RTBU farewells JD

JD at his farewell drinks with his brothers, Alan and Jimmy Hughes. All three brothers are train drivers.

Best wishes from the RTBU Loco Division to retiring RailCorp Driver JD Hughes.

JD Hughes retired just before Easter, after achieving his aim of being Blacktown’s Senior Driver. This was admittedly only a short stint, with JD gaining the Blacktown 1 title only in January, following the retirement of Senior Driver Bill Todd.

Both men began work for RailCorp at 16 years of age on the 7 November 1966, JD at Yagoona and Bill at Enfield. They both ended their careers at Blacktown depot this year just a few months apart.

More than 120 friends attended JD’s farewell drinks at Blacktown RSL, and the Parramatta Salvation Army Brass Band greeted JD as his last train pulled into Blacktown Station.

Come August, the Blacktown Depot will sadly be farewelling five drivers at the official send off. It will be held at Blacktown RSL on August 13.

JD and Bill, as well as Bob Nicolle, who retired in February, and soon to be retired Allan Stewart and Takena (Kenny) Marsters will all be presented with their farewell gift from the union at this time.