Care home surprises retired train operator with a front-seat ride on the new Elizabeth Line

A care home resident had an afternoon ‘fuelled’ with memories from his career as a London train operator, after a surprise ride in the driver’s seat on the new Elizabeth line.

John Alaway, 91, a resident at Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, was surprised to find himself back on the familiar Transport for London (TFL) underground, despite retiring 30 years ago – but this time in the driver’s cab on London’s newest tracks. 

After learning about John’s 50-year-career operating trains on London’s train and tube network, John’s family and the team at Invicta Court went full steam ahead and planned a surprise underground outing on the recently opened Elizabeth Line.

On the day, John was keen to experience the ‘rail’ deal, and soon took to the driver’s seat to get the best view on London’s new Elizabeth line. To John’s delight, a TFL train driver travelled alongside him, from Abbey Wood to Paddington, where an announcement was made over the Tanoy system thanking John for his visit. 

When John arrived at Paddington Station, he was invited into the control room, taking him back to the 30 years he spent – come ‘train’ or shine – working in the control rooms.

After his National Service in the army, John began training as a TFL operator in 1952 – a career which he quickly fell in love with. Many impressive promotions later, John became the controller on the famous Northern Line, which connects North and South London.

Commenting on the day, John said: “I thoroughly enjoyed letting off some steam this afternoon and it was great to be back in TFL territory. The day was such a wonderful surprise and brought back so many happy memories – I was particularly impressed that my 30-year-old train pass still worked at the barriers!”

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “We were delighted to help John’s family in creating such a memorable afternoon for him, fulfilling his wish to try out London’s latest tube line from the driver’s seat which provided a fantastic opportunity for him to reminisce on his time spent working for TFL.

“At Invicta Court, we regularly organise activities and events that promote positive wellbeing and bring back happy memories from resident’s careers and younger years. The whole team look forward to learning more about the wonderful experiences the residents have enjoyed throughout their lives and creating imaginative activities that build on their hobbies.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at TFL who helped make John’s day so special – it was wonderful to see the smile on John’s face!”

The visit was part of the home’s ‘Wishing Tree’ initiative which allows residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit and activities they’d like to do. This encourages residents to live fulfilling lives – from flying a plane to a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small.  

Invicta Court offers a full range of permanent residential care and short-term respite in luxurious surroundings, including a café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema. The highly trained, professional team also delivers specialist dementia care.