Issue 63 ON THE MOVE March 2019

PENSIONERS’ EDITION

DLR BOOSTS HOUSING

n the Autumn increased capacity on I Budget the the DLR means planning government permission has been pledged £291m to granted for 18,000 upgrade the Docklands new homes in east Light Railway (DLR), London, intensifying the CHANGING WITH THE TIMES making us the first, and regeneration of Tower decline in bus some central routes by as so far only, recipient Hamlets and Newham. A usage is prompting much as 12 per cent.” of the Housing “We made a clear the business to Principal Planner Angela Infrastructure Fund. and compelling case reasess where and how Martin added that buses The grant will fund to the government our buses will operate, are currently experiencing 14 new DLR trains that if the DLR wasn’t particularly in central ‘a perfect storm’ of socio- and the expansion of upgraded, many sites London, to simplify the economic factors, including Beckton depot and that could provide the bus network and ensure people having less money will also contribute to homes Londoners need our resources are invested to travel, switches to the redevelopment of wouldn’t be developed,” in the right locations. healthy modes of transport Poplar depot and a new said the bid leader, A recent consultation and falling bus speeds due DLR station at Thames Principal City Planner proposed changes to 33 bus to congestion. Wharf. The resulting Claudia Peñaranda. routes, including alterations “It’s more evident during to night services and the off-peak times for casual introduction of a new route, journeys like shopping. while other routes may be During the peaks, our buses JOINING FORCES restructured, shortened or tend to be full,” she said. As part of our commitment to withdrawn. Any changes The effect of the A helping armed forces veterans and will take place this spring. proposals should be a reservists gain employment, a TfL Bus Network Planning reduction in bus route Ex-Military and Reservists Careers Day was Manager Bob Blitz kilometres of nine per cent held earlier this month. This was our sixth explained: “We increased in central London. But that annual industry day, providing a valuable the size and scope of the doesn’t mean streets will opportunity to learn what roles are available bus network considerably be left unserved by bus and which military skills are transferable. 15 to 20 years ago. Today, services. Overall, the routes We also introduced a new ID card for armed because of improvements we propose changing cover forces veterans that will help them access to the nearly 500km, but of this, specialist support and services from charities, and Tube, and a shift to only 0.4 per cent of roads the NHS and their local authority. Any current other modes such as – around 2km – would no TfL staff who left the military after December cycling and walking, bus longer be served by buses 2018 will automatically be given one of the new patronage has tailed off on as part of the changes. ID cards, allowing them to maintain a tangible link to their career in the forces. otm PENSIONER NEWS otm pensioner news

join we use to fuse rails together) and speeds up the cooling process from 30 to 15 minutes. This extra time ensures teams can get more done in an evening and finish quickly – crucial when working overnight. Project Engineer George Hennessy said: “We’ve been using it recently at Chesham. We’re allowed on track at 01:45 and have to be finished by 04:00. With the new kit we’ve been able to go on track, install a new rail and do two welds. “Before, we’d have installed the rail one night and then gone back the next night to do the welds. That would mean having to pay a whole gang of signal, track and welding new piece of kit, the Smart colleagues again.” A Weld Ace, is helping our The Smart Weld Ace was trialled BRIGHT welding teams repair our late last year in eight locations. tracks in double quick time, saving It’s hoped that it can be rolled out SPARKS money and vital minutes. across the network this year, with a The equipment sprays a fine mist particular focus on deep Tube parts of water onto a thermic weld (the of the network.

CUSTOMER CARE caring pair of LU daughter-in-law Jo. Speaking of A colleagues have been Michael and Lynne, she added: recognised for going “We were so grateful to have the extra mile to look after an someone so caring in Dad’s local elderly customer. community, keeping an eye on him Debden resident Bob Hindley between our weekend visits.” got to know Customer Service HELPING THE Supervisor Michael St George and Customer Service Assistant HOMELESS Lynne Harvie over several years rontline LU staff are now as he passed through the station. F able to report rough sleepers But after Bob was diagnosed with at their station via an app Alzheimer’s, the two noticed on their iPads, allowing us to build a sharp deterioration in his a clear picture of what’s happening condition. on the ground and give homeless They cared for him every time people access to the right support. he fell or became confused Charing Cross staff were and helped him with his Oyster encouraged to make use of the app card, which he would often lose. as they had problems with large The pair become so involved in numbers of rough sleepers and assisting Bob they were consulted incidents of antisocial behaviour. by social services to help him Area Manager Darren Burrows said: get a place at a care home in “Reporting it meant that everything Warwickshire, near his family. was documented, which forced the Bob is now enjoying spending various agencies to take action and more time with his family, said patrol the area.”

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The app asks users to take SWEET a two-minute sleep test with IN BRIEF: questions that include, ‘how often do you wake up in the night?’ DREAMS and ‘do you wake worrying about ROUX BREW e worked with NHS the future?’ to help pinpoint the A coffee kiosk staffed by former W London and non-profit source of their sleep problems. homeless people was opened at organisation Good Users receive a score, followed Clapham Common station by local Thinking to develop an app by advice (based on a cognitive resident and celebrity chef, Michel called Sleepio, which was rolled behavioural therapy programme) Roux Jnr. He is a supporter of out across the business in on how to improve their overall ‘Change Please’, a social enterprise January. The app gives advice health. After clicking a ‘tailored that helps homeless people get back on sleep health and will be advice’ button, they can answer on their feet by training them to particularly relevant to shift a second series of questions to be coffee baristas. It also provides workers who may struggle with narrow down issues specific to housing and mental health support broken sleep. their line of work. in a ‘hands up, not a hand out’ system. It’s hoped that the Clapham Common kiosk will be the first of many branches at LU stations.

GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND Ten of 15 schemes aimed at reducing sources of road danger and creating environments that foster increased walking and cycling have now been delivered. They form part of our Healthy Streets Local Schemes – an annual programme that addresses local issues, such as pedestrian crossings near schools and shops, and widening and decluttering John Caygill and Alf White, the crew on the pathways to create a more pleasant final RT journey, sign autographs for the street environment and communal hundreds of people attending the ‘last rites’ areas. The aim is to complete the remaining five schemes before the end of the financial year. Networks A BUSMAN’S Portfolio Sponsor Dani Rooney said: “They’re a really great example of HOLIDAY how the Mayor’s Transport Strategy arking Garage will be is delivered quickly.” B opened to the public later David Jones, ’s this month to mark the Assistant Communications Manager. NEW RECRUITS NEEDED 40th anniversary of the last “They were the best of 1940s We’re on the lookout for new RT-type bus leaving service. engineering. They had really good air- talent with more than 130 Former drivers, conductors and powered brakes and an air-operated apprenticeships up for grabs. all bus enthusiasts are invited to gearbox that allowed you to select Engineering, quantity surveying and reacquaint themselves with the gears in advance. The steering project management are among iconic vehicles as they recreate the was light even with a full load on. the areas where apprenticeships old route between Chadwell Heath The cab had everything the driver are available. We’re also launching and Creekmouth. needed, which wasn’t much in those two new schemes in building The RT bus ran from 1939 to 1979, days compared to all the dials and services and vehicle maintenance, and to this day is still considered by buttons you get now. It was just an and in some areas we’re offering many to be the ‘classic’ London bus. easy bus to drive.” degree apprenticeships. If you know At its peak the RT fleet numbered The event will be held at Barking someone who’d be interested in around 6,000 vehicles, making it the Garage on 30 March from 11am- applying, please visit tfl.gov.uk/ largest standardised bus fleet in the 4pm, and features RF buses too. apprentices for more information. country, if not the world. For more information, visit: www. “It was a real driver’s bus,” said londonbusmuseum.com/event

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otm FONDLY REMEMBERED

George Akam sadly years. She knew everyone and was conductor before becoming a passed away aged 85 an important part of the Works. booking clerk for a further 28 on 8 April 2018 after She was a great character and years, retiring in 1993. Joe worked a short illness. He is anyone who worked there will on many lines but mostly on the greatly missed by his remember her distinctive voice. as either a rest day family and many friends. At home Eileen was dedicated to cover or leave cover clerk. He In his 45 years with LT he the lifelong care of her brother, passed away on 11 October 2018 worked his way up from bus and after retirement she worked aged 87 years. mechanic to Garage Engineering for Victim Support. She sadly Manager. He was the third passed away on 28 December 2018 Jim Platt died aged generation of his family to work aged 94. 73 on 18 August for LT, his father and grandfather 2018 in Brighton, being bus drivers. Between them Elsie May Forsyth where he retired their service record was 110 years! MBE, née Frost, aged 55. He was passed away on a train operator Victor Braglia passed 14 November at the Earl’s Court away on 16 July 2018 2018. A committed depot, and is remembered aged 82, surrounded Christian devoted fondly by his friend and fellow by his loving family. He to Youth Crusaders driver, Sean White. started working for LT work, Elsie joined LT in 1966 after a in 1965 at Golders Green dress-making career with Norman Tony Procter passed away where he stayed for 28 Hartnell. She started as a Medical suddenly on 5 November 2018 years. After early retirement he Centre Technician, later becoming at the age of 71. Tony was very continued working in various Administration Manager for the much liked throughout Aldenham places, finishing in Edgware London Transport Medical Service Overhaul Works, He operated General Hospital as a postman. at Griffith House before she the overhead crane and always Victor was a loving husband, retired in 1992. joked he was on top of his job. father, grandfather and great- He also drove the staff bus from grandfather. Joe McGovern Walthamstow to Aldenham. joined LT in 1954. He worked his last two years at Sister Eileen Elliot was a nurse He spent his first Chiswick. He was a LT man and he at Surgery for many 11 years as a bus will be sorely missed. RIP Tone.

Response Team (NIRT). UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL Dean and Colleagues were on hand to help with a very special Martin delivery when an expectant mum gave birth just could hear was kept the shouting and mum calm metres from a Northern line platform screaming so we and diverted he mother, Lainie, called for support at the went to investigate. It customers to protect T was in labour help point. was a little surprising when her dignity as emergency and on her way Customer Service we arrived to say the least.” responders helped her to University College Assistant Dean Keenan and Dean stayed with the through the birth. Hospital in January when Customer Service Manager mum to support her and “I honestly feel I did what her baby boy decided he Martin Orsich were on was quickly joined by an any other colleague would couldn’t wait any longer. duty and dashed to the off-duty junior doctor, have done,” Dean said. She managed to get off northbound Northern line while Martin called 999 By the time the NIRT the train at Warren Street platform to help. Dean and alerted the control arrived 10 minutes later, but couldn’t get further said: “We had a call on the centre, which mobilised baby Lucas had already before she desperately help point but all Martin the Network Incident been safely delivered.

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LETTERS

We love to hear from you! Send in your questions, comments, pictures and memories and we’ll print our favourites in the next issue

Dear otm, Thanks for the opportunity to get in touch with friends and mates of L.T.E. I am Leon ‘Boysie’ Husbands, retired driver of Acton Town and Parson’s Green depots. On the subject of smoking: After I gave up smoking in the 70s, to my surprise I could not stand the smell of cigarette smoke. I once got a dressing down for refusing to take an R-Stock train at Barking East because the cab was full of cigar STAR smoke. I understand there is now a policy of no smoking anywhere on PHOTO! L.T.E, or rules to that effect. It’s the full circle. I will be 91 years young this August – wonder how that happened. Many thanks, Boysie Dear otm, Dear otm, Granville Richards came across Hello to all. Just read the January Dear otm, a former LT steam engine on the edition and Joan’s comments Could you please print this request? South Devon Railway (Letters, issue (Letters, issue #62), and would like John Granville was a driver based #60). I worked on these ex-GWR to let her know about my husband at Rickmansworth some years back. pannier tank engines at Neasden and who used to work on the Bromley/ He could well be described as a when I joined LT in 1968. Lewisham buses and moved to “Gentleman Train Driver.” I have They were excellent engines and Whitstable to work on the buses in heard that he died fairly young, but very capable for the work they were Herne Bay/Canterbury. no more news. John’s interests designed to do, which was running He turned 80 in Spain in October, included re-enactments of English engineers’ trains. They also had the I think it’s something they put in the Civil War battles and photography. advantage of fast running when water here as he gets younger each He had a particular photographic on the Met or District lines, and year! And he’s not on any tablets project. If he saw an old picture of being easy to shunt with. I attach a either. I’m sending a photo. Long live the , he would photograph of me (above right) aged pensioners! try to take a modern equivalent. 18 with fellow engine cleaner Laddi Mary Burnett If such a collection still existed, it at Neasden shed. I went on to fire would be of great interest and be trains from Lillie Bridge depot out a memorial to John. I’d be glad to to Barking, Upminster, Acton, Ealing hear from anyone with information. and Neasden – many of the trains Yours faithfully, running at night, returning to Lillie Eric Stuart Bridge when the first passengers were on the platform at Earl’s Court Email address supplied - please to witness us clanking through! contact the editor for more Kirk Martin information.

Get in touch: Send your comments, memories and letters to: otm pensioners’ edition, AB, 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.

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STAFF TRAVEL UPDATES PENSION PAY DATES

ast year, TfL rail took and updates, please visit: www.tfl. • 18 March 2019 L over the stopping service gov.uk/pensions/your-pension/ • 15 April 2019 between Paddington and staff-travel. • 13 May 2019 Heathrow. Free or discounted If you have any further questions, • 10 June 2019 travel passes are now accepted on you can contact the Staff Travel • 8 July 2019 this service for staff and retired team (see details listed in the blue • 5 August 2019 employees. box below). Privilege rate pay-as-you-go • 2 September 2019 Oyster cards can now be used on • 30 September 2019 the service. • 28 October 2019 And finally, if you have a Retired • 25 November 2019 Staff , you can buy • 23 December 2019 discounted tickets to travel on for yourself and five companions, including the new route from London to Rotterdam CONTACT DETAILS FOR and Amsterdam. PENSIONER ENQUIRIES For all the latest information TfL PENSION FUND 4th Floor, Wing over Station, 55 Broadway, London SW1H 0BD Email: [email protected] Website: www.tfl.gov.uk/pensions PENSIONERS’ FORUM SUMMARY 020 7918 3733 MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019 STAFF TRAVEL , urther This was discussed and contact the editor. Floor 1, 14 Pier Walk, North Greenwich, F information the Pension Fund will It was noted that London SE10 0ES was provided be providing further the number of readers 0800 015 5073 on the 2018 Actuarial information in the next signing up for the online [email protected] Valuation, and in Pension News. version of the magazine HOSPITAL SATURDAY FUND particular, responses to The content of continues to increase 020 7928 6662 the points raised at the OTM Pensioners’ albeit at a slower rate. November 2018 Forum. Edition was discussed. Representatives would TRANSPORT BENEVOLENT FUND Representatives noted Representatives like to encourage & STAFF WELFARE FUND the good progress welcomed the efforts more readers to sign 0300 333 2000 being made to reach a to increase the up as it will reduce TRANSPORT FRIENDLY SOCIETY finalised valuation and range of articles to the environmental 020 7833 2616 were content with the make them of more impact of producing responses to previous interest to pensioners and distributing TAX QUERIES – HMRC 0300 200 3300 questions. from all parts of the OTM, reduce costs (quote ref 083/LT7 and your NI Several pensioners business and the and help ensure the number) had raised questions increase in lifestyle future viability of concerning the advertisements. If the magazine. For OTM ENQUIRIES otm pensioners’ edition, Guaranteed Minimum readers would like further information, AB, Unit B, Gemini House, Pension following a particular area of please visit: www. 180-182 Bermondsey Street, London a High Court case interest to be included pensionersubscriptions. SE1 3TQ 020 7922 5678 involving Lloyds Bank. in future issues, please co.uk Email: [email protected]

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

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