Avanti Honors Stoke-on-Trent: Rail’s Century Celebration

Celebrating a Century: Avanti West Coast Honors Stoke-on-Trent

The railway industry is celebrating a special occasion. On June 5th, 2024, Avanti West Coast unveiled a commemorative nameplate on one of its Pendolino trains, marking the 100th anniversary of Stoke-on-Trent’s city status. This initiative, done in collaboration with the Stoke 100 campaign, highlights the enduring connection between the city and the railway, a bond further strengthened by the concurrent bicentennial of the UK’s rail network in 2025. This article delves into the details of this celebration, exploring the significance of the event, the involvement of key stakeholders, and the broader implications for the city and the rail operator. The specially updated nameplate on Pendolino 390129, “City of Stoke-on-Trent,” which now features the dates “1925–2025,” symbolizes the enduring legacy of the city and its deep-rooted connection to the railway, as well as the deep relationship between Avanti West Coast and Stoke-on-Trent.

### A Milestone Celebrated

The ceremony held at London Euston on June 5th, 2024, marked Stoke-on-Trent Day, the official commemoration of the city’s 1925 designation. The event saw the unveiling of the updated nameplate on Pendolino 390129, “City of Stoke-on-Trent.” This was done in partnership with the Stoke 100 campaign. Dignitaries such as Stoke-on-Trent MPs Allison Gardner, David Williams and Gareth Snell boarded the train bound for the city, to join the celebrations. The train was greeted at Stoke-on-Trent station by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Watkins, along with other special guests and Avanti West Coast staff.

### Honors and Remembrance

In addition to celebrating the city’s centenary, the train also carries a tribute to a beloved member of the Avanti West Coast team, Brett Hobson, who passed away in 2022. The cab ends of the train bear the name ‘Brett,’ a lasting recognition of his contributions and character. This inclusion underscores the human element within the railway and acknowledges the impact of individuals within the organization.

### The Railway’s Enduring Connection

Avanti West Coast’s role in this celebration is crucial. The operator serves Stoke-on-Trent through its route along the West Coast Main Line (WCML), with its Pendolino fleet providing intercity services. The event highlighted the historical link between Stoke-on-Trent and the railway, a relationship that dates back to the early days of the national network and will be further enhanced by the 200th anniversary of railways in the UK. The Lord Mayor formally presented Avanti West Coast with a certificate recognizing the operator’s contribution to the celebrations and to the city’s rail connectivity.

### Looking Ahead

The Stoke 100 campaign, with its year-long schedule of cultural and civic activities, intends to highlight the city’s history, artistry, and diversity. The “City of Stoke-on-Trent” Pendolino will continue to make numerous journeys along the WCML, facilitating the city’s connectivity and transporting people to the events. This also shows that the railway operator continues to be an important part of the city’s future. The association of the rail network to Stoke-on-Trent is not only a historical one but also a symbol of the railway’s key role in boosting the city’s connectivity, fostering tourism, and promoting economic progress.

### Conclusions: A Legacy of Connection and Progress

The unveiling of the commemorative nameplate on the “City of Stoke-on-Trent” Pendolino represents more than just a celebration; it embodies the enduring relationship between the city and the railway. The event served as a symbolic recognition of Stoke-on-Trent’s rich history, its achievements, and its ongoing evolution. It also highlighted the crucial role that Avanti West Coast plays in connecting the city to the broader network and supporting its growth. The inclusion of Brett Hobson’s name on the train provides a personal dimension to the celebration, honoring the contributions of individuals within the rail industry.

The ongoing Stoke 100 campaign will continue to showcase the city’s character and dynamism throughout 2025, with Avanti West Coast poised to play a vital part in this process. The combination of the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent’s city status and the 200th anniversary of the UK’s railway system underscores the long-standing connection between the city and the rail network, which is built on mutual dependency and shared development. As the “City of Stoke-on-Trent” travels along the WCML, it not only connects people but also carries the spirit of a city that is proud of its past and excited about the future. The commemoration of Stoke-on-Trent’s city status emphasizes the enduring significance of the rail industry and its role in bringing people and cultures closer together.

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**Company Summary:**

* **Avanti West Coast (AWC):** A train operating company (TOC) in the United Kingdom, providing long-distance intercity services on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It is part of the FirstGroup and Trenitalia joint venture.

**Country and Date:**

* United Kingdom, June 5th, 2024