Rail Engineer Beats the Drum and Blows the Trumpet for African Children

An appeal for musical instruments for a school in Sierra Leone struck a chord with Alan Moss at Bury based rail systems engineers Rowe Hankins. Alan, a keen musician and member of Bolton Pipe Band, was so touched by the tale of young musicians struggling with trumpets held together with tape that he donated a trumpet and set of drums from his own collection.

The appeal was brought to Alan’s attention by Mark Bailey who’s daughter, Jessica attends St Joseph’s College in Trent Vale. The College has a long association with Sierra Leone and the instruments were sent out in one of two shipping containers loaded with educational materials and instruments raised by the school appeal. Alan commented, “Music plays a big part in my life and I am keen to help young people to develop their skills and appreciation. Given the extreme poverty in Sierra Leone and the recent history of war and violence the ability to make a contribution is especially satisfying.”

Rail Engineers Rowe Hankins Announce Top Level Management Changes

The pending retirement of founder Toni Hankins has prompted a change in roles at rail safety systems engineers Rowe Hankins. Moving from managing director to chairman, Toni is assuming a more strategic role. Amanda Jones, former operations director, steps into the role of managing director where she is aided by Michael Hankins as assistant MD and company secretary. Chartered Engineer Steve Stone completes one year on the board as technical director. As non-executive director Malcolm Farrar brings further experience to the management team. Michael Hankins has relinquished his role as sales manager of the rail systems business to head up Cudis, Rowe Hankins’ rapidly expanding electrical components business. Tim Allard steps into Michael’s shoes as sales manager for rail systems.

“Having created two successful, stable and profitable businesses, and given most of my working life to the enterprise, I am now taking a back seat role,” commented Toni, adding, “I have a very strong and experienced management team who I am confident have the ability and vision to take the businesses forward.” Commenting on the other management changes Amanda Jones explained, “Both Rowe Hankins and Cudis have grown rapidly in the last five years and both have plans in place to maintain the growth momentum. We have a talented research and development team along with an excellent manufacturing and service capability. These are the right ingredients to increase market share of our existing products and for developing innovative products that will expand our market coverage.”