CONGRATULATIONS to Samantha Hodder, who has just been appointed communications director for Go-Ahead Rail. Forty-two-year-old Samantha, who now lives in East Croydon, is the eldest daughter of Brian and June Hodder, of New Hedges. A former pupil of Tenby's Greenhill School, she went on to study at Manchester University. She has 20 years experience in communications across a range of sectors, starting her professional career by working as a reporter here at the Tenby Observer for three years (1985-1988), before moving into press and public relations. Her new role at Go-Ahead Rail will cover all inquiries on the Integrated Kent Franchise bid, rail division press inquiries, advice and guidance for Thameslink and production of new communications materials for Govia. Samantha has spent the past five years in the rail sector, initially as a communications manager for Railtrack on the West Coast Route Modernisation Programme, before joining Southern three-and-a-half years ago as head of communications, a role she will continue alongside her new position.