Wednesday 14 August 2019 saw one of Transport for Wales' train drivers, Geraint Williams, received a very special gift after he was stopped at Gobowen station by a customer who handed him a hand-painted money box.
After a national search to find the person who had made it, Transport for Wales revealed the little boy, Toby Healey (5) was the creator of the money box gift, which contained a £2 coin that Toby had put in so that the driver could buy a cup of tea on his/her next break.
In return, Transport for Wales invited Toby and his father to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of Chester station, which included a chance to see the station's train simulator.
After being shown around a real driver's cab on the station by staff from Transport for Wales', Toby made their way to the Simulator Centre, where Toby was given a talk about how it works.
What did the officials say?
Toby's father, Edward spoke of how much they enjoyed the experience:
“Toby painted the money box train himself and wanted the train driver to have it because he thought he could use the money inside to buy a cup of tea after a tiring shift driving the train.
“After passing it on to the lady at Gobowen station we didn't really think much of it, so were totally shocked to receive a call from Transport for Wales inviting us have a free trip from Gobowen to Chester with a guided tour around the station.
“Toby absolutely loved the whole experience – particularly being given the opportunity to sit in the simulator driving seat – and he can't wait to tell his friends all about it when he returns to school in September!”
Nathan Scrivens, Operational Trainer at Transport for Wales said:
“It was a real joy to show Toby and his father around Chester station last week. It's fantastic to see young people showing such enthusiasm for our railway network, so it felt really good to give something back to one of our loyal customers.
“Toby was full of questions about the buttons and control systems in the simulator and sounded the simulator horn frequently which he thoroughly enjoyed!”
Where Next?
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Transport for Wales
Visit their website
