New Mechanical Engineering Director for the West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce that Rowan Joachim is the new Mechanical Engineering Director designate.  This is a voluntary non-executive appointment, and Rowan will monitor and oversee all aspects of mechanical engineering on the railway.  Rowan is initially joining as Adviser with the intention that she will join the Board in the next couple of months. She will advise the Board on all matters relating to mechanical engineering.

Rowan holds a full time Head of Engineering for London Overground role with Transport for London.  She is a chartered engineer and has further qualifications in leadership, management and railway accident investigation.  Since initial graduation she has held a succession of posts in railway engineering, mainly in the London area.  She has also held an appointment with the Railway Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), as Inspector of Rail Accidents.

For many years Rowan has been a working volunteer on a Welsh heritage railway, where she is a qualified locomotive fireman, and has been a traffic controller and train guard.  

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman of the West Somerset Railway PLC, said: “We are delighted that Rowan is joining us initially as an Adviser and then as a full Board Member. Mechanical Engineering is a critical area for the success of the railway, and includes working with the team who manage our fleet of steam engines, in addition to all other rolling stock.  Rowan has had a very successful professional career in the field, in addition to her practical commitment to the heritage railway environment. We look forward to working with her over the years to come.” 

17th November 2022

For immediate release

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