Published on: Thursday, 13 August 2015
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
More than 100 people turned out to bidfarewell to a familiar face at Ingatestone station on Sunday.
Alan Dowdall, who has spent more than aquarter of a century working on the railway, has retired from his job in theticket office.
The 61-year-old joined British Railways on11 July 1988. He completed his initial training at Ingatestone station and spentthe following ten years working in the ticket office at Chelmsford. He returnedto work at Ingatestone station in 2000 and has been there ever since.
Kind-hearted commuters organised acelebration for Alan on Sunday 9 August, which was attended by the more than100 people and the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Baron Petre. The event was spearheadedby Jamie Childs, who runs Latte To Go at the station.
He was presented with a photo commemoratinghis years at the station and a train driving experience.
Alan, who lives in Chelmsford, plans to spendhis retirement exploring the country’s finest houses, castles and gardens armedwith his English Heritage and National Trust passes.
He added: “I decided to retire because Ihaven’t been very well. I was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2014. Luckilyit got picked up last year. I have got it for life but manage it withmedication every day.
“I have really enjoyed my time on therailway and I will really miss the people. I have made so many friends and hopeto keep in touch with as many of them as possible.”