On Wednesday, May 24, a significant event occurred at London Waterloo Station, capturing the attention of railway enthusiasts and transport industry insiders alike.
GB Railfreight, one of the UK's leading rail freight companies, hosted a ceremony to rename one of their Class 66 locomotives in honour of the distinguished Lord Peter Hendy.
This momentous occasion was a testament to Lord Hendy's outstanding contributions to the transport sector and celebrated his recent appointment to the House of Lords.
Lord Peter Hendy, a highly regarded figure in the transport industry, has been instrumental in shaping and revolutionizing Britain's transportation systems.
With an illustrious career that spans decades, his expertise has been honed through his roles as Commissioner for Transport for London and his current position as Chair of Network Rail, among numerous other senior roles within the sector.
Lord Hendy's remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the UK's transport infrastructure.
GB Railfreight, under the leadership of CEO John Smith, expressed their admiration and respect for Lord Hendy's accomplishments by renaming one of their Class 66 locomotives.
The locomotive, previously known as 66718 “Sir Peter Hendy CBE,” now bears the name “Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, of Imber in the County of Wiltshire.”
This renaming ceremony was a fitting tribute to Lord Hendy's recent appointment to the House of Lords, a distinction announced in late 2022.
To commemorate this remarkable occasion, John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, presented Lord Hendy with a special acknowledgment before the train embarked on a symbolic journey. The locomotive, resplendent with its new name, embarked on a route that included a stop in Richmond, allowing Lord Hendy and company to seize a memorable photo opportunity.
John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight said“Almost 10 years ago to the day, we unveiled the Sir Peter Hendy at Victoria Station and today at Waterloo Station I am proud to rename this loco the Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, of Imber in the County of Wiltshire. This is to celebrate Lord Hendy's appointment to the House of Lords, which he thoroughly deserves for a lifetime of dedication to the transport industry.”
Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, of Imber in the County of Wiltshire said;“While it is my name on the locomotive, the truth is that you never get anywhere in life without the brilliant people who work for you. The railway is a wonderful place to work, in which people put in enormous effort every day. This honour is not solely down to me, it happened because of the thousands and thousands of people who give so much every day.”
