Direct Rail Services raise £10k for charities and local causes
Direct Rail Services (DRS) has raised £10,000 for charities and local causes as part of its annual Open Day.
Around 2,000 visitors attended the event, held at the firm’s Kingmoor Depot in Carlisle, on July 20, which also saw the official naming of two locomotives.
The first, a 66428, was unveiled as “Carlisle Eden Mind” by David Peattie, CEO of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), in honour of the local charity which provides a vital support service to those in need.
During the unveiling, David spoke of the importance of mental health and how Carlisle Eden Mind has supported not only DRS, but the wider NDA group in mental health awareness. He was joined by Henry Barker, trustee of Carlisle Eden Mind.
Left to right: Debbie Francis, MD, Direct Rail Services, David Peattie, CEO, Nuclear Decomissioning Authority, Henry Barker, Trustee, Carlisle Eden Mind
The second train, a 66302, was unveiled as “Endeavour” by Natasha Hanson, Business Services Director at DRS, in honour of DRS’s close links with nuclear shipping business International Nuclear Services.
Left to right: Alyson Armett, Non Executive Director, Direct Rail Services, Natasha Hanson, Business Services Director, Direct Rail Services, David Peattie, CEO, Nuclear Decomissioning Authority.
Debbie Francis, Managing Director of Direct Rail Services, said:
“Not only is the Open Day a great opportunity for DRS to engage with stakeholders and celebrate the industry, but it raises a substantial amount of money for charities and local causes. I’m proud that the DRS team host this fantastic event and we very much look forward to welcoming many visitors in future years.”
Billed as one of the biggest railway events of the year, the Open Day saw visitors given the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at the maintenance depot, find out about careers in the rail industry and learn more about DRS.
Twenty DRS trains were on display and British Transport Police and Sammy the Safety Bear, from Virgin Trains, promoted railway safety, and even Border Concert Band attended to entertain visitors.
Border City Band play beneath a Class 66 locomotive
The money raised from the event will be donated via DRS’s Sponsorship & Donations Committee, which provides assistance to local communities around the sites where DRS operates.
Unisun Athletic football team in their DRS sponsored kits.
Without our industry supporters the event would not be possible, special thanks go to: Caterpillar, Tesco, INS, NDA, AST Signs, MB Construction, Carlisle City Council, TPE, Scotrail, Locomotive Services Limited, William Howard, Gen2, BTP, Carlisle Eden Mind, Unisun Athletic Football Team, Border Concert Band, Virgin Trains and Irvings Coaches of Carlisle.
It is hoped next year’s DRS Open Day will be held at its Gresty Bridge Depot, in Crewe.