Claire Repeti

Said the following about Norman Cordery:

“Norman commenced employment on the Railway on 28 July 1969. He retired on the 11 May 2019 on his 65th birthday after a staggering long service of nearly 50 years.

Norman carried out a number of roles in his time but dating back to the 1980’s he was a main line relief signalman and signed 9 boxes on the Thameside route including, Shoeburyness, Southend East, Southend Central, Leigh, Pitsea, Laindon, Upminster East, Barking and Fenchurch Street.

He then became a Mobile Operations Supervisor based at Southend Central and has stayed in the role throughout its many name changes including Assistant Station Manager (ASM), Retail and Operations later divided and they became MOS, Flying D’s and E’s depending on grade, Norman was a flying E, Production Supervisor (PS), now MOM.

Norman was a model employee. Never off sick, always willing to work overtime to cover gaps and consistently conscientious. Norman is a man who just can’t say no and would do anything to help the team and business. He was well liked and respected by his peers and as a manager a fantastic employee.

Norman will be a great loss to the Rail Industry as he is the epitome of someone who has lived and breathed Railway for his whole life.“

William Stevens

Said the following about Norman Cordery:

“Norman started on the railways in the late 60s early 70s on the London Underground, and after a few years, I believe in May 1972, started on British rail with a long distinguished career as a Signalman. Signing, as far as I know, at least 14 signal boxes, most of which are now closed. The likes of Fenchurch street Tilbury Riverside Low Street and Southend Signal Box and the list goes on. He really is Mr LT&S London Tilbury & Southend where he finished his long career as a Flexi Mobile Operations Manager at the old Southend Central Signal box reaching a staggering 47 years’ service.

I first got to know Norman when I became a Mobile Operations Manager about 7 years ago, what I can say is his knowledge of the area and as a railway man is second to none, he lives breathes and sleeps the railway even when off duty visiting old signal boxes and heritage railways. Before he left the Railway in May of this year I would describe him as the most conscientious helpful person I have ever met, he never said no to any shift going to help out with staff shortages and passing on his vast knowledge to younger up and coming railway people starting out their careers. Even putting the railway first over his difficult family life as he is also a full time carer for his wife Stephanie.

I hope he gets recognised for his loyalty and hard work and his long 47 year service at these important prestigious RailStaff Awards as there can be no better accolade than being told by your colleagues that you made a real difference to the railway and others lives with the work he carried out.

I wish him a long happy retirement“

Mo Rosse

Said the following about Norman Cordery:

“I am nominating Norman because is a lifetime railway man, now retired, he took every day as a MOM with a calm reassuring attitude he was affectionately known as “Storming Norman” in reference to the American gulf war general, it was an affectionate parody because Norman is the kindest gentlest person, a real gentleman of the railway who is the perfect person to receive the lifetime achievement award“