Public affairs stalwart to retire after 38 years with Nexus

Lynne Robinson, our Public Affairs Manager, has worked across the political landscape for the last four decades, helping make a difference for  thousands of people who rely on public transport in North East England.

Notable successes include helping Nexus to get Government funding for the Metro extension to Sunderland in 1999, the investment for the Metro’s new train fleet in 2017, and more recently the commitment for the new Metro signalling system.

Lynne has built many valuable political and other key stakeholder relationships over the years, both locally and nationally, and has a contacts book that is second to none.

Lynne, 66, of High Heaton in Newcastle, joined Nexus in 1989 in a temporary role – and she loved it so much she ended up dedicating the bulk of her career to the organisation.

During her time in the role, she has managed 31 different ministerial and Royal visits.

She said: “I’ve loved my time with Nexus. Working in public affairs has allowed me to work on some truly major projects, which could never have become a reality without political support.

“It’s a role where you see the work that you do bringing a direct benefit to the communities that our public transport network serves, particularly the Tyne and Wear Metro. It’s all about relationships and working with all the different political parties.

“I was involved with the bid to extend the Metro to Sunderland, talking to ministers to gather their support. It was an honour to be part of it. In the subsequent years there have been other major schemes we’ve had to bid for. The biggest one in more recent times was when we got the green light for new train fleet. That was a really exciting moment.

“The Metro to Washington project is the latest one that has required significant engagement and support. It’s been great to be involved in that in the early stages, and even after I’ve retired, I hope that it goes from strength to strength, because another Metro extension is huge for our region.”

Lynne’s time at Nexus began when she got a temporary job working as receptionist. She then progressed her career, working in projects, then as School Liaison Officer, and finally as  Public Affairs Manager.

She said: “It was only meant to be a short-term job and here I am 38 years later. I’m particularly proud of my time in school liaison, as it was when we established the SafetyWorks centre in Newcastle, which has gone on to be a vital facility for teaching safety to tens of thousand of children.”

The Royal visits that Lynne has managed include two visits by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 and 2009, two visits by Princess Anne in 2007 and 2010, and a visit by the King, then Prince of Wales, in 2021 to mark Metro’s 40^th anniversary.

She added: “I’ve been lucky enough to plan so many Royal visits. One that stands out is when we arranged for Queen Elizabeth II to travel on board a Metro train when she opened the Sunderland line in 2002. It was an amazing day.

“I also had the task of chaperoning Princess Anne on the Shields Ferry in 2007, and the then Prince Charles riding the Metro from Central to Haymarket to mark Metro’s 40^th anniversary in 2021. He really enjoyed it.

“Another VIP visit that stands out was the time Sting’s manager rang up, completely out of the blue, and asked to hire the Shields Ferry. That was in 2010. It was incredible but it’s absolutely true. We arranged it, he paid, and Sting duly turned up for the trip on the Tyne, which he booked to show some friends the sights and sounds of the area that he’s from.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, said: “Lynne has given us outstanding service and commitment for almost 40 years. She’s played a huge role in Nexus winning Government support for some of the biggest capital projects we’ve ever undertaken.

“Her knowledge and contacts book are second to none. She will be missed but we wish her all the very best for her retirement.”