Issue 54 ON THE MOVE January 2017

A HERO’S WELCOME eams from around T the business worked together to transport our Olympic and Paralympic athletes around for the Team GB victory celebrations following last summer’s Games. They were transported on 16 double-decker and five single- decker accessible buses. There were just 16 working days between the first planning meetings and the event for 310 athletes, who stopped at London Euston, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.

WRAP UP! olunteers collected V unwanted coats their introduction will take the Capital’s and blankets from IT’S ELECTRIC electric fleet to 73 – the largest fleet of commuters for the sixth annual he first new all-electric its kind in Europe. Wrap Up London campaign. T buses have arrived and The move to all-electric buses is part More than 15,000 coats were will run on all 51 buses on of the Mayor’s commitment to improve collected, and will now be donated routes 507 and 521 to Waterloo. air quality in London and will reduce to 200 charities for the homeless, Combined with 22 electric buses nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide elderly and refugees, among many already operating in outer London, emissions on the routes by 40 per cent. other vulnerable groups. otm pensioner news

PENSIONERS FORUM UPDATE At a meeting of the Forum in The Pensioners’ Representatives that the continuation of the activities September, an update was were invited to consider the situation concerned was no longer cost effective in provided on the financial and respond to the Management the current financial environment. environment and challenges that Representatives with their observations TfL face. and suggestions. The Management representatives Subsequently, the Pensioners’ provided details of the outcome of Representatives, having given Statement from Linda Arwood a review by TfL of all aspects of its consideration to the issues involved Leading Spokesman Pensioners’ Forum expenditure and resources, and the in consultation with other Pensioners’ Chairman, LT Pensioners’ Association changes that are being made to put TfL on Representatives from the LT Pensioners’ a solid and sustainable financial footing. Association and with Pensioner Liaison “With the exception of the The review took into account: Representatives, submitted a formal cancellation of the annual response to the TfL Representatives of calendar, the Pensioners’ • The phasing out of the operating the Forum. Representatives were advised in grant to TfL from the Department for The response acknowledged that some advance of the other proposed Transport aspects of expenditure were currently budget cuts affecting pensioners. • Financial provisions for meeting the not as effective as they could be and “We were given the opportunity Mayor’s manifesto were being looked welcomed an opportunity to work with to produce a formal response to TfL at by TfL to see how they could be TfL to make improvements. regarding these cuts. In our response, achieved However, TfL advised the Pensioners’ we accepted that there were efficiencies Forum at the November meeting that which could be made in some areas and On specific issues the Pensioners’ careful consideration had been given put forward a number of proposals, in Representatives were advised that: to the submission, but it had been particular as an alternative to closure of concluded that the continuation of these the Pensioner Liaison Scheme. However, • A decision had been taken to no longer activities was no longer cost effective our proposals were not accepted. provide calendars, which includes the and in the current financial environment “In view of the pending closure of festive greeting from the Commissioner all activities under the Pensioner Liaison the Pensioner Liaison Scheme, I wish • There is only a very small number of Scheme would cease from 1 April 2017. to place on record the Pensioners’ Pensioner Liaison Representatives, Birthday hampers will also no longer be Representatives’ appreciation of the covering fewer than 15 per cent of the provided, effective from the same date. time, comradeship and assistance the current UK pensioner population of the An assurance has been given by TfL to Pensioner Liaison Representatives, TfL Pension Fund. In view of this, the the pensioner representatives that careful past and present, have given to their viability of the scheme continuing in its consideration was given to the submission colleagues over the years since the start present form needed to be considered. made by them, but it was concluded of the Scheme.”

CONTACT DETAILS FOR PENSIONER ENQUIRIES

otm TfL PENSION FUND PENSIONER LIAISON TRANSPORT FRIENDLY 4th Floor, SOCIETY otm enquiries ONLINE Wing over Station, 4th Floor, 020 7833 2616 otm Pensioners’ Edition, You can access otm pensioners’ 55 Broadway, Wing over Station, AB, Unit B, London SW1H 0BD 55 Broadway, TAX QUERIES – HMRC Gemini House, issue online on the TfL Pension Fund helpdesk@ London SW1H 0BD 0300 200 3300 180-182 Bermondsey tflpensionfund.co.uk 0800 015 5074 (quote ref 083/LT7 and Street, London SE1 3TQ website at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ your NI number) microsites/pensions/on_the_ 020 7918 3733 pls@tflpensionfund. 020 7922 5678 co.uk You can log on to [email protected] move.asp. You can also opt out STAFF TRAVEL Transport for London, HOSPITAL SATURDAY the TfL Pension Fund of receiving a paper version, saving Floor 1, FUND website at www.tflpensionfund. money on printing and distribution 14 Pier Walk, 020 7928 6662 North Greenwich, co.uk costs, by contacting the Pension London SE10 0ES TRANSPORT 0800 015 5073 BENEVOLENT FUND Fund Office on 020 7918 3733. 0300 333 2000

The opinions and views expressed in the advertisements in this magazine are in no way those of The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition Ltd or Transport for London. The opinions expressed in this magazine do not that the advertiser warrants that the advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or necessarily represent the views of London Underground or the editorial team. All rights reserved. contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval No part of this magazine may be copied or reproduced in any form, including photocopying, of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with without consent of the holder of the copyright. Advertisements or other inserted material are advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. All accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

2 otm pensioner news

PENSION INCREASE he full pension increase from T 1 April 2017 is 2 per cent. This KEEPING IN TOUCH is based on the rise in the Retail Price Index over 12 months to If you want to stay in touch or fee applies. Contact John Self on September 2016. have someone represent your 01420 520132 or john.selfobe@ Depending on the period of interests, there are several btopenworld.com membership, your pension may pensioner groups for former comprise of various components. Some colleagues: ■■ The Aldenham Works Association won’t be increased by the Fund at the has a reunion each year around above rate but may be increased by the ■■ The London Transport Pensioners’ October. Contact Fred Pearson on State. If you have been receiving your Association (LTPA) protects 0208 428 2309 or 07906 901416. pension for less than a year, you may and promotes the interests of receive a pro rata increase. pensioners. LTPA members also ■■ The Association of Retired attend the Pensioners’ Forum. London Underground Operating Free membership is available by Managers is for pensioners with a contacting Nick Dawkins on rail operating admin or managerial 01323 472254 or nicholas. background and, in 2017, will [email protected] hold reunion lunches on 2 May and 5 December. Contact ■■ The LT Retired Staff Association Sue Gilbert on 07753 879197 or (LTRSA) membership is drawn [email protected] ARRIVA TAKES mainly from operational grades. There are monthly meetings at ■■ Bus Operating Department ON OVERGROUND Walthamstow and Barking, days managers and admin staff will ondon Overground’s story started out, and a Christmas dinner for meet for lunch on 26 April and L a new chapter when Arriva Rail members. Life Membership 18 October 2017. Contact London took over its operation in costs £5. Contact Rena Craig Stuart Smith on 01843 868199 November. on 01789 205739. or [email protected] Arriva has taken on the daily services previously operated by London Overground ■■ The LT Superannuitants’ ■■ The Railway Mechanical Engineers Rail Operations Ltd (LOROL), who have been Association (LTSA) has a welfare Association is for retired with us since 2007. officer to help members who salaried staff with a rolling stock Arriva’s contract will run for at least seven fall ill and can advise on pension background. They hold meetings years, during which there will be a fleet of issues. Members meet monthly every fourth Wednesday of the new trains entering service and extra trains and publish a newsletter four month, and also have an annual on the North London Line. times a year. The LTSA also has an reunion dinner and Christmas annual 7-day outing to Eastbourne, lunch. Contact Bob Jones on which runs from 26 March in 2017. 01689 837525 or r.e.c.jones@ SHENFIELD TO Life membership is £5. Contact btinternet.com BRENTWOOD SHUTS John Robson on 0208 808 1511 or o TfL Rail trains will run between [email protected] N Brentwood and Shenfield for five Railway Employees & Public Transport months in 2017 as the final stage of ■ Association (REPTA) is a transport benefits ■ The Fifty-Five Society is for former organisation. Membership is available to Crossrail is completed. senior LT managers and will be all active and retired rail and transport Network Rail engineers will close the holding reunion lunches on industry staff and their immediate family. lines between Brentwood and Shenfield 24 April, 21 June, 21 September Go to www.repta.co.uk for more details, or from 24 December 2016 until late May 2017. and 24 November. Membership is call 01623 646789 A bus replacement service will operate by invitation and a life membership frequently between the two stations.

RETIRED PTAC REISSUE People wanting to be more involved in Fund (but not individual entitlements). ou should have received your new representing the interests of Pensioners The PCC constitution is on the Fund’s Y Privilege Ticket Authority Card may wish to consider standing for website at www.tflpensionfund.co.uk (PTAC), as your previous PTAC has now election for the Pensioners’ Consultative or you can contact PCC Secretary Julian expired. If you’ve not received it, please Council, which discusses issues relating Collins at juliancollins@tflpensionfund. contact Staff Travel on 0800 015 5073 to the operation of the TfL Pension co.uk or on 020 7918 3879. or email [email protected]

3 otm pensioner news

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

RIDING LONDON

taff from across the network rallied S together to raise money for charity after a well-known colleague was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Former Ealing Common Depot Manager Steve Lloyd sadly passed away last year. He’d spent more than 20 years working for London Underground. Colleagues have since raised more than £28,000 for the Brain Tumour Research Fund in his honour. The fundraising started last summer when Depot Team Leader Dean Brown organised a collection with help from depot staff at Ealing Common, Neasden and emembrance a two-minute silence on the Hammersmith. R Sunday saw Underground and encouraged Dean said: “When Steve told us he was retiring, I was thousands of customers to do the same. shocked. At the time, Steve wasn’t just our boss; he was people line the street at Earlier this year, we someone with a rare skill of being a good manager and the Cenotaph in Whitehall signed the Armed Forces still being one of the guys. to reflect on the sacrifices Covenant, reinforcing our “We decided to do something for charity, and 25 of us of those who lost their commitment to providing planned to cycle the length of the District line last year. lives in war. employment opportunities This led to this year’s One London Charity Cycle.” On 11 November at 11am, for ex-servicemen and One year on from the first ride, 12 teams of riders our colleagues also observed women in TfL. covered every station on our network. “It was an amazing experience; riding, raising awareness for the charity and seeing the effort of everyone involved DID YOU KNOW? working together for a great cause,” added Dean.

Many people know that ■■The government moved London Underground several administrative stations doubled up as offices into sub-surface LGBT HISTORY MONTH deep-level bomb shelters Tube stations, and tunnels during the Blitz, but we at Goodge Street station As 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of also helped Britain’s war once formed part of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, effort in many other ways. General Eisenhower’s we will be running a panel event with command centre. representatives from Lloyds Bank, TfL ■■The two-mile tunnel and Visa. between Leytonstone ■■The now disused tunnels The decriminalisation and criminalisation will and Newbury Park was between Holborn and be discussed from the perspective of police converted into a secret Aldwych were used to store officers, lawyers, HM forces and pensioners. artillery factory, and the many priceless artefacts The joint event with Lloyds Bank will tunnels surrounding Earl’s from the Victoria & Albert take place on Thursday 23 February. Email Court and Gants Hill were Museum and the British [email protected] to be added to the used to manufacture Museum, including the closed and confidential mailing list for this and aircraft components. Parthenon Sculptures. future events.

4 ADVERTISEMENT

SPECIAL PENSIONERS’ HEARING AID!

A new hearing aid offer has been introduced for Pensioners. The hearing aid is low cost, simple to operate and brings IMPROVED hearing to thousands! THE EFFECT IS IMMEDIATE. DON’T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE NO FUSS, NO BOTHER To learn for yourself about this remarkable de- The sound is crisp and clear and it is astonish- vice for clearer hearing simply complete the ing just how easily conversations, television or coupon below for further helpful information radio can be heard with such a small device! and free illustrated booklet specially written for the Hard of Hearing. SPECIAL BENEFITS FOR EXISTING HEARING AID USERS! REMEMBER... If you already wear a hearing aid, either ‘over This information pack is free, without obligation the ear’ or ‘right inside the ear’, then you will and will be sent by return of post! Simply tele- be interested in this economical device. phone or send the coupon below in an envelope. ! For a FREE information pack Please post me free and without obligation details of the Special Pensioners’ Offer: on Special Pensioners’ Hearing Aids Mr/Mrs/Miss ...... First Name ...... Surname ...... FREEPHONE Address ......

0800 740 8680 ...... Please quote ref: BPSP5052

Postcode ...... Tel No ...... Or go to www.specialpensionershearingaid.co.uk (in case we need to confirm your address) and enter BPSP5052 Phone or send coupon today (NO STAMP REQUIRED) to: Hidden Hearing Ltd, Maidstone, ME14 1HL Freepost RTKE-UJBU-EYSU, Hidden Hearing Ltd, Medway Street, Maidstone ME14 1HL BPSP5052

5 otm pensioner news

50 YEARS OF SERVICE here was celebration T in the air for Signalling BLOOMING MARVELLOUS Infrastructure Manager he winners of this year’s Loughton Train Crew Accomodation for the Bakerloo & Victoria lines T Underground in Bloom (TCA) picked up three honours – the best Ron Skillet, who reached 50 years competition have been tubs awards, the John Knight hanging of service with LU. announced after a busy summer baskets award and the Dennis Sanger A gathering was held for him that saw more than 70 stations, Chief Operating Officer award. at Lambeth North, where he was depots and head office buildings Loughton Train Operator Dave presented with an award. growing gardens across our Mabbett said: “We definitely weren’t “The highlight of my career has network. expecting to win so many! It feels been helping people who want to be There were 10 categories, and watering fantastic. We really stepped things up helped, and seeing them progress in can-shaped trophies were presented to this year and put a lot more thought into their careers,” said Ron. our green-fingered colleagues. the garden.”

AN HONOUR rogramme Manager Chad HEART ATTACK HERO P Frankish has received entral line Train Operator ‘above and beyond the call of duty’. the British Empire Medal C Frank Hoffman has won “It was quite a surprise,” said Frank. “I (BEM) for services to transport Frontline Employee of the didn’t expect to win because so many and the community in London Year at the National Transport people were nominated, and from all after being recognised in the awards after saving the lives of two kinds of transport operators, not just Queen’s Birthday Honours. customers who had heart attacks. railways. I thought it was really nice to Chad, who delivers Transformation On two separate occasions, Frank be recognised.” and Systems projects that support used CPR and defibrillator training he Frank is now encouraging more people our Road Modernisation Programme, received as a Cub Scout leader to help to do first aid courses. was instrumental in emergency customers who collapsed at Loughton He said: “I think they’re really works to restore and strengthen the and West Acton stations. important. Lots of people are scared to Hammersmith Flyover before the Both customers made a full recovery, do CPR, but it’s not hard if you’ve got London 2012 Games. and Frank was nominated for the the training. Give it a go and you could National Transport award for going make a big difference.”

6 ADVERTISEMENTS

BRIDGE HOUSE, SOUTH DEVON Set within 4 acres of beautiful gardens, at Bridge House nothing is too much trouble and we pride ourselves on providing a period of rest that is often needed for a gradual return to health and strength after illness or operation. We also provide much needed breaks for those in need of recuperation - including those having undergone hospital treatment, operations / trauma or bereavement and those such as full time carers simply needing to get away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. All our guests have peace of mind that a nurse is on the premises 24/7. All rooms are furnished to a high standard with en suite facilities for your comfort. Food is freshly prepared and home cooked and there is a licensed bar located in the Main Lounge. Our weekly activity programmes and popular day trips mean you are free to do as little or as much as you like during your stay. Come along, relax and unwind. Call our booking line number below for further details and to check availability. We look forward to welcoming you.

For further details and information please call our dedicated booking line 01626 866850 email:[email protected] or visit our website www.rch.org.uk

Could you be in line for timeshare compensation? Due to a recent court ruling, many owners have successfully had their ownership contracts deemed null and void with resorts ordered to pay large amounts of compensation. Timeshare owners have been §awarded compensation of the original purchase price, legal costs, maintenance costs for the duratwion of the ownership and awarded double any monies that were paid within 90 days of the point of sale. Were you mis-sold? Have your management fees increased Did you believe that your resort was Find out if you have grounds to over and above the rate of infl ation? exclusive to timeshare ownership? terminate your contract and if Were you told that your purchase was an Were you made promises at the point of you qualify to make a claim. investment and would increase in value? sale that failed to materialise?

Was it explained that your family could Were you a member of a timeshare We will only act if we are 100% become liable to take over the contract if exchange network and failed to get the something happened to you? exchanges you were promised? confi dent of a successful outcome.

Call us today to speak with one of our friendly claims advisors and fi nd out if you can register a claim! Call 0 800 046 5858 or visit www.TimeshareCompensation.co.uk Timeshare Compensation o er advisory services including timeshare contract nulli cation, compensation evaluation, alternative leisure & lifestyle products as well as o ering advice on your existing timeshare ownership.

7 otm pensionershare your news memories

Thank you to everyone who has contacted us. We love your comments, memories and letters, but due to limited space we can only print a selection. Write to: otm pensioners’ edition, AB, Unit B, Gemini House, 180-182 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ (enclosing a stamped addressed envelope if you’d like photos returned) or email [email protected], putting ‘pensioners’ edition’ in the subject header. Thanks – we look forward to hearing from you.

TIME TRAVEL not complete their travel arrangements, Clapham Common. We had no In 1950, having just finished my basic so it was an overnight stay for many. shelter so when the raids became training in the army as a National The following morning, I was given a more frequent, the only place we had Serviceman, I was given a travel warrant travel warrant for Dover, where I joined a underground was the gun post area that and instructions to my destination, group of 20 others and took the ferry to was stacked from the floor to the ceiling which was Goodge Street Underground Calais, and then a train to Paris. What a with live ammunition. station. It had an unfinished deep way to spend two years in the army. Lads were to the right, girls to the left, tunnel, which was then used as a Ted Cordeaux and if there had been a direct hit we military transit camp. would have all gone up with a bang. The tunnel consisted of sleeping SEEKING SHELTER We all slept well and I am still here to quarters, a canteen, office and toilets As a 20-year-old, I was in the ATS tell the tale! and was used by servicemen who could based in the artillery camp at Northside Mrs J. Wakelin otm FONDLY REMEMBERED

Keith Goldsworthy Stephen Peter Bantleman 21 September 2016, aged 58 Carter 3 November 2016, aged 87 Keith joined London Transport aged 16, 22 January Peter was Finance and Systems Manager when he started as an Underground 2016, aged for prior to retiring. trainee at West Ruislip while still 56 attending college. He went on to Stephen qualify as Relief Clerk and Relief Station worked in Manager at White City Training Centre. transport for most of his working life at Waterloo, Holborn and Canary Wharf, working in Signals for TfL at the latter.

Ronald Crockett 28 August Brian Wise 2016, aged Desmond Croome 1 October 2016, aged 92 89 25 November 2016, aged 92 Brian was a senior manager in the Ron worked at Des had a long career in the Bus Traffic Electrical Engineer department. Wood Green office. He was co-author of the book bus garage as Rails Through The Clay, which is Ken Page a fitter for 30 regarded by many as the definitive January 2016, aged 90 years before record of the history of London’s Ken worked in Bus Engineering. he retired. Tube railways.

8