I first met Paul Gough when I joined British Rail Divisional offices in 1979, my very first job. Everyone in those offices were really welcoming to me and I loved working there. Part of my first railway family was Paul Gough, a gentle giant. He worked in the Operating office and he had lots of friends. I’m proud that he was my friend too, full of fun he enjoyed a laugh and a beer. There was a group of us who spent lunch times in the North Stafford Hotel, yes a drink at lunch was allowed then! Or we played crib or dominoes in the office. My friendship with Paul was social so I’m afraid I don’t really know what his job entailed. Those were very happy times for me I loved my job and the people I worked with and Paul was a part of that. When the Divisional office closed, Paul was transferred to Rail House and that’s where I ended up too. So lunch time socialising continued there, with the addition of a new friend Graham. The two of them had a very similar sense of fun and the laughs were multiplied! Graham enjoyed a walk and a pint as Paul did and used to include Paul in some of his pub walks after work. We then created a rambling group with a mixture of friends and family and colleagues at Rail House. My sister and small niece Jen and my husband Jim were a big part of these outings. They were really good times. Paul was on most of the walks with Graham and they were some of my most enjoyable times with them.
I didn’t see Paul as much after I retired but my husband Jim shared a love of fishing and beer with Paul and I kept in touch through Jim.
I feel sad that his last years were filled with pain and illness and loss of his independence, I know he hated it. I will remember him as he was, kind, full of fun and mischief and a true gentleman.
I will miss you Paul, love Julie x
Julie Austin
09/11/2023
