![]() The historical significance of the woods as a place of refuge has been passed down through the years so they have been intentionally protected for the past twenty-five years. Even if the school was not institutionally involved, the land served as a crossroad to freedom - the Southern Terminus for those slipping away north to Indiana. A runaway notice in the JanuGreensborough Patriot specifically references the New Garden community. The legacy of justice continued with documented anti-slavery activists serving on the initial staff of New Garden Boarding School when it opened in 1837. Levi and Vestal Coffin were known leaders assisting runaways going to Indiana from 1819 to 1826. The case of John Dimery’s escape and quick movement to Indiana in 1819 is the earliest documented instance of Underground Railroad activity. Abolitionist Levi Coffin grew up north of the site and references these woods between his home and his New Garden Quaker Meeting as a place of refuge. Located within the historically Quaker New Garden/Guilford College community, these woods remain a relatively stable landscape with old growth forest and at least one champion tree standing as a silent witness. ASLEF continues to campaign for change across the sector and for a driving grade that represents 21 st century Britain.Earlier known as the New Garden Woods, the approximately 200 acres are part of Guilford College’s campus and felt as a sacred place. “Nearly 60 years after Wilston earned his key, just 10% of train drivers in England, Scotland and Wales come from an ethnic minority. ![]() This blue plaque is fitting recognition of that. Mick Whelan, ASLEF General Secretary said: “We are incredibly proud to have had Wilston as one of our own, a dedicated driver with an illustrious and ground-breaking career. “This plaque is a fitting tribute to his career, and I hope it helps to inspire the next generation of train drivers and railway workers from minority ethnic backgrounds, because despite some progress we know they remain under-represented in our industry.” He was a real trailblazer for our industry and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his incredible service, made even more remarkable by the many obstacles he had to overcome. We hope the plaque commemorating Wilston’s career will encourage more people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to follow in his footsteps and consider joining the railway.Īndrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “I have been fascinated to learn about Wilston’s life and career. It was fantastic to be at the unveiling event to see the industry he gave so much to, recognise his achievements and give a little something back to him.” Inspiring greater changeĪccording to figures from ASLEF – the train driver’s union – just 10% of train drivers in England, Scotland and Wales are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.Īt Network Rail, where we manage the rail infrastructure and employ signallers, operatives and engineers among others, employees from those backgrounds currently make up 9.38% of the overall workforce – up from 8.8% the previous year. Molly Jackson, Wilston’s eldest daughter, added: “Today is a proud day for our family. Today was a fitting tribute to his life and career.” He was never late or missed a day, and he was so proud of his work, despite the many challenges he faced. Polly Jackson, Wilston’s youngest daughter, said: “My father dedicated much of his life to the railway. Sadly, Wilston passed away on 15 September 2018, aged 91. He later emigrated with his family to Zambia where he taught the locals how to drive trains. ![]() Wilston shouted to his fireman to ‘jump’ – saving him – but there was not enough time for Wilston to escape and he had to be cut out of the wreckage.Īfter a long recovery, he returned to the railway in 1966 and went on to drive some of the famous trains and locomotives, including Flying Scotsman and The Elizabethan. In 1964, he broke both legs when his train crashed into the back of a stationary goods train near Finsbury Park, after a signalman mistakenly gave a green light. Wilston had a long and successful career on the railway, and also provided tuition to others – including his own brother – to help them pass their driving exams.
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