With Father’s Day coming up this Sunday, National Express East Anglia employees John Bellchamber and his son John (junior) have been celebrating the family connection at Norwich station.
For the Bellchambers, working on the railway has become something of a family affair, with four generations having had a taste of life on the rails.
First to join the industry and an inspiration to the rest of the family was Sidney Bellchamber who was a steam locomotive driver in the 1920s working on the Norwich to London mainline when ‘every boy wanted to be an engine driver!’ Sidney, retired after 44 years service.
Sidney’s son, John Bellchamber (senior) joined in 1952 as a fireman, later becoming a driver and finally Senior Conductor.
He is now 75 years old and still working part-time as an Assistant Ticket Examiner. John is affectionately known as ‘Chas’ by work colleagues and customers alike and has now completed an impressive 59 years service.
John’s sons David and John (junior) both also work in the industry. David joined in 1979 as a driver, who now has 32 years service under his belt, whilst John joined in 1980 as a Junior Railman.
He has also worked as a Guard and in station management and is now the Head of Conductors for NXEA with 31 years service.
The fourth generation to get a taste of the rail industry was John (junior’s) son Devin, who worked for NXEA as a student during the summer of 2009, adding to his family’s record.
Together the Bellchamber family have racked up an impressive number of years service to the industry – approximately 166 years.
John Bellchamber (junior) said: “It all began with my Grandfather Sidney who joined the railway as a steam engine driver in the 1920s; he’s been an inspiration to us all. Since then my father, brother and myself have all joined up and enjoyed long careers in the industry.
“I really wouldn’t want to work anywhere else, it’s a great place to work.”
Andrew Chivers Managing Director of National Express East Anglia said:
“The Bellchamber family has shown outstanding dedication to National Express East Anglia and to the broader rail industry, in just three generations this one family has served over 160 years on the rails, which is incredible.
“I hope they have a really enjoyable Father’s Day.”
