Issue 50 January 2016 ON THE MOVE

PENSIONERS’ EDITION REMEMBERING OUR FALLEN HEROES

To recognise and remember those donations – even Barbara Windsor military uniform alongside other veterans who served our country, we supported helped out for the cause by lending and Armed Forces personnel to the The Royal British Legion with its ‘Live her voice to network broadcasts. Cenotaph and laid a wreath. Retired bus On’ campaign for November’s Poppy A bus and tube train were covered in driver John Norris led them in the parade. Appeal. Highlighting the importance a Poppy Appeal wrap and, continuing Commissioner Mike Brown said: of helping ex-servicemen and women their annual tradition, black cab drivers “It is an honour that we were given the settle back into civilian life, it supports offered a free taxi service to veterans. opportunity to not only take part in them after their time in the Forces. The ‘Poppy Cabs’ took them to and from the march, but to lay a wreath at the Posters featuring colleagues who have Westminster Bridge for the occasion. Cenotaph in remembrance of all the served their country were displayed in Members of the London Transport Old transport staff who lost their lives in our stations and fundraisers collected Comrades Association marched in their the Great Wars and other conflicts.”

otm PENSIONER NEWS otm PENSIONER NEWS

Members’ Meeting held in October, which PENSIONERS’ FORUM SUMMARY had been attended by 209 members, Main issues discussed by TfL management and Pensioners’ 123 of whom were pensioners, and Representatives at the meeting held on 18 November 2015 advised that information on the question and answer session would be made n Pensioner Liaison Scheme were given an update on the audit available on the TfL Pension Fund website. A report was given on the Pensioner of retired staff nominee cards due Liaison Scheme Representatives’ to be completed in January 2016. n London Transport Pensioners’ Annual Meeting held in October. A discussion also took place on the Association (LTPA) The key points raised had been the information published on the TfL website The Pensioners’ Forum Representatives need to encourage more pensioners about retired staff travel entitlements ratified an amendment to the Constitution to volunteer as representatives and and it was agreed the Pensioners’ of the LTPA which enabled any pensioner to reinforce the message that the Representatives would review this and or deferred pensioner of the TfL Pension representatives were there to offer friendly provide comments and suggestions Fund who joins one of the Founding contact with pensioners on behalf of for any additional information. Associations (the LTRSA, the LTSA and TfL, and provide assistance if required. the Fifty Five Society) to be enrolled also n TfL Pension Fund as a life member of the LTPA without n Staff Travel The TfL Management Representatives payment of an additional subscription, The Pensioner Representatives gave a report on the Fund Annual effective from 18 November 2015.

STAFF TRAVEL UPDATE WHY DID I GET THAT LETTER? Since 2 January, Stratford, Stratford High Street, Stratford International DLR, West Ham, Star As a part of the support in a visit from your local PLR – they Lane, Canning Town and Abbey Road have retirement that is available to will not take offence if you decline. moved from Zone 3 to the Zone 2/3 boundary. you as a pensioner, TfL funds TfL recently hosted a meeting a Pensioner Liaison Scheme. of the reps and there was some STAY IN TOUCH The Pension Liaison feedback that pensioners are The London Transport Retired Staff Association is drawn Representatives (PLR) who suspicious of the letter to say there mainly from operational grades, but all former LT operate the scheme are all retired is a representative in their area asking employees can join. Life membership costs £5 and, if members and are available to help to visit them. We want to reassure you are interested, contact Rena Craig on 01789 205739. you. This help might be advice, you that the PLRs aren’t there to companionship, someone to help check up on you. They are calling you you connect with other ex-TfL staff to offer support, advice or to help CONTACT DETAILS FOR or just to have a chat about your you navigate the pension arena. PENSIONER ENQUIRIES career or even tell you about theirs. And remember, you don’t have The PLRs have access to a range to wait for their letter or call, you TfL Pension Fund Pensioner Liaison 4th Floor, of information and advice related to can call them too! Wing over Station, 4th Floor, common problems experienced by You can find out who your local 55 Broadway, Wing over Station, London SW1H 0BD 55 Broadway, retired people, which members have rep is, or even to enquire about helpdesk@ London SW1H 0BD often found helpful. However, there becoming a rep yourself, by calling tflpensionfund.co.uk 0800 015 5074 020 7918 3733 [email protected] is no obligation on you to agree to 0207 918 3733. Staff Travel Transport for London, Hospital Saturday Fund Floor 1, 020 7928 6662 14 Pier Walk, North Greenwich, Transport Benevolent Fund London SE10 0ES 0300 333 2000 otm ONLINE 0800 015 5073 Simply Health Transport Friendly Society You can access otm Pensioners’ Edition online on the TfL Pension Fund website 0800 072 6719 020 7240 8886 at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/pensions/on_the_move.asp. Tax queries – HMRC 0300 200 3300 You can also opt out of receiving a paper version, saving money on printing and (quote ref 083/LT7 and your National Insurance number) distribution costs as well as doing your bit to help reduce our carbon footprint, You can log on to the TfL Pension Fund website at by contacting the Pension Fund Office on 020 7918 3733. www.tflpensionfund.co.uk

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. accepted subject to the approval of the publishers and their current terms and conditions. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice.

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PENSION INCREASES THE RESULTS ARE IN The full pension increase from 1 April The longest-serving quarter of the 26 November 2015. The other casual 2016 is 0.8 per cent. This is based on TfL Pension Consultative Council vacancy position will be considered the rise in the Retail Price Index over (PCC) retired from office on before the next PCC meeting in 2016. 12 months to September 2015. 30 November 2015. The term of In Section Two (representing TfL and Depending on the period of office for the new appointments its subsidiaries or contractors, excluding membership, your pension may commenced on 1 December 2015 London Underground Limited), Steve comprise various components. and will end on 30 November 2019. Poole retired. Three nominations Some won’t be increased by the In Section One (representing were received and following a postal Fund at the above rate but may pensioners and deferred pensioners), ballot Sean Mobbs was elected. be increased by the State. Anne Garland and Christopher In Section Three (representing If you have been receiving your Sullivan retired. This Section did not London Underground Limited, its pension for less than a year, you receive any nominations therefore subsidiaries and Tube Lines Limited), may receive a pro rata increase. two casual vacancies exist. Paul Murphy and Paul O’Brien retired. Following the election results, Three nominations were received Effective date Up to 1 April 2015 0.80% a nomination was received from Joel and following a postal ballot they 02/04/2015 to 01/05/2015 0.73% Kosminsky. His position for Councillor were re-elected. Paul Murphy and 02/05/2015 to 01/06/2015 0.67% was discussed and accepted by Paul O’Brien have both served on 02/06/2015 to 01/07/2015 0.60% 02/07/2015 to 01/08/2015 0.53% Section One Councillors and ratified the PCC since December 2001 and 02/08/2015 to 01/09/2015 0.47% by the PCC at their meeting on December 2007 respectively. 02/09/2015 to 01/10/2015 0.40% 02/10/2015 to 01/11/2015 0.33% 02/11/2015 to 01/12/2015 0.27% For more information about the PCC, please visit the TfL Pension Fund 02/12/2015 to 01/01/2016 0.20% website at www.tflpensionfund.co.uk or contact PCC Secretary Julian Collins 02/01/2016 to 01/02/2016 0.13% on 020 7918 3789 or email [email protected] 02/02/2016 to 01/03/2016 0.07%

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3 otm PENSIONER NEWS NEWS FROM AROUND TfL 1: Four Lines Modernisation train frequency northeast of (4LM), formerly the Sub-surface Seven Sisters from 24 per hour to Upgrade Programme, will see the 36. Project Manager Atul Jewitt modernisation of four London called the project at Walthamstow Underground lines (Circle, “one of the most complicated District, Hammersmith & City and jobs” of the Track Partnership. Metropolitan), which together 3: A memorial plaque will be make up 40 per cent of The Tube. unveiled on 8 April 2016 at Stratford The overall budget is £5.41bn, station to commemorate victims with the £760m contract for of the train crash between Stratford signalling and control works being and Leyton on 8 April 1953. We are awarded to the Thales Group. looking to contact relatives of the 2: Work to bring world-class victims. If you have any information capacity to the Victoria line, that could be helpful, please which was completed two days email [email protected] PASSION FOR ahead of schedule, will increase or call 020 3054 8626. FASHION 1 2 A new range of uniforms, the first complete redesign since 2000, offers more options from traditional suits and ties to the introduction of polo shirts, beanie hats, shorts and even cravats. Following a tender process, fashion designer Wayne Hemingway was appointed to create the new line and worked alongside the RISING TIDE OF RIVER TRAVEL Uniform Consultative Committee. When the Mayor of London tasked us with doubling annual river journeys by The two-year consultation process 2020 to 12 million, it seemed a steep challenge. But more and more people ensured employees’ feedback was are choosing to travel on the River Thames, with journeys totalling 10 million incorporated into the designs. in 2014 compared with six million four years ago. Station Assistant Led by our team of just six colleagues, we see boats Multi-functional Alison Blamire as a vital part of our future transport network. We regulate services through said: “It was important for licensing and charging commercial boat operators to use our eight piers, working me that it should be practical, with our own Pier Controllers, boat operators, the Authority, comfortable and smart and the new the Greater London Authority and other interested stakeholders. uniform certainly fits the bill.” London River Services Business Development Manager Hannah Sullivan said: “As well as commuting, people are also enjoying a range of river tours, from sophisticated dining cruises to adrenalin-fuelled speedboat trips.”

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L-R: Dana Skelley, Matthew Charlton and Martin Eriksson show how the USB charging points on Cycle Hire bicycles would work to Vernon Everitt and Simon Buxton.

BREATHING LIFE INTO NEW IDEAS

The Surface Innovation Fund (SIF), bicycles, installing digital bus established in response to last year’s route maps inside buses, putting plants WE HAVE Viewpoint survey to implement at bus stops, using data on bridges, colleague suggestions, has proved tunnels and accident black-spots to 10 PAIRS a huge success. improve sat-nav information, showing OF TICKETS TO GIVE AWAY Candidates were helped by mentors Tube line statuses on buses and sharing FOR THE EMIRATES AIR LINE To be in with a chance of winning a pair, to develop pitches for a Dragons’ TfL Geographical Information Systems just get in touch with your name, address Den-style event, with all ideas data on major events with the public. and daytime contact details. Send these to [email protected] supporting at least one of our Principal Asset Development Coordinator Pensioners competition, Headlines or otm Outcomes, as well as being realistic and Rory Svensson said: “The dragons Media Hub, Radian Court, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes deliverable in this financial year. were extremely impressed with the MK5 8PJ. Closing date is The winning ideas included placing candidates’ enthusiasm and passion. 1 March 2016. USB charging points on Cycle Hire All the shortlisted ideas were brilliant.”

ANSWERING THE COMMUNITY CALL The enormous contribution make this important service for Actions Above and of our Dial-a-Ride colleagues a success, the event was Beyond the Call of Duty went was recognised at an held on a boat on the River to Wimbledon Driver Orin awards ceremony. Thames with Director of Kellman, who helped save The service helps keep Service Operations Peter Blake someone’s life on the way 48,000 older and disabled presenting the awards. to work this summer. Londoners mobile by A special Inspirational providing free, safe and Woman of the Year award Pictured L-R: General Manager Paul Blackwell, Engineer reliable travel for those who was presented to Regional Jamal Martin, Reservationist cannot use public transport. Operations Manager Kerry Archana Somasegaran and Showcasing the people who Lee while the Judge’s Award Driver John Franco.

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otm FONDLY REMEMBERED

Ernest (Ernie) Finnemore 45 and then went back to Dalston, core routes and to simplify the 8 October 2015, aged 90 Hackney, Edmonton, Tottenham fares system until better OPO Ernie worked for London and Potters Bar as a Bus Mechanic options in Central London were Transport (LT) for a total of and Foreman. He served LT for available. He championed the 43 years. He started on the 46 years and 11 months. railway extensions of the Piccadilly trams and later was a one-man line to Heathrow and the Baker Bus Driver at North Street Ralph Bennett Street to Charing Cross stage of garage, Romford. Ernie retired 10 November 2015, aged 91 the now Jubilee line. He served as to Norfolk with his wife Mollie Ralph was a senior bus LT Chairman from 1978 to 1980. and they enjoyed many happy professional who successfully holidays abroad together introduced a new generation Patrick Grover until his ill health in 2011. of OPO double-deckers in 20 February 1997, aged 55 They were married for 61 years. Manchester in the 1960s. He In the early 1960s in Dublin, was appointed to the LT Board in Pat joined LT following Les Manning 1968, but encountered difficulties a recruitment drive. He spent 4 August 2015, aged 90 in finding new buses suitable for his working life on the Bakerloo Les joined LT on 31 May 1939 as a London and OPO at that time. and Metropolitan lines as Messenger Boy at Dalston Garage. He subsequently decided to retain a Booking Clerk, mostly in the He served in the RAF from 1943– Routemasters with conductors on Paddington and Baker Street area.

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7 otm SHARE YOUR MEMORIES

Thank you to everyone who has contacted us. We read everything, but due to limited space we are only able to publish a selection each time. Write to: otm Pensioners’ letters, Headlines MediaHub, Radian Court, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8PJ or email [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.

BERT’S BUS Please find attached photos of my father’s recent 90th birthday celebrations. Bert Waters, living in St Helens Lancashire, worked from many garages during his 34-year service for London Transport (LT) as a Conductor. He regularly organised social outings and trips to the coast using the spare garage buses. some of the lyrics were To try to recreate these wonderful changed to ‘My old times, we hired an ex-LT RML bus from man’s a busman, he RM Buses of Wigan and took Bert, wears a busman’s hat’. with his family and friends, to see the Needless to say, the Blackpool Illuminations. evening was a great Our bus, RML2701, was allocated success and lots of people said they had to two of the garages Bert worked at, never enjoyed themselves so much. Upton Park (1972, route 15) and Bow I’ve attached some photos of Bert (1975, route 8). It is possible he worked opening his TfL hamper, with the bus near on the bus during its service! home and with some of the passengers Music was played on the upper deck on the upper deck. and passengers joined in, even though Jimmy Waters

TOUCHING TRIBUTE It was while clearing out some old attended, on 7 March 1969 and was papers that Winifred Rowlands presented with a tankard for his efforts. stumbled across some photos and plans On 28 February 1975, Winifred belonging to her late husband John, remembers he didn’t come home that inspiring her to get in touch with otm. evening. Following the devastating Having completed his National crash at Moorgate, he’d stayed behind Service in the Royal Electrical and to help set up emergency lighting. Mechanical Engineers, John joined Five years later John received a letter London Transport (LT) as an Electrician of commendation from his Chief in 1956. He initially worked at Engineer, as he prevented a woman Earl’s Court and then Baker Street throwing herself under a train at as a Charge-hand, and even visited Regent’s Park. Just a year later, he was Russia and Belgium as part of the commended again for his professionalism London Transport Technical Society and loyalty in ensuring lighting was kept looking at city transport systems. on during a serious fire at Goodge Street. John also helped wire up Notting Sadly he passed away in 1984 Hill Gate and parts of the Jubilee line, from lung cancer but John was still as well as being directly involved with employed by LT when he died. Winifred planning and equipping the Victoria line. explains: “He worked for LT for nearly To mark the occasion, he was invited 30 years and loved what he did. John Rowlands, in overalls, to the line’s opening, which the Queen He was so proud to work for them.” is on the left.

We love your old memories and pictures so please keep them coming. The best thing is to email any pictures to [email protected] or post them, enclosing an sae, to the address above.

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