Firefighter formerly an accountant celebrated in a commemorative song marking 200 years of rail service
In the heart of the British countryside, the Llangollen Railway in north Wales has become a second home for Joanne Ormesher. As an accountant by day and a volunteer fireman on a steam railway, Joanne's life is a unique blend of numbers and steam.
Her connection to the railways traces back to her late grandfather, an engineer who had a passion for model trains. Joanne first encountered a real steam engine 20 years after her grandfather's death, and it sparked a fire within her that has since burned brightly.
The bicentenary year of the modern railway began with a "whistle-up" of more than 200 locomotives across five continents, marking the 200th anniversary since the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey in 1825. This historical milestone has been celebrated in a BBC series, and Joanne's story has been one of the five narratives brought to life by the BBC and folk artists.
Findlay Napier, a renowned folk artist, wrote a song titled "Firecracker" about Joanne. The song, currently being played on BBC Radio 2 this week, honours her role and contribution to the railway. Joanne was emotional listening to the song about her, feeling a sense of appreciation and validation for her work.
Joanne's duties as a fireman involve shoveling hundreds of kilos of coal and ensuring the train's engine is working correctly. She champions greater opportunities for women on heritage railways, hoping to pass on her knowledge to the next generation of enthusiasts.
The BBC's Folk Show presenter, Mark Radcliffe, finds it amazing to see listeners' stories take on a life of their own with these special compositions. The five songs celebrate not only the history of the modern railway but also the individuals who have been inspired by it.
As part of the bicentenary year, Inspiration, a free travelling exhibition train, is touring the country. Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from The Greatest Gathering on Friday, bringing together enthusiasts and railways lovers from across the nation.
Despite her battle with cancer, Joanne is now in remission and continues to volunteer on the Llangollen Railway. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and the enduring spirit of the modern railway.
[1] BBC News, "Bicentenary of the modern railway: 200 locomotives to celebrate milestone," 24 September 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-59031905
[2] BBC Radio 2, "21st Century Folk: Joanne Ormesher's story," 25 September 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p093h2z8
- Joanne's unique lifestyle, which includes her work as a volunteer fireman on the Llangollen Railway and her passion for railways, has been featured in a BBC series, showcasing the 'general-news' segment of the media.
- Findlay Napier's song, 'Firecracker', about Joanne, not only highlights her role on the railway but also the intersection of her personal story with the 'fashion-and-beauty' of folk music, currently playing on BBC Radio 2.
- With the bicentenary year of the modern railway, events such as The Greatest Gathering and the Inspiration exhibition train, have brought together 'travel', 'food-and-drink', 'home-and-garden', 'fashion-and-beauty', 'general-news', 'sports', and 'lifestyle' enthusiasts from all over the nation.
