A former Meldreth stationmaster has gone back to his old place of work to be presented with a special retirement book – an acknowledgement of his popularity with customers and colleagues alike.
When David Piggott retired in 2014 the farewell celebration was attended by scores of people and train passengers from the surrounding villages.
He now lives at Margaret House Residential and Dementia Care Home in Barley and, because of health reasons, doubted whether he would ever be able to travel by train again.
Activities co-ordinatior Lea-Ann Smith was determined to make this a reality for him, and got to work arranging a special day out to travel back to Meldreth railway station by train.
Lea-Ann said: “It has been so rewarding to see the pleasure that David got from the day – he was absolutely delighted to be on a train again and to meet up with old colleagues.
“The benefits of the day have continued as he is still enjoying it now by reliving each moment of it to each of his many visitors.”
Once they were at the station, David had the chance to meet some old friends and have a look around. The highlight of his day was seeing his picture displayed in the ticket office in his honour.
Throughout his time as stationmaster, David was known to go above and beyond, and was extremely well-known and liked by everyone at the station.
He started his job in Meldreth in 1999, and was recognised for providing outstanding customer service in the Royston Business Awards as he used to offer tea and coffee to people waiting at the station. He’d even been known to phone regular travellers at home if their train was running late.
The Meldreth station staff presented him with a copy of his special retirement book and the pictures that were on display.
Staff said David was then excited to continue his day by going on to have a look around the new Cambridge North station, which opened in May this year, although his verdict was that it was “very big and modern with thousands of pounds spent on it, but with nowhere to get a cup of tea!”
David has been telling every visitor back home in Barley what a very special day he had and “how lucky he was to be escorted all day by not one but two ladies!”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here