It is with warm wishes that we announce the retirement of Sheila Dee. Sheila has been active in her role as community rail officer for the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership for the last 22 years, promoting community engagement on the line, and is also a director at the not-for-profit company Severn Dee Travel, located at Gobowen Station. In addition, Sheila served as vice chair on the Community Rail Network board.

Sheila’s involvement with community rail in the Welsh borders has been key in creating a number of great opportunities over the years, including spearheading station improvements Gobowen Station and being a leading force in the station’s successful café, which is run by students from specialist further education provider, Derwen College. She has also been at the forefront of developing rail-based tourism in the area, assisting in the promotion of the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct and Canal World Heritage site.

Sheila has been no stranger to success at our Community Rail Awards as well, gaining a first place in 2006 with the community rail officers of Wales for a joint community rail marketing campaign, and again in the Most Enhanced Station category for the Chirk Station Project.

On behalf of all involved in the community rail family, we wish Sheila the best of luck for the future.