Rail industry colleagues have joined family and friends of renowned rail user group leader Trevor Tupper OBE to unveil a commemorative bench at Chichester, his home station.

Trevor was involved with the West Sussex Rail Users Association since the 1980s and was Vice Chair of the Arun Valley Community Rail Partnership (CRP) until he died last year.

Trevor was hugely respected and worked hard with Southern Railway and, later, its parent company GTR, to protect and improve services for the community. He was held in such high esteem that GTR’s Chief Operating Officer Angie Doll joined his remembrance ceremony.

Nigel Searle, from GTR Strategic Planning, and Rowena Tyler, Community Development Officer for the Arun Valley Line (Southeast Communities Rail Partnership), organised the event and the creation of the bench, which was made to a high standard of craftsmanship by Southern Railway’s coastal skilled maintenance team member James Tongue.

Nigel, who worked with Trevor over the decades to improve train services for passengers, said: “Trevor was very proactive – he understood what passengers needed, and he also had a deep understanding of the railway. He was a wonderful community person, and it was a great privilege to work with him over the years.”

Rowena said: “When I joined Southeast Communities Rail Partnership in 2017, Trevor made his time and knowledge available to me, which was invaluable as someone new to the rail industry. He travelled across the Southern Rail network, and discussed community rail possibilities with me, and even helped to secure funding to deliver projects.

“Being able to commemorate his life and commitment with this beautiful bench and plaque at this event was a fitting tribute and one he would have enjoyed immensely.”