This Day in History: 2005-07-24

24 July 2005

The Society diesel locomotive, Douglas Ferreira, was commissioned and named. Festivities commenced with speeches by the Society Chairman, Sam Dixon, along with members of the design committee before an official handover of the cheque for the cost of construction to Brett Rodgers of TMA Engineering. Company Director, Mrs. Raynsford spoke warmly about the occasion and what was owed to the Society by the Company. She felt that her father, Lord Wakefield, would have thoroughly approved and that the loco was a fitting tribute to Douglas. Dawn Ferreira, wife of the former General Manager, then stepped forward to name the loco and said that Douglas would have been proud and flattered to be remembered in this way.

Dawn Ferreira, wife of the former General Manager Douglas Ferreira, unveils the nameplate on the locomotive bearing her husband's name, 24 July 2005 - photograph by Jackie Pharaoh