Rail Colleagues Join the Festive Spirit at Annual Carol Service

As the industry rounds off a special year celebrating 200 years of the railway, more than 200 people sang carols, heard readings, and were treated to music and performances from a choir of industry colleagues and York Railway Institute Band.

The event, which brings together colleagues from across the rail industry and representatives from the local community, was organised by LNER with support from the Railway Mission.

The Lord Mayor of York and the Sheriff of York attended the service, along with children from St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Micklefield Church of England Primary Academy, and Nun Monkton Foundation Primary School, who have come together through the York Minster Schools Singing Programme, conducted by Emilie Bels.

During the service, a reflection was held in recognition of the colleagues, customers, and those affected by the incident onboard an LNER service at Huntington in November.

Darlington poet, Lizzie Lovejoy, and Teesside-based multidisciplinary creative duo, Abby+Owen, also featured in the service, and contributions were collected for York Foodbank.

Ed Turner, Head of Public Affairs at LNER and event organiser, said: “The Rail Staff Carol Service has now become an annual event where colleagues from across the industry can come together and celebrate the joy of the Christmas season. In this milestone year for the rail industry, it was very special to, once again, hold the event at the National Railway Museum, surrounded by numerous awe-inspiring engines and rolling stock from the past 200 years.”

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of the Railway Mission, said: “Christmas is a time of hope, reflection, and togetherness. That’s why the Railway Mission is honoured to join colleagues from across the industry to celebrate this special season and to offer our continued support to those who serve our railway every day. As we mark 200 years of our nation’s railways, this service reminded us of the compassion, unity and dedication that have always been at the heart of the railway family and will continue to carry us forward into the future.”

Source: LNER