‘one’ railway named Class 315 315845 ‘Herbie Woodward’ in a special event at Ilford depot 13 March 2007.

The Train naming celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the railway by retired driver Colin Woodward, known to his friends as ‘Herbie’. Herbie started his railway career at Stratford and moved to Gidea Park Depot in 1989.

Herbie and his wife Gwen live in Hornchurch, however since retiring in November of last year they have been enjoying visiting family in Norfolk and travelling.

Metro Business Director David Winder said “Herbie loyally served the rail industry for his entire working life and it is a great honour to be able to recognise 50 years of service, an achievement which is reached by a very few people.”
‘Herbie Woodward’ is one of the fleet of Class 315 units recently refurbished as part of a £60 million programme which consisted of new windows, seating, flooring, an improved door mechanism and CCTV, giving greater security for passengers. The Metro Service Class 315 sets provide services from Shenfield to London, Liverpool Street and it is on this route which Colin worked as a Driver, so it is particularly fitting that ‘one’ railway celebrate Colin Woodward’s long service in this way.