The railway runs deep in this Rhymney family’s blood. Father Dean Rees and daughter Tia have both passed their train driver tests—separated by 17 years—and are now working together on the line.
From Police Officer to Train Driver
Tia, 25, recently earned her stripes as a competent driver, passing out under the watchful eye of Driver Manager Haydn Cridland. Interestingly, Haydn was also the man who helped Dean, her dad, pass his test back in 2007.
“I knew Tia was on the programme and met her early in her nine months of training,” said Haydn, who’s worked on the railway since 1985.
“Not many trainees start at Rhymney because it’s a small depot, so it’s a nice quirk she ended up here. She really had to earn it and has loads of ability—I think she’ll go far.”
After a career as a police officer, Tia switched tracks for the railway life. “The training was tougher than I expected, but I’ve got a great manager,” she said. “I was constantly calling my dad for advice. Now, I’ve completed my first solo drive on Class 150s and 231s and I’m buzzing to carry on!”
Dad’s Legacy Keeps Rolling
Dean, a former aircraft engineer turned train driver, qualified in 2007. He drove trains for a decade before moving into instruction and driver management. His journey wasn’t easy:
“The process has changed a lot since I passed. Back then, it was 12 weeks of classroom study followed by intense rule training. I spent eight hours with Haydn answering 512 questions!”
“When Tia was a police officer, her mum was worried sick, so I suggested train driving. Ever since, our house has been non-stop train talk for nine months!”
Generations of Railway Tradition
The family ties at Rhymney run extra deep. Haydn manages Tia, while Dean manages Haydn’s stepson Craig—also a driver. Haydn’s son Charlie drives mainline trains, and the family railway roots stretch back to 1915.
“It’s great seeing families on the railway. It’s always been that sort of industry,” Haydn said. “The job offers a solid work-life balance and a good standard of living. It’s a career worth having.”
This Rhymney railway legacy is set to run for generations yet.
