This month, c2c Railway paid tribute to one of its longest-serving drivers, Alan Mann, marking an extraordinary milestone—50 years of dedicated service to the railway.
The celebration took place at c2c’s Shoeburyness depot, where Alan was welcomed by Hannah Watson, Head of Drivers, and Colin North, Driver Depot Manager. The team laid out cakes and sweet treats to honour the occasion, and Alan was presented with a commemorative pin badge alongside a display of photographs and memorabilia from his remarkable career.
Alan’s journey began in November 1975 as a cleaner at Stratford depot. Just a year later, he stepped up as a fireman/driver’s assistant, before training on steam boilers in 1977. By February 1981, Alan had qualified as a Driver—a role he has proudly held ever since. After a brief stint at Tilbury Riverside depot, he moved onto electric Class 302s and, since 1984, has been based at Shoeburyness, witnessing decades of transformation across the network.
Alan’s story is steeped in railway heritage. He is the third generation in his family to work on the railways, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His grandfather began his career around 1916 during the height of WWI, while his father joined circa 1946 and retired in 1993 after 47 years of service. Together, the Mann family has contributed over a century of service—more than half the time passenger rail has existed in the UK.
Among the treasured items Alan brought to the event was his grandfather’s original War Permit from 1916, still dusted with coal—a tangible link to the railway’s wartime history. He also shared photos from his father’s retirement party in 1993 and snapshots of his own early days on the job in 1977.
Reflecting on Alan’s achievement, c2c Managing Director Rob Mullen said:
“What can be said about Alan and his incredible achievement? To be a part of the railway for fifty years is utterly astonishing and everyone at c2c (including myself) is in awe of the vast experience he has amassed.
As 2025 is the year that the UK celebrates Railway 200, stories like Alan’s are a reminder of how amazing the railway really is. The railway has a great legacy of generational workers and Alan’s family is one of the absolute best examples of that. To not just mark 50 years of service but to make a generational impact of over 100 years alongside his father and grandfather shows the dedication and longevity of the railways and how it has been a constant through modern British history.”
Alan himself reflected on the milestone:
“It is amazing to reach 50 years in the railway and I was delighted to bring these pictures of my father and grandfather today. When I look back on it, the time has gone by so quickly and I have been amazed by the changes I have seen over the years.”
Colin North, Driver Depot Manager, added:
“I’ve loved hearing about Alan’s experience and stories from his past, he's been a friendly and welcoming colleague that always has time to stop, chat and share a few laughs with. A true railwayman!”
Image credits: c2c
