Great Western Coffee Shop

It has been a very sombre day for everyone at Exeter today, as we heard news that our colleague, driver Alison Langton was tragically killed last night in a car accident on her way home to Dawlish.

I am sure everyone will join me in offering their sincere condolences to her family, including her two children that she has left behind... RIP Alison.  :'(

im sorry, i am so sorry

Very tragic news.

Indeed: on behalf of the admin team here on the Coffee Shop, I offer our sympathy to all of those affected by this sad event - Alison's family, friends and colleagues.

Chris  :(

RIP Alison, you'll be sadly missed by many here at Exeter.

I am a very junior member of the Gloucester Depot, and never had the privilege of working with Alison.  However, I am certain that 'our' depot will echo my sincere expression of sympathy and condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Words fail me, this is so very tragic. I am so sorry for all of her friends, colleagues and of course loved ones. When's the funeral, does anyone know? Unless it's a private occasion, it would be a good thing under the circumstances for there to be a small show of support from us, as representatives of "the travelling public"

Yes. In the few months she was at Exeter she made many friends. One of the 'Characters', she will be sorely missed.

very tragic news the second death from car journeys to or from work in recent weeks,the last was a swindon based controller.

Very sad news

On behalf of ALRUG (Avocet Line Rail Users Group) I send sincere condolences to Alison's family, friends and colleagues. This was very sad news.

Tony Jackson

I'm very sorry to have to post this, but there has been a recent development on this tragic event:


For the full report, from the BBC, see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/7720571.stm

Our thoughts are with Alison's family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.

Chris :( :( :(

A few of us were aware that the "incident" may not have been an "accident" but couldn't post anything until something was made public. It's such a tragic loss, I didn't know Alison that well but the few times I met her she was a friendly chirpy lass and she will be deeply missed.

Saw this in the paper this morning, very sad news.

I had heard it spoken, and hoped to God it wasn't true... this is truely awful.

Our local paper, the 'Express and Echo' has featured further coverage of Allison's untimely & tragic death as the lead story in tonights edition. Including some quotes lifted from this forum.

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Murder-probe-man-arrested-mum-killed-road-smash/article-463928-detail/article.html

Not lost on the staff at Exeter is the poignancy of the date of the RTC. 6th November 2008. Four years to the day since Exeter driver Stan Martin was killed in the collision / derailment at Ufton Nervet.

May I just say how deeply saddened I was to learn of the loss of one of the railway's true characters.

I first met Alison in October 2002, when I trained her in driver's rules at Crewe. She was one of those people you meet and never forget, she had an opinion on everything under the sun and once her mind was made up it was hard to move it. However this stubbornness was countered with a very very fine sense of humour and it helped to make that 6 weeks as enjoyable as any time in Crewe can be.. I was "lucky" enough to have John (Jonesy) Jones (sadly also passed away) and Alison on the same course, and her love of bacon fries, together with John's acerbic wit are a very fond memory.

Devoted to the RMT and to the union movement in general, Alison took few prisoners and this either enraged or endeared her to those who met her. However, this "gobby Manc", ( a title she was proud of BTW), was really a front, deep down she was far more vulnerable than she ever let on, fearing others would exploit this perceived weakness or think less of her.

She would stand up for those without a voice, including asylum seekers etc. Those who met her would know that she never gave her trust easily, which I put down to being hurt in the past. She never courted popularity or took the easy way out, instead believing that principles were far more important than popularity. This only made people like her more. 

She had an encylopic(?) knowledge of music and we often discussed the merits of Morrisey and the songs of the Paris Angels.

We used to exchange texts and phone calls quite often and she delighted in taking the P out of me as a Driver Manager, sparing no excuse to call me a typical "Cockney twat!", or "Tubs". She may be right about that by the way. I always enjoyed these chats, she had a great gift of self deprecation. Having said that, she rarely let anyone know how badly life's knocks had affected her.

In 2004, she had a fatality while based at Crewe, this affected her quite badly (as it so often does), I think it would be fair to say I don't think she saw eye to eye with the Counsellor!

In 2005, I found myself in Crewe again and had time for a cup of tea with her in the buffet, I never realised this would be the last time I saw her.

In late 2007, she asked me to help her by downloading an application form for FGW (I work for another TOC) and posting it to her, she then asked if I would give her a reference, which I was delighted to do, I like to think I can spot a good driver when I see one, and while she would never be the "Company Man Driver", I knew she would always be a damn safe one.

I spoke to BP at Exeter about Al, and he told me she was doing well.

I think Al was hoping to set a record on the length of time she could route learn "the Barney", but eventually they caught up with her and she signed up!

As a mother she always spoke proudly of her kids, moving heaven and earth to get them a laptop last Christmas, she was so proud of them and so determined to get them a better life, woe betide anyone who upset her kids. But if you had earned her friendship she would move heaven and earth for you.

She was so pleased when she finally passed her car driving test and bought that little red Honda Civic, ( I used to tease her about her consistent failure to pass). With her move to Exeter, she was finally getting her act together.

I was supposed to meet Al for a drink at Padd back in the spring but blew her out as I was too busy, if I knew then what I knew now I would never have downloaded that poxy form or acted as a reference. I can't help but feel guilty about it. When she asked if she should go through with the move? I said "yes, it will be a new start."

A few days after our aborted meet, she had a TPWS activation and texted me, I was having a bad day at work and stupidly told her "did I really act as a reference for you?' I did not actually mean it the way I said it, but we never got the chance to really make it up, which I deeply regret.

So Alison, I can only imagine that right now your telling the big controller up there where he is going wrong and how to do it much better, it was a genuine pleasure to have known you and I think the world is a much poorer place without your irrepressible desire to improve it. I am sure that the sister and mother you spoke so fondly of will ensure that your kids are brought up well, those of us who were lucky enough to meet you will never forget you.

I am still shocked that a person with so much to give had her life tragically cut short in such a bizarre way, I always said you was bloody unlucky!

Hopefully someone at Exeter or Crewe will start a fund for her kids, so we can at least ensure they have can have a slightly happy Christmas.

If anyone can post details of a collection and details of the service etc, please forward them to charlieDOTcrokerATgmailDOTcom

Rest In Peace Alison Langton.
Regards

Mick S.

Just to let you know, Charlie-Croker, there is a collection currently running in the booking on point at Exeter, for Alisons' kids. When I was last at work on friday, the amount stood at well over ^500, so hopefully we can brighten their xmas a little. Regards. 

This news is truly tragic. I worked with Alison at Crewe in her Wales & Borders/ ATW days and I look back on the time I spent with her with great pleasure and affection. Alison's sense of humour was only matched by her warmth, humanity and concern for her fellow workers. She was quite simply one of the best human beings one could wish to meet and for her to meet her end in such a way is a brutal irony. 'Big Al' you will be and are being missed by all at Crewe depot and you will not be forgotten in a hurry. God Bless . Geoff Turner, Buster Crabb- everyone in fact.

I know that Alison would have been well made up with the messages of support and kindness.

Thanks for the info, I would like to contribute a little towards the fund, any chance I can paypal you or something?

Also, does anyone know when the service is? I would like to attend if possible.

I am still so shocked and saddened by her tragic death.

While we make a point of welcoming all new members to this forum, I find it really sad that we do so on this occasion in such tragic circumstances.

So: welcome to the forum, Charlie_Croker and Geoff Turner - and thank you very much for your emotional eulogy, Mick S.

If anyone has details of funeral arrangements, please do post them here.

Chris  :( :( :(

Details of the funeral arrangements have been published, in the Manchester Evening News.


See http://www.legacy.com/ManchesterEveningNews/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=120157219

Chris  :(

In view of the circumstances of Alison's tragic death, and the sensitive content of some current news reporting, I've moved just a few of the posts from this board to another, with a similar heading, at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3888.0

This new topic can only be viewed by established members here, and I've done this because, as has been pointed out, the press (and others) are able to lift items freely from the main forum here.  Out of respect to Alison's family, friends and colleagues, who may not want to view reports of ongoing news items on the case, I hope this is helpful.

Please continue to post any items here, if you are happy that they are viewable by anyone: if you wish to post more privately, as members of our 'frequent posters club', please do so at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3888.0

If anyone has any questions about this, please do contact me, by personal message or e-mail.

Chris.

Hello everyone,

Sorry to join your site for such a sad occasion but I just wanted to add my little piece to let you know how well thought of Alison was in the Manchester area aswell.

I think Alison was from the same area as me originally (Wythenshawe in Manchester)
She certainly lived there prior to moving to Crewe.

She popped up at Piccadilly as a cleaner probably round about 2000 and quickly as others have said, became a popular and fun person around the place.

We had plenty of good days in the old railway club underneath the station and as mentioned by someone else, she became a regular at the RMT meetings and did a lot of work for her grade at the time, which traditionally has always been under-represented.

When she went driving and moved back to Crewe, we obviously saw at lot less of her, but every now and again you`d be sat in the mess room and hear that unmistakable voice about 10 seconds before you saw her.

It`s a terrible shame and if any of her family look on here, I offer my deepest sympathies and I think I can speak on behalf of everyone at Piccadilly who knew her, when I say that.

I don`t really want to start mithering the funeral directors about when the funeral is, so I would appreciate it if it could be put on this thread if anyone hears.

R.I.P. Alison, God bless.


Regards,

Stuart (Manchester Piccadilly)

Stuart, welcome to this forum - although I'm sorry that we have to do so in such sad circumstances.

The more I read about Alison, the more I wish I'd met her, too: she seems to have been a quite remarkable character!  Thank you for your comments here.

Chris  :(

I feel awful having to post a reply in such tragic circumstances, but i feel compelled to do so, having worked with Alison whilst she was based at Crewe.

She was an exceptionally strong charachter,  not to mention, intelligent, and perceptive. I  remember with great affection, the conversations we used to have about my Son, who has learning difficulties. Alison was one of very few people who actively took an interest in my Son's welfare, and would ask regularly about his progress.

I feel a tremendous sense of sadness, that Alison is no longer here in Person, but incredibly proud, and priveleged to have known, and worked with Her.

My heartfelt condolences to all of her family.

Thank you, Simon, and welcome to the forum.

Hi,

Many thanks for all the comments and thoughts, which have been greatly appreciated by Ali's family. These have been brought to the attention of the person who will be conducting the service at Ali's funeral next week, and I hope that some may be able to feature in this celebration of Ali's life.

The details of the funeral are as follows: Funeral will be held at 1400hrs at Crewe Crematorium on Monday 1st December 2008 and then onto the Waldron Pub opposite the library in crewe town centre.

With thanks, Gary - Ali's Brother in Law

 
 

Gary, welcome to this forum, and thank you for providing us with details of the funeral.

I've posted here before that it is so sad that we have to welcome members in such tragic circumstances.  This is even more so when we are joined by a member of Alison's family.

While this is a passenger forum, rather than an official FGW website, we have attracted a number of FGW staff as members here, and I have found it heartwarming that passengers and staff alike have all been so sympathetic and supportive in posting their condolences here.

Alison was clearly a very remarkable character - so much so that people from way outside our South West area have wanted to find this forum, so that they can post their comments here.  I think that shows the great affection, respect and regard they had for her, as a person, train driver, union member and friend.

Please accept my condolences, on behalf of the admin team here on this forum, and on behalf of all our members of the Coffee Shop forum.  Our thoughts are with Alison's family, friends and colleagues.

Chris.  :(

I didn't know Alison personally, but I have known Alison's sister Mandy for many years. Crew whom know Mandy at Northern Rail's Manchester Victoria mess room were very sad and shocked to here the awful news. I would like to send their condolenses to Alison's family.

My thoughts and prayers are with Alison's family.
Phil Harrison

Thank you, Phil, and welcome to the forum.

I was on a night shift at Piccadilly when I heard the shocking news. It was Monday 20th October 1997 when we first met. We were starting out first day on the railway, in the RO2 grade at Manchester Piccadilly, each the other half of the link position known as 'Eastern Scrubber'!

We were to clean the Cardiff services when they arrived, before despatching them and helping passengers with any enquiries. Alison was great, she always had time for anyone who needed help, and got on with just about anyone she met. I remember her reluctance to learn how to drive and operate the tractor unit and browser, which was used to tank the toilets on the Welsh services. Alison dragged out the training for quite a while, and even when qualified to operate it, was still reluctant to do so.

We continued working together until April 1999, when I transferred to the conductor grade for Northern Spirit. I still kept in contact with Alison though, as we often bumped into each other. During 2003, I started training as a driver. Bumping into Alison again, she told me that she was also in driver training, something which amused me, considering how she had been with the tractor unit! Alison was about two months ahead of me, and it was nice to compare notes with her.

It was even nicer to be in Cardiff, waiting for a train to Crewe, and find that a now passed Alison was the driver on the train I was to catch. The last time we met was at Piccadilly, appropriate considering that we first met there. She was slagging off Class 175's saying she preferred 158's, and I agreed, saying that I liked them much more than a Class 185.

I feel privileged to have known Alison, and miss her very much. She always asked how my wife was when we met, and even though they only met a couple of times, Alison made a lasting impression on her. But of course that was how Alison was. She was such a fantastic person.

So sorry we can't get to the funeral. We are thinking of you always. Rest in peace.

Stewart & Pauline Higham.

I'm really sorry that I can't get to Crewe for the funeral tomorrow, but my thoughts will be will be with all of Alisons' family and friends..I hope all goes as well as it can on days like these, and i'll have my own period of silence just after 1400 to pay my respects to Alison. R.I.P.

Hi, Stewart: welcome to the forum, and thank you for adding your comments.

I would just like to add how surprised but not totally shocked I was that 17 people travelled all the way up from Exeter for the funeral last week. It probably takes a remarkable person to generate that ammount of feeling in such a short space of time.

I personally only had to travel the short distance from Manchester, but it was noticable that all the depots that Alison had worked at were represented.

I can not speak for the family but I would imagine that although it maybe is not significant at the moment, maybe in the months and years to come, the thought that so many people made such an effort to show their respects, despite living so far away would be a small reminder to them, what a wonderful person Alison was.

The driver has been jailed for nine years for causing death by dangerous driving:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8022132.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/8022132.stm)

Not long enough in my opinion. Should rot in jail for the rest of his life. >:(

Spotted this article from late September

http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/news/Appeal-killer-driver-rejected/article-1380061-detail/article.html