Chelsea Pensioners Name c2c Train

Chelsea Pensioners David Donaghey and Marjorie Cole today named a c2c train “Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012” at London Fenchurch Street as part of c2c’s contributions to the celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Diamond Jubilee is one of five c2c trains that have been specially redecorated to mark the Jubilee, with the Union Jack on one carriage and the official Diamond Jubilee emblem on the train doors. Passengers will be able to ride on the Jubilee trains from today across the c2c route – from London Fenchurch Street, West Ham and Barking to Basildon, Benfleet, Grays and Southend.

c2c Managing Director Julian Drury said: “This is our contribution to the local community’s celebrations to mark the Diamond Jubilee. We expect Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012 and the other specially designed Jubilee trains will prove really popular with passengers, and help people get in the celebratory mood come the Jubilee Weekend. They will also be a prominent part of our train service during the Olympics, and will really stand out for local passengers and foreign visitors alike.”

Chelsea Pensioner David Donaghey, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for 22 years and the Territorial Army for a further 12 years, said: “As someone who lived in Essex for almost half my life, it was a real privilege to be asked to name this train in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.”

Chelsea Pensioner Marjorie Cole, who served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps for 14 years, said: “My father worked on the railways and was with British Rail until he retired. I never expected to be asked to name a train and it brings back such wonderful memories.”

Julian added: “I am really delighted David and Marjorie were able to name our Jubilee train. Together they have served the country – and the Queen – for more than 40 years and for me there is nothing better than the Chelsea Pensioners to symbolise such a British occasion as the Jubilee.”

c2c will also be providing a complimentary trip to David, Marjorie, and 20 of their colleagues to the seaside later in the summer.