Date: 13 May 2008 16:00
Chiltern Railways paid tribute to the late Cllr John Cripps by unveiling a plaque in his memory at Northolt Park Station on Tuesday 13th May 2008.Cllr Cripps played a vital role in keeping the Marylebone – High Wycombe line open in the 1980s when it was threatened with closure and Chiltern Railways, who now operate two trains per hour to Marylebone and two trains an hour northbound from the station, wanted to pay their respects to a man who did so much to keep the trains running.
Cllr Cripps’ widow, Brenda, unveiled the plaque in the presence of Cllr John Nickolay, Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Hazel Ware and Chiltern Railways General Manager South, Paul Robb. Joining them were Cllr Cripps’ daughters and grandson as well as many old friends and colleagues.
Brenda Cripps said:
“John would have been so proud to see this. It’s wonderful to see this recognition and to see so many old friends here. My thanks to everyone who helped organise this and make this such a special day”
Cllr Nickolay said:
“Trains were very dear to John’s heart and he fought hard to keep this station and, indeed line, a going concern. This is one of my first engagements as Mayor of Harrow and it’s been such a pleasure to pay tribute to an old friend and colleague”
Paul Robb said:
“John really was an unsung hero of the railways. Chiltern Railways were happy to pay tribute to him and others like him who worked to keep railway lines open. We are dedicated to keeping a good service running from Northolt Park and plan to keep serving the local community for years to come.”
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For further media information please contact the Chiltern Railways press office on 020 73333014 or mailto: michael.scanlan@chilternrailways.co.uk.
