Andrew Skitt

Said the following about Roger Nicholas:

“In January 2019 Roger competed his 50th years’ service within the rail industry and though he is now much older and wiser he is still passionate and feels privileged to work in the rail environment and by his own admission he is still learning! Roger is currently employed by Colas Rail as an OTM Delivery Manager, his service started in 1969 where he worked for Malvern Link Maintenance gang with British Rail. Roger’s favourite saying is “When I was a Section Manager” and this was true in 1994 where he was promoted to Section Manager based in Gloucester. Along the way he has worked for various companies starting in 1969 at Malvern Link and is currently working with Colas Rail to this very day. During Roger’s time he has carried out various jobs, working as a ganger with British Rail, One of Roger’s biggest achievements during his career was to be promoted in 2006 with Amey Rail where he managed 10 stone blowers based out of Didcot.

It is without doubt that Roger’s greatest asset is his overwhelming desire to do things right and to ensure that everyone gets home safe every day. Roger has held many and varied positions throughout his career and he has left his mark wherever he has worked. Everyone who worked with him would have been left wiser and more informed as a result of the interaction with Roger. He is respected throughout the industry in his field of excellence which is track quality and all that’s associated with achieving and maintain it--Roger makes a difference whatever he does.

Roger has been a mentor to many people and has made a difference to how people work. Roger likes to talk and if Roger asks you “are you free for ten minutes?” make sure you take the morning off……… He can hold your attention talking enthusiastically about shovel packing and equally he can expound about the merits of stone blowing or squadron tamping. Roger has left his mark on the rail industry and he is the “go to” person for anyone who wants advice about the track or tamping both inside Colas Rail and Network Rail“

Anthony Collins

Said the following about Roger Nicholas:

“Roger Nicholas has long been relied on at Network Rail for his great with OTM on our infrastructure. I have only been working with him a short time since I have been on the railway but he has been very helpful.“