Greater Anglia’s John Coates has officially retired after 50 years working in the rail industry, the vast majority of which was spent in the Ilford area. John began his railway career on 16 July 1962 as an apprentice coppersmith at Stratford Depot. During his apprenticeship at North London Day College he diversified into electrical and mechanical maintenance.

In 1967 John joined the Depot Maintenance Team at Ilford Heavy Works shop, in 1990 John transferred to Ilford Light Maintenance shop, now known as Greater Anglia’s Ilford Train Maintenance Depot. In 1997 John became the maintenance team leader, later working his way up to Maintenance Manager, where he was responsible for the Depot infrastructure, including the lighting and heating for example.

Greater Anglia’s Ilford Depot team maintains the train operator’s fleet of Class 379, 317, 321 and 360 electric trains, which operate from London Liverpool Street station to destinations across the East of England including Cambridge, Stansted Airport, Shenfield, Southend Victoria and the Great Eastern mainline. John’s work as Depot Maintenance Manager has been crucial in supporting the Greater Anglia fleet team in their work to help provide over 1,900 train services a day.

Jason Carey, Greater Anglia’s Fleet Manager said: “I’d like to congratulate John on his 50 years of working in the rail industry. John has been a key member of the depot team, his knowledge, experience and dedication are second to none and I wish him a very happy retirement.”