Published on: Thursday, 13 August 2015
Last updated: Wednesday, 5 October 2016
More than 100 people turned out to bid farewell to a familiar face at Ingatestone station on Sunday.
Alan Dowdall, who has spent more than a quarter of a century working on the railway, has retired from his job in the ticket office.
The 61-year-old joined British Railways on 11 July 1988. He completed his initial training at Ingatestone station and spent the following ten years working in the ticket office at Chelmsford. He returned to work at Ingatestone station in 2000 and has been there ever since.
Kind-hearted commuters organised a celebration for Alan on Sunday 9 August, which was attended by the more than 100 people and the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Baron Petre. The event was spearheaded by Jamie Childs, who runs Latte To Go at the station.
He was presented with a photo commemorating his years at the station and a train driving experience.
Alan, who lives in Chelmsford, plans to spend his retirement exploring the country’s finest houses, castles and gardens armed with his English Heritage and National Trust passes.
He added: “I decided to retire because I haven’t been very well. I was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2014. Luckily it got picked up last year. I have got it for life but manage it with medication every day.
“I have really enjoyed my time on the railway and I will really miss the people. I have made so many friends and hope to keep in touch with as many of them as possible.”