged as the ‘Godfather’ of the railway and who still religiously works on the railway every Tuesday and Thursday. It was Bob who launched the ‘Hit Squad’ midweek team 32 years ago, and all his volunteer pals were there to celebrate his special day”.