05/09/2024
So long, farewell, Auf Weidersehen..er...pet!
Today is a sad day at Ravenglass as we say good bye to our very own Bonnie Lad, Driver Sam Wake.
Sam has been living alright working on site at Ravenglass from morning till night since 2018 as the regular driver of flagship locomotive "Northern Rock". There ain't no doubt that under Sam's care "Northern Rock" has been one of the shiniest engines on the railway. Sam is leaving us to take up a post looking after the rolling stock on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
Whilst he was just a bairn when he started with us (he is probably too young to get some of the highbrow cultural references in this post!), under the guidance of his colleagues we have seen Sam develop into a talented and skilled member of the team here at Ravenglass assisting in maintenance of our locomotives and carriages. Better than that has been his ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds in a calm manner which has made him a very popular member of the team.
All railways have their "Juliet Bravo" moments when things don't go as planned. One of Sam's highlights, aside from the back of his head appearing on Channel 4's A Perfect Pitch, was when he had to go with "Northern Rock" to rescue "RIver Esk". Not only did he get the train to Dalegarth but he then made a Run for Home to Ravenglass saving the day, what a local hero!
Sam will be driving "Northern Rock" today for the final time as an employee, normally he wouldn't stop until he has done the DVD commentary.
If you see him today please join us in wishing him good luck and all the best for the future.
Well done Sam, you have done good!