Skip to content

Oldest rail worker and veteran manager awarded BEM

Govia Thameslink Railway Joe Healy (left) and Siggy Cragwell (right) sharing a high five. Joe is wearing a black coat over a shirt and tie. Siggy is wearing a high-vis orange vest. They are on a station platform, with greenery visible in the background.Govia Thameslink Railway
Jenny Saunders, customer services director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: "We are in awe of what Joe (left) and Siggy have achieved."

Two Thameslink team members have been awarded their British Empire Medals following the King's Birthday Honours, for their service to the railway.

Siggy Cragwell, 85, the company's oldest employee based at Elstree and Borehamwood station, and Joe Healy, station manager at Luton Airport Parkway and Harpenden, have received the awards.

Mr Cragwell, who has worked on the railway for 62 years, said: "I've been wearing my medal and showing it to my passengers – I've been getting a lot of hugs and kisses."

Mr Healy was also recognised for his work helping people with disabilities and special needs to become more confident on the trains. "To be awarded this is like the icing on the cake," he said.

Govia Thameslink Railway A group picture of six people - five men and one woman - all wearing smart clothes and suits. They are stood in a room with white walls and there is a large window with lots of greenery outside. Govia Thameslink Railway
Mr Cragwell's medal was presented to him by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Kenneth Olisa (third from right), at the Tower of London

Mr Cragwell has previously appeared in a BBC Teach video to inform children about how transport has changed.

He talked about using buses and bicycles during his childhood in Barbados, since residents did not own cars and there were no trains. He came to the UK in 1962.

Mr Cragwell has also won two lifetime achievement awards and was guest of honour at the National Windrush Monument unveiling at London Waterloo station in 2022, alongside the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The station assistant said he had no plans to retire in the near future.

Govia Thameslink Railway Joe Healy, in a dark blue suit with slick back hair, standing next to Susan Lousada, in full regalia with red lipstick on. In the background there are three union flags, with a painted picture of a meadow on the wall in the middle. Govia Thameslink Railway
Joe Healy's medal was presented to him by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, at RAF Henlow

Mr Healy has been in the industry for 24 years. For eight of those he has organised Try A Train days for colleges in Bedfordshire.

The sessions have been designed to encourage people who need additional support to become more independent on the trains.

Mr Healey said: "Everybody has a right to travel no matter what their disability.

"Why should we have somebody sitting at home thinking they can't get out, they can't travel because they're too anxious or afraid even to come to a train station?

"We need to break that down, and if there's anything I can do then I'm definitely going to do it."

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

You may also be interested in
Related internet links