| In the late summer of 2002, Bob Taylor retired from his duties at Dorridge Railway station. To say he was a much loved person is an understatement. | ||||||
| Below is the text of a notice that was pinned on to 1) the door of the booking hall, and 2) The waiting room door on the down (ie Birmingham bound) platform. Presumably by a well wishing Rail passenger. | ||||||
| "On 22nd August August,
Robert Taylor is retiring. No longer will he issue your Season Tickets,
Daytrippers, Super Savers, or Cheap Day Returns. His final day will, in
fact, be on Thursday, August 1st, for he has some outstanding leave. Bob
started on the Railways as a Lad Porter at Saltley in 1962, so he has 40
years service with British Railways, and latterly, Central Trains. He
has seen massive changes in that period. The Beeching line closures in
the 1960's, more stability in the 1970's and 1980's, then privatisation
in the 1990's. With the latter has come a huge upsurge in Passenger
Volumes, nowhere more evident than in the West Midlands.
Bob has been at Dorridge for about 10 years, and has made many friends during that period. Ever willing to help intending passengers, he deals with calm and courtesy with their requests and problems. What is the cheapest way of travelling to Gloucester? Can I travel to Reading without changing trains?, and, I need to get to Heathrow Airport by a certain time, but the Bus replacement service from Banbury to Bicester will lengthen my journey and I shall miss my flight; Can you help? All of these and many more. Customer service is what this is called. Somehow booking a rail ticket at Dorridge will never be the same again. Robert Taylor, you are a Gentleman, a Friend, and a credit to the Rail Industry. We shall miss you. Have a happy retirement. From: A very satisfied customer."
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| Above, left, is Bob bidding farewell to Dorridge station after the end of his final turn of duty in August. And right, about to receive a presentation during the "Dorridge 150" event, which was held in October 2002 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the railway through Dorridge, from Paddington to Birmingham Snow Hill. | ||||||
| A tribute to Bob also appeared in the Birmingham Evening Mail, but an attempt to get Central TV interested did not succeed. |
