Issue 27 April 2010 on t h e m o v e

PENSIONER

PENSIONERS’ EDITION By royal appointment

The Queen visited Aldgate station as part of a royal tour of four working locations in the City in February. During the VIP visit, the Queen chatted to station, train, service control, maintenance and cleaning staff and British Transport Police officers and heard what it’s like to work at a busy station. Chief Operating OfficerH oward Collins then presented her with a custom-made Buckingham Palace roundel. Station Supervisor Mario Christodoulou said: “The anticipation was unbearable. I was very excited and felt extremely honoured. “I have built a water feature to commemorate the 7 July bombings, and the Queen said it was very pleasing to the eye. “She took an interest in how long I had been working for LU and about the recent refurbishment, and said the office looked cluttered! Royal roundel: Chief Operating Officer Station conversation: the Queen chats to Station Supervisor Mario Christodoulou. “She was a lovely lady and made me feel at ease straight Howard Collins presents the Queen with away, but I just couldn’t believe how little she was!” her very own Buckingham Palace sign.

New bus has the TfL pensions unchanged Wright stuff This year, for the first time, pensions was negative at -1.4 per cent. Manufacturer Wrightbus has been chosen to design from the TfL Pension Fund did not However, the good news is that and build the New Bus For in Mayor Boris increase. pensions did NOT reduce. The value Pension increases are governed of pensions is therefore protected, Johnson’s competition for a Routemaster replacement. by the Fund Rules, which state that and staying at the same rate actually The first new bus is due on London’s streets in 2011. any increase in pensions will be by represents an increase relative to the It will feature an open platform that can be closed reference to the increase in the Retail cost of living as measured by RPI at off if needed, hybrid technology to make it 40 per cent Price Index (RPI) in the September just that date. more fuel-efficient than conventional diesel buses, gone, compared with the September Pensioners in receipt of a post-1988 three doors and two staircases for quicker boarding. before that. GMP element of their pension will be The Mayor said: “We can look forward to a new icon In September 2008, the increase in aware that this part of the pension of London that not only returns to the Capital the joy RPI was five per cent and pensions were is increased by the State and paid of the open platform, but also uses state-of-the-art increased at this rate with effect from along with the State pension. At the green technology.” 1 April 2009, even though inflation, as time of going to press, the Increase Wrightbus Managing Director Mark Nodder said: measured by RPI, fell substantially after Order has not been published, but our “We’re delighted to be chosen by TfL as the preferred that September date. expectation is that there will be no bidder. This project marks the start of an exciting new The change in RPI to September 2009 increase to this element of pension. chapter in passenger transport in London.”

INSIDE: LU welcomes new MD p3 Transport Benevolent Fund profile p4 Your letters answered p8 otm news

Pensioner Forum update Noticeboard TBF on the move Items discussed at The Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF) has moved offices. The new address is Transport the latest Pensioner Benevolent Fund, 22–25 Square, Forum on 25 London EC2A 1DX. The phone number Farming today (listed below) stays the same. Several Chalk Farm garage January include: employees got in touch following last issue’s reunion n the pensioners’ request, and a meeting has representatives were been arranged. It will be at pleased with the new-look the Drum and Monkey pub, calendar on the whole, Junction Road, London N19 and said the Christmas Chiswick chat (near Archway Tube station) card was better than the All former Chiswick Works colleagues are invited to on Sunday 23 May from 13.00. If you’d like to come, please previous year’s the annual dinner at the Twickenham Masonic Centre on 17 April 2010 at 18.00 for a 19.00 start. People contact Sheila Rogers (now who can’t make the dinner are welcome to come Mrs Cunney) on 07931 271511 n the Pensioner Liaison along later for drinks and a chat. Please contact before 16 May so Sheila can Representatives’ (PLR) Don Robson on 020 8570 3136 for more details. organise a buffet for the handbook is being rewritten correct number of people. for the next PLR meeting in May. A leaflet about the PLR scheme for all new retirees was completed at the end Upgrade updates LTRSA meeting of February Find out which lines and stations are The next Annual General Meeting of closed for upgrade work by logging on the London Transport Retired Staff n Richard Williams, Scheme to www.tfl.gov.uk/check for the latest Association (LTRSA) takes place on Actuary from Towers planned closures If you don’t have 17 May 2010 at 13.00 at 55 Broadway. Watson, gave a presentation internet access, you can call 0843 222 For more information, please contact on the TfL Pension Fund 1234, or textphone 020 7918 3015. George Allen on 01726 815707. actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2009

n the new Pensioners’ Guide document was discussed Pensioner Liaison update The Pensioner Liaison You would decide how much address on page 5. You could n pensioners’ Representative (PLR) scheme time to give and how many make a real difference to the life representatives’ spokesman still needs volunteer visitors people you could see in a year. of members in your area, as one John Ingleton announced to cover many areas of the For more information about of our PLRs explains on page 5. that he will stand down country, including Kent, the scheme, please contact me after the next meeting, but Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, on the Pensioner Liaison number Yvonne Kerchhoff, Pensioner will continue as a PLR. Middlesex and Devon. in the box below or write to the Liaison Manager

Contact details for pensioner enquiries TfL Pension Fund Hospital Savings Association Tax queries – For any otm queries and 020 7918 3733 01264 353211 HM Inspector of Taxes suggestions – call 0845 300 3939 (quote ref 083/ 020 7922 5670 or email Staff Travel Simply Health LT7 and your National Insurance [email protected] 0800 015 5073 0800 072 6719 number) or write to otm pensioners’ Pensioner Liaison Transport Benevolent Fund edition, 24-26 Great Suffolk 0800 015 5074 08450 100 500 Street, London SE1 0UE You can log on to the TfL Hospital Saturday Fund Transport Friendly Society Pension Fund website at www. 020 7928 6662 020 7240 8886 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 . 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 produced in any form, including photocopying, without of the publishers, who reserve the right to refuse, amend, withdraw, or otherwise deal with the consent of the holder of the copyright. Advertisements or other inserted material are accepted advertisements submitted to them at their absolute discretion and without explanation. All 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 news Mike makes return TUBE TRIP New London Underground (LU) Managing Mike said: “It is a privilege to have Director Mike Brown started in the role on been offered this chance to lead London 22 March. Underground. Mike is no stranger to the Tube. He “Millions of passengers rely on the Tube Delivering joined LU in 1989 and was chief operating every day and I look forward to working improvements: officer from 2003 until 2008, when he collaboratively with LU’s staff and all our Mike Brown is moved to BAA and was responsible for partners to deliver the improvements so back at LU. running Heathrow. vital to London’s future.”

Crossrail is coming It’s billed as the most important And it’s starting to feel real as infrastructure development not buildings in key central locations only in London, but in the whole are already being demolished to of the UK. allow enabling work to start. Crossrail will transform the London Underground (LU) Capital’s public transport network will manage the main stations and the London skyline when it in central London – Bond opens in 2017. It will run from Street, Tottenham Court Road, Maidenhead and Heathrow in Farringdon, Liverpool Street and the west to Shenfield and Abbey Whitechapel. LU has a Crossrail Wood in the east, via new twin team already up and running, tunnels under central London. working with the designers and It will link Heathrow Airport, the builders to make sure the stations Did you know? No small hall: how the West End, the City of London and and infrastructure match our The Crossrail route will be Liverpool Street and Moorgate Canary Wharf and add an extra specifications and standards and 118.5km (74 miles) long 10 per cent to London’s overall the building work causes minimum ticket hall could look under the Crossrail scheme. transport capacity. disruption to the LU service.

RINGING THE BUS TRAVEL MADE EASY CHANGES Passengers with internet access can benefit from An automated telephone version a new way to find bus route information and of the Journey Planner service is maps online. now available. Users can search for information on the TfL Callers to the new TfL travel website using a postcode, street name, route information number – 0843 222 number or landmark. The site displays the nearest 1234 – can simply state their bus stops, details of the bus routes that call there starting point and destination when and the current timetables. prompted, and hear the best route By zooming in or dragging the mouse over the to get there. maps, users can also see the surrounding area. The service recognises stations, Information on any planned disruptions is also hospitals, major landmarks and provided when searching for a specific route. points of interest. The previous 020 7222 1234 • Try it out at www.tfl.gov.uk and click on buses. number will soon be phased out.

3 otm advice Help at hand for retired staff

The Transport Benevolent Fund (TBF) has been Only current employees (not retired) Anyone receiving a pension from the helping current and retired public transport can become new members of the TBF, but TfL Pension Fund, or employees who left workers in need since 1923. membership and the benefits may continue service due to age, ill-health or redundancy It offers members a wide range of benefits, after the employee has retired. Many readers (but not other deferred pensioners), may be from convalescence, medical equipment, will have benefited from the TBF’s services. eligible for help from the SWF. Grants are physiotherapy and complementary treatments But if you didn’t join the TBF when you made at the discretion of the TBF trustees to cash grants and advice. were working, you may be eligible for help and there is no maximum limit. Benefits are available not only to members, from the TfL Staff Welfare Fund, which is but also their partners (married or living run by the TBF. To find out more about the TBF and together, including same sex couples) and The Staff Welfare Fund (SWF) gives one- SWF, or to apply for help, call the TBF on dependent children. off cash grants to qualifying people who find 08450 100 500, log on to www.tbf.org.uk or www.tflswf.org.uk or write to Transport It is run by trustees who are all public themselves in short-term need, hardship or Benevolent Fund, 22-25 Finsbury Square, transport workers, so they understand the distress. It’s not suitable for someone with a London EC2A 1DX. industry and members’ needs. long-term medical need.

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4 otm people If you’re

interested in finding out more about becoming a PLR, please call 0800 015 SIX OF THE 5074, email [email protected] or write to Pensioner Liaison, 4th Floor, Western House, 237-239 Oxford Street, London BEST Six members of the Nicholls family W1D 2LS. have kept up the transport tradition that’s in their blood. Reader Michael G Nicholls retired in 1994 from the LU Plant Engineer’s Office/Depot Plant and LTI (in full TBC) in Taipei, Taiwan, after 37 years’ service. His grandfather Lewis A Nicholls worked in the Financial Office at 55 Broadway for 30 years, retiring in 1953. Michael’s father George L Nicholls worked in the maintenance Jig and Tool Office at Acton for 39 years before he retired in 1972. Uncle Charles Crookes (not a Nicholls!) served for 34 years with the Rewarding role for PLR Road Services team in maintenance. Barking area Pensioner Liaison Representative quiet life, but I haven’t stopped!” said Robert. And Michael’s son Mark G (PLR) Robert Clarke applied for the role after “There were 29 pensioners on my patch when Nicholls and daughter Heather P seeing an advert in otm. I took it on and the number is growing. I keep Nicholls worked for LU in the “I thought it was a great idea,” said Robert record cards of all the visits, and send all ‘my’ 1980s and 1990s. (pictured above). “It’s a chance to help people, pensioners birthday and Christmas cards. keep in contact with transport colleagues and let “The level of support I give varies Do you have family ties with retired staff know they haven’t been forgotten.” tremendously, from people who list me as their LT/TfL? Send your stories by Robert joined LT in 1970 as a bus driver. He next of kin and ask me to keep an eye on their email to [email protected] worked at Barking and Chiswick before moving home while they are in hospital, to others who or write to otm pensioner to London Underground’s high voltage cables don’t require a visit but just like the reassurance edition, 24-26 Great Suffolk department. Robert retired in 2003. of knowing there’s someone local they can turn Street, London SE1 0UE. “I thought taking early retirement would mean a to. It’s a hugely rewarding role.”

A group of Latin enthusiasts has All stations, lines and even translated the entire Underground phrases such as ‘Check before you map into the ancient language travel’ have been translated. Mappa Metro – with a few not-quite-literal The project took the group interpretations along the way. several months. When they Pensioner Roy Dyer, who worked couldn’t come up with a literal for LU’s mechanical engineering translation, they used a book about department, belongs to the U3A the meaning of station names from (University of the Third Age) group the Transport Museum shop. And in Stratford-upon-Avon, who came when all else failed, they went for up with the translations. an innovative approach! Roy said: “We sent the complete “We couldn’t find a translation for Londinium Subterraneum map to Barking, Paddington or Waterloo,” Mayor Boris Johnson – also a Latin said Roy. “So we translated Barking enthusiast – as a Christmas present. as ‘what a dog does’ (Latratus), We’ve also been in contact with the Paddington as ‘little bear’ (Ursa Transport Museum about displaying Minor) and Waterloo as ‘the water of the map.” the sewer’ (Aqua Cloacae).”

5 otm fondly remembered

Fondly remembered ETHEL CONYERS conductor at Barking garage for Farm garage for 20 years. He retiring in 1981 as development 15 December 2009, aged 92 22 years. retired in 1993. director, buses. He was a Ethel worked as a ticket collector Chairman of the 55 Society for LU at Edgware Road (Chapel FRANK DULIEU FRED PRIEST and President of the LT Old Street), Paddington and High 8 January 2010, aged 88 20 February 2010, aged 84 Comrades’ Association. Street Kensington for 25 years. Frank worked as a storeman at After World War II, Fred left the Neasden depot for 21 years army and joined LU. He retired in MARY TAYLOR Maurice Court until he retired at 65. 1987 as a group station manager 29 December 2009, aged 95 29 January 2010, aged 91 for the King’s Cross group. Mary started at Riverside bus Maurice retired from LT in CARLTON A LEO garage in Hammersmith in 1987 as a senior manager in the 9 October 2007, age 71 PHILIP SELBY 1947. She retired in 1981 after Finance department. Carlton worked in the Lift 20 December 2009, aged 93 34 years of service. She was Supervision department for LT. Philip started in the schedules also a member of the London FRANK COX department at Reigate garage Transport Catholic Guild. 10 December 2009, aged 85 THOMAS McFADDEN and then worked at St Pancras Frank joined LT in 1948 as a 19 January 2010, aged 78 Chambers and 55 Broadway. TERESA TRAVERS bus conductor and soon trained Thomas worked as a telephone He retired as a senior claims 21 October 2009 as a bus driver. He worked at chargehand for the Telephone inspector in 1979 with more Teresa worked for a number Turnham Green garage and Section of the Chief Signal than 40 years’ service. of years as secretary to Eric Stamford Brook. He retired in Engineer’s Department at Cuthbert, Chief Civil Engineer. 1986 after 38 years’ service. Earl’s Court for 34 years. He ROY SMITH OBE retired in 1987. 13 January 2010, aged 87 ERIC WILKINS MICHAEL (MICK) Roy joined London Passenger 23 January 2010, aged 90 CROWLEY I S (OSSIE) OSMAN Transport Board in 1938 and Eric was new works 23 October 2009, aged 81 15 October 2009, aged 81 spent a number of years in superintendent in the Railway Michael worked as a bus Ossie was a bus driver at Chalk the Bus Traffic Office before Operating Department. 12010 RCH Bridge Hse. On the Move199x130 Ad 2/3/09 13:26 Page 1 ADVERTISEMENT

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7 otm have your say

Frequently Have Asked Questions

A selection of frequently Your Say Thank you to everyone who has sent us a letter. We do read them all, but due to limited

asked questions and space we are only able to publish a selection each time. If you would like to write to us the answers. or raise an issue, send your letters to: otm pensioners’ letters, AB Publishing, 24-26 Great Q:Where can I use my Suffolk Street, London SE1 0UE or email [email protected] marking your email otm Retired ? pensioners’ edition. We look forward to hearing from you. A:These can be used on all rail services operated by London Not card sharp should return to the LU ticket rather than increased, TfL Underground, Docklands Light I retired from LU in 1997, and office to get the privilege rate pensions did not change. Railway and Tramlink, London’s my wife and I were issued with reset, but if it is a replacement The Pension Fund is not bus services displaying the red Travelcards for the Underground/ or new Oyster card, a new pensioners’ money as such; it is or white roundel on the front buses and Privilege Travel application form must be held in trust to provide benefits and any other bus service where Authority Cards (PTACs) for completed. for all classes of Pension Fund the TfL fare scale applies, and National Rail. Also, remember one-day member. Unfortunately, the services The following year, our privilege tickets are no longer current financial position is between the following stations: Travelcards were presumably available. However, return such that any form of ex gratia North London line – Richmond withdrawn as we never received and single journey tickets can payment or any change to to Stratford, Gospel Oak to them again. However, we both still be purchased at LU ticket scheme rules to permit a higher Barking; West London line – have our PTACs. offices using your PTACs. level of increase is not possible. Clapham Junction to Willesden In January, we travelled to Elaine Horwood, Staff Travel Stephen Field, Junction and Euston to Watford London by London Midland Head of Pensions Junction. Railway to Euston, and proceeded Increasingly frustrated It is also valid on services to the Underground to buy an off- I wish to correct the January issue Keep the faith operated by National Rail peak OAP privilege Travelcard. My article that said even though TfL I love the design and pictures (Standard Class only) between wife was refused by the booking pensioners will not get an increase in the 2010 calendar. It’s much the following stations: clerk who, on seeing her PTAC, in 2010, the fact that the RPI is easier to handle. Amersham – Marylebone; said she did not know what it was negative means TfL pensioners do But with people of so many Stratford – Liverpool Street; and sold her a normal Travelcard get a relative increase. ethnicities working in London’s – Moorgate (via at the full rate. December figures show inflation transport, why is there no Drayton Park only); Kentish What are we doing wrong? rose to its highest for nine mention of religious calendar Town – Elephant & Castle/ N A Dunn months. The CPI stands at 2.9 per dates, such as Islamic New Year, London Bridge/Moorgate; cent and is destined to go higher. Ramadan, Jewish New Year, Rosh Fenchurch Street – Upminster; You do indeed both receive I would like to ask Stephen Hashanah and many more? Euston – Watford Junction (not PTACs, but unfortunately you Field – if the Pension Fund is our Eileen Weston Virgin Trains). were not eligible to retain the money, why can’t we have an ex For Conditions of Use, Retired Oyster card due to gratia payment of £150-200 to I am glad you like the new size contact Staff Travel on 0800 your length of service. offset this obscenity? Why can’t and the pictures. 015 5073 or write to 4th Floor, However, with your PTACs the rules be changed to stop it The calendar is designed Western House, 237-239 you may still apply for a happening again? to minimise the amount Oxford Street, London discounted rate on an Oyster David French of detail, and optimise the W1D 2LS. card by completing a Retired space for people to use. UK Oyster privilege discount The TfL Pension Fund provides bank holidays are included as Q: How do I become entitlement application form. pension increases based on they can affect the date the a Pensioner Liaison This is sent to Staff Travel for the rise in the Retail Price pension is paid. Representative (PLR) for authorisation and returned Index (RPI) to the previous Religious calendars can my area? How do I find out to your home address. The September, and not the be viewed on the internet, if there is a PLR in my area? approved form can be taken increase in the Consumer Price for example at www. A: Please contact the to any LU Ticket Office along Index. See the explanation on interfaithcalendar.org and Pensioner Liaison Manager on with the valid PTAC to process page 1 for more details of how members who do not have 0800 015 5074, email pls@ privilege rates on to the Oyster this is calculated. a computer can ask in their tfl.gov.uk or write via the Staff card. If the current PTAC has In the January otm, we local library. Travel address above. been reissued or renewed were simply highlighting that, Yvonne Kerchhoff, Pensioner under the general reissue, you because the RPI had decreased Liaison Manager

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