Record producer and broadcaster Pete Waterman OBE launched a nationwide tour of railway stations as part his new role promoting the Railway Benefit Fund (RBF).
As newly appointed President of the RBF charity, Pete began his UK ‘Meet Pete’ tour at London Paddington on Thursday 31 January 2019 where he was welcomed by GWR Station Manager Dean Haynes.
After a walkabout on the concourse and meeting customers in the First Class lounge, Pete was able to make his first ever station announcement from the Paddington Control Room.
Pete was presented with a print of a new GWR Intercity Express Train carrying his name before being given a very special ride in the driver’s cab of one of the train operator’s new Intercity Express Trains destined for Bristol Temple Meads.
On arrival back into Paddington from a round trip to Reading, Pete Waterman, said: “It was a fantastic experience. Meeting so many of the staff at Paddington was a real pleasure and I’m excited about working closely with the RBF to promote the great work it does supporting railway people.”
A camera crew followed Pete’s Paddington visit which was promoted on Twitter using the hashtag #MeetPete. The RBF is welcoming nominations for future locations he should visit as part of the UK tour.
GWR Paddington Station Manager, Dean Haynes, said: “We’re thrilled Pete and the RBF chose to start the ‘Meet Pete’ station tour at London Paddington. Our teams really enjoyed meeting him and giving him a front seat view of our new trains serving the GWR network.”
The RBF is the only charity that solely supports people and their families. The charity offers a range of services that can support staff throughout their careers; from direct financial support to free legal advice.
Railway Benefit Fund Chief Executive, Jason Tetley, said: “We are keen to get our message across the whole rail network and the #MeetPete events are a great opportunity for the RBF to talk to staff directly and ensure we are there when they need us. I would like to thank GWR and Network Rail staff at Paddington for helping launch the campaign.”
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