TransPennine Express (TPE) is bidding farewell to one of its most respected station managers as Mike Drewery retires after a remarkable 32-year career in the railway industry, including two decades with the operator.
A familiar figure across the North East rail network, Drewery has overseen teams at Middlesbrough, Northallerton, Thirsk and Thornaby stations, building a reputation for strong leadership, community engagement and a passion for customer service.
Born in Middlesbrough and a lifelong resident of villages surrounding Whitby and the North York Moors, Drewery's railway career began at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where he started as a guard. During his 12 years with the heritage railway, he progressed to traincrew inspector, helping introduce standards for mainline services to Whitby.
His time there also saw him manage several high-profile filming projects, including work connected to the popular ITV drama Heartbeat and the Harry Potter film franchise.
Alongside his railway career, Drewery served as an on-call firefighter, eventually becoming officer in charge at Goathland Fire Station. The leadership and management experience gained through the fire service proved invaluable as he moved into station management roles.
He joined TPE as a customer service supervisor in Northallerton's booking office before being promoted to station team leader at Middlesbrough. What initially began as a temporary 12-month assignment covering a station manager role evolved into a long-term leadership career managing stations across the North East, including York, Malton, Seamer and Scarborough.
Reflecting on his career, Drewery said:
“The railway is ultimately about people. I’ve been blessed with wonderful colleagues across the North East. They care deeply about their stations and communities, and I’ll miss them immensely.
“I’ll always be proud to have been based at Middlesbrough. The staff are one big team of passionate railway professionals.”
For Drewery, the people he has worked alongside and served throughout his career remain his proudest achievement. Even today, he still encounters former customers from his days in Northallerton while out and about in the town.
Retirement will see him trade station platforms for life on the waterways, with plans to explore the UK's canal network aboard a narrowboat.
He added:
“A part of me will always be a station manager, but retiring feels right. I’m looking forward to remote moorings and a back-to-basics life.”
Paying tribute, Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director at TPE, said:
“Mike’s warmth, experience and dedication have made a lasting difference to colleagues and communities across the North East.
“He can be incredibly proud of his contribution to the railway. On behalf of everyone at TPE, I’d like to thank him for 20 years of commitment and wish him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Drewery leaves behind a lasting legacy across the stations he managed, having played a significant role in developing teams, improving customer experience and strengthening links between the railway and local communities throughout the North East.
Image credits: TPE
