ASLEFJOURNAL JANUARY 2021 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen Free to members

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@RailwayEnginemens Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authorit y. Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 ASLEF GS Mick Whelan JOURNAL This is a chance to The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen change our railway ‘I wish you a Happy Christmas and a safer, and rebuild Britain and better, New Year’

HIS is the time of year when, normally, we look forward with hope and renewed optimism and, with the announcement of a T coronavirus vaccine, and its roll out, there is a real possibility of a return to relative normality, which should hearten everyone. This will take many months to distribute and, given the complexity Ian Smith at AAD at Aviemore in the Highlands in 2016 of the task, and the reticence of many who wish to see its efficacy, and News possible downsides, may not be as quick as many of us would like. Therefore, we will be under restrictive tiers, distancing, and l Government slashes spending on the railway 4 associated mask requirements for a long time and must be resolute in l Ker-ching! Cash for cabinet pals plus Off the 5 maintaining workplace arrangements for everyone’s protection. Rails: Eric Hall; Patti Smith; Jeremy Warner; Sasha Swire; and Bernard Donoughue As I write this column, in time for the Journal to be printed, bagged, and put in the post in time to drop on your doormat before Christmas, Lucy D’Orsi fits The Bill for the BTP 6 l a decision on the Noel Edmonds’ type of Deal or No Deal Brexit l Rail Ombudsman’s plea to railway operators 7 continues but, from conversations I am having with many people l Clapping workers doesn’t help pay the bills 8 inside and outside our industry, we are ill-prepared for either scenario, logistically, and many businesses are fearful. Features We remain confident that footfall will return , albeit slowly, but the l Andy Hudd pays tribute to Brian Corbett 9 restructuring of fares is key to encouraging an industry that has l In the Strummertime: Gregor Gall listens closely 10 struggled with capacity and we think this should be seen as an to the music, lyrics, and politics of The Clash opportunity for change. To kick-start the economy we will need a l David Mathieson reflects on why – and how – as 11 proper decarbonisation programme, with electrification at its core, John Kampfner argues, The Germans Do it Better the mass building of houses, and major infrastructure projects, to l As DO7 Brian Corbett retires we look back on 12-13 create jobs, stimulate the supply chain, and secure the future, not just his life and career as an Iron on the iron road for our children and grandchildren but for generations beyond. The world is not going to be able to step back from the green l Ian Smith talks about the route from a boil in the 14 bag driver to ASLEF trustee and life member agenda, and the impact of climate change, so let us embrace the opportunity and put in place a vertically-integrated, publicly- l Railfuture slams Rishi; and Sorry Seems to Be 15 the Hardest Word for Priti Pretty Vacant Patel accountable, safe transport system of which we can all be proud. May I put on record what a privilege it has been to see how you Regulars have reacted to, and delivered for, the country at this most difficult of l Branch Lines 16 times, as key workers and as part of the wider railway family. The supporting structures and immense behind the scenes work done by l Mick Berg and Martin Dye pay tribute to SWR 17 company council rep Nigel Cummins the staff, executive committee, and officers needs to be recognised and applauded. Ultimately, ASLEF’s local representatives, company l Obituaries 18-19 councils, health and safety reps, and branch secretaries are those who l Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 have been on the frontline of members’ needs. They have been l Chris Proctor, a wielder of words, has the Last 22 immense and deserve all our thanks and approbation. Word on those we use, misuse, and overuse Trade unions are about people looking after each other and l Griff Rhys Jones takes a Slow Train Through 23 understanding the needs of all those in our collective community. We Africa ; Prize Crossword; Legal Services; discuss, debate, and argue but, ultimately, we come together for a and members’ Change of Address form greater good. There is no union without you, our members, so may I l Cover photograph: Nigel Goldsmith take this seasonal opportunity to thank you and your families, who

EDItoR Mick Whelan, general secretary l DESIgNER Michael Cronin have to live around the demands of a shift-based, 24 hours a day, PRINtER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE l ADvERtISINg ASLEF seven day working week industry, a Happy Xmas and a safer, and Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l ClASSIFIED ADS better, New Year. [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of Yours fraternally, that product or service by ASLEF CHANgE oF ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: [email protected] Mick Whelan, general secretary, ASLEF website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

Harris now says that budget will only be Government slashes £9.4 billion. ‘So what’s happened to the missing spending on UK rail money? And why has it suddenly been slashed? How is Britain to be rebuilt after SLEF has called on the Conservative Brexit, and after the pandemic, which has government to come clean about its ravaged this country’s economy? And what A plans to rebuild Britain after it was has happened to this government’s promises revealed that it has slyly slashed £1 billion about investment? from its infrastructure budget. Mick Whelan: ‘this puts a question mark over ‘This revelation puts a question mark over Mick Whelan, general secretary, said: ‘We rebuilding Britain after the pandemic’ not only some long-planned, and much- have learned that the government has cut needed, improvements to our transport £1 billion from the rail infrastructure budget government’s “levelling up” agenda. infrastructure, but to the whole question of following the Chancellor’s spending review. Network Rail’s enhancement budget for the rebuilding this country after the pandemic. Rishi Sunak promised record infrastructure five year period from 2019-24 was set at It’s time for the government to come clean investment as part of what he called the £10.4 billion. But Rail Minister Chris Heaton- and tell us what they mean to do.’

Yorkshire Post , rang to FARRINGDON UALMOSTV FINISHED ASLEF in action apologise and put Construction work by Bam, Ferrovial, and Kier things right in his at Farringdon’s Elizabeth line station, just a few We moved quickly to times the speed limit newspaper, the sister hundred yards from ASLEF’s head office in St put the record when the incident paper the Yorkshire John Street, Clerkenwell, was completed in straight in the wake happened,’ said DO4 Evening Post , and the early December. It will be handed over to TfL in of a report by the Nick Whitehead. Leeds Live website. March. Custom House was the first Crossrail Rail Accident ‘This was simply GS Mick Whelan station to be finished, earlier last year, and Investigation Branch not true. The Azuma said: ‘When we make Paddington is slated to be next. into a collision was travelling at a mistake, or when between an LNER 15mph, the one of our members FLORENCE IS THE MACHINE Azuma and an HST maximum permitted makes a mistake, we The first two 17 metre long tunnel boring going on to Neville speed on the Nicky Whitehead set always put our hands machines – built by Herrenknecht in Germany Hill depot near Leeds. approach line to the record straight up. But when a driver and named Cecilia and Florence – to be used ‘It was widely Neville Hill, where the is blamed for in the construction of the HS2 railway line were reported, especially accident happened, After strenuous something that he or delivered just before Christmas to dig the 10 in local media, that and this was made lobbying by ASLEF, she did not do, we mile long tunnels in the Chilterns. the Azuma was clear in the RAIB James Mitchinson, have to point that travelling at three report.’ the editor of the out.’ NETWORK RAIL PLEDGE TAKES ROOT Network Rail and the Tree Council are planting 80,000 trees and hedgerows this winter as part Freight’s still great of a three-year, £1 million, green scheme to QUOTE… make up for all the trackside trees felled to ‘Sir Graham Brady (Conservative, ASlEF’s annual keep services running. Altrincham), chair of the 1922 freight forum took committee, treats Boris Johnson like a place – by Zoom – troublesome member of the lower TWEETS OF THE MONTH on thursday 3 sixth’ – Quentin Letts , The Times December with AgS …UNQUOTE Simon Weller in the Yes, we are a great country, but here chair and Maggie below is the toxic Brexiteer delusion Simpson, director holding us back, this notion that we alone general of the Rail are the 1%, the providers, the peak of civilisation, and the world owes us a living. Freight group, as Maggie Zooms in Now is the winter our guest speaker. Dr Mike Galsworthy @mikegalsworthy Members from practical solutions. of our discontent all freight Maggie talked The British are 1% of the world’s companies about the state of Passengers face chilly population. But 2 billion people speak attended; company freight, saying the train journeys this covid our language while billions more live under councillors offered picture is looking winter as train our democratic legacy, benefit from an update on cross- up, with goods companies open antibiotics, phones, TVs, the internet, and industry issues, coming back into windows to prevent the all our other inventions, and are protected by our military. But, yeah, whatevs… such as the FoCs’ the country, and spread of the Cold war’s Ali C savage attacks on underlining how coronavirus. TOCs are Julia Hartley-Brewer @JuliaHB1 our pensions, and HS2 will free up trying to reassure commuters that rail there was a pathways for travel is safe after losing 400 million I’ll say again, with some experience of discussion about freight. passenger journeys during Boris adversarial negotiations, that the UK diversity and the gS Mick Whelan Johnson’s lockdown. Ali Chegini, of the is making an absolute dog’s breakfast of problem of discussed the Rail Safety & Standards Board, said: ‘Even Brexit. You don’t win by waving your dick companies talking coming challenges though it’s cold, even though you have to about, or by banging your first on the table the talk but not we have to confront. wrap up and put on woolly socks, it’s (contrary to popular belief). walking the walk by Jen Thornton , better to keep windows open than to be @SimonWeller developing policy researcher exposed to the risk of infection.’

4 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 News And the money off the Rails keeps rolling in ERIC HALL , who died at the end of last year, was a record plugger turned ORY MPs are of friends as it saved Kate Bingham football agent who, in his pomp, demanding all the hassle of according to one observer, ‘looks like T that Boris having to put them Bob Hoskins, talks like Alf Garnett, and Johnson ‘ups his out to public tender. hustles like Arthur Daley on speed’. The first transfer he game’ as we go into Much like appointing negotiated was Paul Walsh from Luton Town to Liverpool. ‘I the New Year. They Kate Bingham and had no idea what to ask for,’ recalled Hall, who cheerfully are fed up that, in the Typhoid Dido, both confessed he knew nothing about football. ‘So when they House of Commons, wives of Tory MPs, to asked me what we wanted I said you tell me. They came up and especially at key roles had with a figure and I trebled it. I was taking the piss. But then Prime Minister’s speeded up the Dido Harding I’d done deals for Rod Stewart and Elton John.’ It didn’t Questions, he keeps recruitment process. always go smoothly, though. Eric was thrilled to tell Dave getting ‘bested and Why bother to under a day. Just a Beasant, after negotiating his move from Wimbledon to beasted’ by Keir interview someone quick, no frills, 30 Newcastle United, how he’d negotiated a ‘monster, monster’ Starmer. you’ve already second government £100,000 bonus if he scored ten goals. ‘That’s great, Eric,’ Take, for example, spoken to over information film said the big man dryly. ‘But I’m a goalkeeper.’ what happened dinner?’ recorded on a mobile when Keir wondered Because, the PM phone and broadcast PATTI SMITH , poet, punk, activist – and, why Help for Heroes muttered, the money on all channels she points out, ‘born the same year as got just £6 million had been well spent asking for volunteers President Trump, some of us wanted to from the Treasury as otherwise the to take part in change the world, some to reap profit when the drugs companies vaccine trials would from it’ – is enduring rather than government has would never have probably have enjoying the pandemic. ‘The only handed out £670,000 persuaded anyone to hoovered up at least people who call on my landline now are in PR contracts to the participate in their 100,000 willing those recorded voices telling me my auto insurance is vaccine task force trials. applicants.’ expiring. I’ve never had a car and I don’t know how to drive, and a staggering ‘It didn’t appear Yes, but this but still they call three times a day, which is nice.’ £130 million to other to have occurred to cabinet likes to keep PR firms in the last him that this was a helping its loyal – if JEREMY WARNER , assistant editor of the 12 months. job most interns talentless – friends. Daily Telegraph , is worried that the ‘Lockdown’ could have done in Ker-ching! Chancellor – rarely, if ever, characterised as Johnson feigned a left-wing radical – is planning a ‘tax raid surprise that anyone on capital gains’ to pay for covid. Warner should question his – QUOTE… insists ‘we can’t balance the books by taxing or the government’s ‘Never again can we let our care the wealthy’ even though, he concedes, – integrity. As John workers be so undervalued and they ‘could afford to pay more without much adjustment to Crace dryly observed underpaid.’ – Angela Rayner , Labour their lifestyles’. But he has a better idea. ‘Everyone pays VAT in The Guardian , Party deputy leader and other sales taxes, however poor they are’. Er, yes. Warner ‘Obviously it made – one of those über-right reptiles David Cameron had in sense to award …UNQUOTE mind when he talked of the ‘swivel-eyed loons’ on the contracts to friends fringes of the Tory Party – thinks the poor, not the rich, should pay to rebuild Britain. Way to go, Warnie!

Hand of SASHA SWIRE in Diary of an MP’s Wife (Little Brown, £20) recalls, as we head who? after Brexit not for the sunny uplands, tributes to Diego but uncharted, and distinctly choppy, Maradona, at least waters that when she tried to extract in England, dwelt gossip at a dinner from Ed Llewellyn, less on his football David Cameron’s chief of staff, he started genius and more on telling her about the EU negotiations. ‘No, no,’ she his ‘Hand of god’ interrupted. ‘I mean, who’s shagging who?’ goal for Argentina against England in BERNARD DONOUGHUE , head of the the 1986 World Cup. Number 10 policy unit when ‘Sunny’ Jim one fact kept Callaghan was in power, is quoted in a getting overlooked, new collection of essays James Callaghan: though. An Underrated Prime Minister? (Biteback, Maradona, all 5ft ball with Peter to use his hands. So £25) dryly reflecting on the winter of 5in of him, was Shilton, 6ft, a why did Shilts not discontent after which Labour lost the competing for the goalkeeper allowed get that ball? 1979 election. ‘The public sector unions put Thatcher into Downing Street and she then proceeded to thank them in her own individual way.’ 500 CLUB: Richard Hutchins, with number 026, won the December draw, scooping the Retired Members’ Section jackpot of £486.

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

pressure over national covid-19, and the Lucy fits The Bill dealing with infrastructure, need for ever closer legitimate protest during these working between during that trip. uncertain times.’ the BTP and train UCY D’Orsi retires in February. She said: ‘I am Ron Barclay- operators, we feel is the new Lucy joined the excited to lead a Smith, chair of the that Lucy’s strong L Chief Met in 1992. In her force that deals with BTP Authority, said: blend of experience Constable of the last job she was the unique nature of ‘Lucy will bring and aptitude British Transport responsible for policing Britain’s rail, valuable skills and position her well to lucy D’orsi at the BtP Police. Lucy, 51, who royalty, Underground and insightful leadership lead the BTP.’ was Deputy Parliamentary, and and preparedness. tram network, at a time when there Her appointment Assistant diplomatic She was criticised for working with is an uncertain was approved by Commissioner for protection, and was the heavy-handed industry partners, future for Britain’s Grant Shapps, Specialist counter-terrorism policing of the visit and government, to rail landscape. With Secretary of State for Operations in the policing’s senior to London by China’s keep passengers the changing nature Transport, and Metropolitan Police, national co- President Xi Jinping safe, the railway of crime, and endorsed by Scottish replaces Paul ordinator for in 2015, and for moving, and to demand on the Justice Minister Crowther, who protective security bowing to political protect our critical railway following Humza Yousaf.

PM must save this service QUOTE… ASLEF has called on the pandemic. ‘When he was Mayor of London, Boris Johnson refused to even the government to ‘The cross- pick up the phone with my union comrades and instead intervene to prevent Channel link has resorted to megaphone diplomacy in the papers. It seems Eurostar going to the never been more nothing has changed. This Tory government should be wall. The move came important. So the levelling up the north, rather than levelling down London.’ – after the company government must Sam Tarry , Labour MP for Ilford South admitted it is not turn its back on …UNQUOTE ‘fighting for survival’. them now. Eurostar is GS Mick Whelan Mick Whelan: ‘the a strong company said: ‘Boris Johnson, government must with a strong future. Grant Shapps, and not turn its back’ But it is suffering, as the rest of the Tory all the train Pacers to the scrapyard cabinet must act to women who make companies are save this service – for up the train crew, suffering, not passengers, for the together with all the because of anything men and women other staff who keep it has done wrong, who work on our railways running, but because of the Eurostar, and for have been pandemic. That’s why Britain as we leave instrumental in the government the European Union. moving passengers needs to act to save ‘Train drivers, and and freight around the jobs and save the the other men and this country during service.’

Back in the fold goodbye and good riddance to the little-loved idea of buses on rails Northern ran its final Pacer DMU passenger service on Friday 27 ASLEF welcomed the constituency, to the November when unit 142 004, coupled to 150 225, left Kirkby at 15.36 decision by the NEC party, and to the and arrived at Manchester Victoria at 17.46. It brought to an end more to readmit Jeremy labour movement. than 35 years of Pacers – loathed by drivers and passengers alike – in Corbyn as a member ‘But we are northern England after a temporary reprieve to provide extra capacity of the Labour Party, disappointed that he during the covid-19 crisis. In total, 96 Class 142 units were built between but is disappointed will not be able to sit Mick: ‘No infighting’ 1985 and 1987, of which Northern took 79. that the Labour whip, as a Labour MP in the ‘Pacers kept millions of northerners on the move, but it is time to in Parliament, is still House of Commons ‘We believe it is give them a well-earned rest’, said Northern’s regional director Chris withdrawn. as the whip is still vital that we move Jackson. ‘But a few units will be retained for driver training and route ‘We are delighted withdrawn. forward, as a Labour learning.’ You have been warned! with the decision, ‘Jeremy has called Party and a labour which is the right for the movement, together. decision, to readmit recommendations of We need to look to ALSTOM SNAPS UP BOMBARDIER Jeremy,’ said Mick the Equality and the future, and come Alstom expects to complete its takeover of Bombardier Whelan. ‘He has been Human Rights together, to take on transportation on Friday 29 January. All necessary regulatory a member of the Commission to be the Tories and rebuild approvals have been received, says the company. Labour Party all his implemented so that Britain after the adult life, and made anti-Semitism is ravages of the CLAIRE IS THE MANN an enormous rooted out once and pandemic. We do not Claire Mann, who has worked at the DlR, AtW, FgW, tfl, and contribution to his for all. And that is want – or need – london overground, is the new managing director of the South Islington North right. factional infighting.’ Western Railway. She starts this month.

6 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 News

compromised to the Ombudsman’s plea to TOCs detriment of passengers.’ The Rail Ombudsman has called on or partial remedy, can be very Decisions by the train operators to do more to ensure with those awarded a disruptive – which is Ombudsman – that passengers are aware of the financial settlement why passengers established in scheme – put in place in 2018 – to as part of the should know that November 2018 after Ombudsman’s ruling there is a free and a campaign by the investigate unresolved disputes with Kevin grix has called receiving, on average, independent Rail consumer group on train companies fare-paying passengers. £126. Ombudsman for Which? – are legally to shape up in 2021 ‘Railways are an them to complain to. binding. Previously, if LMOST the end of last year essential part of daily ‘We know there is call on the rail a passenger’s 1 million reveal that the TOCs life for millions of more to be done to industry to improve complaint was not A complaints failed to resolve 6,500 people and the cost increase the impact their signposting to resolved, the only have been made to complaints which of travel is not and reach of the the Rail Ombudsman. option was to go to the privatised train were then escalated inconsequential,’ said Ombudsman. Cases Without action, the court – which can be operating companies to the Ombudsman. Chief Ombudsman brought to us are Ombudsman’s very costly – to get a in the last two years. Three-quarters of Kevin Grix. ‘When lower than expected impact and influence judgement binding Figures released at them received a full things go wrong it and, therefore, we could be on the operator.

HEATON-HARRIS PLEDGES TO DO MORE RIA slams Tories Chris Heaton-Harris, the Rail Minister, has promised to find an innovative approach to The Railway Industry Association, a trade tackle suicides on the railway. ‘For the majority body for supply firms, has criticised the of us,’ he said, ‘it is almost impossible to government for not properly considering comprehend the mental anguish that leads ‘the long-term importance of the rail people to attempt to take their own lives. We network’. all have a part to play, and I am personally Darren Caplan, chief executive, said: committed to doing whatever I can to ensure ‘Rail is a long-term game – investments in the railway does more to help those in crisis.’ infrastructure or rolling stock create continuing value for passengers, and the wider economy, over years. Darren wants the government to invest in rail DEUTSCHE BAHN TO PUT HYDROGEN ‘The reduction in passenger numbers is LOCO INTO SERVICE BY 2024 likely to be temporary – based on previous ‘Investment can support the whole of Deutsche Bahn will launch a hydrogen train, economic slumps in the 1980s, 1990s, and the UK – the rail network touches almost built by Siemens, and an accompanying gas post-2008 – as passenger numbers have every part of the country and has the station, which ‘will be as quick to refuel as a always recovered. potential to unlock a new generation of diesel train’, by 2024 in a move designed to cut ‘Rail is not just for passengers – it is talent. Investment has a knock-on 330 tons of carbon emissions each year. It will vital for freight, with more than 4 billion economic impact – for every £1 spent on have a top speed of 160 km/h. tonnes delivered annually before the the rail network, £2.20 value is delivered coronavirus crisis. in the wider economy. ‘Rail travel is clean and safe – a study ‘Rail cannot easily be mothballed – QUOTE… undertaken by the RSSB in August reports once infrastructure is decommissioned, it ‘Warm words and applause don’t pay the risk of infection per passenger journey is not easily reopened. Investment cannot the bills. Key workers deserve a pay rise’ as 1-in-11,000 journeys. And rail can lead wait – much of the rail spending planned – Paul Nowak , deputy general the green recovery – it is not possible to cannot be postponed, in order to meet our secretary, TUC meet zero carbon goals for transport decarbonisation and digitalisation …UNQUOTE without rail. targets.’

Watch The Big Meeting half-price I’m the producer of The Big Meeting film, about the Durham Miners’ Gala. Many ASLEF branches were very generous and donated money to help get the film made – so much so we have the ASLEF logo in the final credits of the film. As a thank you, we’d like to offer your readers 50% off the film on DVD. The DVD is normally £10 but we are offering it to ASLEF members for £5 (plus 75p p&p). Just go to www.galafilm.co.uk/aslef and enter the password ASLEF2020 to buy the DVD. Christie Allanson

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News Clapping doesn’t pay the bills

S Mick Whelan spoke at a virtual Rally national secretary of the GMB; Ian Woodland, for Fair Pay on Monday 23 November national officer of Unite; and Sian Elliot, policy G organised by Labour Unions, the officer of the TUC. collective voice of the 12 trade unions – ASLEF, ‘In March, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, the Bakers, Food & Allied Workers; Community; promised to end low pay,’ said Mick. ‘For those the CWU; FBU; GMB; Musicians’ Union; NUM; on furlough, the minimum wage isn’t even a An online flyer for the fair pay virtual event TSSA; Unison; Unite; and USDAW – affiliated to minimum – it’s 80% pay, with 100% of the better, more equal, society after the pandemic the Labour Party. housing costs, bills and food shops. Poverty where every worker has job security, safe Mick, who is chair of Labour Unions, was pay has to end – that’s why we’re calling for a working conditions, a strong collective voice joined on the virtual platform by Paula Barker, real living wage of at least £10 per hour now. and fair pay.’ MP for Liverpool Wavertree, and sponsor of ‘Too many key workers, who have put Helen Pearce, director of Labour Unions, the National Minimum Wage Bill; Labour themselves in harm’s way to keep our country added: ‘Claps don’t pay the bills. We want a real deputy leader Angela Rayner; Shadow safe, have long been badly underpaid and living wage now, and a proper pay rise for our Chancellor Anneliese Dodds; Rehana Azam, undervalued. Together, we need to rebuild a key worker heroes.’

Network Rail slammed for Pale green extreme weather failures ASLEF slammed the Prime Minister’s ‘half-baked’ Network Rail has been fined of Railways, said: ‘We welcome Green Plan announced at £10,000 by Lanark sheriff’s court this outcome. Our investigation the end of November. after an investigation by the Office revealed that Network Rail staff Mick Whelan said: ‘A lamington viaduct back on track of Rail and Road found that NR has were unaware that they held Green Plan that doesn’t allowed trains to travel at more safety-critical duties under NR’s water, yet, despite this being a has specific plans for rail, than 100mph over the badly processes to manage known issue, severe damage went which is the greenest form storm damaged Lamington infrastructure during extreme unrecognised because NR failed of mass transport, has viaduct in South Lanarkshire. The weather. to implement its own procedures zero credibility. We need line was eventually closed for ‘The viaduct was on NR’s list of which would have meant no to move more people, and seven weeks for major repairs. high-risk structures, vulnerable to passenger trains should have more goods, off Britain’s Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector being washed away by moving passed over the viaduct.’ roads and onto electrified rail to have any chance of hitting our CO2 targets. It SHINE COMES OFF SUNAK really is that simple. Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, ‘The half-baked admitted in his spending review to Parliament Train aces high proposals the Prime on Wednesday 25 November that the UK Minister announced are economy contracted by 11.3% in 2020, the A new edition of Top Trumps – the popular typical Boris – all thud and largest fall for more than 300 years; playground game first played in 1978, would blunder, all bluster, but no unemployment is expected to reach 7.5% by you believe? – was launched for Christmas substance. And the the spring, with 2.6 million people out of work; featuring 30 different trains (amazon.co.uk, government’s and borrowing is forecast to hit £394 billion, £4.99). Stat cats include debut year, speed, announcements on the highest ever in peace time. range, fame and, of course, Top Trumps ratings. Just the job for the building more roads, and mess room… giving the green light to FREE TRAVEL EXTENDED FOR VICTIMS longer and heavier lorries, A scheme offering free rail travel to women, undermine his attempt to children, and men fleeing from domestic cast himself as a greener abuse has been extended until the end of shade of true blue Tory. March. The Rail to Refuge project, a joint This is not what Britain initiative with the charity Women’s Aid, is to needs to create a modern continue after a surge in appeals for help green economy in the during the coronavirus crisis. Shuffle the pack to find tube trains, the german 21st century.’ inter-city express, and the Beijing-Shanghai line DIGITAL FUTURE Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has DON’T PICK UP THAT PHONE announced £1.2 million of new funding for It will be illegal to pick up and use feasibility work for digital signalling on your mobile phone while driving, sections of the West Coast main line, Midland QUOTE… under new legislation to be main line, and East Anglia route, including ‘Tory MPs are scurrying to their feeds to proclaim enacted later this year. The Peterborough to Kings Lynn. He said: ‘We’ve Priti Patel as “strong”. Wrong! There is nothing change will end a loophole that come a long way since the era of metal levers, strong about a bully. A bully is someone too weak allows car and lorry drivers to used by Victorian signallers to provide safe to confront their own shit, so takes it out on others.’ escape punishment for using a passage for trains rolling into and out of – Sue Perkins , actor, writer, broadcaster, and, hand-held phone to take a photo stations. Now it’s our turn to be modern she says, ‘mutton dressed as mutton’ or play a game. Drivers will still be transport pioneers as we build the railway …UNQUOTE able to use hands-free devices, of tomorrow.’ according to the DfT.

8 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Cuttings

ASlEF’s officers (photo taken by Andrew Wiard long before lockdown, covid-19, and social distancing) Do2 Kevin lindsay, EC3 John Metcalfe, Do5 Nigel gibson, EC7 Andy Hudd, AgS Simon Weller, EC5 Howard Kaye, Do7 Brian Corbett, Do 3Andy Hourigan, gS Mick Whelan, EC1 Marz Colombini, Do6 Dicky Fisher, Do1 graham Morris, EC6 (and EC president) Dave Calfe, EC4 Mark Wakenshaw, EC2 Jim Baxter, Do4 Nick Whitehead, Do8 Finn Brennan, and EC8 terry Wilkinson

events in the past, but Brian’s personality has turned that He stops to talk to every around. When on ASLEF business it would take us both half an hour to get from the station entrance man, woman, and dog Brian Corbett to our platform because Brian would stop and talk to every man, ANDY HUDD , vice-president of ASLEF’s executive after 12 years of failed attempts; woman, and dog he knew along committee, and EC member for District 7, pays Heathrow Express members have the way. This personality trait tribute to his friend and colleague, District 7 returned to ASLEF; and Pre-Metro (which would, I admit, sometimes Organiser Brian Corbett, who retires from the Operations has now recognised drive me mad) was exactly what ASLEF and we organise there. the district needed and, over the railway at the end of this month Transport for Wales has seen years, unity has returned and major changes over the last 10 District 7 can now only go from WOULD like to put on He would be the first to say that years, and this process is far from strength to strength. record my thanks to my he has had some ups and down over, but Brian’s dedication to the Whilst wishing Brian well for I friend and colleague over the years, but he has always issues in Wales has assisted in the the future I would also like to Brian Corbett for his service to continued fighting for what he delivery of a publicly-owned congratulate Steve Austin, of ASLEF and his work within the feels is right. His dedication to railway (in all but name) with a Paddington branch, on his district. Having first met Brian at ASLEF was eventually rewarded commitment to no DOO. election as DO with a hope that, ASLEF’s conference some 18 years when he was elected to the EC and However, I think his greatest as a team, we will build on Brian’s ago and then, subsequently, at then, later, as DO where his achievement was not industrial. legacy and take the district, and Bristol branch 11 years ago, you character shone through and was District 7 has (for as long as I have ASLEF, forward in unity to face the can’t help but be drawn to his exactly what the district needed. known) been a fragmented challenges ahead. personable nature, good humour, Under his stewardship Great district, partly through l turn to our centre pages for a and dedication to ASLEF. Western Railway was harmonised geography, and partly through longer look at the life of Brian

Saving the earth Big discount on Big Meet I was just wondering how much plastic ASLEF uses per year that goes into landfill from the I’m the producer of The Big Meeting film about the Durham Miners’ gala. Many ASlEF plastic wrapping used to post the Journal to branches were very generous and donated money to help get the film made – so much so members; could this not be a paper covering? we have the ASlEF logo in the final credits of the film. ASlEF, as a union, donated to our It would also save on the printed paper production, as did individual branches: Preston, leeds, Waterloo Nine Elms, longsight, address sheets used with all the address Northern line North, Ipswich, Sheffield Midland, Weymouth, Brighton, Marylebone, information as this could just be printed on the Neasden, Peterborough, Perth, Skipton, Ilford, Faversham, Euston, gateshead & Newcastle, envelope itself. Just a thought… Immingham, King’s Cross, Portsmouth & Isle of Wight, Manchester Piccadilly No 1, Colin Hayward Wolverhampton, leicester, Peterborough RMS, King’s lynn, St Pancras, and Horsham. We are very grateful and, as a thank you, we’d like to offer your readers the chance to Mick Whelan says: ‘We continually review, get 50% off the film on DvD. the DvD is normally £10 but we are offering it to ASlEF with our printer, the best options that will members for £5 (plus 75p p&p) as a thanks for ASlEF’s support when we began production allow the Journal to remain the oldest in early 2019. Members can go to www.galafilm.co.uk/aslef and enter the password continuously published trade union ASlEF2020 and buy the DvD from there. publication in the world, supporting print, Christie Allanson post, and online for those who want it.’

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 9 Firebox Rock the Casbah

GREGOR GALL , an affiliate research associate at the University of Glasgow, and editor of the Scottish Left Review , is writing a book about the music and the politics of Joe Strummer and The Clash to be published by Manchester University Press. He turns down the volume of I Fought the Law to give us a sneak preview

HE Clash were not just the most important rock band to emerge T from the punk rebellion of the late In the Strummertime, when the weather is hot, you can stretch right up and touch the sky – 1970s. Nor the only significant band to Mick, topper, Joe, and Paul; Simonon smashes his Fender Precision bass guitar at the Palladium break free from the confines of punk come theatre in New York in 1979; and london calling to the faraway towns Photos: Pennie Smith the 1980s. The Clash are the most important rock’n’roll band of all time. Now you don’t Uncut , Q, Mojo and Rolling Stone – look at U2 he flew... | With no Washington bullets, what get much bigger claims than that – or Radiohead. But bands like these did not else could he do? || And if you can find an especially the last, when you recall the change countless numbers of people’s lives Afghan rebel | That the Moscow bullets ground-breaking cultural impact of Elvis, in a progressive way. missed | Ask him what he thinks of voting The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. More than any other band, The Clash did Communist | Ask the Dalai Lama in the hills So how can such statements be justified, change people’s lives. Although Strummer of Tibet | How many monks did the Chinese beyond a bombastic opinion made, after a might not have read Antonio Gramsci on get?’ few beers, down the pub? Well, it’s not just how contesting ideas in the cultural arena is This was the first time James Dean the music per se but the impact of a a key battleground for winning political Bradfield, of the Manic Street Preachers, combination of the music, the lyrics, and the change, he was fully aware of how Woody had heard of Jara, after Strummer delivery. The Clash, led by Joe Strummer, Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Victor Jara condemned General Pinochet’s military the band’s main lyricist, singer, and successfully used music as a medium for coup against the democratically-elected spokesperson, were the most influential, helping create progressive change. socialist government of Salvador Allende in politically left-wing, rock’n’roll band since In reflecting on the lives and the 1973. It led Bradfield to find out more about the first electric guitar was played in anger. experiences of the underdog and the Jara and the Chilean struggle for freedom And that means more important and downtrodden, the lyrics of The Clash made and democracy, resulting in his 2020 Even in influential than Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, an emotional connection with the masses. Exile album. or Bruce Springsteen. But that alone was not sufficient, so they also critiqued the rich and the powerful, and CAN MUSIC CHANGE THE WORLD? MUSIC AS A MEDIUM FOR CHANGE championed change brought about by Similar stories can be told about the impact If you believe that the significance of music popular rebellions. Strummer’s lyrics of Spanish Bombs , a song about the Spanish should be measured in some other way – opened up people’s political horizons. Civil War of 1936-39, and the poet, Federico through the mastery of instrumentation, Critically, he said: ‘If you’re serious about García Lorca, who was murdered by Franco’s new forms of song structure, or sonic change, change yourself and get active’. fascist henchmen. Bradfield says If You innovation – or that music should be Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next , a apolitical, then this will not make much LET FURY HAVE THE HOUR, ANGER Manics’ song from 1998, ‘was partly inspired sense. CAN BE POWER, CAN YOU USE IT? by Spanish Bombs .’ And, yes, there were, arguably, bands Amongst the best are these lines from White The number of senior union officials who that were more left-wing, but they did not Riot : ‘Are you taking orders | Or are you were inspired, motivated, and ideologically have the influence or the impact of The taking over? | Are you going backwards | Or sustained by The Clash includes Mick Rix, a Clash. We could mention The Redskins, Gang are you going forwards?’; and Clampdown : former general secretary of ASLEF; Andy of Four, Easterhouse, and Crass. But the ‘Kick over the wall ’cause government’s to Gilchrist and Matt Wrack of the Fire Brigades purity of your ideology does not count for fall | How can you refuse it? | Let fury have Union; Jeremy Dear of the National Union of much if it does not reach a mass audience the hour, anger can be power | Do you know Journalists; and Mark Serwotka of the and affect some noticeable progressive that you can use it?’ Public and Commercial Services union. change in the audience. And Washington Bullets , a superb three- Lest anyone thinks the impact of The Of course, there have been much bigger sided critique of imperialism: ‘For the very Clash was down to one man, the input of bands in terms of albums and singles sales, first time ever | When they had a revolution Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Topper dollar grossing tours, YouTube views, or in Nicaragua | There was no interference Headon needs acknowledging in terms of having records appear in one of those ‘all from America | Human rights in America || their musicality and political sensibilities. time best’ lists loved by magazines such as Well the people fought the leader | And up The Clash, live, were a spectacular,

10 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Manifesto Germany calling DAVID MATHIESON enjoys a book that compares and contrasts a country that puts cool meritocratic ability to master detail above muddle, bluster, indecision, and frivolous upper-class public school clowning

ERMANY has long been at the butt end G of British ribaldry. From the laddish football chant of ‘two world wars and one world cup’ to the antics of Basil Fawlty trying ‘not to mention the war’, a one liner about Germany is almost always guaranteed to raise a smile. Yet a new book, Why the Germans Do it Better: Notes John Kampfner, who has worked as a reporter for Reuters, from a Grown Up Country by the Daily Telegraph , Financial Times , Radio 4’s Today John Kampfner (Atlantic programme and Newsnight on BBC2, and edited the New Books, £16.99), suggests that Statesman , reveals what the germans get right – and how if we only ever talk about they do it – including their state-owned railway Germany in terms of World War II, then the joke really is company, the state, and the doors and has, generally on us. For anyone on the left trade unions. successfully, integrated more interested in how to meld From the high quality than a million migrants. high living standards and education and training of Perhaps nobody social cohesion with a skilled workers to export personifies the spirit of dynamic economy, Germany promotion in tricky markets modern Germany better than is a good place to start. like China, companies work in the distinctly unflashy Author John Kampfner is a tandem with social partners. Chancellor, Angela Merkel, or long-time Germany watcher Friction is unavoidable but ‘mother’ as she is commonly and not blind to the country’s the tripartite agreements known. Chancellor for the deep historical flaws. generally minimize disruption past 15 years, Merkel’s His father was a Jewish and iron out conflicts of Christian Democrat Party has refugee from the Nazi regime interest in both the economic seldom enjoyed an outright and his comment that ‘no and political spheres. majority in the German country has caused so much Kampfner charts the parliament, the Bundestag, harm in so little time’ is triumph of consensus over where she currently governs patently true. Yet the much conflict in modern Germany in coalition with Labour’s neglected story he tells, of to produce a culture which sister party, the SPD. Germany since 1945, is at has served the country well. With a PhD in Chemistry, least as fascinating as the When the Berlin wall Merkel is the product of a horrific saga that went before. collapsed in 1989, a political system less bothered A determination – almost prosperous West Germany about ‘charisma’ than a cool universal across German absorbed the huge cost of ability to master detail. The society – not to repeat the integrating the basket case contrast with our own class- catastrophic mistakes of the economy of the communist ridden politics where public incendiary force. Visually, they carried the day past has led to the creation of east with little complaint or school clowning is rewarded as perfectly posed rebels. Critically, they walked a healthy polity which places outside help. with high office could not be it like they talked it. The Clash not only played a high value on consensus When others turned their greater or, as Kampfner the Rock Against Racism gig in 1978 but they and transparency. backs on Syrian refugees in clearly demonstrates, more also went to Belfast when no other bands This is a country where the 2016 Germany opened its lamentable. would, had black artists open for them, and railway system, Deutsche invited Aboriginal rights activists to speak Bahn, is wholly state-owned, and there is no serious before their Australian shows. They forewent DAVID MATHIESON was a special adviser to Robin royalties on their triple album, Sandinista , to suggestion that it should ever be otherwise. Whilst Cook. He lectures on economics at a college in make it affordable for fans. Überlingen on the shores of Lake Konstanz and is To the hoary old question of ‘But can music Germany is renowned for its many world-beating private the author of Hitler’s Munich and Frontline Madrid: change the world?’, the evidence of The Clash is A Guide to Battlefield Sites of the Spanish Civil War . that, yes, it can and does help some people to companies – think Mercedes, Bosch, and Siemens – these He also organizes tours of Spanish Civil War see the world in a different way, and this can battlefields at www.spanishsites.org and will then lead some of them to try to change are underpinned by a our world. partnership between the

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda I’m dreaming dreams, scheming schemes, building castles high

District 7 Organiser Brian He was working for British Rail, at Stratford Corbett retires at the end of depot in East London, and went to his first this month. KEITH RICHMOND branch meeting at 17. ‘It was a closed shop, but I looks back on the life of Brian would have joined the union, anyway. My dad as a teenager in the rag trade, was in the union at Newham council and my brother was branch chair of the National Union train driver, trade union activist, Irons of Public Employees. fan, and those World Cup winners in ’66 ‘The instructor driver came in and said, “There are two unions, ASLEF and the NUR”. He was HEN Brian Corbett and Cliff Holloway wearing his 30 year ASLEF badge, and added, W were young second men, and due on at “Some of them [NUR] are strike breakers”. 3am or 4am, Cliff would sometimes stay ‘Now the railway is – or can be – a dangerous round Brian’s house. That was why they were place. Everything might look okay but if you’re walking to Ilford station, in the chilly dark before led into situations by signalmen, station staff, dawn, to get an early morning staff train, at the guards, whatever, you can, quite easily, without height of the Troubles. knowing you’ve done something wrong, hit a being elected to the EC in 2008 and then DO – ‘We were wearing Crombies, and each had a problem. And we’re running on infrastructure responsible for GWR, Transport for Wales, and bag, with big gloves for coupling up, and so on, that is quite old. That’s why drivers need union Chiltern – in 2014. when we were stopped and searched by the support. I’ve dealt with a number of disciplinary ‘When the Tory government broke up BR, police as suspected IRA terrorists. We were issues, and the process can be quite extreme. and the depots split, they had what they called entirely innocent, but struggled to make them ‘That’s why it’s vital you don’t go in by O4Q – Organising for Quality – although some understand we were two railwaymen on our way yourself, always take a rep. I’ve worked with of us said there is no “f” in quality, but it worked to work. We were going to miss our train, so we some very good managers, who understand out quite well as most members got their first or asked for a lift, and they didn’t give us a lift, how things should be done, but, unfortunately, second preference company. either…’ there are a small but dangerous number of ‘And on company council Steve Williams and As a lifelong West Ham fan – ‘fortune’s always zealots in the management grade who want to I negotiated the first ever DRI which lifted hiding, I’ve looked everywhere’ – he should be get a driver. Now you could hire a lawyer, but it earnings from £11,666 to £20,200. Not bad, is it? used to life’s little sorrows and the slings and could cost thousands of pounds in solicitors’ All the others followed us. Some got better arrows of outrageous fortune. fees, if you’re involved in a crash, and the union money, but may have worse conditions… subs are, frankly, a very sound and much less ‘I stood against Stan Moran for the officer’s EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE AT ALDGATE expensive investment.’ job, when he was on the EC, but lost by 44 Brian was born at Forest Gate Hospital – ‘all Brian was elected to the LDC at Stratford in votes, and was then elected to the EC position Nissen huts and concrete walkways’ – in East 1983, replacing Tony West – ‘big boots to fill’ – he had vacated. London on New Year’s Day 1957. He left school where he worked alongside Lew Adams. ‘They ‘When Keith Norman was GS he didn’t want at 15 and had an apprenticeship lined up with were great influences on me, Tony and Lew, as to engage with anyone politically, and none of the Gas Board ‘before they decided to take 18- well as Len Mills, sectional council member the railway organisations wanted to talk to the year-olds, who could work shifts, and told the before Tony; Mick Blackburn, who became AGS, EC about anything. The only time was when we rest of us to clear off.’ and was best man at my wedding; and Andy put a limit of 20mph on all level crossings, after He did a stint at a hardware shop in Barking, Ramsay, branch secretary at Stratford, and LDC, an accident in Scotland, and the head of and then at a dress factory in Aldgate, cutting who, if he lost a vote, would loyally argue for the Network Rail and two other guys turned up, and rolls of cloth so the women on the machines res just passed. I learned a lot from watching it changed dramatically, all the stakeholders could put the patterns on. how he operated.’ suddenly wanted to talk to ASLEF. ‘It was an eye-opening experience, with the Brian moved to Bristol in 1989, as his wife women trying on the dresses, for fit, saying, wanted to be near her family, felt ‘it was like RAILWAYS IN PUBLIC OWNERSHIP “Now you don’t mind seeing us in just our walking back in time, different world, different ‘When the DO vacancy came up, I thought I’d be underwear, do you, Brian?” But it was a dodgy culture’ and ‘it upset a lot of people when, in better off out with the troops, talking to people, operation and one day, as we were moving stuff 1990, the youngsters here voted me branch getting things done in the region, because it’s in and out, the bailiffs turned up.’ secretary’. He became more popular, though, great having policies from the companies, and He went to the youth employment exchange when he refused to accept the depot average, as a trade union, but if they’re just ticking boxes, where they showed him a job ‘for a second man requested it went to sectional council, and they then they’re not worth the paper they’re written – mate to a train driver – on local routes, £8 a agreed that L215 should be paid to all the drivers on. I’ve put ASLEF policies into practice, on week, and I thought, I quite like the sound of – ‘a good deal and a big money earner’. inclusion and diversity, EJRA on Chiltern, and that.’ His dad had been a box boy – working in a He was branch secretary until 2000 – ‘Bernard mental health; dealt successfully with a lot of signal box with a signalman – and told him, ‘Get Kennedy took over and has been in position ever disciplinary issues; and negotiated recognition on it, best thing you’ll ever do.’ And was it? ‘Yes! since’ – and was elected onto sectional council B, at Pre Metro Operations, a small company in Although I did nights for 18 months...’ covering the whole of BR western region, before Stourbridge.’

12 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Brian Corbett

Brian in action during the 1982 strike; with tony West and lew Adams at the Railway tavern, Stratford; the 35 hours dispute at Bristol Bath Road; and Brian Corbett’s claret and blue army

in double figures, and then a member of Arthur childhood. He recalls West Ham beating Arsenal Scargill’s Socialist Labour Party, but I joined with a rare Trevor Brooking header to win the FA Labour as soon as I saw people interested in Cup in 1980; beating Ipswich in ‘the noisiest talking about real socialism, when Jeremy match I’ve been to’ in a play-off semi-final in Corbyn became leader.’ 2004; and, the most emotional, ‘the final game at When Robert Mugabe, of the Zimbabwean the Boleyn Ground when we beat Manchester African National Union, and Joshua Nkomo, of United in 2016.’ The highs and lows of footie, he the Zimbabwean African People’s Union, were in says dryly, are like those of a union rep. ‘You can’t London in 1979 negotiating the Lancaster House win every time’. agreement with Ian Smith, Prime Minister of He married Bev in 1980 – romantically, Rhodesia, Bishop Abel Muzorewa, and British promising to tie the knot if West Ham won the Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington, Brian and Cup – and they have two sons, Brett and Ash. Mick Blackburn acted as stewards for a packed ‘We’d like to do more travelling – although that’s anti-apartheid meeting at Westminster Hall. on hold at the moment – and spend more time He’s thrilled that Transport for Wales is back with our grandson Alex. And I’m toying with under public control – and won’t be retendered HIGHS AND LOWS OF FOOTIE getting back involved politically, with the Labour for seven years – and believes this is just the ‘The CP was the only party they trusted, and the Party, and issues like the Palestinian cause. start of bringing all of Britain’s railways back into CP had an ex-Para hard nut in charge of security, ‘Because every decision taken that affects public ownership. so Mick and I were entrusted with the job of people’s working lives is political, and people Because Brian believes in public ownership escorting the delegates, including Robert need to understand the politics of what is going and is a card-carrying Labour Party member Mugabe, into the building, up the lift, and onto on. Covid will give impetus to the establishment although he was, he admits, a little late to the the stage, where we stood, pretending to be to reset the economy, with really strict wage party. Well, that party. ‘I was a member of the hard, to protect him!’ constraints. These are worrying times, but we can Communist Party for many years, at Stratford Brian’s West Country exile hasn’t dimmed his move forward with the right people doing the the railway branch membership of the CP was enthusiasm for the claret and blue idols of his right things.’ It could have been me...

A tragic collision at Ladbroke Grove, two got off and on. I was still stopped. I was fuming, as he hadn’t miles out from Paddington, on 5 October pulled off the signal, and I was going to be late. then he pulled 1999 claimed the lives of 31 people, off the green, and let Brian go in front of me. otherwise, it would including the two drivers, Brian Cooper and have been me. Coming into Acton main line, double yellow, signal, went to Michael Hodder, and left 258 others injured single yellow, so I put the brake in emergency, on the HSt, and in one of the worst accidents on Britain’s fortunately stopped at the red light. Immediately got on the railways. Here Brian who, 21 years ago, was a phone to the signalman, for putting the signal back, and he said, driver with First GreatWestern, tells how the HST he was ‘look, mate, we’ve got a major incident, come back in ten driving was so nearly the one that crashed minutes.’ then I had a bang on the door, and one of the managers, in an ARlY morning, I was driving from Bristol to london. the orange jacket, had been told a train had crashed in front. Now train concerned in the collision was empty to there was a slight curve, so I couldn’t see it, but I could see the E Cheltenham, where the driver changed ends, and smoke coming up and, as I walked along, I heard shouts from worked it from Cheltenham to Paddington. the driver booked on passengers who had mobile phones and told me there had been that turn went sick so they asked another driver to step up, and a train crash and people had been killed. he said, ‘I’m prepared to work it to Reading, but then need a I spoke to the guard, and signalman, who told me to change relief, to work my booked train back from Reading to Exeter’. So ends and go, wrong road, then back to the normal route, to Brian Cooper, spare at Paddington, was asked to travel Ealing Broadway to detrain my passengers. passenger to Reading to relieve that driver. then I went back empty to Reading, where it was chaos, and, I came in on the platform, stopped at a red light, passengers eventually, back to Bristol.

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Key Worker From a boil in the bag driver to life member

Ian Smith has been an ASLEF was a railway town with 20,000 people trustee through some of the employed at three massive sites – the Atlas most turbulent times this works, the Caledonian works, and Cowlairs, trade union has had to endure. where his dad worked – and in 1979 Ian joined the railway. He talks to KEITH RICHMOND He was active industrially – first, as a guard, in about the dark days, when the NUR, and then, as a driver, in ASLEF – where ASLEF was on the brink, and what the he has served as Glasgow branch chair and future looks like for the union now secretary; district council chair; LLC secretary and chair; company council; and delegate to AAD. HEN Ian Smith, who stepped down at His values and beliefs were forged on the the end of last year as senior trustee of streets of Springburn, a working-class area – W this union, opened our annual ‘there was a lot of poverty’ – where he realised assembly of delegates at Aviemore in 2016, he that everything working men and women have was described by Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF’s achieved – good pay, decent terms and organiser in Scotland, as ‘a great stalwart of this conditions, proper health and safety at work, trade union’, and by Hugh Bradley, then the EC housing, education, and the right to vote – have member for District 2, as ‘Mr Angry – but always not been handed over happily by monarchs, on behalf of the members.’ merchants, or lairds, but have been argued for, Ian welcomed delegates to the Scottish fought for, and paid for, often in broken bones Highlands and briefly described his career on the and blood. iron road: ‘I joined the railway in 1979 as a guard, ‘Da was Presbyterian – although we were not became an activist in the NUR, and remember a sectarian family – and Ma had strong socialist being impressed by Ray Buckton during the views, and I believed in standing up against flexible rostering dispute in 1982. injustice. Trade unions represent solidarity, ‘ASLEF went out on strike, and stayed out on friendship, and togetherness, because it is, ASLEF history, because Keith, as GS, steadied the strike – you ended up losing that dispute – but I believe you me, them against us.’ ship, and, with the help of Tony Yates-Watson, was proud of what ASLEF did. I believed I was in the head of finance, got us back on an even keel. the wrong job, and the wrong union, so I THEY WERE VERY DARK DAYS – WE We restructured the finances, and the GMB, became a boil in the bag driver and joined WERE DEEP IN THE FINANCIAL MIRE which represented head office staff, agreed to ASLEF. Ian decided to stand for election as an ASLEF the restructure, so that ASLEF could survive. trustee after watching ‘frankly, with incredulity’ Now, as a trade unionist, and an activist, I can see KEVIN DRUMMED INTO ME THE KEY things unravel as a delegate at a recalled AAD in that was hard because if an employer had VALUES OF INTEGRITY, SOLIDARITY, the dark days in the wake of the Brady affair. brought those proposals to me I would have AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY Shaun Brady, who unexpectedly beat Mick Rix in thought about strike action, so major thanks to ‘At Scarborough in 1994 I came across a big the GS election of 2003, was dismissed by the the staff and the officers and how they bought brass Scotsman, Tosh McDonald, who rode a big trade union for gross misconduct two years later into the restructure so we could survive. fancy Harley, and drank wine rather than Mad after failing to co-operate with an independent ‘We set up the finance committee, which Dog, and Simon Weller – ‘Sit down, Simon’– who inquiry led by Matthias Kelly QC. meets first thing every Monday of every EC both had a big influence on me. ‘I watched as a trustee backed the flawed session, with the three trustees, GS, EC president, ‘The key values of a trade union – drummed Blagbrough report. I thought the infighting had an officer, and another EC member, to examine into me by Kevin Lindsay – are integrity, to stop and other delegates said, well, throw every financial aspect of ASLEF going forward. solidarity, and collective responsibility.’ your hat in the ring, so I stood for trustee in 2005 Then, as a mark of the respect in which he is and, to my surprise, I was elected. ASLEF IS A SMALL UNION WHICH held by members throughout the country, GS ‘The union was facing a very dark time, quite PUNCHES WELL ABOVE ITS WEIGHT Mick Whelan presented Ian with honorary life honestly. I very quickly learned just how deep ‘The role of a trustee is to ensure the smooth membership of ASLEF – the highest honour this we were in the financial mire. At my first meeting running of ASLEF – managing the properties, the union can bestow – in recognition of his services. we were told the union had a £300,000 deficit; at investments, the trustees oversee all that, and Ian was born at Springburn, Glasgow, in 1959. the next we were told it was £900,000. We’d sign the documents, although the EC has the ‘Growing up in the west of Scotland, in the early taken our eye of the ball; ASLEF had been final say – and we report to AAD. ’60s, the division between Presbyterian and running a deficit for a decade, and subs hadn’t Ian is quick to praise Keith Norman and Tony Catholic ran very deep; the school you attended, gone up for many a year. There was talk of the Yates-Watson for steadying the ship, and Tony’s the football team you supported, the area where staff and officers’ pension fund foreclosing. We successors Nigel Gooch and Nikki Newing for you lived. In my teenage years I came to realise were on a cliff edge, heading for financial making sure the finances are strong, and to how fundamentally wrong that was; how the disaster, and about to lose our right to be a small, praise GS Mick Whelan for what he has done churches liked their flocks to be separated, and independent, trade union.’ since being elected general secretary in 2011. how it’s a way for those in power to divide and The word was that several other unions – the ‘The work Mick has done to bring the union rule the working-class.’ names of Unite and the RMT were whispered at up politically is amazing. ASLEF took its eye off He left school at 16 – his first job was many a branch meeting – were circling. the ball, politically, but Mick has progressively delivering bottles of ginger – but Springburn ‘Keith Norman came in, and he has a place in brought us back. We are a small union – with

14 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Points and Crossings

Rishi fluffs his chance AIL campaigners have dismissed R Rishi Sunak’s latest spending review as ‘lacking ideas’ and ‘lacking content’. ‘We’re disappointed,’ said Chris Page, chair of Railfuture. ‘First, does the the Dft will have to take action to encourage passengers Chancellor’s announcement back onto rail , by offering fares people feel are fair protect the railway for when best way to decarbonise Another missed opportunity things recover? £2billion to transport. The Treasury must – most of the rail investment support rail services in the accept that Network Rail can mentioned is not new. next financial year isn’t deliver electrification cost- ‘The opportunity of much – if passenger effectively. The effect of station upgrades from the numbers don’t recover delay is that NR will lose the levelling up fund; funding quickly then services and learning it has gained on for the Tees Valley hydrogen jobs or pay will be cut. To GW and MML electrification transport hub; and the avoid that the DfT will have of what works and what results of the Restoring Your to take action to encourage doesn’t – electrification Railway ideas fund round 2 Ian Smith at AAD in the passengers back, by offering teams are being disbanded and New Stations round 3 Highlands in 2016 (far fares people feel are fair, because their projects are are welcome. left); the Cowlairs railway enabling them to work from being completed. Ironically, ‘But to make a big works in Springburn home part-time whilst government inaction will difference to economic (many moons ago); and a encouraging them to cause the excessive cost of recovery, social mobility, or book Ian would like commute more frequently. electrification which it fears, carbon reduction we need everyone to read ‘Second, does it provide as mistakes are repeated to accelerate existing rail funding for a rolling because the learning has proposals such as the programme of been lost. TransPennine route 23,594 members, plus 2,562 in the Retired electrification? A missed ‘And, third, does it upgrade, reliability Members’ Section – but we punch well above opportunity here – no support economic recovery, improvements around our weight and, once again, have influence in mention of electrification, social mobility, levelling up, Manchester, and Midland the Labour Party and the labour movement. which with modal shift is the carbon reductions, etc? main line electrification.’ ‘Our finances can’t, and don’t, drive us – the GS, AGS, EC, DOs and local reps do that – but they can and do provide the solid foundation on which the officers do their industrial and political Sorry seems to be the hardest word work. And our finances, now, are very sound.’ NotHER high profile apology and another The future, though, could be tricky. ‘sorry’ that falls some way short of the mark. ‘The Tory government, which has a big A So many people in the media spotlight majority, is making noises. It is already getting continue to offer ‘sorry, not sorry’ apologies like Home rid of Union Learn, and I think they are coming Secretary Priti Patel when she issued what she for trade union release. The biggest threat to the described as an ‘unreserved, fulsome apology’ after an way we operate will be legal challenges. They internal investigation found her guilty of bullying. want to ensnare us in red tape if they can. Here is the key bit in her statement: ‘I am sorry that Priti Patel: sorry, but not sorry Anything to make us less effective.’ my behaviour in the past has upset people. It has never Ian, though, is an optimist. ‘I would give every been my intention to cause upset to anyone.’ Does that sound ‘unreserved’ and new member a copy of the ASLEF rule book and ‘fulsome’? there’s a big difference between saying ‘I am sorry for my behaviour’ and ‘I a copy of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by am sorry that my behaviour in the past has upset people.’ Robert Tressell. It’s a classic novel, a wonderful And the unconvincing apology theme continued in her tv interviews. She told BBC work of working-class literature, and a book that News: ‘I’m here to give an unreserved apology today and I am sorry if I have upset George Orwell said ‘everyone should read’. people in any way whatsoever. that was completely unintentional and, I’ll be very Together they explain, as a trade union, who we candid, you know the work that I do here in this department, and across government, is are, what we do, and why we do it.’ deeply challenging. So, if I have upset people, that has been completely unintentional, and I’m absolutely sorry for any upset that has been associated with that.’ IAN’S RECORD IS UNSURPASSED – MICK the problem with Ms Patel’s apologies is they are full of caveats, clauses, and plenty The last word should go to the GS. ‘Ian’s record as of ‘ifs’, and it leaves you with the impression that she is apologising because people a rep and trustee is unsurpassed,’ said Mick. were upset rather than for her behaviour. ‘When we had dark times, he stood strong, and Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, given her track record. Fronting a Downing helped this union to survive and prosper. Ian has Street press conference last April, Ms Patel was asked twice if she would apologise for never been afraid to ask the difficult question the lack of PPE available for frontline workers and she replied: ‘I’m sorry if people feel but has been staunch and true in a world where that there have been failings.’ loyalty and honour are not always recognised. Adam Fisher , MediaFirst Ian, I want to thank you!’

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch lines

be difficult. As Skipton branch Zooming in secretary I have to agree as our company T OUR meeting in council rep Shaun recent September, only Jackson, of Hull equipment, or A District 4 three attended, it was branch, has a long way because they are not Council meeting, we not quorate. to travel to Skipton up to speed with asked each branch All branches said (our constituency is how Zoom meetings delegate how Zoom Zoom doesn’t replace Hull, York & Skipton, are run. As a branch meetings are going. I the face to face of and must cover one of hours, are now taking secretary I can’t wait did a tally of Zoom normal branch the biggest distances). over three. for when we all meet meetings held by meetings, but most We have held two twice in six years. I also note that at face to face again. branches in October, did say that with branch meetings by Most branches branch and district Adrian Lunn , and it was six up, four Zoom it is easier to Zoom and Shaun has report that meetings council meetings District 4 Council the same, and one get guest speakers to attended both; up to are taking longer; retired members secretary, Skipton down. One branch attend as travelling to then we have only had normal branch seem to be absent, 189 branch had its first Zoom branch meetings can him at our branch meetings, under two either due to secretary Well done, John Blitz kids I came across this on our Northern line track walk from Bank to King’s Cross. ‘Pillows, rugs or blankets must not be left in this shelter.’ Not in bad condition for 80 years old. Julian Vaughan , Northern Line North branch, trains health & safety council

Driver instructor John Baker (left) of Preston Eurostar: thanks, Mick branch being presented with his 40 years This branch would like to record our thanks to long service badge by me. Congratulations, the general secretary, Mick Whelan, for his John, on this tremendous achievement! recent press release regarding the dire state of Graham Fazackerley , Preston 166 branch Eurostar’s finances during the current crises. secretary Going forward we would urge the EC and GS to continue to lobby the government to provide funds to ensure the future of Eurostar and international rail travel. Bill’s a credit Dave Tate , St Pancras International 269 to the union branch secretary Amtrak Joe up on the rails I’ve been a union member for the last 38 years, I was fascinated to read Tyler Moss writing, in a first with the NUR, then the RMT, and, for the piece posted on Condé Nash Traveler’s website last 19 years, with ASLEF. Fortunately, I have cntraveler.com on 25 November, about not had to ask for any major assistance until ‘Amtrak Joe’ and how ‘President-elect Joe recently. Through the Journal , I would like to Spotted this at a restaurant in Biden’s dedication to trains could transform praise Bill Goode, company council tewkesbury, gloucestershire, at the domestic travel’. Considering our two Birmingham, and thank him for his sterling weekend. Birmingham No 4 branch… countries’ ‘special relationship’, I can’t wait to work in representing me. He is a credit to this Angela Geddes-Smith , Birmingham see ‘BR Boris’ ejecting the fat cats and their union and a reminder to us all that, when help New Street 141 branch secretary shareholders from our under-performing is needed, there is strength in membership. gravy trains, and instructing Network Rail to Darrell Smith , driver, Coventry get rolling out the railroad. Incidentally, even at 73, I can still pull a cracker. And here is the Forthcoming events joke that came out of it: ‘Just seen a frog turn into a prince! I blame Kermit change!’ Mel Thorley , RMS Stockport n BRIGHTON & SUSSEX – TUESDAY 4 MAY The annual (and informal) Brighton & Sussex branches (past and present) social afternoon will be held from 14.00 at the Brighton Railway Club, Belmont, off Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 l Please send your branch news, reports, 3TF. Subject to covid-19 restrictions. ASLEF members from other branches are very articles, features, presentations, and welcome. Further details from Paul Edwards (ex-Brighton, now St Blazey) on 07402 478278. photographs to [email protected]

16 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Smokebox If Nigel says he’s happy he must be happy in his work

MICK BERG, Woking 235 branch, and MARTIN DYE , South Western Railway company council secretary, pay tribute to ASLEF stalwart and SWR company council rep Nigel Cummins as he steps down from drivers’ company council

S NIGEL Cummins is not seeking re-election to DCC, and is intent on A winding down prior to retiring from the railway, it seems fitting that a few words are written on behalf of Woking branch and SWR company council. We would like to offer our thanks and appreciation on behalf of members, past and Nigel Cummins: We only want what’s best for him present, for Nigel’s unwavering dedication to representing our grade on a collective and survive a formal closure notice being served. individual basis. Shortly after this BR South Western division Nigel has served as both an LDC rep at became South West Trains, a franchise run by Woking and, latterly, during his sterling 21 Stagecoach, and with that came the driver years, as a DCC representative. He is known to restructuring initiative in 1997, a veritable car many ASLEF members right around the boot sale of hard fought for conditions and country, having represented Woking at AAD allowances, that previous generations of on many occasions. members and negotiators were awarded for Mick Berg, during his time as branch sweat and toil, and which were exchanged for secretary, LDC rep, and a driver at Woking, has appointment to a driver’s position didn’t come cold, hard cash. There was chicanery and a lack found the support, advice, and assistance until 1986, and he was elected to the LDC in of transparency surrounding this DRI Nigel has given immeasurable; it made what 1990; quite some apprenticeship! agreement, its finer detail and can be, at times, a difficult job, a great deal implementation, and there was acrimony, too. easier. And it’s all been done unconditionally, A CAR BOOT SALE OF T&CS This unholy bun fight, and the expulsions with grace, humour, and humility. Many drivers Nigel flourished as a local rep at Woking, not from ASLEF that ensued, spurred Nigel on to and reps tell the same story. only ably carrying out the tasks such a position seek a position on SWT DCC and, in autumn entails, but also being instrumental in 1998, he was successful in being elected to TRACTION TRAINEE AT WOKING MT transforming the LDC and staff representation council, taking up position on 1 January 1999. Nigel began work on British Rail at 18, on 15 at Woking into something more approachable July 1974, as a traction trainee based at and accountable to all those who elected NIGEL’S A TRUE BELIEVER Woking MT and was passed as a driver’s them to serve, at a time when the railway was Martin Dye started working full-time with assistant shortly afterwards. After successfully being reorganised and kicked about in Nigel on company council in January 2006. completing the MP12 course in his early 20s he readiness for privatisation. Nigel must be one of the longest serving remained at Woking as a passed man/relief Uncertain times, with little idea of what the company council reps in recent years, driver where others would have moved depots future held, and not dissimilar to the situation amassing 21 years in the role. Working to hasten appointment and stabilise earnings we find ourselves in today. In 1994 the BRB together with the FTO, Graham Morris, we and shift patterns. initiated formal consultation after announcing have achieved so much for our drivers, with The depot establishment was mostly ex- their intention to close Woking and Farnham Nigel at the helm steering us through some steam men from Guildford loco 70C, which depots and relocate work and crews to really troubled times. He has been a true closed in 1967 with the end of steam traction, Guildford. Nigel organised resistance to the believer in ASLEF and all that the society has and much of the work the depot undertook closure of both depots, along with other achieved through collective bargaining and had come with them. This combination of activists, including the irrepressible Ray Cox of professional representation. work and personnel, and the characters Farnham LDC, and Andy Parkes, a trainman D Nigel’s dedication to the role of DCC is undertaking and overseeing it, gave Woking a and LDC co-opt at the time. The costings and admired by staff side and management alike, unique, almost anachronistic, atmosphere projected savings from these closures forecast he is respected throughout the industry, and which prevailed throughout the 1970s, ’80s by the BRB were proven to be not only recognised as a wordsmith with his often and early ’90s. Nigel’s curiosity for, and affinity inaccurate but unattainable. The closure outlandish vocabulary. Martin owes Nigel a with, his workplace, as well as his being a self- proposal was subsequently withdrawn and great debt of gratitude for taking him under confessed ‘angry young man’, drew him into 100 ASLEF members spared the uncertainty his wing, back in 2006, and teaching him the union activism. and upheaval of becoming displaced and ways of the council. These were different times, though, and no being dealt with through the RT&R procedure. On behalf of all the drivers on SWR we matter how enthusiastic you were, time had to This achievement was all the more notable thank you, Nigel, for your sacrifices and your be served before there was any chance of because it wasn’t supported by the District 1 dedication to the cause. We wish you all the becoming an elected rep. Similarly, despite officers at the time, and Three Bridges, to our very best for the future, no matter what you being a relief driver for many years, Nigel’s knowledge, is the only other location to decide to do.

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 17 obituaries

GRAHAM TURNER WE CAME OUT TOGETHER AND WE WILL GO BACK TOGETHER – WITH OUR HEADS HELD HIGH

T IS with deep regret and profound Midway through that strike I gained an personal sadness that I report the experience of Graham I have never forgotten. I I death of my friend Graham Turner, began to understand the power of the spoken aged 90, an ASLEF stalwart and political word. In a speech to a crammed branch activist, who spent a vast amount of his railway meeting, with huge uncertainty and tension in career at Parkeston branch, on the Essex coast, the air, the threat of dismissal first and although he transferred to Stratford for a short foremost in many minds, Graham calmed the time to gain his driving position. collective nerve, filled hearts with renewed Graham was a deeply sincere man, fight, instilled confidence into those who opinionated and, sometimes, abrasive, loyal to needed it, and transformed the entire his friends and hostile towards adversaries: my atmosphere into one of new resolve and kind of man! steadfast defiance where, to use Graham’s own He wasn’t a stranger to kindness, either. He words, ‘We came out together and we will go may have seemed controversial, to some, but back together and, when we do, it will be with he was highly principled, and stood by what – our heads held high and as proud men. And and with whom – he thought was right. that time is not yet!’ My strongest memories of Graham’s acute Graham was a political activist all his life. He loyalty towards ASLEF as a union and his hated injustice, insincerity, and the Tories, members as a whole range from the period although not necessarily in that order. between 1976 and 1984 when I enjoyed He ran for local office on several occasions, fantastic times with him at Parkeston depot in mostly under the Labour flag but, sometimes, District 5. as an independent. His love for the Labour Nationally, with Ray Buckton at the helm, Party didn’t preclude the odd period of falling and regionally, with EC member Lew Adams out. He lived, breathed, and, indeed. spoke the and Tony West as district secretary, ASLEF was words, ‘For the many, not the few’, many graham: you made our world a better place very strong, and these men were supported by decades before it became the party political local level giants. To take Parkeston as an slogan. He put pen to paper regularly: the by others) during his lifetime. example, there were reps of the calibre of Jack editor of the local Harwich newspaper was Graham outlived his wife, and soulmate, Hammond, Charlie Howlett, Graham Turner, acutely aware that there were easier careers Shirley. Losing her was a terrible blow. He and a young Andy Morrison; yes, the same to pursue! suffered from a series of debilitating illnesses Andy who went on to serve his district at To drivers’ assistants, Graham was hugely towards the end of his life but treated illness national level. These were men of true popular because he was approachable, he was like an intransigent management: to be integrity. No wonder the powers that be informative, he remembered what it was like endured and, eventually, beaten! eventually wanted to sack us all. They couldn’t to be young, he wasn’t judgemental and, not Graham leaves behind two daughters of match us intellectually! least, he didn’t believe in his mate sitting idly whom he was fiercely proud – Julie and Annie This was a period of industrial unrest, not by on the right-hand side of the engine: not – together with his prized grandchildren, Tom, least the infamous 1982 dispute, and eventual when he could! and Toby. strike, engineered by an ultra-right-wing, and Education was Graham’s passion, Rest in peace, Brother Graham Turner. Our callous, set of individuals purporting to be the continuous improvement his goal. One of the world has been a profoundly better place for government, pulling the state-owned railway last times I saw him he was pouring over a you being in it. You made a difference. You strings in pursuit of taking away the basic right world map, noting how many countries had kept the red flag flying right to the end. of a guaranteed working day. changed their names (or had them changed Mick Barker , RMS committee member

BRIAN SOUTHWORTH

It is with a heavy heart that I report the JULIAN WAGSTAFF death of retired driver Brian Southworth of Retired Basingstoke driver Julian Preston depot, after being diagnosed with Wagstaff has died at the age of multiple myeloma cancer in September 51. Julian was a guard with South 2020. West Trains before he passed out Brian started his railway career as a as a driver in 2011. He was signalbox lad. He joined the footplate in diagnosed with cancer and 1951 at Preston shed, where he remained retired due to ill health. Julian for the rest of his career, finally retiring in was a well-liked colleague who Brian served with the loyal lancashires 1996 after 45 years. Brian’s brother Reg was will be missed by all his friends at also on the railway, as a guard at Blackburn, passed away in 2014, he lived his life for his Basingstoke. He passed away at and their paths crossed many times. children, grandchildren, and great- home, with his family around him, He did his national service with the loyal grandchildren. just as he wanted. Our thoughts North lancashire Regiment in Italy, and He was always asking how the railways are with Julian’s family at this afterwards returned to the iron road. He were doing, especially the route up to very sad time. met his beloved Mabel at the cinema in glasgow, which was a route he loved. Rest Ian Robinson , Basingstoke 017 April 1952, and they got married on Brian’s in Peace now Brother. branch secretary 21st birthday on 4 July 1956. After Mabel Russell Southworth , Preston 166 branch

18 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 obituaries

OSCAR AIREY HARRY JEWITT PROUD CAVALRYMAN GOOD TO US

GBRf Liverpool Harry Jewitt was born in 1932 driver Oscar Airey and left us, aged 88, on passed away on Thursday 3 December. He Friday 13 began his long railway career November at the at Manchester’s Eastern shed young age of 60 in Gorton, on the up side of after battling a the former Great Central main short illness. line, next to Gorton loco Oscar was works. When the LNER raised and handed over their stud to BR educated in on 1 January 1948, 156 steam Manchester enginemen from four different steam sheds: Bradford and, on engines were on the books. Alan Croft (trafford Park); Harry Jewitt (gorton); Ken leaving school, The men worked the Murphy (Stockport Edgeley); and les o’Malley (Heaton embarked upon a Marylebones via the Mersey) at Peterborough on a route learning trip before the military career. infamous old steam bores introduction of the Sprinter service from the north-west of He decided at Woodhead. England to East Anglia in the late 1980s the Household When Gorton was closed Cavalry was for in 1965 Harry found himself Manchester pool. I recall a train without your traps!’ ‘No, him and, after just up the line at Guide Piccadilly concourse packed Harry, I gave that up when intensive Bridge. In 1973, steam-hauled with passengers and, as I Longsight closed’. training, rail tours returned to the main made my way to platform Harry was a good including riding line and Harry was back on one, a figure came out of the inspector to us, there to help, and grooming the footplate. When Guide bodies and Harry asked, ‘Mr rather than ask for your post horses, chose the Bridge closed in 1986, he Thorley, where are you code so they could send you Life Guards in moved to Manchester going?’ ‘I’m meeting Billy the address of the nearest job favour of the Piccadilly. Beggs, working in from centre. Blues & Royals. Just after his transfer to Hadfield, who is lending me He leaves a widow, Gwen, He spent Longsight was approved, he his season ticket for tonight’s to whom he was married 65 much of his time was offered a traction game’. ‘Ah. I thought you years. on ceremonial inspector post in the might be going to work a Mel Thorley , RMS duties at Windsor but was deployed to Cyprus for United Nations showed, in the early days, in his bugle peacekeeping RICHARD COTTRELL playing in the Sea Cadets, and, later, duties and to CAT-LIKE REFLEXES turning the other wheels of steel as Northern Ireland one of Salisbury’s fun time DJs. And during Operation Richard Cottrell, affectionately known when he and his good friend Steve Banner. He as Codge, passed away on Saturday 7 Horne ran their horse racing events enjoyed training November. He started on 2 January with cut-out wooden horses, large in Canada and trooper Airey on parade 1961, at 15, as a cleaner down the old dice, complete with bookies, the fun America, spent Salisbury steam shed and followed really began. Much merriment and a part of his career in Germany as a member of the time-honoured tradition up lot of money raised for local charities a Chieftain tank crew, and the latter part of through the grades to passed and schools. his career as a member of the Life Guards’ fireman. The railway football team Codge was taken off track in 2003 mounted squadron. benefited from his cat-like reflexes in due to health issues but, thanks to the Oscar began his railway career at London goal; Codge ‘the Cat’ Cottrell is efforts of Bob Thompson and Roger Waterloo with South West Trains in 2005. embedded in local footie lore. Luckins, a job at the training centre Later his wife Paula convinced him to move Steam came to an end and Codge was offered, where he surprised north, to her seaside home town of Formby, chose to sit it out at Salisbury and had himself and, with his relaxed teaching near Southport, and he joined DRS, to wait until 1979 before getting his style, he became a firm favourite with becoming a freight driver at Crewe, where he driver’s position now, of course, on trainees. This gave Codge the chance particularly liked working on Class 37s and diesel traction. of early retirement which he took in 20s. He was one of the depot’s happy 2006. In 2013 he moved to GBRf’s Liverpool drivers – always fun to work with – Codge was a long-standing and depot, enjoying frequent trips through the and well-known for his rostering loyal ASLEF member who lived life to Calder Valley and Pennines to Drax power skills, regularly submitting up to 12 the full, especially after beating station. Oscar’s passing was quite way swaps to the roster clerk who, testicular cancer in 1983, but, unexpected. He was a very popular member with some trepidation, accepted unfortunately, it was cancer that took of GBRf due to his polite and unbiased them. Mistakes did happen but we all him in the end. Condolences to wife manner. He was a man of immense integrity, pulled together to keep things going! Joan and son Darren. RIP Codge. trustworthy, and reliable. Food was another speciality and Heaven better have stocked up the His passing has left his wife Paula and son Codge never shied away from being pantry. Anthony devastated by the loss of their first to the table. His love of music Mike Pearce , ex-Salisbury driver much-loved husband and father. Gerard Pratt , Edge Hill 070 branch, GBRf

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 19 letters

Join the conversation! Send your letters by email to If you wouldn’t say something at home, or at work, [email protected] or by then don’t post those comments on social media

Royal Mail to the ASLEF 2 Journal at 77 St John Street, I would like to my lifetime. congratulate ASlEF, Social media is still

Clerkenwell, AS LE JOURNALF DECEMBER 2020 equalities adviser lee The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen creating problems, London, James, and the Equality is the resulting, in some cases, EC1M 4NN representatives’ in disciplinary action. If committees, for the work soul of liberty you wouldn’t say they have done over the something controversial last 20 years and continue at work, or at home, then to do today. don’t post it on social Our strength is in our unity obviously, not media platforms. our power in our diversity everything is a bed of there may be posts roses, and there is still a you don’t like or agree Comrades, I write this letter as a presumptive ‘There is, in fact, no liberty without it’ said Frances Wright long way to go, and I The train drivers’ with; but you can scroll on We celebrate 20 years of ASLEF’s equalities committees – union since 1880 response to the almost orchestral anger I am guess this will always be BAME, Disabled, LGBT+, Women’s and Young Members and ignore them rather sure will arise following an article written in the case. the Journal celebrates than get involved in a last month’s edition of the Journal . The article I But I would love to see heated debate or wrote in relation to where I want the 20 years of ASlEF’s the day when these equalities committees argument. demography of our grade to be, shall not be committees are not apologised for. The manner in which I needed and every driver race, sexual orientation, Richy Doran, Lincoln constructed my opinion, and delivered it, shall really is treated equally or gender, although I branch secretary & not be apologised for. and fairly irrespective of doubt that will happen in equalities rep Those who have taken umbrage toward the facts I laid down regarding the general demographic makeup of those who join us from the police, or armed forces, coupled with the flare of humour in its delivery, do surprise of our equality and diversity achievements was to cover their bigotry behind such classic lines me. Who would have thought that our ‘Queen fantastic, and we should be proud of our as ‘We’re all one union’, ‘It shouldn’t matter and Country’ are protected by such fragile trade union. what race/gender/religion you are’ and ‘I’ve individuals? To take such offence can only be Unfortunately, the response of some stood on the picket line to defend all our jobs’, derived from taking ownership and identity members to such a celebration proves the dire the hatred of the ‘It’s not about me’ crew was with the bare facts of the situation I so arrantly reality that we are far from where we need to plain to see – although not as obvious as the described. be. But, relish this; their indignation proves our fact that the equalities committees they are so Supporting the case I made, a quick scan necessity! ‘Our strength lies in our unity. Our against are clearly needed. over the demographics found: 91% of regular power lies in our diversity’. I am, however, extremely proud of the way forces and 93% of police officers are white or, James Sutherland , chair, Young Members’ our more outspoken members, on the as I described, pale; 89% of regular forces and Committee representatives’ committees, and equalities 70% of police officers are men or, as I reps, stood up and challenged these fools. And described, male; as for the last rhyming triplet, I commend page admin for removing the vile well, let’s put that down to writer’s cynical wit. The it’s not about me crew comment threads and preventing further Whilst we should aspire toward (and Well, well, well. It seems the Brotherhood of distress for the minority members these idiots exceed) the percentage of women police the Gammonati hadn’t had their fill of bigotry chose to attack, and to prevent the good name officers, by and large, with such heavy and hatred for 2020 by attacking our BAME of our union being tarnished because we have recruitment to our grade from the police and members and the BLM movement. So they these vile people associated with us. I can’t armed forces, the demography of our grade decided to go the whole hog and attack every believe this is the second time in as many will be slow to show a true reflection of our one of our members who is not white, male, months that I have felt the need to call them wider society. straight, middle-aged, with the complexion of out for the pathetic, knuckle-dragging, hate- I’m sure remarks will be made in relation to a slice of out-of-date processed ham, on the mongers they are. Shameful. my conduct; which would be as fair as if I public ASLEF page. Dean Forsyth , ASLEF industrial relations chose to remind some of those who pose as A post that should have been seen (and staff side secretary, Barking, C&H line offended about their conduct and measure it was, by the decent, principled, members of our against our union’s requirement to further the union) as a celebration of what fantastic work As a white, heterosexual, working-class and socialist movement. Indeed, ASLEF has done over the past 20 years in in relation to our socialist movement, I am promoting equality in our role was hijacked by male I’m being persecuted assured by the railway grapevine that some of the usual disgusting bigots who have the Being an ex-Royal Air Force, and decorated, our members with whom I have locked horns audacity to call themselves union members. serviceman I read in disbelief the comments, in the past over our differing ideals of society, Some of the comments were not only pathetic that you allowed to be published, by James have secretly relished an opportunity to create and shameful but possibly against the law. As Sutherland ( Journal , December) degrading a fuss over a piece of writing, purely for the if it’s not bad enough that these sad and police and ex-service as train drivers. Not only name under its title. ridiculous individuals hold such shameful and has this offended me. It has angered me. If I I wish to thank and celebrate all those despicable views in the 21st century, that they mention anybody’s colour, sex or origin in my involved in ASLEF’s equality functions; our think it okay to air their (admittedly poorly workplace, which is totally inappropriate, I work is bettering our union, our grade, and our spelt) opinions publicly on a union post is would expect to be having to answer to industry. The work undertaken by Lee James unbelievable. somebody. I feel that as a white, heterosexual, and our team at head office to mark 20 years Despite some of them trying unsuccessfully ex-service male, I am being persecuted by

20 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 Classifieds someone who is meant to hold a position of is silence no longer permitted? KEYWORKER badge to recognise trust and respect. He is supposed to uphold ASLEF is stronger for having a plurality of the hard work of all railway and the ASLEF and company guidelines on views aired in the Journal ; woke echo other keyworkers this year. £5 plus harassment, workplace bullying, equality and chambers don’t change minds. £1 p&p from Fiona Lumsden (MTR unity. It seems he is ageist, sexist, racist, and Richard Butler , East Midlands, Derby Elizabeth line and Paddington against those who have had a previous career, branch). Please email [email protected] including service of their country. Disgruntled. DARLINGTON 125th Darren Wills MBE , Bletchley depot Staff travel concessions I write in support of Bro Allan Robertson of anniversary badge 1895-2020. Fratton ( Journal , November) who refers to the All badges individually I find the comments by James Sutherland numbered. £6.50 inc p&p. (Journal , December) racist, derogatory and inequality of staff travel concessions. He rightly Please contact branch secretary sexist. He wrote: ‘I would like to see a direct line points out that now would be a good time to John Clark by email at [email protected] revisit this subject, given the significant of promotion in the railway, to increase the FINAL RUN by Gareth diversity of our grade. There are a lot of ex- changes in the way our railway is managed, and the future of the franchise system. I should Tomkins. Painting in plods, and ex-forces, who are pale, male, and acrylics to mark the last stale. Other areas – our colleagues on ticket also like to draw attention to the fact that run of the HST on barriers – have a more diverse establishment. those who have non-safeguarded facilities western region. High And, in our union, there are gatekeepers in currently lose these entirely upon retirement. quality giclée prints using archival inks on fine art some branches who have been there for years This compounds the inequalities created by paper available at £50 plus p&p. Unframed. the two schemes, and is particularly galling Overall size 20x16in; image size 18x14in with and years – and that’s not always healthy.’ 1in white border. Delivered in strong cardboard As a forces veteran I am angered at being when reaching retirement and having more time available to travel. I urge this to be taken tube. To order email me at [email protected]. labelled as such. I know if it had been worded Payment accepted via PayPal. to include any other members of colour, sexual into consideration. Should ASLEF and its sister unions achieve orientation, there would be hell to play. I NORWOOD depot special pin badges would like this letter looked into and action success in the future, the scheme should be including Cowden 25th anniversary. taken. To label ex-police and military in such a applied retrospectively to cover those who £3 each or £5 the pair (inc p&p). way is not acceptable. would have benefited if the safeguarded Proceeds to Norwood Drivers’ Social WS Walton scheme had applied throughout. Already, Club. Email Stuart Boxall at there are more people working in the industry [email protected] subject to the non-safeguarded scheme than I am ex-armed forces and shocked by a piece those who are safeguarded and, in the coming THE KING’S CROSS STORY in the December Journal . It’s unacceptable for by Peter Darley (The History years, the balance will change for retired former police officers who are now in the Press, £20) as featured on the members. We are already getting close to a grade to be described as being ex-plod along centre pages of the January quarter of a century since the changes that with ex-armed forces being described as pale, Journal . Buy it direct from the brought this about. Camden Railway Heritage Trust at a discounted male, and stale. On one hand ASLEF is Paul Martin , Retired Members’ Section price of £15 inc p&p; email [email protected] or championing being anti-racist, and promoting phone 020 7586 6632 for details. ‘All income from diversity, but it appears to be fine for an ASLEF I write regarding the Employer Justified sales goes to the trust,’ says Peter. member to be highly offensive towards ex- Retirement Age. If a rail operator wishes to police and ex-armed forces. GROVE PARK branch 50th impose an EJRA why can’t the unions do Dave Mehmed , Bletchley branch anniversary badge. £6.50 inc p&p. something to ensure that non-safeguarded Contact branch secretary Ray Garland employees are better catered for on 07931 612615 or [email protected] retirement? At present, non-safeguarded We need different views HANDMADE employees are not entitled to any travel miniature driver’s not just an echo chamber keys to wear as a charm or round facilities on retirement and, a few years ago, the neck. Solid silver and solid 9ct Dean Forsyth’s splenetic outpouring (‘What when the opportunity arose to fight to keep gold weighing approximately 7 grams. Just over racism actually is’) in the November Journal the retirement age of 60/65 for non- 2cm in length and just under 2cm width. Gold needs to be challenged. He and I share, I safeguarded staff this was dismissed. If unions £300, silver £100 + £7 p&p recorded delivery. believe, the view that racism is abhorrent; all wish to ensure they survive in the long-term Contact Brad McCarthy on 07929 350146. races are equal. But will his letter help they need to adapt and meet the needs of AIRDRIE has produced a badge to eradicate racism? People may hold views non-safeguarded railway employees. commemorate its reopening as a different to him, but if all they hear are insults Edward Pearce , Marylebone separate branch. £6.50 inc p&p. Please and threats, then they are unlikely to change contact branch chair Ivan Wilson their views. Isn’t it better to explain why their Mick Whelan says: ‘We actively campaign (07949 862393) for details. views are those of a shrinking minority? Racist on all the policies created by the members views wither when exposed to wide public and it’s not either/or. We should have EJRA CASH paid for original pre 90s discourse whereas threats breed deeper and staff travel for all. let’s not forget this railway photographic slides or resentment and serve only to drive such views government wants no one to have it; look negatives. Please contact GBRf Tonbridge driver (and railwayana collector) John further underground. at their comments on tfl travel.’ Waddington at [email protected] The British Empire was a product of its time, continually harping back and attacking it Donald Trump, red necks, PERTH branch badge to won’t defeat racism and it won’t change commemorate 110 years (1908- history; it just gives racists another bone to and Cortez the Killer 2018). £6 plus £1 p&p. Cheques chew on. Telling a young white boy from a Wonderful piece of writing by Keith Richmond payable to Perth branch ASLEF No severely disadvantaged background that he (On Track: Virgil Caine is the name) in the 134 General. Please contact branch secretary Grant Murchie for details on 07412 enjoys ‘white privilege’ just because of the November Journal, even giving my hero Neil 453454 or [email protected] colour of his skin is, quite frankly, illogical; he’s Young ( Southern Man ) a mention. Keep on currently at the bottom of the pile in our rockin’ in the free world. To place an advertisement please phone society. Signs proclaiming ‘white silence is Dave Strauther (Crazy Horse Dave), LUL, 020 7324 2400 or send an email to violence’ are an affront to all our civil liberties; Hammersmith & City line, Hammersmith [email protected]

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 21 last Word There is a word which bears a sword can pierce an armed man

CHRIS PROCTOR has written for The Guardian , The Times , the Morning Star , New Statesman and Tribune and spent eight years at ASLEF, helping the GS put together the Journal each month. He has been to many a political party meeting, and labour movement congress, where he would join fellow hacks in playing A concerned EC member looks over Chris Proctor’s shoulder as he enjoys ‘conference bingo’ also known as ‘spot the vacuous cliché’ a roll-up and hammers out another piece of cliché-free purple prose

EARS ago I had a boss who came culprits are politicians. prospect. up with a new management-speak the Blair years were full of the ‘third And then all his chums were at it. We Y phrase on a weekly basis. He’d say Way’ and ‘triangulation’. Bill Clinton came were threatened with being grasped by things like, ‘If we don’t know where we up with the ‘third Way’, and Blair thought it grove, tentacled by truss, cuddled by want to go, we’ll never know if we have sounded nice, so he started trotting it out. Coffey. And then there’s Priti. Nightmare. It arrived.’ Sound advice for a train driver, no A couple of weeks later half the labour would be like being compressed by a doubt: but meaningless garbage in a Party was spouting it. It actually meant bullying boa constrictor. newsroom. After announcing his dross, he’d ‘don’t be afraid to act like a tory’, but no one there was also a ‘New Deal for Britain’. adopt an owl-like expression and puff seemed to care. It was a new mantra and the PM came up with this gem in the himself up. I’d chortle to myself and leave was, therefore, to be cherished. When it ran summer, and each cabinet member duly him to it. out of steam, New labour started going on intoned it as if it were the Holy grail. After a But then there was the awful realisation about ‘triangulation’. month’s turgid outing, the phrase was that his immediate underlings took to dumped, and replaced by our leader telling parroting his nonsense. they’d tell anyone ‘Clichés. Avoid them like the plague’ – us we could not continue to be ‘prisoners of who’d listen that ‘we had to know where we Khaled Hosseini , The Kite Runner this crisis’. Ministers rushed around wanted to go, etc’. then the whole office television studios and radio stations saying started saying it. It spread like coronavirus ten years ago Ed Miliband’s brother ‘prisoners of this crisis’ with the enthusiasm in a jazz club. D‘avid was running for the labour of a Jehovah’s Witness on a wet Wednesday or he’d look stern and say, ‘the leadership and showed up at ASlEF’s head afternoon. toothpaste has left the tube.’ And the office, for an executive committee meeting, ‘Unleash Britain’s potential’ was given creeps around him would repeat it. looking for support. He told our EC that airings in February, July and November, but Everyone was suddenly a dental expert. It they had to ‘be aware of the essence of it made people yawn: and was despatched was like working with a host of parakeets. triangulation’. they promised they were; from its perch by ‘proprietary algorithms’. ‘We’ll need a drains-up,’ he’d say; and the and promptly voted for his brother. But, once again, the land of the free led entire building would echo to his plumbing the way. Donald trump outclassed my old claptrap. boss with his ready-for-repetition phrases. Within moments of him coming up with WELL-STOCKED WITH GROVELLERS Boris said he was ‘mass fraud’, ‘stolen elections’, and ‘bogus I thought it was just that office, which was going to ‘put his votes’, masses of shaven-headed, gormless, particularly well-stocked with grovellers. rednecks were nodding in agreement, the way to the top was nothing to do with arms around every packing their elephant rifles onto their ability: it was all about making the boss single worker in the backs, donning their body armour, and think they were trustworthy; which setting off to peaceful protests. once involved sounding like him and country’ during the gathered, they took up trump’s finest reproducing his buzz words. coronavirus crisis. soundbite: ‘Stop the count!’ You will be surprised to hear that I didn’t The nation join in; but less shocked to discover that I LONG JOHN SILVER’S PARROT was told I was ‘being let go’. As I was shuddered there is something marvellous about the escorted to the door I could hear the leader of the democratic world calling for building resonate with the phrase: ‘He’s the counting of votes to be halted; but it’s being let go.’ Actually I wasn’t being let go. I 2020 was a bumper year for tory parrot alarming to hear armed clones bellowing it was being given the shove. It was a sensible phrases. one in particular was downright on the street. move, in retrospect. It prevented me from alarming. Boris began it. He said he was It doesn’t matter what old nonsense a strangling anyone. going to ‘put his arms around every single boss comes up with, he’ll always find some So, I thought, pondering my P45, that’s w‘orker in the country’ during the acolytes ready to chirrup it in the style of the end of that ‘parroting the boss’ coronavirus crisis. the nation shuddered. long John Silver’s parrot, Captain Flint. I nonsense. How wrong I was. the disease the notion of being entwined by a can’t stand to hear it. It offends my spread and the contagion grew. the worst deranged yob from Eton is not a pleasant buccaneers. 22 The ASLEF Journal l January 2021 ’ Across Down Prize Crossword 1 Blubbery mammal 1 One of four double on track of northern seas back teeth Prize crossword 177 by tom Williams 4 Very bad 2 Underground part 7 Raspberry- of a plant blackberry hybrid 3 Gull or albatross 8 A musical piece for 4 A book for photos Out of Africa two 5 In favour of RIFF Rhys Jones – the 9 Back tooth 6 Stratum actor, writer, and, with his 11 Hot dog 7 Portion of scripture G mate Mel Smith, star of Not condiment read in church the Nine O’Clock News and Alas 13 To ruin 10 The upper Smith and Jones – loves trains. ‘give 15 Jeans fabric windpipe me a train over a plane any day – 17 Small cut 12 Tooth doctor it’s the best way to travel. trains 18 A let-down 14 Cowboy’s ‘Hurrah!’ have an unbeatable romantic kick.’ 20 Efts 15 Waste channel In Slow Train Through Africa , first 21 A knotted mass of 16 Ridicules broadcast on Itv five years ago, hair 17 Cut, as wood is and now available on DvD 19 To pull with a rope (amazon.co.uk, £14.99) he travels 7,000 miles through nine countries from the coastal plains of Morocco Solution to Prize Crossword 176 down through the savannahs of Across: 3 Fraud 6 Gorilla 7 Urgent 8 Minor Name...... Kenya and tanzania, across vast 9 Interior 12 Alien 14 Asset 15 Terrapin forests in Zambia, and through the 18 Gorse 19 Gadget 20 Haricot 21 Teeny Address...... Namib desert, to the southernmost Down: 1 Frontier 2 Florin 3 Faulty 4 Anger tip of South Africa. 5 Dingo 6 Gymnast 10 Instruct 11 Retreat 13 Apathy 14 Angora 16 Exact 17 Rogue ......

Congratulations to Ian twigg, of ...... Newton Abbot , Devon , who was last month’s winner. The winner of ...... this month’s Prize Crossword will receive Marks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25...... l You can see more of Tom Williams’s Postcode...... crosswords, word games and puzzles at griff Rhys Jones: ‘give me a train wordgames.co.uk over a plane for travel any day’

If you successfully complete this month’s Prize Crossword please send the solution by post to the ‘If you want to see the glories of Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN (or take a photo on your Africa, there’s no better way than mobile phone of the grid and send the image to [email protected]) by Friday 15 January taking a train. And not just the famous luxury options that tourists love – like the legendary Rovos Rail and Blue train – because most of ASLEF’s legal services those I travelled on were public trains. We took the night train from Have you been sacked, or are in trouble at work, and cannot get hold of Johannesburg to Kimberley and your branch secretary, local representative or District organiser in an that was one of the great experiences. We did stand out, emergency? Call our industrial relations department on 020 7324 2400 though, and a lot of people (9am to 5pm Monday to thursday or 9am to 4pm on Friday) or leave a wondered what we were doing on message on the answer service, or email [email protected] with a subject board.’ heading of ‘For the attention of the trains offer the presenter – and industrial relations dept’. viewer – not just a journey across, but into the heart of, the continent, telling the history of Africa. ‘the story of the railway is the story of this part of the world since Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form colonial days and the vision of Cecil Rhodes – now discredited, I know – Name...... to build a line from Cape town to Address...... Cairo. So people working in South Africa would be able to get on a ...... train to Cairo and be home, in Britain, for Christmas, then take a Postcode ...... Telephone...... steamer down to Cairo and be back Branch...... Membership No...... in South Africa for the New Year.’

Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN Keith Richmond

January 2021 l The ASLEF Journal 23 The ASLEF RMS 500 Club

Colleagues

The 500 Club is a fundraising venture for ASLEF’s Retired Members’ Section.

Conditions of Membership: Only retired and working members of ASLEF, including district councils and branches, plus permanent staff employed by ASLEF, can make an application to join the RMS 500 Club. The application form and standing order form can only be completed and submitted by the ASLEF member, or staff member.

Numbers in the draw cost £4 each per month. To begin making payments into club funds, all you have to do is complete the standing order form and return it to your bank. Alternatively, you can pay by cheque a year in advance; the cheque should be made payable to ASlEF RMS 500 Club . Payments need to reach the club account by 1st of every month and the draw takes place on 12th of every month – with the winning number, name, and prize printed on page 5 of the ASLEF Journal . Once you have arranged your method of payment just complete the form and return it to Peter J Smith, treasurer, RMS 500 Club, 6 Devonia gardens, london, N18 1AF.

The Retired Members’ Section committee would like to thank you for your support and wish you luck in the draw!

Yours fraternally, Peter J Smith, treasurer, ASlEF Retired Members’ Section 500 Club

ASLEF RMS 500 Club application form STANDIN G ORDE R M ANDA TE To ______Ban k

Name ...... Ad dress ______Address ...... ______...... ______60-83-01 ...... BANK BRANCH TIT LE ( NOT AD DRESS) SORTING C ODE N O. Ple as e p ay Uni ty Trust Ba nk Bi rmingham 08 -60 -01 ...... ’

Postcode ...... BENEFI CIA RY S N AME ACCOUN T N UM BER For th e cred it of ASL EF RMS 5 00 CLU B ACCO UNT 2 0 2 0 1 1 9 3 Telephone ...... AMOU NT IN F IGUR ES AMOU NT IN WO RDS

email ...... The su m o f £

...... DATE AN D AM OUNT OF F IRS T PA YM ENT DUE DA TE AND FR EQU ENCY Each number costs £4. You can ST Com mencing £ and th ere after e very 1 OF EVE RY MONT H purchase as many numbers as you like. I confirm that I wish to purchase ____ numbers as part of the 500 Club. DATE AN D AM OUNT OF L AST PA YM ENT *Until £ *Until you r ece ive fu rth er notice fro m m e/us in writ in g Qu otin g t he (A) I have set up my standing order (£48 and debit my/our acco unt acc ord in gly re ference per annum or £4 per month) (B) I enclose a cheque for advance Pleas e can cel any prev ious stan din g o rd er or dir ect d ebit in fav our of t he benefici ary named ab ove payment (£48 per annum). SPE CIA L INSTRU CTIO NS Delete (A) or (B) accordingly.

ACCOUN T TO B E DEBITE D ACCOUN T N UM BER Signed ......

Date ...... Si gnatur e( s) ______Date ______

Please return this coupon to: ______Peter Smith, Treasurer, RMS 500 Club, ’ 6 Devonia Gardens, London, N18 1AF Note: The Ban k will n ot underta ke t o: (i) mak e an y r eference t o Va lu e Ad ded Tax or oth er in determ inat e ele ment and the standing order mandate (ii) advis e pay er s a ddre’ ss t o b enefici ar y (iii) advis e beneficiary o f in ab ili ty t o p ay (right) to your bank (or via your (iv ) request benefici ar y s b an ker t o a dvis e b enefic iary o f r eceip t

internet bank) * De lete if n ot ap plic ab le If th e a mounts o f t he p eriod ic p ay ments v ar y, t hey sho uld b e in corp ora ted in a sc hedule overl eaf