How a rail legend’s dedication inspired a folk song
Posted: 30 July 2025 | Elizabeth Jordan - Global Railway Review | No comments yet
In an industry often perceived as being driven by infrastructure and machinery, the human element remains undeniably crucial. Few exemplify this better than 85 year old Siggy Cragwell BEM, a station assistant at Elstree & Borehamwood, and Thameslink’s oldest employee.
His whose remarkable dedication and service to the railway have recently culminated in an extraordinary honour: a song written about him by multi-award-winning folk legend Richard Thompson OBE.
This unique tribute underscores the profound impact an individual can have within the rail sector.
Siggy’s career is a testament to unwavering commitment. By 2019, he had already dedicated 57 years to the railway, celebrating his 80th birthday as an Elstree & Borehamwood platform star. His longevity and consistent excellent customer service have not gone unnoticed.
Siggy with musician Richard Thompson
In September 2020, at the age of 80, Siggy won a major national rail award for his outstanding contribution in helping passengers. This recognition was swiftly followed by a second Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2022, presented by the Railway Benefit Fund and its president, 80s music mogul Pete Waterman, when Siggy was 82.
These accolades highlight a career defined by going above and beyond for the travelling public, a clear demonstration of the paramount importance of the human connection in customer service.
Beyond his daily duties, Siggy has also played a significant role in connecting the railway with the wider community. At 83, he recorded bite-sized memories with the BBC to teach 5–7-year-olds about how the railway has changed over the years, showcasing his commitment to educating future generations.
In June 2022, Siggy was a guest of honour at the unveiling of the National Windrush Monument at Waterloo Station, where he had the privilege of meeting the then Duke of Cambridge, Prince William. His participation in such a nationally significant event underscores his standing not just as a railway employee but as a respected community figure.
Siggy’s exceptional service received ultimate recognition with the award of a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his unwavering dedication to the railway. This prestigious honour was officially presented to him in November 2024, celebrating a career marked by distinction and public service.
The story of Siggy Cragwell exemplifies the human element as the very heart of the rail industry. While infrastructure and technology are vital, it is the dedicated individuals who interact with passengers, maintain services, and foster community connections that truly define the railway experience. The recognition extended to Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) station assistants as among the best in UK further solidifies this point, highlighting a broader culture of excellence in customer service.
The ultimate honour for Siggy came this July, when the folk ‘legend’ Richard Thompson OBE wrote a song about him, which is now being aired on national radio.
This unique artistic tribute is not just a personal commendation for Siggy, but a powerful acknowledgement of the invaluable, often unsung, contributions of people like him who dedicate their lives to public service in the rail industry. It’s a poignant reminder that behind the schedules and stations, there are individuals whose dedication creates the true pulse of the railway.
Find out more about Siggy’s song here: Radio 2’s 21st Century Folk 2025 – Canvas
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