All aboard for Charlie’s big day

A lifelong train enthusiast has finally fulfilled his dream of becoming a train driver – nearly 75 years after starting his career on the railway.

Charlie Barker, 90, was welcomed by open access operators Lumo and Hull Trains for a special work experience day spanning from London to Newcastle. 

The day included a First Class journey with Hull Trains and a once-in-a-lifetime cab ride aboard a Lumo electric train from London’s King Cross to Newcastle, decades after Charlie’s ambitions were cut short.

Charlie joined the railway in 1951 as a 15-year-old messenger boy at Doncaster Goods Yard before becoming an engine cleaner at Carr Loco Sheds. 

He worked his way up and dreamed of becoming a driver, but his plans were derailed by the Beeching Cuts of the 1960s, which forced a career change into the power industry.

That changed after Charlie ironically met Rachel Firth, customer experience and innovation manager at Newcastle-headquartered Lumo, earlier this year on a train! 

After hearing his story, Rachel arranged for Charlie to join both train operators for a day of behind-the-scenes access.

Rachel added: “Charlie’s passion and background were truly inspiring. 

“We often talk about careers on the railway beginning young, but why shouldn’t they also come full circle later in life? 

“We were delighted to make him our oldest work experience recruit yet.” 

Charlie’s experience marks him as the oldest “work experience student” to join the Lumo and Hull Trains teams, and his story has since inspired staff across the rail network.

Charlie added: “The whole experience was absolutely fabulous. 

“Being treated to First Class with Hull Trains and then riding in the cab with one of Lumo’s brilliant drivers was the highlight. 

“It was wonderful to be back in a railway environment, this time as a work experience student!” 

The trip ended in Newcastle, where Charlie was met by team members for tea, cake and a commemorative certificate to mark the occasion. 

Paul Jackson, head of customer and stakeholder engagement at Lumo and Hull Trains, added: “Charlie’s story is a powerful reminder of the joy our industry can bring. 

“It was an honour to welcome him onboard to spend the day with us.” 

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