In Memory of William Whiting

Platform is a Community Rail Education Scheme, established in 2022. The scheme offers schools free rail-education workshops, train-trips and resources.

The scheme delivers education on behalf of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Severnside, and TransWilts Community Rail Partnerships, and each partnership has a representative on our steering group.

William Whiting was the representative from Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership and was fundamental in the development of our rail education scheme. From the start, William’s commitment to Platform was clear, consistent, and constant.

William joined the Platform team as a volunteer on several occasions, most recently attending our Christmas Circus by Train event at the Loco Klub in Bristol. There, he supported us by helping with craft activities, chatting with the children, and assisting the walking to and from the station. Spending the afternoon with a group of 4- and 5-year-olds, William was clearly in his element. 

Where some from outside of the education sector would find themselves out of their comfort zone when working with young children, William thrived on it.

Since his passing, the same word has been shared by so many within our community when talking about William and the impact he had on the lives of his colleagues: kindness. William was relentlessly, and unyieldingly, kind, and this underpinned his interactions with all of those around him.

William was our advisor, our support…and our friend. We are heartbroken to have lost him so suddenly and wish we could have known him for longer. However, our scheme would never have become what it has without him, and we know we were so lucky to have him for our pilot year. 

William was a champion for those from disadvantaged communities, frequently discussing the importance of reaching children living in challenging situations and supporting them in accessing opportunities.  Through this fund, we would like to have a specific part of the scheme that is delivered in his memory.