Firefighter, previously an accountant, celebrated in a musical tribute marking 200 years of rail service
In the heart of Wales, a remarkable woman named Joanne Ormesher has found a unique connection to her past while making a significant impact on the future of rail history.
Joanne, an accountant by trade, has taken on the unconventional role of a steam engine fireman, shovelling hundreds of kilos of coal and ensuring the train's engine is working correctly. This role is notable, as it is traditionally a male-dominated volunteer position on heritage steam trains.
However, Joanne's dedication to this role extends beyond the physical demands. Her story is deeply personal, as working with steam engines has connected her emotionally to her late grandfather, who was an engineer who made model trains. After two decades following her grandfather's death, Joanne discovered a real steam engine, and her life took a fascinating turn.
This unique personal journey was honoured in a song titled "Firecracker" by Findlay Napier, which was featured in a special BBC series called "21st Century Folk." The series, which celebrates 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, brings five stories like Joanne's to life through the collaboration of the BBC and folk artists.
Joanne's story is particularly significant because it provided her with strength during her battle with aggressive cancer. Currently, she is in remission and continues to volunteer as a fireman, advocating for the next generation of enthusiasts and championing greater opportunities for women on heritage railways.
The bicentenary year of the first steam-powered, passenger rail journey, which occurred on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, was marked by a series of events led by Railway 200. This event featured over 200 locomotives across five continents, including the Llangollen Railway in north Wales, where Joanne volunteers.
The songs from the series are being played on BBC Radio 2 this week, and Jeremy Vine will broadcast live from The Greatest Gathering, a railway summit in Derby, on Friday. The series, presented by Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2's Folk Show presenter, finds it amazing to see listeners' stories take on a life of their own with these special compositions.
Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, finds Joanne's story inspirational. The series, "21st Century Folk," is part of a free travelling exhibition train called "Inspiration," which showcases the past, present, and future of rail.
In a world where connections can often feel tenuous, Joanne Ormesher's story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of family, heritage, and the spirit of adventure.
- Joanne Ormesher, with her unconventional role as a steam engine fireman, has integrated elements of fashion-and-beauty (the unique personal story in the song "Firecracker") and personal-growth (overcoming cancer) into her lifestyle.
- In her home-and-garden, Joanne discovered a real steam engine, leading to a fascinating turn in her life, starting a new chapter that intertwines with her career-development and education-and-self-development.
- The food-and-drink atmosphere can be pleasant during Joanne's travels when she attends events like "The Greatest Gathering," as people often associate such gatherings with tasty meals and drinks.
- Joanne's inspiring story is highlighted in the "21st Century Folk" series, which can be an exciting part of shopping for music enthusiasts looking for something new to add to their collection.
- As Joanne advocates for the next generation of enthusiasts, her relationships with others in this community may provide beneficial connections in the realm of car-care, as her dedication to the train extends to maintaining its engine.
- Pets might enjoy venturing into new territories during Joanne's travels, as her exploration of the railways often takes her to various regions, allowing animals to experience different environments, reminiscent of personal-growth journeys.
