ASLEFJOURNAL FEBRUARY 2020 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen Oh, you don’t get me I’m part of the union

Inside: We mark the day, 140 years ago, when William Ullyott became ASLEF’s first member; Gregor Gall on what went wrong The train drivers ’ at Thomas Cook; and Darran Brown celebrates LGBT+ history union since 1880 railway enginemen’ s tax fr ee saver plans

tax fr ee savings plans for anyone who works on the railways... we don’ t mean just train drivers..! tax fr ee policies fr om 70p per day , £5 per week and £20 per month

for further information call us on freephone 0800 328 9140 visit our website at www.enginemens.co.uk or write to us at Railway Enginemen's Assurance Society Limited, 727 Washwood Heath Road, Birmingham, B8 2LE

@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 GS Mick Whelan HS2 should go ahead ASLEFJOURNAL FEBRUARY 2020 The magazine of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen ’VE been reminding I people that it was the trade unions that formed the Labour Party and most working men only got the vote because of the women’s suffrage movement which removed property requirements 10 for men and allowed women over 30 to vote. Mick: ‘Your passion, 5 This led to the election and solidarity, of the first trade union inspires us for the News MPs who formed the battles ahead’ party, under the Labour Party leadership election candidates 4 l auspices of the unions, and, for the first time, l ’s could be 5 gave working people a voice in Parliament. back on track; plus Off the Rails: Mauricio We now have five years in opposition and Pochettino; Paul Routledge; Alasdair Gray; the chance to choose a leader and deputy leader to take us from opposition into Daniel Mallory and Reich Said Fred government. One of the benefits of union l Northern: Grant Shapps’s ‘sloppy thinking’ 6 membership, and of being in the political fund, is that you get a say in who that might be. The l Train companies push up rail fares yet again 7 12 executive committee will shortly be deciding, l Slightly foxed: hunt runs riot on railway line 8 after conversations have taken place with all the candidates, who we endorse and, as always, we Features urge you to use your vote. We took the time to contribute our views to l Gregor Gall: Why did staff at Thomas Cook 10 the much-vaunted Williams rail review, but it is in Germany do better than staff in Britain? concerning that the Prime Minister, and industry stakeholders, were saying its l Darran Brown marks LGBT+ history month 11 recommendations would be adopted before l We celebrate the day, 140 years ago this 12-13 the report was even published. This does not auger well for future engagement but we are month, when ASLEF was founded not surprised; this is a Prime Minister who, as l John Stagg drives live with ERTMS (and 14-15 15 Mayor of London, hid from and did not engage Rhodri Lloyd) on the Cambrian line with trade unions. The Oakervee report says the cost of HS2 will balloon to £106bn; but it should still go ahead. Regulars £7bn has already been spent, l Branch News and Upcoming Events; plus 16-17 and other northern leaders say it should not be 100 Years of Union from February 1920 truncated, and upgrading northern Victorian infrastructure is not the answer. HS2 is the only l Obituaries 18-19 way to deliver real capacity. We need it to deliver a boost to construction, the economy, l Letters and Classified Advertisements 20-21 16 and to be at the forefront of a green revolution. l Last Word: Chris Proctor on Britain, 22 I upset a few people by saying we are America and the special relationship against forced labour, indenture, or modern slavery, by being denied the right to strike. This l On Track: Matt Stoller’s book about big tech, 23 was deliberate. It is chosen, forceful, language monopolies and democracy; Prize Crossword; that reflects the strong opinions of all those I Legal Services; Change of Address form have met in our industry and elsewhere (without the industrial language) about our Cover: Over London by Rail by Gustave Doré position. If this is what it takes to have the voice of train drivers heard, we will not apologise for The ASLEF Journal is published every month by: doing so. The impact on industrial relations will ASLEF, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN be counterproductive and we will do what you Tel: 020 7324 2400 l email: [email protected] have told us to do to defend our rights. website: www.aslef.org.uk l twitter: @ASLEFUnion Thank you. Your passion, solidarity, and unity 22 invigorates us for the battles ahead.

EDITOR Mick Whelan l DESIGNER Michael Cronin l PRINTER College Hill Press, London, SW19 4HE Yours fraternally ADvERTISING ASLEF Journal, 77 St John Street, London, EC1M 4NN. Contact Keith Richmond on 020 7324 2407 or [email protected] l CLASSIFIED ADS [email protected] or call 020 7324 2400. The acceptance of a Mick Whelan, general secretary display or classified advertisement does not necessarily imply endorsement of that product or service by ASLEF CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please post your details to ASLEF, 77 St John Street, , London, EC1M 4NN

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 3 News

Leaders of I love trade unions Heart Unions week – organised by the TUC to encourage workers to join a trade the pack union – is being held from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February. ‘It’s a chance to tell the story about why unions are vital for SLEF’s executive committee will meet everyone at work,’ says TUC general on Monday 10 February to endorse a secretary Frances O’Grady. ‘And A candidate in the elections for leader encourage people who aren’t yet in a and deputy leader of the Labour Party. union to join. A chance for reps and The eight-strong EC – Jim Baxter, Dave activists to publicise what they’ve been Calfe, Marz Colombini, Andy Hudd, Howard doing and make the case for union Kaye, John Metcalfe, Mark Wakenshaw, and membership.’ Terry Wilkinson – will make a decision about who to support after considering a report by general secretary Mick Whelan, who is also REACH FOR THE SKY Mick Whelan was interviewed live by Sophy chair of LabourUnions, and a member of Rebecca Long Bailey, Keir Starmer, Lisa Ridge on her agenda-setting show on Sky News Labour’s NEC, and having listened to what Nandy, and Emily Thornberry (top); Dawn on Sunday 19 January about the Labour Party each of the candidates has to say about the Butler, Richard Burgon, Angela Rayner, Ian leadership election. future direction of the party. Murray, and Rosena Allin-Khan All the candidates have said they are committed to bringing Britain’s railways back Contenders for the two positions – who TWEETS OF THE MONTH into public ownership – a policy not just in the each had to be nominated by 22 Labour MPs last Labour manifesto, and not just the policy or MEPs – now have to get nominations from Greater Anglia’s brand new intercity of this trade union, but a policy that is popular at least 33 Constituency Labour Parties or trains have now entered passenger with passengers, too. three affiliates, of which two must be trade service between Norwich and London There are now four candidates for leader – unions, representing at least 5% of the Liverpool Street #NewTrains Rebecca Long Bailey, MP for Salford & Eccles; affiliated membership. Nominations close on @GreaterAngliaPR Lisa Nandy, Wigan; Keir Starmer, Holborn & St Friday 14 February. Pancras; and Emily Thornberry, Islington South If they cross that hurdle, they will make the Please @GreaterAngliaPR explain why & Finsbury – after Jess Phillips, Birmingham ballot from which Labour Party members, new 12 car intercity trains only have 3 Yardley, stood down on Tuesday 21 January. trade union members, members of affiliated wheelchair spaces rather than 4 to comply And five candidates for deputy leader – societies, and registered supporters will vote. with PRM-TSI. Can wheelchair users access Rosena Allin-Khan, MP for Tooting; Richard Voting, which begins on Friday 21 February, the café? Is there wheelchair space in first? Burgon, Leeds East; Dawn Butler, Brent Central; closes at 12pm on Thursday 2 April and the Jelly Head @LordOrk Ian Murray, Edinburgh South; and Angela results will be announced at a special Rayner, Ashton-under-Lyne. conference on Saturday 4 April. Half of workers plan to ask their boss for a pay rise this year – report by GERMANY SLASHES LONG DISTANCE RAIL FARES IN BID TO GO GREEN IN 2020 @roberthalf @AlanJonesPA Germany has cut fares – for the first time in 17 years – for long distance rail travel in response to fears about climate change. Passengers making journeys of 50km (31 miles) Why only half!!! or more on Deutsche Bahn’s intercity express services have seen fares slashed by 10% in @FinnBrennan a bid to make train travel more attractive. Really disappointing no mention of FATAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE CRASH SPARKS FEDERAL INVESTIGATION IN US role of @NUJofficial supporting US investigators are examining a fatal crash in Los Angeles involving a Tesla car @SamiraAhmedUK in her #equalpay case in equipped with a semi-autonomous driver assistance system to see whether the autopilot The Observer . Just a fleeting, critical played a part in the accident. Two people in a Honda Civic died when the Tesla S ran a red reference to #tradeunions, without whom light and smashed into the other vehicle. there’d never have been equal pay or sex discrimination laws @JoStevensLabour

ELECTRONIC SUPERSONIC If anyone has a right to be mad at QUOTE… Members can receive the ASLEF Journal – and Harry and Meghan it’s the people of ‘The Daily Mail , magnetically attracted reps receive circulars – electronically if you Sussex, who have been left leaderless throughput its history to the wrong choose. Contact the admin dept at head office without their duke and are now defenceless answer, if not also the wrong question’ on 020 7324 2400. against incursions from Hampshire and – Colin Kidd , Professor of History at . @annevclark the University of St Andrews …UNQUOTE QUOTE… As Scottish Labour surveys the ashes ‘While it’s easy to say ScotRail’s Hitachi of the latest political earthquake, Class 385s have a face only a mother some fundamental questions must be asked and we cannot run away from the Our woolly hat will keep you could love, the truth is they are simply independence question. As a democrat, warm this winter. Price £5 so much more practical to use than, first and foremost, I accept that the people (including p&p); email say, a Class 365, which had no corridor of Scotland have the right to choose their [email protected] or visit our connections.’ – Pip Dunn , Rail own future. @NeilFindlayMSP online shop at www.aslef.org.uk …UNQUOTE

4 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 News

Back on Off the Rails track MAURICIO POCHETTINO is much-missed in LANS have north London. And not just by Tottenham fans been drawn who liked the way his team played the beautiful P up to bring game. People loved the poetry of Poch, Ivor the Engine back particularly his aphorism about the cow in the to the screen – but as field which watches the trains go by but can’t an animated or live explain the timetable. In September 2018, on the eve of a action film rather Ivor the Engine, with Jones the Steam on the Champions League tie with Inter Milan, he was asked if the than as a television footplate, braves the worst of the winter experience of defeat against Juventus had helped. ‘It is like a series. cow that, every day for 10 years, sees the train cross in front at The loveable featured Jones the the first broadcast by the same time but, if you ask the cow what time is the train locomotive and his Steam – Edwin Jones, revealing that he is going to come, it won’t have the right answer.’ Being there, friends at the Ivor’s cheerful and pitching new stories experiencing the same thing again and again does not, he Merioneth & kind-hearted driver – to film companies. thought, necessarily lead to greater understanding. Llantisilly Rail Dai, the bluff station Oliver Postgate, Traction Company in master at Llaniog, who also made PAUL ROUTLEDGE , the man from the Mirror , the ‘top left-hand Owen the Signal, , The pictured here beside a rainbow in Thurso corner of Wales’ Evans the Song, and , and Pogles’ while researching his feature about the Far starred in 32 ten- Idris the Dragon. Wood , was the North line for last month’s ASLEF Journal , minute black and The programmes grandson of Labour told Charlie Whelan, ’s one- white programmes – which owed Party leader George time bag man, who took the piccies for Paul’s made for ITV in 1959 something to the Lansbury; a piece, ‘To my nostalgic glee, I was introduced as the man from and a further 40 five- poetry and prose of conscientious the Locomotive Journal by Inverness branch chair Andrew minute colour Dylan Thomas – were socialist, as well as a Gardner.’ Paul, you see, is the son of a railwayman, who often episodes broadcast immensely popular conscientious travels with his ASLEF executive bag (advertised on page 6) on BBC1 between and Postgate’s son objector, whose and his brother-in-law John Richards used to work at ASLEF 1975 and 1977. Daniel marked the scripts often reflected head office, helping general secretary Lew Adams, and then The 60th anniversary of his left-wing views. Mick Rix, put together the Locomotive Journal each month. animation was done in a disused cow QUOTE… ALASDAIR GRAY , the great if shed at , a ‘All the men in my family went sailing idiosyncratic writer and artist who village near or played golf – two things I found celebrated his native Glasgow in Canterbury, in Kent, unutterably grim.’ – Rupert Everett novels such as Lanark , Janine , and by Oliver Postgate on Desert Island Discs Poor Things , which he described as and . As …UNQUOTE a passionate ‘Scottish socialist’s well as Ivor, the series love letter to the Victorian period’, fervently believed in Scottish independence. But when his 1992 pamphlet Why CONFERENCES & RALLIES Scots Should Rule Scotland was republished for the 1997 general election he persuasively argued that it was an anti- The Welsh Labour Party conference is at the Venue Cymru in Conservative, not an anti-English, rant. Llandudno from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March. The Scottish Trades Union Congress is at the Concert Hall, Perth, from Monday 20 to DANIEL MALLORY , an American editor and Wednesday 22 April. Workers’ Memorial Day is Tuesday 28 April. author who also writes under the name AJ ASLEF’s annual assembly of delegates is at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff Finn, and whose novel The Woman in the from Monday 11 to Friday 15 May. The Wales TUC is at the Venue Cymru Window has been turned into a film in Llandudno from Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May. The STUC LGBT+ starring Amy Adams, Gary Oldman, and conference is at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, Glasgow, from Julianne Moore, to be released in May, finds Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 May. The STUC youth conference is at the ‘public transport conducive to reading’. Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel, Glasgow, from Saturday 27 to Sunday Writing in Areté , he muses: ‘The conclusion of Patricia 28 June. The Durham Miners’ Gala is on Saturday 11 July. The Cornwell’s Postmortem jangled my nerves even as the school Tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival , near Dorchester, is from Friday 17 to bus jangled my limbs; as a “flame-green daybreak” dawned Sunday 19 July. The Burston strike school rally at Burston, near Diss in over Gormenghast in Titus Groan , my to London bus Norfolk, is on Sunday 6 September. The Trades Union Congress is at braked at Marble Arch; and it was on the New York City the Centre from Sunday 13 to Wednesday 16 September. The subway that I scanned the final lines of a Booker-winning Labour Party conference is at the ACC convention centre in Liverpool dirge and gently placed the volume on the seat beside me. from Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 September. “Someone will give it a good home,” I assured it.’ 500 CLUB: William Brooks, with number 93, won the January draw, RICHARD FAIRBRASS – one half of the ’90s scooping the RMS prize money jackpot of £460. novelty act Right Said Fred – is in trouble after some ill-advised tweets on matters of public import. Fairbrass, who now sings I’m Too Sexy on Our new ASLEF LGBT+ purple polo shirt – revival roadshows at Butlin’s, slammed Jo Cox’s ‘driving for equality’ – is available in S, M, L husband on Twitter and then doubled down and XL. £15 inc p&p; email [email protected] or with some rather right-wing opinions on Brexit, prompting visit our online shop at www.aslef.org.uk really sexy progressives to refer to him as Reich Said Fred.

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 5 News

being evaluated. Department of of his sloppy Tory Shapps sounds the Following Transport. thinking,’ said GS completion of this ‘I will consider Mick Whelan. ‘The whistle on Northern process longer-term whether to award right thing to do decisions will be ARN a short-term would be to bring all FTER Prime Leeds to make a non- made in the light management Britain’s railways back Minister statement – or, at of the contract or ask the into public A Boris least, the same recommendations of Department of ownership. The Johnson was statement he’s been the Williams rail Transport’s own railway is a natural cornered in the making for the last review.’ operator of last resort monopoly, Commons on six months – Mick Whelan: Shapps’ But what does to step in and deliver privatisation has Wednesday 8 describing the ‘sloppy Tory thinking’ Shapps know? In a passenger services.’ failed, and no January by MPs service as ‘completely written ministerial You’d think he tinkering will alter complaining about unacceptable’. only be able to statement on would know the that fact. Let’s put the the company they He said: ‘It has continue for a Thursday 9 January name of his own wheels and the steel call Northern Fail the now been confirmed number of months. he referred to his government back together for Secretary of State for from the most recent The proposal I department, the department, passengers, for staff, Transport, Grant financial information requested from Department for wouldn’t you? and for the Shapps, was sent to that the franchise will Arriva Rail North is Transport, as the ‘But that’s typical businesses of Britain.’

DB CARGO FINED £1.2 MILLION FOR 25,000 The history book on VOLT SHOCK TO TEENAGE TRESPASSER the shelf is always DB Cargo has been fined £1.2 million, with £27,873 costs, by District Judge Wheeler sitting at Wolverhampton repeating itself magistrates’ court after the company pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health & Safety at Work Act. The New stats from the Office of Rail and Office of Rail and Road brought the prosecution after a Road show that London Waterloo, 13-year-old trespassing boy suffered 40% burns and life- with 94,192,690 entries and exits, is changing injuries when he had a 25,000 volt electric still Britain’s busiest railway station. shock from overhead power lines after entering Bescot Waterloo is followed by London Yard freight terminal through a hole in the fence. Victoria (74,715,808); London London Waterloo – still Britain’s busiest Liverpool Street (69,482,532); station according to latest ORR statistics DRIVER AND CONDUCTOR ATTACKED London Bridge (61,308,364); A train driver and conductor were attacked at Birmingham New Street (47,927,772); Street, are Glasgow Central Cleethorpes station in Lincolnshire at 6.45pm on London Euston (46,146,456); London (32,797,088); Leeds (30,838,554); Saturday 21 December. British Transport Police say two Stratford (41,206,226); London Manchester Piccadilly (30,251,948); ‘aggressive’ men grabbed the driver – and then the Paddington (38,181,588); London St Edinburgh Waverley (23,872,996); conductor when he intervened – and have appealed for Pancras (35,984,204); and London Gatwick Airport (21,225,246); information about the assailants. King’s Cross (34,645,924). Brighton (17,384,634); Glasgow Outside the capital, the busiest Queen Street (17,207,208); and ASBESTOS DELAYS TRACK REPLACEMENT stations, after Birmingham New Reading (17,080,738). The discovery of asbestos has delayed the replacement of old track with new infrastructure including noise-absorbing padding – designed to reduce the Tories turn on Rail Delivery Group screeching sound on the noisiest section of the On the day the Rail Delivery Group – the pressure group which Underground – between Leytonstone and Wanstead on lobbies government on behalf of the privatised TOCs and FOCs – the Central line in London. boasted of 1,000 ‘new and refurbished’ carriages to be provided in 2020 Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris slammed the RDG as it missed – yet again – targets to make trains accessible for disabled Raising the spa passengers. The minister said it was ‘extemely disappointing’ that , Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Leamington Spa branch was pleased to welcome Dave Western Railway, , Northern, ScotRail, Calfe, EC president, and Phil Spice, Vic Waite, Tony Wilson Transport for Wales, and had fallen short as and Roy Woodward from the RMS, to our December Even Chris ‘owners and operators have had 10 years to prepare’. AGM. Dave gave an interesting report of national issues Heaton-Harris GS Mick Whelan said: ‘It’s outrageous that, in 2020, the including industrial action on Tyne & Wear Metro; is fed up with privatised train companies cannot, or will not, order rolling stock disciplinary procedures on CrossCountry and Great the broken for the railway which allows every British citizen the chance to Western; Medigold; EMUs for the Birmingham cross city promises of travel. It’s the sort of discrimination which, along with the line; eyesight standards for the train driver licence; toilet the RDG privatised TOCs, belongs back in the Dark Ages.’ breaks, in addition to PNBs; and problems with the new IET and Class 230 Vivarail trains. The RMS spoke about their activities over the year Carry all your stuff – QUOTE… including their new catering arrangements for meals, papers, sandwiches, ‘There is no excuse to not know the visits to West Midlands council, and the Gloucestershire keys – in style with height of your vehicle before starting Warwickshire Steam Railway at Toddington. The branch our smart new sturdy black ASLEF your journey.’ – Peter Hendy , then presented them with gifts to raffle for the RMS bag. Price £17.50 (inc p&p); email chair, on motor Christmas party, as we do every year. We would like to [email protected] or visit our vehicles that hit railway bridges thank all the visitors to our little branch over the past online shop at www.aslef.org.uk …UNQUOTE year, and wish everyone a very Happy New Year! Nick Walker , branch chair

6 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 News TOCs push up fares yet again ICK Whelan attacked the privatised ‘Commuters complain about delays and train companies for driving cancellations, the consumer group Which? M through another round of above- says the privatised train operators are one inflation rail fare rises when people went of this country’s least trusted groups – back to work on Thursday 2 January. beaten to bottom place only by The GS said: ‘Once again the TOCs are secondhand car dealers! – wages aren’t telling passengers to pay more money for a keeping pace with inflation and yet the poorer service and that’s not a great offer, is train companies, with the help of their new Mick Whelan: ‘What a way to run the railway!’ it? Not for passengers, not for businesses, chum at the DfT, Grant Shapps, are pushing and not for the British economy which up prices. Again! down fares, while the profits can be needs a modern rail network to move ‘What a way to run the railway! We are reinvested in our railway instead of being people, packages, and freight around this calling for Britain’s railways to be brought shipped abroad in dividends to country. back into public ownership. That will bring shareholders.’

Long life batteries QUOTE… ‘All Johnson has ever been about is the Vivarail’s Class 230 and, since then, have ruthless pursuit of power’ loco – converted tested the train in – John McDonnell from D78 District line passenger service, …UNQUOTE Underground stock – built the fast charge has achieved a UK system, and proved first by travelling for the range it can LORD GNOME ON SOUTH WESTERN 40 miles on battery operate. With a new Private Eye ran this dry story in its News in power. type of battery in Brief column in January: ‘South Western Adrian Shooter, our upcoming The clean green Class 230 machine is on track Railway has apologised to commuters who the company’s chief production trains we to help reduce Britain’s carbon emissions didn’t notice that the month-long strike executive, said: ‘We can confidently minute charge time, to play a significant action by RMT members had begun. “They’re began our work on predict a range of 60 and look forward part in decarbonising too used to every other train being cancelled battery power a miles between to providing Britain’s rail and those which do run being so filthy and couple of years ago charges, with a 10 emission-free trains network.’ overcrowded that pregnant women and children are forced to sit on the floor. We apologise that nobody has spotted the Victory on difference, and we will work to make our strikebound service even more chaotic and Victoria miserable until they do finally notice”.’ It was a pleasure to attend NILS POINTS FOR MICHAEL GREEN Victoria line branch’s AGM just Nils Pratley, financial editor of The Guardian , after a massive victory to had a bit of fun in his Business View column protect our members’ last month: ‘What does a Transport Secretary working conditions. Everyone do on a day when rail passengers are pulled together, resulting in a grumbling about annual increases in fares? massive ‘Yes’ vote for One diversionary tactic is to put the boot into industrial action, thus giving one of the most unpopular franchises in the our negotiating team a strong victoria line branch raise a glass at the AGM: ‘Here’s to 2020!’ country – Arriva-operated Northern Rail – to hand to play. EC8 Terry successful dispute, not just to activists, resulting in new give the impression the government is Wilkinson and trains council protect our members’ members. Well done to all primed for radical intervention.’ members Maeve Hanley and working conditions, but to involved! Graham Dean said ‘We are improve them.’ Both ends of Gary Comfort , trains MACRON IN PENSIONS SHOWDOWN proud to be part of a the Victoria line have strong council Philippe Martinez, general secretary of the CGT (Confédération Générale du Travail) trade union, has called on all workers in France to join the protests against President Shake, rattle and roll Emmanuel Macron’s plans for pension reform It’s the end of the line for Britain’s – which boil down to making people work oldest train fleet – the Class 483 longer for less – and have resulted in police electric multiple units built for firing teargas at demonstrators at Gare du in 1938 – which Nord and Gare de l’Est in Paris. will be replaced by the on the this summer. Old ASLEF’s new powerbank with 4400mAh capacity tube trains first ran on the island in and LED. Suitable for smart phones and tablets. 1967, the current fleet in 1989, and An Island Line Class 483 Product dimensions: 80 x 63mm. Price £10 (inc will be replaced by four vivarail EMUs working the p&p); email [email protected] or visit our online based on old D78 District line stock. Head to Shanklin service shop at www.aslef.org.uk

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 7 News Tally-ho! Toffs on the line! RAIN drivers are used to dealing with hazards such as stray dogs, deer, T cows, and, yes, leaves on the line. But huntsmen in all their finery in full pursuit of a fox? Now that’s a new one. But that was the hazard that Mo Khan, Birmingham Moor Street, was faced with on New Year’s Day while working a Chiltern Railways service at Fenny Compton between Leamington Spa and Banbury. It was, as British Transport Police say, ‘a serious incident’ – made worse by the fact that when Mo made several attempts to remove the trespassers from the line so the service could continue he was completely ignored. Brian Corbett, District 7 Organiser, said: ‘Everyone who works on the railway treats trespass seriously. It’s a crime. ‘Made worse by the attitude of these upper-class toffs who ignored the appeals of our driver to get off the tracks. They think we’re peasants who should not interfere with their sport. But they were out hunting foxes which is also illegal now. individuals involved.’ ‘We’ve got clear footage that shows the Martin Colmey, head of operations delivery, perpetrators and I hope the magistrates don’t central route, NW&C region, Network Rail, turn a blind eye, just because these fox- added: ‘Such a blatant disregard for railway hunters are the backbone of the country safety must not go unpunished.’ establishment.’ And Simon Martin, trespass and vandalism Mark Goodall, operations director of manager, Network Rail, after reviewing video Chiltern Railways, said: ‘This was a serious and still footage of the incident, said: What Oscar Wilde famously described as ‘the incident that stopped trains running and ‘Completely agree. I’ll be pushing the British unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable’ on Chiltern would like to support Network Rail in Transport Police for swift action with such clear the Chiltern line in Warwickshire . Photos: attempting a successful prosecution of the images.’ Karl Long, h&s rep, Birmingham Moor Street

TOCs bleeding the railway dry 40 up! QUOTE… The TUC has said that the New Year rail fare rises ‘We need a fully-integrated transport network that allows people (see page 7) cannot be justified when the private to travel seamlessly between modes with simple, affordable rail companies have paid out more than £1.2 billion ticketing.’ – Andy Burnham , Mayor of Greater Manchester in dividends to shareholders in the last five years. …UNQUOTE ‘Working people who rely on trains to get to work are getting a raw deal,’ said Frances O’Grady. ‘In the decade since 2009, fares for commuters Peterborough JOHNSON SIGNALS THE END OF THE LINE FOR WMT have risen by 46% but the average weekly wage freight driver John Boris Johnson says ‘the bell is tolling’ – although not, presumably, the has risen only 23%. Some UK commuters spend Kowal (right) is bongs of Big Ben – for West Midlands Trains. The Prime Minister’s more than seven times as much on season tickets presented with his remark, on Wednesday 8 January, came after Andy Street, the as their European equivalents. 40 years loyal to Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands, said he had ‘lost all faith’ in ‘People have had enough of over-crowded and ASLEF badge by the operator after delays, cancellations and overcrowding. And it unreliable services. The number one priority should GBRf company followed criticism by Grant Shapps of Northern Rail (see page 6) and be running a world-class railway service, not council rep Barry by the DfT of TransPennine Express and South Western Railway. subsidising shareholders. No more excuses – the Hare. government must end the failed privatisation and ‘Congratulations to CUMMINGS CALLS FOR WEIRDOS AND MISFITS put trains back in public ownership. This would free John on this huge , Boris Johnson’s Oxford-educated , up money for much-needed upgrades and lower achievement,’ said one-time director of Vote Leave, and a man married to the daughter of ticket prices.’ Barry. Sir Humphry Wakefield, Baronet, of Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, has called on his blog for ‘weirdos and misfits’ to join Our new topical tee-shirt, designed by those Hoxton Britain’s post-Brexit civil service. He would, he said, prefer to employ a hipsters at Philosophy Football, features Rik Mayall ‘Chinese-Cuban free runner from a crime family hired by the KGB’ than as the obnoxious anarchist Rick in The Young Ones , someone ‘babbling about gender identity diversity blah blah.’ and this classic exchange: ‘He threw us off the train because you said ASLEF was an anagram for “total PASSENGER HURT WHEN WAVE SMASHES WINDOW and complete bastard”.’ ‘And apart from everything else… it A passenger was injured when a massive wave hit the 10.57am GWR isn’t, even.’ £10 (inc p&p); email [email protected] or visit our service from Exmouth to Paignton at Dawlish Warren in Devon on online shop at www.aslef.org.uk Thursday 16 January. The line – one of Britain’s most picturesque – is famously vulnerable to the elements because it runs right by the sea.

8 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 The 136th Durham Miners’ Gala will be held on Saturday 11 July 2020

Please support the Big Meeting by joining the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 9 Platform

So what went wrong with Thomas Cook?

GREGOR GALL , an affiliate research associate at the University of Glasgow, and editor of the Scottish Left Review , lifts the lid on the overnight collapse of Thomas Cook Thomas Cook shops and planes and that OR a long time in the 1980s and ubiquitous advertising F 1990s, the irritatingly catchy line (far left); a spoof of advertising slogan entreating that ad (above); and fat holidaymakers, ‘Don’t just book it! Thomas cat boss Peter Fankhauser Cook it!’ was on many people’s tongues, as is grilled by MPs (left) well as television ads, because so many package holidays for working people seeking Germany. But the other side of the coin also some sun, sand and sea in the summer were appears to be true from the case of Thomas booked through Thomas Cook. So the Cook. It also seems easier for workers’ jobs to collapse of a company, established in 1841 to be protected and saved in Germany. get temperance supporters to meetings, on This brings us back to the Christmas 23 September was a momentous event, for experience that many Thomas Cook workers politics, business and public life. endured rather than enjoyed. Hays Travel has The story was not consigned to the travel only pledged to re-employ around one in four pages or business sections, but was front page government to provide any financial of the company’s travel shop workers. news day after day. It seemed to be another assistance or support. This frightened off other Although many Thomas Cook staff worked for case of ‘how the mighty are fallen’ as a result of potential investors, including companies in free – from neighbouring coffee shops – to corporate greed and management Turkey, Spain and China. help out distraught customers, this counted incompetence, with senior executives taking for nothing. home £20 million in salaries and bonuses in THROW GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD Unions at the company, Unite and the TSSA, the five years before the company’s collapse. Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for were left to help workers try to pick up the But, if you dig a little deeper, a couple of Transport, in language reminiscent of that pieces. As the liquidation happened literally worrying aspects emerge. used by Margaret Thatcher, refused ‘to throw overnight, no workers were awarded good money after bad’ in order to ‘prop up’ a redundancy pay or the like. They found out EYERWATERING £9 BILLION DEBT ‘lame duck’. But the very same British how difficult it is to access Jobseekers’ First, the way in which the firm was allowed by government did not mind stepping in to Allowance and other benefits such as government regulators and international provide the finance to repatriate 150,000 Universal Credit. Many were forced to visit banks to become increasingly indebted over British holidaymakers, the biggest civil food banks for the first time. A survey by Unite time. I have previously written in these pages operation since the Second World War. found that only one in five of those who had about how company accounting regulations With the company put into liquidation, lost their jobs had found other employment by in Britain allow debt levels to be massaged to various parts of its operations were sold off at Christmas. make them appear much less serious than ‘bargain bucket’ prices. For example, Hays they actually are. Indeed, the Official Travel acquired all 555 former Thomas Cook CORPORATE GREED AND APATHY Receiver’s report put Thomas Cook’s liabilities travel stores in Britain; a consortium led by a Before Christmas, the TSSA lodged protective at an eye-watering £9 billion. Norwegian property tycoon bought Thomas award claims on behalf of its members at a And, second, there is the extremely cavalier Cook Northern Europe; and easyJet and number of locations where more than 20 attitude of the UK government to the fate of Jet2holidays snapped up the company’s former Thomas Cook staff were employed. A 9,000 employees (in Britain alone) and 150,000 airport landing slots. protective award is for compensation of up to British holidaymakers then abroad. Clearly, there were many parts of Thomas 90 days’ gross pay for failure by an employer to Because Thomas Cook was owned by four Cook which other capitalists thought were still inform and consult over dismissal on the railway companies it, too, was taken into very profitable and desirable. grounds of redundancy. But the law stipulates public ownership by Clement Attlee’s great What is not widely known is that Thomas that a workplace must employ 20 or more post-war Labour government from 1948 until Cook’s two airline operations in Germany workers for a claim to be made. Unfortunately, it was privatised in 1972. Thereafter, it grew, continue to fly. Condor Flugdienst and an many Thomas Cook staff worked in smaller slowly but surely, and was bought and sold associated company, Thomas Cook Aviation, shops with fewer than 20 workers. many times over, sometimes by German secured additional credit facilities of €380 Both Unite and the TSSA have called for an companies. This link to Germany would have million from the German government to keep independent inquiry into the government’s significant repercussions. In 2007, Thomas flying and a Frankfurt court authorised handling of the company’s collapse. Cook merged with MyTravel and began selling investor protection measures to allow Condor Unfortunately, the result of the general off subsidiaries and buying other companies to be restructured. This protected the jobs of election on 12 December means this is in order to focus on its core travel operations around 5,000 workers there. extremely unlikely to happen. And, as with so and build a greater online presence. It’s often been said that it’s easier to sack many other things, there is now no prospect of But, in 2019, investors started getting workers in Britain than in Germany. I recall a reform of the rules by which corporations restless and demanded the firm find the funds Tony Woodley, then general secretary of the operate. So we can expect more examples of for further capitalisation to protect their Transport & General Workers’ Union, making Thomas Cook-style collapses where workers investments. As we know, this failed, with the this point in the 1990s about redundancies pay the price of corporate greed and clincher being the refusal by the British made by Ford in Britain rather than in government indifference.

10 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 Station to Station In Reading gaol by Reading town there is a pit of shame

DARRAN BROWN , a member of Preston branch, who drives Pendolinos and Voyagers for Avanti West Coast, and is secretary of ASLEF’s LGBT+ committee, celebrates LGBT+ history month

VER the past 40 years political and societal attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people has changed beyond O recognition. This has been achieved by the dedicated campaigning of LGBT+ individuals and allies who have worked tirelessly to achieve equality for all. ASLEF’s LGBT+ committee has played, and continues to play, an important part in this within the trade union movement and wider society. February is the month that LGBT+ history is celebrated. What is it – and why is it important? First, it’s an annual celebration that provides education and insight into the issues that face the LGBT+ community. The aim of is, primarily, to teach people about the history of the gay rights movement and to promote an inclusive modern society irrespective of colour, gender, and disability. It’s also an opportunity to honour those who’ve come before us and to raise awareness of the work we still have left to do. Our history has some very well-known characters like Noel Coward, Rock Hudson, George Takei, and Harvey Milk. Writers such as Oscar Wilde, WH Auden, Gertrude Stein, Henry James, Walt Whitman, and Somerset Maugham. And scientists and explorers, including Alan Turing, Amelia Earhart, Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale, Alan Hart (one of the first female to male trans people), and Sally Ride. But these people represent just the tip of the iceberg. Oh, and I almost forgot, someone no one expected to be on the list. Liberace. Out and about: LGBT+ history month uncovers the hidden history of the movement over the last 150 years SOME LOVE TOO LITTLE, SOME TOO LONG The Buggery Act of 1533, passed during the reign of Henry VIII, made support they needed. This pernicious piece of legislation was repealed male homosexuals the targets for persecution, completely outlawing by Labour in 2003 but protests against lessons about LGBT relationships sodomy in Britain and, by extension, what would become the British at Anderton Park primary school in Birmingham, by Muslim parents Empire. Convictions were punishable by death. It was not until 1861 who say such lessons are against their ‘religious beliefs and family that the death penalty was abolished and replaced by a minimum of 10 values’, show the struggle for equality isn’t over. years in prison. Then, in 1885, the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which A Labour government gave us the Civil Partnership Act in 2004 became known as the Blackmailer’s Charter, made any male allowing same-sex couples to enter legally binding relationships. In homosexual act illegal; even expressing affection between two men 2013 the Marriage Act allowed same-sex couples in England and Wales was all that was required to bring a prosecution. Female homosexuality to marry; Scotland followed in 2014. And at the end of last year a ruling was never explicitly targeted by legislation. by the Supreme Court meant that heterosexual couples can now enter In the post-war period, transgender identities started to become into civil partnerships, too. visible. In 1951 Roberta Cowell, a former World War II Spitfire pilot The Gender Recognition Act of 2004 gave trans people legal became the first transgender woman to undergo vaginoplasty in the UK recognition of their gender, acquiring a new birth certificate. There is and continued her career as a racing driver. still an ongoing debate over reforming the GRA to one of self- The Wolfenden Report on homosexual offences and prostitution, recognition as exists in the Republic of Ireland. The fight is far from over published in 1957, recommended that ‘homosexual behaviour between and LGBT+ people are still seen as other, rather than everyday. Equality consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal offence’ and has never been given but has been attained though protests, represented a watershed, by promoting more positive conversations pamphlets, demonstrations, and confrontation. about protecting the public, rather than scrutinising people’s private Some 70 countries still have anti-gay propaganda laws; 35 of these lives. The Sexual Offences Act of 1967 decriminalised same sex acts are former members of the British Empire, and many still have the death between men over 21 in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern penalty, compared to 25 that legally accept marriage equality. Ireland followed in 1980 and 1981. After the Stonewall riots of 1969, over heavy-handed police THE MAN HAD KILLED THE THING HE LOVED treatment of the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community, the Gay Things have changed, and are changing, though there is now a rise on Liberation Front was founded. Pride followed in 1972 and has been held the right trying to reverse our gains. The USA is still backward regarding every year since. The Campaign for Homosexual Equality led the fight to trans issues and gays in the military. In the UK assaults on LGBT+ people make the age of consent the same for homosexuals as for have risen 78% since 2013 and these are reported crimes; research heterosexuals. It was lowered to 18 in 1994 and 16 in 2000. reveals that 81% of hate crimes go unreported. In 1988 the notorious Section 28 of the Local Government Act So now is the time to increase our voice and visibility to push back introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government banned against the rise in hate and move forward with a progressive equality local authorities from ‘promoting homosexuality’. The new law agenda. The need for the committees is as important as ever. The keys in prevented the discussion of LGBT+ issues and pupils getting the the closet have been rattled but the doors haven’t yet been flung open.

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 11 Agenda

There’s another train coming down that

same old track

It is 140 years ago, this month, since ASLEF was founded as a national trade union for locomotive engineers – train drivers – and firemen working on the footplate of steam trains at the high point of the The founding delegate conference of the new Victorian age. KEITH RICHMOND looks back to a pivotal moment not only Society was held at the Falstaff Hotel, Market in the history of Britain’s railways, but for the labour movement – and, a Place, Manchester on Monday 3 January 1881 few years later, for the Labour Party – in this country when Charles Perry was instructed to submit his draft rules to the registrar of trade union and ILLIAM Ullyott and 55 colleagues – all highest status, and best pay, of all the grades friendly societies. either train drivers or firemen when the working on the iron road, with the exception of To save on wages and travelling expenses, W job was hot, dirty, and dangerous – the station master and chief engineer. conference decided to vest authority in a single formed the first registered lodge of the But in no other industry was there – as there branch to elect a local committee to run national Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and was on the footplate of steam trains – such a affairs. Firemen in Sheffield 140 years ago this month on lethal combination of fire, steam, heavy As Robert Griffiths wrote in Driven by Ideals: A Saturday 7 February 1880. machinery, and fiercely accelerating and History of ASLEF , ‘Leeds was chosen because of its A momentous decision which prompted decelerating speed, together with hundreds of size, the calibre of leading members and – Charles Perry of York Place, Griffithstown, passengers in the coaches behind the crucially – its location on the lines of many of Pontypool, one of the men who was locomotive. The result was an industry in which Britain’s major railway companies’. instrumental in forming this trade union, to write deaths and injuries exceeded those of every The executive committee met for the first to him two days later: other with the exception of mining. time on Sunday 6 March 1880. It usually sat on ‘You will allow me in the name of our men to When the Great Western Railway restructured Sundays from 9.30am to 9.30pm. An attendance congratulate you on your energy and, I may pay scales in October 1879, slashing the wages allowance of one shilling could be claimed – or, hope, your complete success, in the formation of and extending the working hours of drivers and as Griffiths notes, ‘forfeited when ten minutes a branch and, at the same time, to inform you firemen, the enginemen got no support from the late’ – and union rules provided for loss of wages that the M&S men are the first founders of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, which expenses, with a quarterly stipend for the Society. Your men have the honour of being the represented many grades, and believed disputes treasurer. EC members would be fined two first members. Trusting the flame you have should be settled through arbitration rather than shillings for missing a meeting without a lighted in Sheffield may never be extinguished, industrial action. satisfactory apology. and that soon enginemen and firemen may take As John Raynes wrote in his history of our their proper place in the front rank of skilled union, Engines and Men , published in 1921: ‘The HARD TIME FOR RAILWAYMEN labour.’ pioneers spent months in quiet branch building, The decade of the 1870s had been an atrociously The railway boom in Britain in the 19th exchanging views, framing basic rules, writing to hard time for railwaymen. There had been many century – partly a result of, and partly an enabler each other, and looking forward to the time fatalities and accidents to men and boys in the for, the industrial revolution – brought benefits, when drivers and firemen would be fairly paid, service, and all were ‘wage slaves’ in a real grim but also hardships, for workers on the and would be above the fear of dismissal for sense. The system that brought vastly increased permanent way. Engine drivers enjoyed the having dared to make a reasonable request.’ wealth to commerce, banks, mines, and all financial interests, was only a durance vile for the men who ran the system. Something was about to happen to break the ‘HAVE YOU GOT THE MEN?’ suppression, and the great venture was The Great Western enginemen, realising there was no protection against this sort of thing launched by the drivers and firemen. Seven men [GWR’s decision to make them work longer for less] within the ASRS, with its friendly of Monmouthshire, stirred by the arbitrary society attitude, framed a petition to the board of directors protesting against the new attitude of the Great Western, breathed the great and worse conditions. Sir Daniel Gooch looked at it and exclaimed, ‘Damn the signatures! inspiration. The same project was being Have you got the men to back them up?’ Very well, they would get the men. confidentially whispered at Birmingham, If locomotivemen banded together for protection in a trade union that avowed itself Sheffield, Bristol, and Leeds, and in 1880 it broke ready to use the strike as a weapon of defence, every means would be taken to smash it – out spontaneously under the letters ASLE&F. and them. Yet those fellows left that room with only one thought in their minds. Charles n Engines and Men: The History of the Perry, Evan Evans, Tom Harding, Tom Roderick and others started from scratch. The only Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers funds they possessed were those they themselves would provide, but between October and Firemen by JR Raynes (Goodall & Suddick, and December 1879 they contacted colleagues in Sheffield, Bristol, Pontypool, Newport Leeds, 1921) and Birmingham. They had lit the fiery cross which, in the coming years, was to burn steadily, its flame a beacon to guide us and a light illuminating the path of our craft, and HIGHLY SPECIALISED SKILLS so also of every railway worker in Britain. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants n The Lighted Flame: A History of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and was formed in 1871. This was an all-grade union Firemen by Norman McKillop (Thomas Nelson & Sons, Edinburgh, 1950) and, at first, drivers and firemen joined it enthusiastically. Within a year it had more than

12 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 History

‘The union met in secret on the dark side of the hill | By the light of a thousand candles’; Over London by Rail , Gustave Doré’s illustration in London: A Pilgrimage by William Blanchard Jerrold (1872); The Workmen’s Train , Doré’s engraving of steam trains at Gower Street station on the Metropolitan line in London; the first part of the Mick Jones triptych on the wall of head office in London; the first emblem issued by ASLEF; and Charles Perry of Pontypool

disapprobation, in a different incident Bromley (1914-1936) who was also Labour MP Caledonian driver William McCulloch found for Barrow-in-Furness from 1924 to 1931; Dick himself imprisoned for four months after the Squance (1936-1939); and Bill Allen (1940-1947) non-lethal failure of a chain-brake. who stepped down to help run British Railways Meanwhile, the movement for a after the industry was nationalised under locomotivemen’s union was gathering steam. Clement Attlee’s post-war Labour government. The organising committee issued a set of rules in February 1880, drafted by Charles Perry, setting THE ASLE&F AT THE COMMERCIAL INN out the costs and benefits of membership. A manifesto for the Associated Society of 17,000 members. But, in practice, it proved sadly n Driven by Ideals: A History of ASLEF by Locomotive Steam Enginemen & Firemen, dated ineffective and its membership soon began to Robert Griffiths (Associated Society of February 1880, says: ‘We propose that a Society fall. Moreover, its all-grade structure did not suit Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, 2005) be formed, consisting of enginemen and firemen the precise requirements of locomotivemen with only. Enginemen to pay 5 shillings, firemen 2 their own highly specialised skills who were THE LIGHTED FLAME shillings.’ exposed to their own particular dangers. The general register of the Associated Society of The first eight branches were established at n ASLEF 1880-1980 by Brian Murphy (1980) Locomotive Engineers and Firemen shows how Bradford, Carnforth, Leeds, Liverpool, Neath, William Ullyott was the first member to join, at Pontypool, Sheffield, and Tondu. PASSIONS STIRRED Sheffield, on Saturday 7 February 1880. Charles ‘It was decided for reasons of economy that Passions had already been stirred over the Perry led the way a week later, when Pontypool the affairs of our Society should be conducted festive season by two events on the railways. In opened its branch on Sunday 15 February. by a committee elected from the Leeds branch, December 1879 the Tay bridge had collapsed, Tondhu followed on Sunday 4 April, Liverpool on Leeds being chosen as the most convenient killing 79 train passengers and crew. One Friday 23 April, and Leeds on Saturday 24 April. position for the movement, and the men at member of the court of inquiry into the disaster Neath on Sunday 30 May, Bradford on Monday Leeds were vested with directing authority in departed from the usual script of blaming staff 28 June, and Carnforth on Sunday 4 July. January 1881.’ or their equipment, criticising instead the senior The first rule book of the Associated Society engineer and manager responsible for the GS: IN THE LINE OF DUTY of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen was issued bridge’s design, construction and maintenance. Joseph Brooke was general secretary of ASLEF to members in 1881 as ‘registered under the But whereas Sir Thomas Bouch suffered no from 1880-1885. He was followed by Thomas Trade Union Acts, with registered office at the greater penalty than a dose of public Sunter (1885-1901); Albert Fox (1901-1914); Jack Commercial Inn, Sweet Street, Holbeck, Leeds.’ A warm welcome from Peter Lorimer in Leeds JOHN THORPE , Stratford had its first head office in and anecdotes and had a very branch secretary, wrote 1881. The pub has seen better enjoyable visit. this piece for the Journal in days, but the historic value of You can feel the history in 2013 after a trade union the establishment is noted by the room, where many a a blue plaque issued by Leeds debate and ground breaking trip to the past in Leeds Civic Trust. agreement were thrashed out At a District 5 weekend school We were made to feel very in years gone by, where the in , organised by welcome by the landlord who story of our union was born, DO Nigel Gibson earlier this turned out to be Peter Lorimer and the seeds planted of year, we discussed a visit to of Leeds United fame from the where we are today. the first ASLEF head office in 1960s and ’70s! Once we Members from King’s Leeds. Nigel and Howard Kaye, introduced ourselves as ASLEF Cross, Bishop’s Stortford, and A blue plaque our EC member, put the plan members he was very pleased Stratford were even treated to celebrates the into action and a delegation we had come to pay tribute to a performance on the house pub’s previous went on Saturday 22 June as the heritage of his piano by one of our retired life as ASLEF’s part of an historic, informative establishment. Of course, it members, who is rather handy head office and and cultural day out to see would have been rude not to when it comes to tinkling the (left) landlord where the roots of our trade have partaken of a drink or ivories, so the visit was Lorimer in his union were born. few to soak up the feel of the rounded off with a good old Leeds United The Commercial Inn, on place! So we adjourned to the fashioned East End knees-up, heyday Sweet Street, is where ASLEF lounge and exchanged tales albeit in the heart of Yorkshire!

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 13 Report

On station: Brave new world Adrian Hewitt, Nick Gowers, Mark that has such Wakenshaw, John Stagg and Rhodri Lloyd people in it (below left) JOHN STAGG , of Hither Green branch, a driver with DB Cargo, and a member of ASLEF’s European Railway Traffic Management System working group, reports on MAs and EMAs – all explained below – after going live with ERTMS on the Cambrian lines

ARK Wakenshaw, the EC member for District 4; Nick Gowers, DCC M secretary, Arriva Rail London; Adrian Hewitt, DCC, Great Northern; and I ERTMS level 2 attended a European Railway Traffic Management System operational course on was first the Cambrian lines in Wales as members of the installed on the ASLEF ERTMS working group from 25 to 29 November. Cambrian lines as a Many others from our industry have test bed for the attended this course, including representatives of the Rail Delivery Group, Network Rail, and system’s proposed various TOCs and FOCs. But this was the first eventual roll time the course was attended by out across the representatives of the ‘end users’ – train drivers. The course consisted of five days. The first UK rail network two comprised classroom instruction of the system (ERTMS level 2) at Machynlleth, with relevant operating procedures, followed by two days driving (under instruction) on the industry may want to believe, or even want us under ERTMS level 2. On the contrary, it will still ERTMS cab signalling system between a point to believe, is that this system does not in any be as m‘ajor a component of a driver’s skill set three miles west of Shrewsbury and way de-skill the driver’s role. If anything, it as it is now, from what we could see of the Aberystwyth and Barmouth. Followed by a upskills the driver. It is simply a totally different practical workings of the system, and even fifth day of further driving, final instruction and skill set that you are required to attain and one more so in degraded conditions where, for assessment. that may not always be acquired easily. example, knowledge of degraded working Our instructor for the course was Rhodri speed indicators and level crossing sighting Lloyd, driver instructor at Machynlleth, who is STILL REQUIRED TO LOOK AHEAD boards are both safety-critical. a member of our Machynlleth branch and a The second primary impression was how No doubt it is technically possible to driver on the Cambrian lines. His knowledge, much this system greatly increases work provide more information on the planning area as you would expect from both his role and intensity for a train driver, and this on a of the DMI but many of the icons are small experience during testing the system, is all- network which is not operated DOO-P! enough as it is, so placing more may cause encompassing and he provided us with an Despite being an in-cab signalling system issues with disseminating the correct interesting, stimulating, and challenging week with the driver, theoretically at least, driving to information and acting on it in a timely which we all enjoyed and which has vastly his or her DMI, the driver is still required to manner. ’ underpinned our knowledge of this system. observe the line ahead and react accordingly to ABCLs, AOCLs, and UWCs, of which there is a WE ARE THE FRONT END EXPERTS TOTALLY DIFFERENT SKILL SET preponderance on the Cambrian lines, Space prohibits me from going into other ERTMS level 2 was first installed on the stations, on-track staff, trespassers, animals on issues we became aware of, such as staff Cambrian lines, which are relatively self- the line, obstructions, etc. In fact anything and responsible mode, and concerns with contained, as a test bed for the system’s everything that drivers already do now on maximum permissible degraded speed, and proposed eventual roll out across the UK rail conventionally signalled lines. certain implications for freight traffic, but no network as part of European inter-operability We were fortunate enough to meet Andy doubt these will be addressed by the EC and requirements as the eventual predominant Hodson, ASLEF LDC rep at Machynlleth, who the ASLEF ERTMS working group in due course. form of signalling. It employs in-cab signalling informed us of a report that the introduction There are many experts in the rail industry by means of a driver-machine interface or DMI of ERTMS on the Cambrian lines has resulted in who are not train drivers pushing for a national which conveys to the driver movement an increase in what is known as heads down roll out of this system but, if it is to be authorities or MAs which authorise a driver to driving time of up to 30%! This is potentially a successful, then the key group which needs to proceed, and end of movement authorities or concern on any part of a railway where the buy into it are the front end experts, the end EMAs which limit a particular movement. driver is still required to look ahead! users, us, the train drivers. And our input needs The two primary impressions we obtained Neither did we see much to support the to be heeded and our concerns addressed from actually driving under instruction on this vaunted argument that route knowledge will satisfactorily if the planned transitions are to be course was, first, despite what others in the play no part in the new scheme of things successful.

14 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 Far North

film I Had a Black Dog ; a must see that captures the subject very well. The term Black dog ‘black dog’ was famously used as a metaphor by both Samuel Johnson and Winston Churchill and is a term now enshrined in ALAN MOSS and mental health awareness and SI GOODE , company understanding. council reps, Avanti ASLEF is at the forefront of discussing, West Coast, report on engaging, and driving the agenda, working bespoke training for reps on the with our outstanding policy and, most sensitive and sometimes difficult issue importantly, letting our members know that, of mental health in the workplace Dealing with dark moods and depression has should they need it, we are there for them. been likened – by Dr Johnson, among many The make-up of the grade is changing ENTAL health should be at the others – to suffering from a black dog rapidly and policies such as the ASLEF forefront of the welfare of our mental health policy should be adopted by a M members. As representatives we of mental health awareness in the 21st modern railway; hence why we have placed adapt and move with the times and being century. The course covered a wealth of it into the machinery for the company to able to talk, and learn, about mental health is subjects. It started by informing us about all hopefully adopt it at some point. essential in 2020. the different conditions encompassed under We would like to thank Shirley Handsley, Avanti West Coast company council the mental health umbrella. our ASLEF education project co-ordinator, successfully negotiated for, and set up, We moved on to the issue of starting that for being the glue that held everything training courses for all its reps, company all important conversation and the vital together and for putting everything in place; council, local level, health & safety and ULR. element of listening and being empathetic. Tracy Douthwaite, who delivered the course; There were two identical courses, in We learned about the wealth of resources and all those who attended and are now Birmingham and Preston, culminating in 40 available and how we can signpost people better enabled to help and assist with issues representatives being delivered with an who have issues. that may affect not only our members but outstanding education and understanding The course featured the well known short friends, family and colleagues, too. Working for a safer railway

ALAN MOSS , railway safety, at the Office of Rail Longsight branch, and Road. reports on District Ian had a clear message – 3’s recent health & sometimes we disagree on things but most of the time we want the safety seminar same thing, a safe railway for ISTRICT 3 held its annual those who work on it and for safety seminar in those who use it. The current D November in the objectives and priorities of ASLEF northern capital that is and the ORR are similar: Manchester. I was asked to chair improving mental health and the seminar which was a privilege. suicide prevention, SPADs, the I relinquished my role as a safety introduction of new rolling stock, rep last year after two decades in and track worker safety. the role but am still active in any Ian also spoke about the way I can to ensure that Million Hour Challenge initiative James Sutherland of Newton Heath leads the afternoon workshop workplaces are safe – and we all where rail staff come together to in early, keep up to date with day and speaking with vigour and know that a unionised workplace volunteer one million hours to industry developments to see enthusiasm on what we need to is a safer place to work. support the work of the when trains may arrive, begin do to as reps to ensure our The seminar was opened by Samaritans. negotiations with management members receive the our general secretary Mick Lunchtime was a good before the trains arrive, ensure representation they rightly Whelan; since being elected GS in opportunity for networking and reps are present at the very early deserve. 2011 Mick has opened nearly all catching up with comrades, design stage, and use the ASLEF One of the most refreshing our district’s seminars, ensuring following which we had an cab ergonomics guide. things was the diversity of the that our union is at the forefront excellent session with EC vice- The penultimate slot was a representatives present; we had of health & safety. Many topics president Andy Hudd talking great workshop by Newton Heath newly-elected reps sat alongside were covered and questions from about his work with the cab safety rep James Sutherland, reps with years of experience, all the floor afterwards were wide- ergonomics sub-group. With the whose enthusiasm is infectious. sharing a common goal, ranging. number of new trains coming His presentation encompassed representing our members. Over the years our guest into the industry Andy’s attention competence development, Sincere thanks to DO3 Andy speakers have come from a wide to detail was well received. Every inspections, facilities time, Hourigan for facilitating the spectrum across the industry, and day is learning day and I learned a education, and mitigation of seminar; Mick, Ian and Andy for this year we extended a warm valuable lesson all about operational incidents, with an their presentations; James for his welcome to Ian Prosser, Her anthropometrics, even though I emphasis on adopting best invaluable input from start to Majesty’s Chief Inspector of can’t pronounce the word, it’s practice across the district. finish; and, most importantly, the Railways, a role that goes back to actually invaluable when it comes We concluded with our district 18 safety reps who attended and 1840 – ‘there have been 25 of us to ergonomics. The main message organiser Andy Hourigan contributed to make the seminar in all those years’ – and director, from Andy’s presentation was get reinforcing the messages from the such an overwhelming success.

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 15 Branch Lines

When the Saints Upcoming Events go marching in n RIPPLE LANE – FRIDAY 7 FEBRUARY E HAD our AGM on Sunday Ripple Lane’s monthly gatherings resume after the recess from 1 December attended by GS 13.00 at The Wind Mill, near Upminster Bridge Tube station. W Mick Whelan and EC1 Marz Colombini. Mick presented a 45 year n EASTLEIGH – SATURDAY 14 MARCH badge to Brother Kev Ely and a 25 year Reunion from 12.00 at the Eastleigh Railway Institute, Romsey badge to Brother Ed d’Bell. We also had a Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9FE. All grades welcome. guest speaker, Jim Buchanan, from Bournemouth RMT. After the meeting Ed n CRICKLEWOOD – FRIDAY 27 MARCH served up a curry, made by his father, Reunion at RAF club opposite railway station from which was gratefully enjoyed. 12.00 noon. Hope to see as many Old Boys as possible. Ian Jolly , ULR and equality rep, Southampton Northam 160 GATESHEAD & NEWCASTLE – FRIDAY 27 MARCH Reunion at the Bowling Green Club, Gateshead, from 13.30.

n BRIGHTON – TUESDAY 5 MAY The 10th annual Brighton & Sussex branches reunion for all ASLEF members, past and present, from 14.00 at the Brighton Railway Club, Belmont, off Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3TF.

for continual ASLEF Auld man’s do membership, via the Kev (top); Ed (centre); and the Southampton Northam first team squad RMS, to retired drivers The annual retired function was well Jock Brodie (67 years); drivers’ night (auld attended with the Alan Reid (64); Sam man’s do, as it is more RMS, Ray and Dave, EC Baillie and Jimmy Is Vic there? commonly known) member Jim Baxter, Hogg (63) all receiving District Organiser Kevin Lindsay was on hand was held in November district officer Kevin honorary membership to present newly-retired driver Albert at the Beechwood Lindsay, and branch for this amazing Armstrong with a tankard and cheque at our Bowling Club, members as well as achievement. Albert recent branch meeting. Albert’s wife Edith – Edinburgh. This year retired members in Ogg (75 years ASLEF who let us into the secret that, at home, saw the first woman attendance. membership) and Albert’s real name is Victor! – was presented from the RMS in There were David Dobie (73) with a bouquet of flowers. We would all like to Edinburgh attending – presentations to John couldn’t attend due to wish Albert a happy retirement (and thank Larry Kelly receives Yvonne Reid, who Munro, just retired illness but this has to Edith for the scrumptious cakes she baked and his 30 year ASLEF retired two years ago after 43 years’ service be recognised, as brought along). membership badge – which is a very on LNER and East we’re sure their Phil Gallagher , branch secretary from our tirelessly significant occasion, Coast, and long membership is hard-working EC obviously due to the service badges for unprecedented. Both member Terry name of the function, Bros Malcolm Risk (45 joined the railway as Wilkinson. Following but which was years); and Chris youngsters; they are the presentation an addressed by the Barrie, Gary Gray, Alan now 92 and 90 enjoyable Christmas branch secretary five McKean, Stuart Slicer respectively. social was had by all. years ago (retired and Alan Steedman Rab Wicksted , Gary Jarman , drivers’ night is now (all 40). There was a branch secretary, branch secretary, on the invitation). The special presentation Edinburgh No 2 Hammersmith & Kevin, Albert and Edith at Corkerhill City 267

MEN OF KENT: GS Mick Whelan, EC1 Marz Colombini, and 22 ASLEF members attended the Tonbridge 215 beer and badges awards at the New Telegraph Club. Mick presented a retirement certificate to Viv Livermore who has retired from the driving grade after 43 years and 10 months. Badges were presented to Steve Burgess (35 years); Andy Livermore (30); Ray Stone (25); David Locke (15) and Tom Mowbray (5). Kevin presents service awards to John Munro; Jimmy Hogg; Alan Trevor Mitchell , branch secretary Reid; Sam Baillie; Malcolm Risk; and Jock Brodie

16 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 100 Years of Union

years as branch me. It has been an Ray: ‘Honour to serve’ secretary and to my honour to serve you. rove Park who asked for the branch members for Thank you for such a welcomed branch to be formed the amazing and great evening. G GS Mick back in 1968, Mick extremely generous Ray Garland , Whelan, EC1 Marz Fisher, who received gifts presented to branch secretary Colombini, and DO1 his 50 year medallion, Graham Morris, my and Stephen Dunne A packed We turn back time – and the pages Southeastern DCC on his retirement. I branch of the Locomotive Journal – to colleagues, members would like to thank room at February 1920 and the Americans, and guests to our the ASLEF officials for Grove Park the government, the saints, our annual presentation my appreciation welcomed organising secretary, No 1 engine evening. A packed certificate for my 20 the GS branch room, with OUR IMPUDENT RULING CLASS standing room only, The statement of Admiral Sims that a high listened to Mick official of the American Navy told him, address members ‘Don’t let the British pull any wool over and present long your eyes: we would as soon fight the service awards to Joe British as the Germans’ has given a rude Flynn and David shock to our impudent ruling class. The Pocock (5 years), truth is that England is controlled by a David Lee (10), John clique of undisciplined snobs, and Row (20), Steve Rand Winston Churchill is their model. (25) and Peter Scott (30). Awards and gifts WELCOMED AND WHACKED were also presented ‘FE’, variously known as the Galloper, Lord to Derek Deacon, Birkenhead, and Lord Chancellor of England, says in the Weekly Dispatch that Bro Sedgebeer stands down after Spen Valley sounded the death knell of Mr Asquith’s hopes, and the coalition is 25 years of loyal union service ‘invertebrate and undefined’. There is a Paul, on behalf of our branch, as a union rep, meant you reasonable prospect of a Labour and all the members who could guide any member government being formed in this country crossed your path in the about the solidarity on which in the next few years, he says, and he course of union duties, we we, as a union, pride wants a new national party to see off this want to thank you for all your ourselves. Your efforts ‘threat’. Even this, we might tell him, will hard work and excellent contributed substantially to be welcomed and whacked. support. As EC vice-president the quality of our branch Andy Hudd said, ‘You have meetings which were SAINTS WHO WERE SOCIALISTS Shake on it, comrade: Andy never had a bad word to say enhanced by your The early fathers of the Christian church Hudd with Paul Sedgebeer about anyone.’ We are a professionalism. Working saw what stood in the way of the Golden passionate union, and you with you was a great learning colleague, mentor and friend, Rule. ‘The land is no man’s property; none would always take on board experience. We really valued you have inspired us. shall possess it as property’ (Tertullian, the views of all our members; your knowledge and insight, Daniel Davis , Reading earliest of Latin Fathers, AD155-222). ‘No your expertise, and 25 years and willingness to share. As a branch 169 man shall come into our commune who sayeth that the land may be sold. God’s footstool is not property’ (St Cyprian, AD200-258).

Stories of old BIG GATHERING AT NEWPORT The 1A Christmas reunion was held on Under the auspices of South Wales and Thursday 5 December at the Ex-Services Monmouthshire district council, a mass Club, Watford. A very well attended event meeting of locomotivemen and friends with 40-plus retired and active drivers was held at the Temperance Hall on and other railwaymen, many Sunday 4 January for the purpose of The GS thanks David Harvey and David accompanied by their wives and partners. making presentations to Mr and Mrs Humphrys at the 1A Christmas reunion All enjoyed a light buffet, beverages, and, Parfitt, and the unfurling of the district of course, listening and telling stories of how they had both positively influenced council’s banner, on the occasion of the old. One remarked, ‘This is like being in his early years as a driver and how the retirement of our organising secretary. the old Stonebridge Park mess room’ experience of such drivers can play an although, I would add, a more polite important part for new drivers. Thanks A RELIC OF OUR RAILWAYS conversation was noted! GS Mick Whelan from all to Mick and Dicky for taking time We have on view in the Quaker town of and DO6 organiser Dicky Fisher attended out from their very busy schedules to Darlington an old relic of our railways – No and Mick gave a short but heartfelt attend. The afternoon drew to a close in 1 engine. There she stands, quaint and speech before presenting retired drivers the early evening, after the traditional stunted. How few people realise, as they David Harvey and my dad David raffle, expertly conducted by David pass through, how much they are Humphrys with their 50 year ASLEF Doman and his helpers. indebted to that ancient memorial, the membership medallions. Mick remarked Mick Humphrys , ex 1A Euston driver father of our locomotives.

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 17 Obituaries

STEVE WEST CHAMPIONED THE CAUSE OF PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT SPEAK UP FOR THEMSELVES T IS with profound Westie (as a to BMW (Be More Westie) and regret, and deep sorrow, young, and bring delight, rather than I that Farnham branch has not so melancholy, to the world. to report the passing of our young, train In late 2014, Steve suffered a retired colleague and friend, Steve driver): ‘one stroke and, although he recovered West. of Farnham’s well, had to medically retire a few Steve left school at 16 and, friendliest, months later. Determined to make instead of listening to his drama finest, and the most of his retirement, he teacher and going to RADA, proudest remained very social and enjoyed joined as platform staff railwaymen’ meeting colleagues and retired before becoming a traction members all over the country. trainee at Woking in 1977 via a Steve loved the railway, his brief stint as a box boy. At 18 he colleagues were family, and he was a second man driving diesels. was tremendously grateful for He passed out as a driver in 1982; and other animals. He kept a few their continued friendship and his first position was at London biscuits in the pockets of his support. Bridge but, luckily, his clause 8(b) Barbour in case he saw a canine In early September, he became transfer to Farnham came into he wanted to photograph! He also very unwell. Keeping a brave face, effect four weeks later! It was the took thousands of photos of he did not let on how poorly he start of a long and successful friends, family and colleagues – really was. He deteriorated very career on the railway and, years drivers and guards – always with a dressing habit! quickly and, after spending a later, he was proud to call himself grin on his face. His mobile phone Westie, as always, seized with short time in hospital, Westie a Lost Boy. is a library of many retired, and both hands this donated went home. When the nurses Westie was a lifelong union passed, legends of the line. He extension to life; he travelled from St Michael’s Hospice came man who championed the cause had great fun editing his pictures extensively, using his railway out he told jokes and made them of people who could not speak up to add a rude sign or fake passes, at home and abroad. He laugh. He continued to tell jokes, for themselves. He was Farnham cigarette and was a talented artist befriended people wherever he right up to the last moment. Steve branch chair, secretary, LDC rep, whose paintings decorate the went and organised many events passed away peacefully at home, and district council member for walls of his home. for the old boys. The annual get surrounded by his family, on more than 20 years; his Steve was diagnosed with together of Waterloo and Nine Tuesday 12 November. He was 59. meticulous minutes a reminder of myeloma in 2007. He initially Elms at the Bluebell Railway was As we said goodbye, with the many struggles we, as a union, made a good recovery, after always well-attended. many tears and much laughter, at met and overcame in that time. intensive treatment, but the Wherever Steve went we heard his funeral, despite the appalling His work, and insight, alongside cancer returned in 2010. He was raucous laughter, his random weather and the strikes on SWR, Ray Cox and Martin Warrick was told donor treatment would be musings and practical jokes there were too many mourners for hugely appreciated. He was also the way forward and was relieved delighting many, irritating a few, the crematorium to hold and too our obituary writer and I wish he to discover his brother Richard which encouraged him in his many friends at the wake for the had written his own as he would was a perfect match. Richard daftness all the more! He was pub to cope. Just as it should be. have done a better job than me. donated his stem cells in a childlike, not childish, and Farewell to a dear and special Outside the railway Steve was successful operation; Steve would displayed an innocent, playful friend. Our thoughts are with a devoted husband, father, son, joke that he had inherited his glee, joy, humility, generosity, and Lynda, Barry, Leonie, Ivy, Richard, and family man; a fierce friend brother’s blood group, his kindness wherever he was and in and all Steve’s family at this loyal to many, many people. He gambling addiction, and his whatever company he found terribly sad time. was also a keen photographer womanising, but was pleased he himself. Many of us, in these Shaun McCallion , branch chair, who loved to take photos of dogs had not inherited his cross- uncertain times, will do our best Farnham 252 ALAN ‘HOSS’ CARTWRIGHT IN THE BONANZA GOLD LINK short of that, so, with a typical touch of depot irony, he had to be ‘Hoss’. Alan retired in Former Longsight colleague Alan Cartwright August 1995, just before his 65th birthday. His left us on 12 December aged 89. A Swinton last London to Manchester ran into Piccadilly, lad, he joined the LMSR as a cleaner at Lanky on time, to be greeted by his family after 48 Agecroft 26B MPD in 1947 at the age of 17. Ten years’ service, bar one month. weeks later he became a passed cleaner and During his 24 year retirement, sun began firing on the main line just 34 days worshipper Alan visited Spain, Cyprus and the before the birth of BR. Canary Islands and relatives in America. He Alan registered as a fireman in February enjoyed DIY and gardening, loved Swinton 1950 and was promoted passed fireman in rugby league club, Lancashire Cricket Club and August allowing him to drive. He served with Manchester City. the Royal Army Service Corps, and became a Having suffered 44 years of hurt, he lived to booked driver in 1961 and, with the closure of witness the Sergio Agüero moment in 2012, Alan ‘Hoss’ Cartwright in charge of his steed Agecroft shed, got a transfer in 1966 to the when that goal in the fourth minute of added former Wessy garage at 9H Patricroft. In 1967 When the ‘holiday camp’ closed its BOP in time gave City the title. Alan said goodbye not only to Patricroft, but 1994, Hoss joined the inter-city west coast link. Alan’s loving wife Pauline pre-deceased also to steam traction, transferring to 9A It was during our days together at Longsight him, but he is survived by his sons Stuart and Longsight and diesel and electric traction, that I got to know Alan. Bonanza starred Dan Stephen. RIP Alan, you were part of the rich swapping mast-free Leeds and Llandudno for Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright. Now Dan tapestry that was 9A, and will be missed. the overhead road to Euston. stood 6ft 4in and weighed 21st; Alan fell a bit Mel Thorley , RMS Longsight 126

18 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 Obituaries

MICK BOULANGER RIGHT AWAY DRIVE It is with great sadness that I inform you of the sudden passing of close friend and recently retired Wolverhampton driver Mick Boulanger on Tuesday 19 November aged just 59. Having taken ill health resettlement in May he had so much planned with his partner Kath that, sadly, will not now happen. Mick was predominantly a Wolves driver for the last 30 plus years, although he started on the railway as a box boy at Stafford No 4 more than 40 years ago, which is where he met Kath, on a bench on Platforms 3 and 4. He joined the footplate and had spells at Saltley, New Street and, finally, Wolves. Mick was a bit of a jinx during his career, as anyone in control would admit, as when they heard his voice at the end of the phone saying, ‘Hello, Mick here,’ many a heart would sink. But he was a character and never one to shy away from any challenges. He loved mentoring new drivers and helped develop many in situ today at Wolves, as well as holding various positions in the branch. The funeral was full and standing at Bushbury with Mick arriving on a Routemaster bus which would have raised a chuckle and wry smile from him, but what a way to arrive! It was an honour to carry him from the bus into the chapel for his final journey. Mick was more than a colleague to Si Goode and me, he was a very close friend; all three of us have been through some tough times but we were always there for one another and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Kath, Tim, Samantha, and Rich at this difficult time. Nigel Harkness , branch secretary, Wolverhampton 236 ‘Hello, Mick here’ – his dulcet tones to control

ANDY SCOTT TREVOR MARTIN CHUFFING THIS PACER PROBLEM – I CAN’T AND CHUFFING THAT SEE OVER THE INSTRUMENTS On 3 January our dear friend and colleague Trevor Martin (GWR Plymouth, formerly Wessex Trains and British Rail St Andy Scott, retired Darlington driver, died Blazey/Par) was cruelly taken from us after complications after a short illness on 1 October aged 64. following a stroke he had just before Christmas. Trev, you will Andy worked in a number of government be sorely missed. We will all miss your mess room banter, departments, including Save As You Earn at practical jokes, chuffing this, chuffing that! And your most kind Durham, and Premium Bonds at Lytham St nature. You have left the West of England depots heartbroken Annes, before joining the railway in 1979, as you were taken from us far too early. May you have the road initially as platform staff, and then a guard, (greens all the way) to heaven. Sleep tight, old pal. before becoming a driver, which he regarded Nicholas Dyke , Plymouth 162 Greens all the way, old pal as his dream job. He loved driving and, as an ASLEF member, was always willing to help new drivers with advice and support, JOHN ROBINSON STILL SOUTHBOUND reviving mutual improvement classes. Further to his partner Sharon’s announcement ( Journal , January) Andy had a dry sense of humour and a Liverpool Lime Street driver John Robinson lost his long battle clear and determined sense of right and with cancer on 2 November at the age of 59. John followed in wrong. Short in stature, if not in nature, he the footsteps of his father, Ralph, who was also a driver. He came to national media notoriety (well, began work with British Rail, at the age of 16, in 1977 at the attention) when, unable to wind up a jammed newsagent kiosk at Birkenhead Central. Shortly after his 17th seat on a Pacer unit, he had to fail the train, as birthday he started on the footplate as a traction trainee at he couldn’t see clearly over the instruments! Mollington Street diesel depot. He transferred to Lime Street in When not at work, Andy enjoyed going to 1980 as a driver’s assistant and passed out as a driver in 1982, his caravan in Teesdale, or going on tour, becoming a relief driver aged 21 and a booked driver in 1986. In usually to Scotland, in his camper van. He was the Lime Street extra link in 1987 he was one of a few of 40 who a keen model railway maker, preferring to signed the London route, regularly getting London jobs and Cheers! John Robinson on make his models himself out of bits and earning the nickname Southbound. After the depot split in the golf course pieces rather than buying a kit. Like many 1994, which was done on seniority, John started with InterCity railwaymen, he appreciated a pint of real ale West Coast. Virgin took over the franchise in 1997 and John stayed with the company until he away from work. Andy retired, after 37 years, passed away. John was hugely popular, a true character, gent, and friend who will be greatly in 2016 to spend more time with his wife Sue missed. He was always willing to help, always had a smile, here to have a laugh. He loved his and three grandchildren. Andy was highly golf, watching and competing, and, above all else, was a family man, devoted to Sharon, his regarded and will be sadly missed. sons, and his grandchildren. RIP John. I’m sure you’re still Southbound. John Clark , branch secretary, Darlington 058 Mike Cooper , branch secretary, Edge Hill 070

GORDON READ JOKER, GENTLEMAN, AND STEAM KING Retired Marylebone driver Gordon Read has died at the age of 83. Gordon had a long career on the railway from Cricklewood to Neasden and on to Marylebone until retirement. I first met Gordon in the mid 1980s; he always had a story and a joke to tell. Never a cross word was said. He was one of the steam drivers and loved every minute of it. He had met the rich and famous and they were all in awe of his craft. He even had Anneka Rice sit on his lap! Gordon, a proper gentleman, enjoyed an active retirement with his family, which still involved steam trains. He is survived by his wife, two sons and his grandchildren. Chris Edgson , Marylebone 132 Great Scot, Gordon! He stepped in

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 19 Letters

Decent wages, but driving trains can be a lonely life volunteers on herita ge lin e s are expected to start at I attended a three day mental health the bottom, but can be fast-tracked to the footplate awareness course at Southampton City

College in October 2018, agreed and I wonder if Denis A Lewis ( Jou rnal , I volunteered to drive steam locos on a heritage line and was told to start as an engine cleaner – again… supported by my company, which gave me an January) has the right attit ud e. I refer to Bro Rimell’s insight into the issues that can affect our All volunteers on preserve d rai l w ays letter (Journal, December) in which he members at any time in our lives. are expected to start on th e bo ttom mentions that certain heritage railways are We earn a decent living, thanks to ASLEF, rung, so have a thought f o r v ol u n te er s struggling to locate suitable drivers and firemen. He suggests that The Nunney Castle in Great Western livery at Didcot but being a train driver can be a lonely life. We who have been in the s oci e ty for y ea rs main line drivers might Railway Centre and being driven at speed in the 1980s be in a position to after I retired I a cleaner! Not being work long, sometimes unsocial, shift patterns doing all that is asked o f th em , a lm o st alleviate the problem. approached the South prepared to wind the Before I retired I was on Devon Railway and clock back over 40 years, and may talk to just a couple of people during reaching the footplate, th en h av ing a n the steam roster at my offered to volunteer my my employment with d s S a ten hour or longer turn. One driver said to outsider jump over them ! The lett er from De n is Le wis abo ut driving me that I was the first person he had spoken to I have had to start ove r ag a in s e ve r al steam locomotives on a heritage line all day. It was 5pm. times as a volunteer on th re e s te am

During this three day course students were railways in the UK and six i n A ust ra lia . sh ovel, and am often r oste red to do so . asked to bring in their company’s mental However, on all of thes e, as soo n a s m y I am also prepared to d o a bi t of

health in the workplace policy document. I experience proved itself I was fast- cleaning, if required.

made enquires to find my company did not tracked to footplate duties . My cleaning days on BR w ere in

have any such policy. Others on the course, On one railway here in Oz I w as 1954/55. 4 4 72 w ould no t h a ve loo ked

from haulage companies, supermarkets, expected to do 200 hours of track work as clean as it d id durin g it s 14 m o nt h

Portsmouth council, and a local bus company, first but I was allowed to forgo that! to ur of Australia if I had not cleaned it,

all of which had such a policy, were shocked Having said that, now , as a n 8 0+ year many times alone!

that a train company with staff more prone to old driver, I am still capab le of u sing the David Rollins , RMS, Brisbane

this illness did not have one. After the course I was invited to company

head office to report my findings to the company and ASLEF’s company council and I have reviewed shows that even being slig ht l y Alrea dy this h a s led them t o an nou nce attacks

dehydrated can have a big effect on us, on w o r ke rs’ r ig h ts, i ncluding our ability to asked the company to adopt a policy. ASLEF because the brain effectively starts to ‘sh rink ’ strik e, an d i gno re the rig ht of t he people of has produced its own mental health in the

which, in turn, slows the cognitive process Scotland to self-determi n a tion. In r es pons e, I workplace policy which is an excellent document; I would recommend all train and which then affects concentratio n, r is k believe, ASLEF should call fo r th e T UC /ST UC to

perception, and reaction tim es . organise demonstration s in d efen ce o f freight companies to adopt it as a template. I would suggest, as an expe r im e nt , an d if workers’ rights and agains t th e w o r st e x c esses Mental health must be taken seriously by you are not in the habit of doing this , y o u take of the Queen’s speech. I think we have to the rail industry. As a union, we have seen a bottle of water with you and take regular sips actively mobilise the biggest turnout possible members disappear without warning and walk l out on everything. Sadly, my company has (when it’s safe to do so) on every trip in the cab for the Durham Miners’ Gala. We also have to seen two drivers pass away in recent years. So I and, after four weeks, see if you have not look at our approach to a second Scottish ask all TOCs and FOCs to support their loyal become more focused, less fatigued, and independence referendum. Whilst ASLEF staff in their time of need. Please adopt ASLEF’s generally feel better? members may have differing opinions about mental health in the workplace policy now. Steven Norfolk , driver instructor, Slade whether Scotland should, or should not, be Andrew Sheehan , health & safety rep, Green independent, we should discuss supporting Bournemouth another referendum. It is clear that the SNP Remembering Woodhead won the election in Scotland, giving them a further mandate to request the powers to hold It was my privilege to have known Bill Water in the cab could be a legal referendum. Ronksley, ASLEF’s longest-serving president, Steven Nimmo , Edinburgh No 2 the answer to SPADs for 40 years. I got to know him through the I read with interest Jeff Veale’s letter ‘Many magnificent campaign he fought against the reasons for SPADs’ ( Journal , December) which closure of the Woodhead line in the late 1970s ASLEF sorted out the rightly raises concerns over the increase of and early 1980s. He made an excellent case for Spanner in the works SPADs and, I might add, the increase of TPWS retaining the route. Woodhead will go down as activations against red signals. I can assure Jeff one of the most wicked acts of railway Last year I wrote to the general secretary and that, as driver instructors, we do teach the best vandalism. Friday 3 January was the 30th executive committee regarding one of our practice he advocates of not ‘chasing anniversary of the withdrawal of electrified members suffering a house fire. They kindly restrictive signals’ as well as not being services from the route. Could ASLEF organised financial support from the hardship distracted by any delays as they are proven by commemorate this very sad and dark fund and a circular to branches appealing for experience to work. anniversary? With all the attention on climate financial assistance. Simon ‘Spanner’ The question of increasing SPADs involves change, global warming, and air quality, it Szczepanski and his family had to endure many factors with differing opinions and, would make a statement from railwaymen and months in a hotel before they could find a while things like thorough knowledge of women about the need for electrification in suitable house to rent whilst the fire was routes and risk factors, non-technical skills, the future, as well as paying tribute to one of investigated and insurance was held up until it risk-based commentary driving, proper rest, Sheffield’s finest sons. had been settled so that support, along with a etc, are all very important, in my experience Andrew Oldfield , Worrall, Sheffield JustGiving page organised by his local level the simple act of regular hydration make a reps and colleagues, has been a vital lifeline. huge difference with regards to keeping up The appeal raised in excess of £4,000 with concentration. Tackling the Tories donations still coming in. Thanks from all of us It may pay ASLEF to invest in a more in- The Tories now have a huge majority and are, at King’s Cross. depth study of this but the latest research I soon, to be unfettered by EU legislation. Richard Sullivan , branch secretary

20 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 Classified Advertisements

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An eight This 0 gauge recreation of a station on the by Peter Darley (The History even noticed! page spread in the Press, £20) as featured on the Hull to Bridlington line appeared at the Drooling over Rod same issue depicts centre pages of the January Stewart’s system no NEC Birmingham in November our layout in all its Journal . Buy it direct from the doubt, and of a small group, of what is claimed to glory! Please ignore Camden Railway Heritage Trust at a discounted justifiably so. which this scribe is be the largest the totally incorrect price of £15 inc p&p; email [email protected] or As you are one, based in the model railway show loco headlamp phone 020 7586 6632 for details. ‘All income from sales goes to the trust,’ says Peter. obviously very Brid area. During in the land, codes carried (or interested, November we had encompassing far don’t blame me, HANDMADE miniature Nafferton on the the pleasure of more than layouts. that is). driver’s keys to wear as a charm Hull-Bridlington three days at the Historical reasons Roy Lingham , or round the neck. Solid silver line, is the creation NEC exhibiting it, at preclude Bridlington and solid 9ct gold weighing approximately 7 grams. Just over 2cm in length and just under 2cm width. Gold £300, silver £100 + £7 p&p recorded delivery. Contact Brad McCarthy Trying to rebuild our lives Hermann, Anne…and Rod on 07929 350146. We suffered a devastating arson attack on our CASH paid for original pre 90s home in June which nearly claimed the lives of railway photographic slides or my wife Rebecca and our three boys. If it negatives. Please contact GBRf Tonbridge driver (and railwayana collector) John wasn’t for our little dog Paddy, who alerted Waddington at [email protected] them to the danger, and gave them precious minutes to get out, they would not be alive NORWOOD depot special pin badges today. Unfortunately, Paddy didn’t survive his including Cowden 25th anniversary. heroic act; he was lovely, a big member of our £3 each or £5 the pair (inc p&p). family, and is greatly missed, God rest him. Proceeds to Norwood Drivers’ Social We would like to thank branches and Club. Email Stuart Boxall at [email protected] colleagues, past and present, for your kind and generous donations during this extremely Reichsmarschall, SA Gruppenführer, railway GROVE PARK branch 50th difficult time. Without your help we don’t modeller…and Nuremberg war criminal anniversary badge. £6.50 inc p&p. know what we would have done. Every day is a Contact branch secretary Ray Garland struggle for my wife and boys as the events of Re the piece about Rod Stewart and his 07931 612615 or [email protected] that night still haunt them. We are trying to model railway layout ( Journal , January) it AIRDRIE has produced a badge to rebuild our lives which is extremely hard. would surely be remiss not to mention commemorate its reopening as a Having lost everything, your help has given us television presenter Anne Diamond with separate branch. £6.50 inc p&p. Please a start. Thanks for your support, with a special her Great Western Railway layout and, oh contact branch chair Ivan Wilson thank you to KX secretary Richard Sullivan, no, Hermann Göring! (07949 862393) for details. who has gone out of his way to help us, and Rob McMillan , RMS, Wolverhampton PERTH branch badge to Tejas Parekh, Hornsey LLR rep, who set up the commemorate 110 years (1908- JustGiving page. 2018). £6 plus £1 p&p. Cheques Gratitude, brothers and sisters. room with some of those Tory voters, not that payable to Perth branch ASLEF No Simon , Rebecca , Joshua , Charlie and your colleagues will admit to it. 134 General. Please contact branch Cailean Szczepanski I well remember, following the debacle on secretary Grant Murchie for details on 07412 9 April 1992, our late friend Ernie Langham 453454 or [email protected] going round a full Longsight mess room Is this the age of the train? asking each person, ‘Did you vote for ’em’ and BUXTON & PEAK FOREST 125 Was it not the great political thinker Stuart Hall receiving a ‘No’ from every startled years limited edition badge 1892- who said ‘We are a nation of masochists’? We interviewee. Ernie stepped back and loudly 2017. £6 plus £1 p&p from branch must be. Offered cheaper rail fares, and utility issued forth, '’Well, some f***** did!’ secretary Paul Costello; email [email protected] bills, we say ‘No’, and return a Conservative And I saw this on a Northern 142: ‘This government. Brothers and Sisters, as you go carriage is unable to take up the strain. I think PROFESSIONAL ENGRAVING at about your railway business, you will be the problem is the Age of the Train’. sensible prices. I can engrave anything sharing not only a platform but also a mess Mel Thorley , RMS Longsight you wish, such as the ASLEF logo on the pint tankard. Contact Paul Potts by email at [email protected] Come and join the conversation! Send letters by email to To place an advertisement please phone [email protected] or by Royal Mail to the ASLEF Journal 020 7324 2400 or send an email to at 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN [email protected]

February 2020 l The ASLEF Journal 21 Last Word President’s poodle

As Boris Johnson prepares to talk to Donald Trump about war, trade, and the merits or otherwise of chlorinated chicken for the family feast each Sunday, CHRIS PROCTOR takes a wry look at 200 Before Sir Christopher Meyer (above), British years of the special relationship ambassador to the US from 1997 to 2003, took up his position in Washington, he went F YOU want to know about the to Number 10 for a briefing with Tony Blair ‘special relationship' we have with and Jonathan Powell. ‘Basically, Christopher, I the United States, take a look at the what we want you to do is get up the arse of case of Harry Dunn. He was riding his the White House and stay there.’ motorbike in Northamptonshire last August when a Volvo XC90, driven on the wrong side orders, then it wasn’t going to get any support of the road by a US citizen who is said to have for the pound. It is apparently considered been drinking, careered into him. Harry died. reasonable among ‘special’ friends to say, ‘Do The driver sped back to America. And the what I want or we’ll screw your economy.’ President of the United States told us we had Our role in the US/UK bond has always no chance when we said we wanted the driver been simple. Basically, they speak, we nod; to return to be tried in a British court. ‘She will they order, we obey; they instruct, and we not return to the UK.’ happily wag our tails. The US is the master; and This tragic tale neatly sums up the ‘special the UK is the dog. relationship’ we enjoy with the US. Had our The fact is, US governments, historically, are relations been ‘ordinary’ or ‘normal’ rather than, much keener on servility than criticism. When er, ‘special’, we would have asked for help and Cuba cheesed them off they began a trade expected to be assisted. A ‘special’ relationship, except one, can speak out freely and expect boycott that’s lasted 55 years. So far. on the other hand, seems to mean that, when respect in return. we ask for aid, the other party tells us to sling Close observers have noticed that every GIVEN A GOOD SLAP our hook, get over it, and wise up to the fact time the US mentions the ‘special relationship’, The French – under the illusion that they , as that we’re not in line for any favours from hundreds of thousands of citizens die; and, the United States’ first ally, in the War of them. I had a ‘special’ relationship of this type indeed, a lot of the effort put into the Atlantic Independence against Britain from 1776 to with my ex-wife. alliance does concern war. 1783, also have a relation spéciale with the US – In fact, the only time we haven’t clung to were given a good slap when they hesitated TRUMP: TIME TO TOE THE LINE the tails of American military greatcoats was about joining in the bombing of Iraq in 2003. Not that Donald Trump didn’t explain his their war at the tail end of the 18th century The Gallic nation was sneered at as a ‘so- refusal. He said it was our fault for driving on which was, ahem, against us. called ally’ and savaged where it really hurts a the left. ‘The woman was driving on the wrong Oh, and then there was Harold Wilson, who Frenchman. Right in the plate. Capitol Hill side of the road, and that can happen. You was rude enough to turn down Lyndon B renamed French fries ‘freedom fries’ and know, those are the opposite roads, that Johnson’s frequent requests for British combat French toast as ‘freedom toast’. And even happens,’ he explained. The US State troops to join in the Vietnam war. The Prime before Bush and Blair had destroyed Iraq, the Department amplified that returning the Minister’s refusal put ‘great strains’ on relations: US had introduced legislation preventing any suspect would be ‘highly inappropriate’ while the idea of them being ‘special’ was stretched French company from profiting by helping in extradition would be ‘an abuse’. Yes, really. to the limit. its reconstruction. But rather different criteria apply when the It is difficult to define the elements of a US decides to invade a country, change a WITH HIS PECKER HANGING OUT ‘special relationship’, but it seems to involve regime or ‘zero’ an individual. Then the US Harold offered to nip over to Washington to one side being exceptionally sycophantic. In sends a message to the UK telling us what explain the UK’s reluctance to join its ally in which case the other side may, possibly, if it time to have our troops ready to support napalming and defoliating Vietnam but LBJ wishes, be quite nice. But beware: if there are them. Take 2003, for example: was in a huff. He felt the job of ‘special’ friends failures in fawning, you will not be allowed to ‘Yo, Blair! I’m thinking of using your army to was to obey, not to discuss. So the man sit at the top table with the big boys. You’ll end assist me invading a country that doesn’t have against whom students on American up in the dog house with the rest of the any weapons of mass destruction or links with campuses chanted ‘Hey, hey, LBJ, how many poodles. al-Qaeda. Say yes and you can stay at my kids did you fry today?’ declined the offer of a Please note: Allegations that the United ranch and I’ll pretend you’re an important chin-wag, explaining his reasoning to a Kingdom follows the United States ‘like a world leader.’ Presidential aside: ‘We’ve got enough pollution poodle’ have been withdrawn from this article ‘Why, that’s so terribly kind of you, Mr around here already without Harold Wilson following complaints from the progressive Dubya, sir! How many soldiers would you like?’ coming over with his fly open, and his pecker poodle community; who say, as a proud breed, That’s the sort of straight-talking that hanging out, peeing all over me.’ The US also that they would not stoop to such lowly makes a relationship ‘special’; when both sides, decided that if the UK wasn’t going to obey behaviour…

22 The ASLEF Journal l February 2020 Across Down On Track Prize Crossword 1 Wide triangular 1 Clothes cupboard tie-knot 2 Nocturnal person Crossword 166 by Tom Williams 5 Young buffalo (5, 3) 7 Fraudulently 3 Strain and tension ‘Free market’ manipulate prices 4 Niche or alcove 8 Backpack for hikers 5 Usual practice 9 Charges… of 6 Chance or fortune will eat itself interest? 11 Garnet, topaz or 10 Work doggedly opal NCE upon a time, not all that 13 Woven net fabric 12 Sweet horse tree? O long ago, companies such as 14 Shriek and wail 15 Traditional tale Amazon, Apple, Facebook, 18 Welsh national 16 Expertise and Google, and Microsoft were emblem acquired know-how celebrated, especially in North 19 Desert water 17 Spider’s trap America, as new tech successes. Not 21 Cabbage salad 20 Turkeys and now. Big tech has become as 22 Belonging to chickens pejorative a term as big pharma and oneself big oil and the men – and they are 23 Pleased mostly men – who run them 24 A theme or topic condemned as the robber barons of 21st century capitalism. Solution to Crossword 165 In Goliath: The Across: 1 Lisbon 4 Comic 7 Snapdragon 8 Twig 100 Year War 9 Lathe 11 Descend 13 Sabbath 15 Quack Between Monopoly Name...... 17 Skin 18 Explosives 20 Newts 21 Ginger Power and Down: 1 Listed 2 Bang 3 Napkins 4 Coral Democracy (Simon 5 Mug 6 Canoe 7 Siesta 10 Thanks 12 Darning Address...... & Schuster, $29.99) 14 Hangar 15 Queen 16 Knobs 17 Sewn Matt Stoller, a 19 Paw ...... fellow of the Open Markets Institute, a Congratulations to Paul Matt Stoller: liberal think tank ...... Henderson, of , Amazon is now which is an , who was last the oil, steel and influential player in month’s winner. The winner of this ...... railroad of the Democratic politics, month’s Prize Crossword will receive internet age examines the Marks & Spencer vouchers to the value of £25 ...... monopolistic practices and corporate greed of computer companies in the l You can see more of Tom Williams’s internet age. crosswords, word games and puzzles at Postcode...... The way they have been allowed to wordgames.co.uk do business flies in the face of 100 years of anti-trust legislation in place Thanks for all your responses to the 165th prize crossword in the January edition of the ASLEF since JD Rockefeller’s Standard Oil, Journal . If you successfully complete this month’s crossword please send the solution to the which controlled 90% of America’s Editor, ASLEF Journal , 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN by 14 February supply, was broken up by the US Supreme Court in 1911 into Esso (SO – geddit?), Amoco, Chevron, Marathon, and Mobil. ASLEF’s legal services The original 13 United States fought for independence from Britain Have you been sacked, or are in trouble at work, and cannot get hold of over, among other things, a monopoly your branch secretary, local representative or District Organiser in an on the trade in tea. But what this book emergency? Call our industrial relations department on 020 7324 2400 reveals is the fundamental fissure at (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday or 9am to 4pm on Friday) or leave a the heart of free market capitalism; that the market is never really free. message on the answer service, or email [email protected] with a subject When Adam Smith, founding heading of ‘For the attention of the father of capitalism, wrote in The industrial relations dept’. Wealth of Nations about the invisible hand of the market he imagined numberless suppliers with numberless consumers to arrive at a market price. But that is not how Changed your address? Please let us know! Just fill in this form capitalism works. The relentless Name...... growth of an online retailer like Amazon, at the expense of tens of Address...... thousands of smaller stores, reveals the reality of contemporary capitalism ...... in action. The market moves, Postcode ...... Telephone...... inexorably, towards monopoly. Like pop, it will always, in the end, eat itself. Branch...... Membership No...... Keith Richmond Please return coupon to: ASLEF, 77 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1M 4NN

February 2020 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 and, 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 the Admin Department at head office.

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

Yours fraternally, Mick Whelan, general secretary

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

The su m o f £ email ...... DATE AN D AM OUNT OF F IRS T PA YM ENT DUE DA TE AND FR EQU ENCY ST Com mencing £ and th ere after e very 1 OF EVE RY MONT H Each number costs £4. You can purchase as many numbers as you like. I confirm that I wish to purchase ____ 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 numbers as part of the 500 Club. Qu otin g t he and debit my/our acco unt acc ord in gly re ference (A) I have set up my standing order (£48 per annum or £4 per month) 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 (B) I enclose a cheque for advance SPE CIA L INSTRU CTIO NS payment (£48 per annum). 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: RMS 500 ’ Club, Admin Dept, ASLEF, 77 St John 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 Street, London, EC1M 4NN and hand (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 the standing order mandate (right), to (iv ) request benefici ar y s b an ker t o a dvis e b enefic iary o f r eceip t

your bank (or via your 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