ASLEF So here it is, Merry Christmas - The train drivers' union since 1880
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ASLEF
Journal
The AssociATED sociETy of LocomoTivE EnginEErs & firEmEn DEcEmBEr 2017
So here it is, Merry Christmas
The train drivers’
union since 1880
railway enginemen’s tax free saver plans
tax free savings plans for
Resource Managers, Roster Clerks, Driver Assesso ors,
Driver Team
Team Managers, Customer Service Assistants,
Assistantts,
Driver Instructors, Drivers, Customer Service Managers,
gers,
Train Managers, Conductors, Retail Sales Managers, s,
First Class Hosts, On Board Cleaners, Controllers, Guar
G ds,
Revenue Protection Inspectors & Senior Conductorrs
and anyone we’ve missed out who works
on the railways or for train operating companies!
for further information call u
us on freephone 08
800 328 9140
visit our website at www.en nginemens.co.ukk
or write to us at Railway Enginemeen's Assurance Society Limited,
727 Washwood Heath Road, Birm Birmingham,
mingham, B8 2LE
@RailwayEnginemens
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act 1992 2
ASLEF
Journal
DEcEmBEr 2017
Published by the AssociATED sociETy of LocomoTivE EnginEErs & firEmEn
Mick: ‘You are the future of rail in this country’
Look to the future now
it’s only just begun 4 7
WriTE this column after another week
I travelling the country where members
told me we are entering an era of News
uncertainty in our industry. We go from a proposal
for an all-Wales operation, with the wheels and southern rail drivers vote yes to resolution 4
scandi model for scotland?; off the rails
steel back together, to the current franchisee
5
leaving the bidding process. renewed calls for a
scottish-controlled railway not rejected but not rDg runs scared of rail public ownership 6 12-13
given the courtesy of a response by those from russia with love to the capital Tube 7
mick slams DfT’s ‘catastrophic’ safety call
currently in power. And the conservative
government reneging on promises of 8
electrification at TPE, the East midlands, and Wales,
and seeking to regurgitate old money under the
guise of new investment about connectivity to
Hs2. Then news – that is not news – of the break-
Features
up of the gTr franchise.
i have an apology to make. i did what we advise
Paul mcLaughlin on moJo; shazia Arshad 10 14
on Labour friends of Palestine
you not to do; respond to provocation on social
media. But, when the rDg put out a tweet about Ellen mellington of cirAs on confidential 11
how successful the freight sector is, it had to be reporting; simon Jenkins on station pubs
shown for the lie that it is. success? Tell that to the murder on the orient Express and other 12-13
hundreds of drivers made redundant, displaced, or snow trains coming around the bend
chris nutty goes to norton at Donington;
forced into premature retirement, and the many
others who fear for their futures. The freight sector 14
is in managed (or mismanaged) decline with no
long-term strategy by the focs or DfT. We await
richard murgatroyd on White ribbon UK
Key Worker: Tom Taylor on the thrills 15
15
final decisions on control period six and the of driving round the nürburgring
network rail budget; and fear more cuts, in real
terms. Will there be a commitment to do all the
works deferred in the last five years first, as
indicated in the Hendy report? if there is, look Regulars
Branch news
forward to lots of temporary and permanent
speed restrictions! 16
Despite all the negativity swirling round our Philippa Edmunds wants a level playing 17
industry i remain upbeat because of the unity and field for freight; 100 years of Union
obituaries
solidarity shown by you, the AsLEf members, the
18-19
backbone strength and protectors of the future of
rail in this country. in all sectors – passenger, Letters and classified Advertisements 20-21
freight, Underground, light rail and other Last Word: christmas Books for the 22
undertakings – there have been many challenges festive fortnight and beyond 22
on Track, Prize crossword, AsLEf’s
in the last year and, thanks to you, we stood our
23
christmas cover: Andy Bunday
ground. To all the branch secretaries, local
representatives, company councils, and Legal services and change of Address
equivalent, our deepest thanks. To the executive
committee and officers, again, when difficult The ASLEF Journal is published every month by:
decisions needed to be addressed you stood firm.
so, to all in AsLEf, thank you for everything you do AsLEf, 77 st John street, London, Ec1m 4nn Tel: 020 7324 2400
and, in the hope of a brighter and safer future, email: journal@aslef.org.uk website: www.aslef.org.uk
here’s to a great christmas and a prosperous and
peaceful new year.
Editor mick Whelan l dESignEr michael cronin l PrintEr TU ink, 5 Wythburn Place, London, W1H 7BU
Yours fraternally advErtiSing AsLEf Journal, 77 st John street, London, Ec1m 4nn. contact Keith richmond on 0207 324 2407
or richmondk@aslef.org.uk l ClaSSifiEd adS journal@aslef.org.uk 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, clerkenwell, London, Ec1m 4nn
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 3
news
AsLEf drivers vote
yes to southern deal
sLEf drivers have passengers in the region deserve.’
A overwhelmingly voted
yes to a proposed
The resolution to the dispute,
which began in April last year,
resolution to the long-running dealt with three different issues –
industrial dispute with southern driver only operation, terms and the 18 month long industrial dispute on Southern railways is over
railways – 731 (79.1%) voted yes conditions, and pay.
and 193 (20.9%) voted no on a ‘The agreement means we will the october 2016, 2017, 2018, rail, and the privatisation of our
turnout of 87.1% have a second safety-critical 2019 and 2020 pay settlements, railway, we have negotiated on a
mick Whelan, general person on every train covered by dealing with our outstanding pay bi-lateral basis with each
secretary, said: ‘our members on this agreement except in claim, and provides a structured company and that is what we
southern, after careful exceptional circumstances. That five-year deal through to the end have done here.
consideration, and long and hard person will have all the relevant of the franchise.’ ‘After one and a half years of
negotiations, have voted to safety competence – including The resolution accepted by our industrial strife we wanted to find
accept this resolution to our the skills to evacuate passengers drivers on southern applies only a way forward for our members
industrial dispute with the in an emergency. to that company and that who work on the railway in this
company. We are pleased with a ‘The agreement also confirms franchise. region, for the passengers who
resolution which, we believe, the terms and conditions under ‘it’s important to stress that use southern trains, and for the
works for the staff, and the which our members at southern this deal is company-specific and businesses which depend on the
company, and we now look are employed. does not have implications for any service. This deal is a resolution to
forward to working with southern ‘And the agreement gives our other train operating company on a dispute, not a template for
rail to restore good industrial drivers a 28.5% increase in pay Britain’s railway network,’ said Britain’s railway in the 21st
relations and deliver the service over the next five years. it covers mick. ‘since the break-up of British century.’
safe to operate.
Urgent review needed Instead, staff have QuotE…
been left alone and ‘Boris Johnson is like a puppy. The
after assault on driver vulnerable in grown-ups have to follow him around,
dangerous situations. cleaning up where he last crapped.’ –
ASLEF has demanded tried to escape he was This cannot be Jolyon maugham Qc
an urgent review of tripped, beaten and allowed to continue. …uNQuotE
security at depots kicked. ‘Health and safety
where Underground ‘This incident reps are insisting that
trains are stabled
overnight after an
highlights our
concerns about the
do8 finn Brennan
dreadful
security arrangements
at all depots be
Just champion
assault on a Night security of depots reviewed. We also Tosh mcDonald, Ec
consequences.
Tube driver on the where trains are left want immediate president, has been asked by
‘This is just one in a
Jubilee line. When the overnight,’ said DO8 action at locations like the mayor of Doncaster and
series of incidents
driver, taking a train Finn Brennan. ‘There Stanmore where the nUm to be the champion
where Night Tube
into sidings at have also been drivers are particularly for Doncaster’s mining
drivers have been
Stanmore, responded incidents on the vulnerable. heritage. ‘Basically this
attacked. When the
tosh Mcdonald consists of working with the
to an automatic alarm Victoria line. If graffiti service was Management need to
after the rear cab door vandals can access act now. Drivers, and community, and the artist Lawrence Edwards,
introduced, we were
was opened, he was these locations, there other staff, cannot be to design a statue for the town centre to
promised that
confronted by a group is a real risk that those expected to go into celebrate our mining heritage,’ says Tosh.
additional staff and
of thugs who took his planning serious police resources situations where they
radio and sprayed him violent attacks may would be in place to are vulnerable to tWEEtS oF tHE moNtH
with paint. When he also do so with make sure it would be serious assaults.’
Rail operators told by @UKLabour it
will halt future plans to extend driver
Speakers’ corner Palestine Solidarity
Campaign, the
WomAN toLd to pIck
up SuSpIcIouS bAg
only operation if it wins the next election.
Alan Jones
In another sign of Palestinian Forum in A passenger who reported
ASLEF’s growing Britain, Friends of Al a suspicious unattended £37bn dividends paid to shareholders
influence in the Aqsa, the Stop the sports bag – which she of privatised firms since 2010. Yes
labour movement, War Coalition, and thought might contain a @johnmcdonnellMP @UKLabour it’s time
general secretary the Muslim bomb – on her journey for public ownership!
Mick Whelan and Association of from Bishop’s stortford to We own It
executive committee gS Mick Whelan Britain; while Tosh London was told by greater
president Tosh spoke at a Anglia, via Twitter, to ‘hand Taxi for Uber. Cabs are queuing up for
McDonald gave spoke at Justice conference at it in to one of our staff’. the US corp with the employment
major speeches at Now: Make it Right Congress House in georgia stone, shocked by appeal tribunal upholding the right of
different events on for Palestine, a rally in London to mark the the Toc’s advice, said she drivers to paid hols, min wage, breaks, etc.
Saturday 4 Parliament Square centenary of the wouldn’t dare touch it ‘in kevin maguire
November. Mick organised by the Russian revolution. this day and age’.
4 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017
news
has a publicly-owned
is scandinavian model
the future for scotrail?
rail firm running a
service rated as one of
the best in Europe.
off the rails
The findings in the
RAIN fares in Scotland’s Railways – report, commissioned mEL tHoRLEY, Longsight legend,
t Scotland
could be cut
to be published this
month by the
by the TSSA, puts
more pressure on the
remembers the day he bumped into –
and was caught on camera with –
by 25% if a Nordic- Common Weal think SNP government, comedian Victoria Wood, who asked
style state-owned tank in Glasgow. It which has been in him, ‘Mel, are you a ladies man?’ ‘I
company took over would be achieved if power at Holyrood said, why are you asking, do you need
ScotRail services. the Scottish since 2007, to deliver a the toilet? And she said, “Yes!” She burst out laughing and
That’s the conclusion government publicly-owned they had to stop filming. As for the pic – I’m the one on the
of a new report – A embraced the system railway for the people right!’ Mel, who wrote a moving tribute to Wirral legend Glen
Public Future for used in Finland, which of Scotland. Southall in the November edition of the ASLEF Journal, asked
for an extra copy to send to Glen’s widow. ‘One of the saddest
things I have heard this year was when Val said she had
cancelled Glen’s subscription to the Journal... that’s more
final for a footplateman than the curtains closing at the
crematorium!’ As for Theresa May’s dreadful conference
speech – when she couldn’t stop coughing, was handed a
P45 ‘from Boris’ by a prankster, and the stage started falling
apart – Mel wryly observes, ‘They had the odd train run into
the buffers when it was Manchester Central, but I reckon that
speech must be the first car crash in the old place!’
dIckY FISHER, District 6 Organiser, known for
his wickedly waspish asides, was on fine form
after Coventry councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet
the finnish model would slash fares for passengers in Scotland
member for jobs and regeneration, breathlessly
announced a £6m research & development
strike threat forces fatigue and tiredness
will also continue.’
project to look at plans for a new ‘light rail people mover
system using pioneering modern technology – potentially
AsLEf wants TfL to
Tramlink agreement commit to
without a driver’ to be delivered in 2026. ‘Driverless trams
project dreamed up by the cabinet member for jobs,’
introducing a
muttered Dicky darkly. ‘Oh how ironic!’
strike action on concerned about the modern automatic
croydon Tramlink long-term impact of tram protection
JEFF mAdgE, who joined British Rail as
was suspended after exposure throughout system to prevent
a fireman at 15, has called a halt on his
the company agreed the working day. ‘We accidents by
railway career after 65 years. Jeff, a
to commission a fully welcome this automatically
fireman in the age of steam, became a
independent review independent review applying the brake if
driver after the switch to diesel. But
into the safety of the which we hope will a tram over speeds.
steam, he says, ‘was in my blood’ and, when he retired in
guardian device in deal with our The guardian device
1983, he became a volunteer on the Gloucestershire
tram cabs. Drivers members’ concerns,’ does not do this.
Warwickshire Steam Railway. Now Jeff, 80, has taken his last
have complained said Do8 finn
turn, handing over to youngsters ‘to keep the dream alive’.
that the new Brennan. ‘The health
technology, which and safety of our QuotE…
‘Charm, in a RogER moSEY, a former editor of Today
uses infra-red beams, passengers and
politician, is on Radio 4, then head of television news at
and is designed to members is always
powerful.’ – the corporation, and now Master of Selwyn
reduce the risk of our first priority.
Hugo Rifkind College, Cambridge, has stuck his well-
micro-sleeps, causes Discussions with the
in The Times polished brogues into Sarah Sands, the current editor of
headaches, dry eyes company on dealing
…uNQuotE Today, saying the programme has gone soft just when it
and blurred vision. with the underlying
should be setting the agenda. Writing in the New Statesman,
Drivers are issues that cause
Mosey complained of ‘Listening to huge chunks of bilge from
London Fashion Week on a day when North Korea fired
coNFERENcES & RALLIES another missile over Japan.’
The Scottish labour Party conference is at the caird Hall in Dundee
from friday 9 to sunday 11 march. The Welsh labour Party conference ANdREW RobERtS, speaking at the
is at the venue cymru in Llandudno from friday 23 to sunday 25 march. Cliveden literary festival, was asked his
The Scottish trades union Congress is at the macdonald Highlands opinion of Boris Johnson’s new book about
hotel, Aviemore, from monday 16 to Wednesday 18 April. Workers’ Winston Churchill. The eminent historian
Memorial day is saturday 28 April. aSlEf’s annual assembly of pointed out that The Churchill Factor is one
delegates is at the marriott Hotel, Liverpool, from monday 21 to friday of 1,010 biographies of the old Tory war
25 may. The durham Miners’ gala is on saturday 14 July. The horse, and added slyly: ‘It’s a really good book. Of the 14
tolpuddle Martyrs’ festival, near Dorchester, is from friday 20 to anecdotes he tells about Churchill, two of them are true.’
sunday 22 July. The 150th trades union Congress is at the manchester
central convention complex from sunday 9 to Wednesday 12
september. The labour Party conference is at the Arena & convention 500 CluB: J robson, with number 85, won the november draw,
centre in Liverpool from sunday 23 to Wednesday 26 september. scooping the rms prize money jackpot of £390.
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 5
news
of the rDg, which is trying,
mick condemns increasingly desperately, to define
its role on the railway, said: ‘This is
a landmark coming together of
train companies to launch “in
superficial rDg Partnership for Britain’s
Prosperity”, a single, long-term,
exciting new plan for changing
and improving the railway.
icK Whelan has to deliver rail for passengers, staff ‘The plan sets out how Britain’s
m slammed a superficial
rail Delivery group
and businesses in Britain, but to
protect the interests of a select
public and partnership railway will
secure economic benefits to the
initiative launched to counter the club of privatised train operating country and enable further
fears of the train operating companies who have their snouts improvements and show
companies about the popularity deep in the public trough. Mick: ‘the rail delivery group is customers and communities how
of the Labour Party’s plan to bring ‘The rDg exists solely to rip off running scared of the popularity the railway is changing their local
Britain’s railways back into public taxpayers and the sooner we have of public ownership’ area.’
ownership. a Labour government committed proper public service, better for Analysts said it was ‘all blow, no
The gs said: ‘This is another to bringing Britain's railways back the people who use the railway, go’, a ‘smoke and mirrors’ exercise
typically tendentious piece of into public ownership the better. and better for the businesses designed ‘to persuade people, in
twaddle from the rail Delivery Better for the people who work which depend upon the railway.’ the face of all the evidence, that
group, an organisation set up not hard every day to provide a Paul Plummer, chief executive privatisation has worked.’
Train narrowly misses AI RISkS gm-StYLE bAckLASH
Experts say the growing influence of artificial
wood laid on the line intelligence risks provoking a backlash on the
scale of the public distaste for genetically
A train narrowly missed hitting old modified Frankenstein food. Ian Sample, writing
sleepers laid across the track in two in The Guardian, said: ‘AI risks provoking a public
places – near coopersale common backlash as it increasingly falls into private
Bridge and station road, north hands, threatens people’s jobs, and operates
Weald Bassett – on the Epping ongar without effective oversight or regulatory control.’
railway. The driver managed to stop Wendy Hall, Professor of Computer Science at
just short of the sleepers and Southampton University, said: ‘We have to think
removed them from the track. A about all the issues. When machines can learn
group of teenagers was seen near and do things for themselves, what are the
the railway line earlier in the day. danger on the track of the Epping ongar railway dangers for us as a society?’
botcHEd tRAIN-tRAm pRoJEct
gBrf orders 50 new wagons AtW pulls out HELd At REd LIgHt
network rail chief executive mark carne says
there are no more train-tram schemes in the
pipeline after the failure of the botched £75
million pilot project in sheffield. carne told the
commons Public Accounts committee, ‘i don’t
think there’s anything on the slate to be
delivered, but i think we have learnt a lot, and
we have developed technology that would
enable us to move ahead more quickly if
people did want to pursue this.’
WomAN JAILEd AFtER mAN dIES
railfreight biomass hopper gets bigger WHEN HIt bY tRAm
gB railfreight is leasing 50 new lidded biomass A woman who pushed a stranger off a station
wagons, each with a 70 tonne payload, arriva trains bails from the rails in Wales platform, causing him to be fatally injured, has
compared with the current hopper’s 53 tonne arriva trains Wales has withdrawn from the been jailed for five years. charissa Brown-
capacity, from nAcco. They will run in two sets bidding process for the Wales & Borders Wellington, 31, pushed Philip carter towards
of 24 wagons, delivering 1,680 tonnes of auto- franchise. the decision by the incumbent tram tracks following an argument at
loading and discharging biomass per train. operator leaves abellio, Keolis amey, and manchester victoria train station on 11 June.
Mtr in the running. tfW said: ‘it is clear they mr carter, 30, was killed when he fell between
[atW] have done this for their own the platform and a moving tram.
Carry all your stuff – papers, keys, commercial reasons’ adding, ‘With final
sandwiches – in style with our smart tenders due later this year, we have three QuotE…
black documents bag. companies with world-class credentials each ‘For years funding has been squeezed,
Price £10 (inc p&p); putting their own distinct cases for how they policy decisions have been erratic, and
email info@aslef.org.uk will deliver the ambitious objectives we set the rail network is showing signs of age
or visit our online shop with the goal of delivering a step change in and strain.’ – Lord Andrew Adonis
at www.aslef.org.uk rail services for passengers across Wales and …uNQuotE
the Borders.’
6 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017
news
from russia with love Trainy on track
rUssiAn-themed Tube
A train marking the
anniversary of the
russian revolution and
celebrating soviet achievements
is running for three months on
the circle, Hammersmith & city
and District lines in London. The
Heart of Russia was launched at
Baker street as part of a
partnership between London
Underground and the moscow
metro to teach passengers about
each country’s endeavours in the
fields of education and science.
‘The project shows that russia
and the United Kingdom have
many things in common,’ said Октябрьской революции: the QuotE…
maxim Liksutov, deputy mayor of heart of russia went into service ‘As Donald Trump puts
moscow. ‘The train has seven on 25 october America first, China can
carriages, each concentrating on a seize its global moment.’ – trainy leaves gothenburg for
executive of the British council, Stockholm
separate subject, including ballet, Larry Elliott in The
added: ‘This London Underground
graphic arts, literature, cinema, Guardian
train is russia’s response to the When we revealed (Journal,
architecture, space exploration …uNQuotE september) that mTr Express
shakespeare train in moscow,
and science. We hope that Tube had named one of its new high
which we launched to celebrate
passengers will like the project, speed trains Trainy McTrainface
shakespeare’s 400th anniversary culture, education and science is
and it will help everyone to get to many readers checked it wasn’t
during the UK-russia year of as important now as it has ever
know our country’s history and 1 April. But the swedish
Language and Literature in 2016. been, and both trains are great
culture better.’ operator did ask passengers to
connecting people through symbols of these connections.’
sir ciaran Devane, chief name four trains on the
gothenburg to stockholm line
pIggIES Ac/dc
reopen Beeching lines south Western railway has commissioned Kiepe Electric to
and, when the most popular
suggestion proved to be Trainy
the Campaign for Better transport has refurbish 18 class 442 Piggies, stabled at Bournemouth and McTrainface, went along with it.
urged transport Secretary Chris grayling to Eastleigh, for services between Waterloo and Portsmouth ‘We have listened to the voice
reverse dozen of the infamous Beeching via guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield. The current Dc of the people,’ said chief
cuts – which closed 18,000 miles of track – traction equipment will be switched to Ac and a new commercial officer Peder
to be reversed ‘to benefit local Knorr-Bremse braking system fitted. The interiors will also osterkamp as it left
communities’. they include ashington- be refreshed, with charging points, customer information gothenburg central for the
Blyth-newcastle; Portishead to Bristol; the screens and new seats and carpets. capital. When Boaty
Worcester to derby main line between mcBoatface won a poll in the
Stourbridge and Burton; the leamside line; UK to name a new polar
lewes to uckfield; Skipton to Colne; tea and coffee tastes better in a red research vessel the natural
leicester to Burton-on-trent; fleetwood to and white aSlEf mug! Price £3.50 Environment research council,
Preston; Wisbech to March; totton to (inc p&p); email info@aslef.org.uk cursing the day it embraced
hythe; Bere alston-tavistock-okehampton; or visit our online shop at democracy, chose Sir David
and the east-west rail link between oxford www.aslef.org.uk Attenborough instead.
and Cambridge.
What can you get for
your new, shiny £1 coin?
TBF membership...
just £1 a week covers you, your
partner and dependent children.
0300 333 2000 www.tbf.org.uk
Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, known as TBF, is a registered charity in England and Wales, 1160901, and Scotland, SC047016.
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 7
news
significantly and network rail has
mick slams DfT’s ‘catastrophic’ a greater understanding of their
work which, when combined, will
decision on rail safety allow for better outcomes when
risk assessing level crossings and
gaining suitable improvements
icK Whelan has written believe could turn out to be a without the need for closure. He
m to rail minister Paul
maynard; ian Prosser,
catastrophic decision in relation
to railway safety – your decision
also cited Brexit as an issue.
‘We would like to express our
chief inspector of railways and to put aside the Law gravest concerns on this move as
director, rail safety, at the office of commission’s report on level we do not think the assessments
rail and road; and mark carne, crossings and the plans to close or technological solutions will be
chief executive of network rail, many, if not all, level crossings. robust enough to achieve what
expressing our concerns at the ‘We were told about this move rail Minister’s decision on level closure would. i must therefore
conservative government’s by mr norton of the DfT at a crossings is wrong, says Mick inform you that where we have
decision to shelve the Law recent orr rail industry health & concerns we will either not
commission’s report on level safety advisory committee that being the government’s operate in those areas or operate
crossing closures. meeting. He explained that whilst ultimate goal for all level crossings at decreased speeds to protect
The gs wrote: ‘i am writing to this was not the end of level for the foreseeable future. He said our members, the travelling
express our disgust at what we crossing closures it was the end of technology had advanced public, and other stakeholders.’
swanage-Wareham success
The first regular passenger services to run swanage to norden and started running it as a
between swanage and Wareham in Dorset for tourist attraction in the 1990s. The section
45 years have exceeded expectations. The from norden to Wareham was completed this
original line, which opened in 1885, was year and the trial, using upgraded 1960s diesel
closed by British rail – and ripped up – in locomotives, began this summer. mark
1972. But in June the first timetabled trains ran Woolley of swanage railway said the trial
along the full 10 mile route as part of a trial. showed ‘trains are the transport of the future’.
swanage railway said its target footfall was more trains will run next year, between may
12,000 passengers but it attracted 13,020. and september, and the aim is to make the the first Swanage train for 45 years arrives in the
volunteers built a five mile stretch from service permanent. historic market town of Wareham in dorset
Stuck in cattle class
tocs flush for the future
rain companies have workers and you see it coming, pleased we’ve got government
t been ordered to use
retention tanks rather
than flush toilets onto the
like a plume of steam. You
quickly learn to turn your back
and close your mouth when
agreement.’ By the end of the
decade toCs will not be
allowed to dispose of waste on
railway track. ‘it’s disgusting,’ you’re trackside and a train is the track; carriages will have to
said Mark Carne of network passing. as i know first hand. hold onto waste water until it
rail. ‘i’ve been out with track it’s totally unacceptable and i’m can be emptied at the depot.
SEVEREd HEAd IN QuARRY WAS mAN kILLEd bY tRAIN
A mysterious decapitated head discovered in a quarry in mepal, QuotE…
cambridgeshire, in may last year, by officers from Bedfordshire ‘Brexit is England’s biggest
investigating the death of natalie Hemming, believe it belonged to a policy blunder since
man killed by a train 50 years ago. Police say it may have been lodged in George III fumbled away
a bridge for 10 years, before coming loose when the structure was the American colonies.’ –
David Brown sent the Journal this cleaned, put with debris into a skip, and dumped in the quarry. Nobel prize-winning
cartoon, ‘for my railway commuter economist daniel
friends,’ courtesy of a vintage copy bRExIt good bEcAuSE YouNg cAN WoRk LoNgER mcFadden
of The Tip Top Book. mick Whelan Lord Philip Harris of Peckham, the Tory peer who made his money in …uNQuotE
has often said that if only we had carpetright, ‘the company that always has a 60% sale’, says Brexit is ‘a
cattle trucks instead of carriages good thing’ because ‘it will allow younger people to work longer hours’.
then fare-paying passengers, Harris, who lives in cannes, in the south of france, and is worth £110m,
drivers and guards would be said retailers ‘can only employ staff for 35 hours under EU laws.’ Our woolly hat
much better off. ‘Because we have will keep you
legislation – statutory protection WE’RE RIdINg oN tHE mARRAkESH ExpRESS warm this
– for animals being transported, Engineers in morocco are testing trains capable of reaching 200mph – winter. Price £5
but not for passengers. Which is the top speed of Eurostar – ahead of the launch of a new high-speed (including p&p); email
why so many trains are not just service from casablanca to Tangier. The service, which is scheduled to info@aslef.org.uk or visit
uncomfortable, but seriously launch next summer, will cut the 215 mile journey between the two our online shop at
overcrowded.’ ports from five to two hours. www.aslef.org.uk
8 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017
The government is trying to take
away your right to free or affordable
legal representation if you’re injured
at work or anywhere else.
Why? They’re prioritising
If government plans go ahead, nearly one million people will lose their right to free legal representation.
Meanwhile it will cost the NHS and the government at least £150 million of your taxes every year
and fat cat insurers will be rewarded with multimillion pound profits.
Visit www.feedingfatcats.co.uk to take action and stop the government #FeedingFatCats.
#FeedingFatCats is a campaign run by Thompsons Solicitors. Thompsons is proud to stand up for the injured and mistreated. @feedingfatcats
Manifesto
A voice for the
voiceless
ASLEF’s Ec has made a donation to the
miscarriages of Justice organisation in
glasgow. pAuL mcLAugHLIN, moJo’s
project manager, explains what they do
oJo is a unique human rights
m organisation dedicated to assisting
innocent people in prison, and
helping them on release. moJo was founded
in 2001 by Paddy Hill, one of six innocent men
wrongfully convicted in 1975 for the robert Brown spent 25 years in jail for a crime he did not commit. dCi Jack Butler, the chief
Birmingham pub bombing. The Birmingham investigating officer, led ‘a massive conspiracy of corrupt behaviour’, according to an internal
six convictions were eventually quashed, and police inquiry, was subsequently convicted of perjury and sentenced to four years in prison
they were released in 1991. Paddy made a
pledge then to campaign for those he left project which provides help with legal issues, exonorees on release; a public announcement
behind, to bring a voice to the voiceless. benefits advice, and housing needs; as well as of innocence is made on release; a transition
moJo’s aim is to carry on his work. support addressing medical needs funded by centre is set up to give exonorees time and
We deal with hundreds of inquires each the scottish government. help to reintegrate; and a fully independent
year. many people thought the problem of We want the government to live up to its criminal case review commission is established
miscarriages of justice in the British judicial duty of care to those whose lives have been to examine cases with the power to find new
system were resolved after several high profile destroyed because of the inadequacies of our evidence if required.
cases in the 1980s and ’90s. This is, sadly, not judicial system. successive governments have We currently support 55 individuals both in
the case. There have been more than 6,000 accepted they have a duty of care but have prison and in the community, along with their
miscarriages of justice in the UK since the failed to provide the services or resources family members, and deal with hundreds of
release of the Birmingham six. But the subject required to meet the needs of victims of new inquiries every year.
has faded from the political agenda. miscarriages of justice. Unfortunately, we receive only partial
our work falls into two categories. We have launched a campaign – say i’m funding from the scottish government to carry
supporting those in prison fighting to clear innocent – in conjunction with film maker out our work so require your support to ensure
their names, and supporting those who have mark mcLoughlin and the sunny centre as a we can provide the best service possible to the
had their convictions quashed and are trying result of a powerful documentary – Fallout – victims of miscarriages of justice.
to put the pieces of their lives back together. made by mark which highlights the failure to Please get your branch or district to affiliate
We offer those who have successfully provide aftercare support to those who have to moJo. And if you would like to arrange a
fought to have their convictions overturned suffered wrongful incarceration. viewing of Fallout, in conjunction with
practical support after their release from We are campaigning on four specific issues speakers from say i’m innocent, please get in
prison, assisting in their reintegration back in the UK and ireland: all services available to touch. call 0141 552 0009 or email
into their communities. We run an after care guilty prisoners are made available to info@miscarriagesofjustice.org
Keeping Palestine on the agenda
ASLEF’s Ec has made a donation to Labour Friends of palestine and the commitment to
middle East which campaigns for peace and justice in the region through recognition of a Palestinian
the implementation of international law and respect for human rights. state.
SHAZIA ARSHAd reflects on a busy year for the organisation As we move forward we
It’s not just are faced with the reality of
HIS is a year of Palestinian Territories has push for the government to parliamentary work and a worsening humanitarian
t significant
anniversaries in
not only continued but
increased. We are pushing
review its position on Israeli
settlement goods and we
debates that keep us busy.
In April we took Iain
crisis. The 10 year blockade
on Gaza has led to NGOs
Palestine – 50 years of the Labour Party to take a have been supported in McNicol, Labour Party classing the Gaza Strip as
occupation, 10 years of the strong stance on illegal this by many MPs. LFPME general secretary, to unliveable. Human rights
Gaza blockade and 100 settlement activity and, vice-chair Richard Burden Palestine to meet NGOs, violations across Gaza and
years since the Balfour earlier this year, scores of says ‘UK businesses should community groups and the West Bank continue and
Declaration. Labour MPs spoke at a not collude with illegality residents; visiting houses we raised these at our
There is an increasing backbench business debate through any financial subject to demolition and events at the Labour Party
need for the international on the issue in Parliament. dealings with settlements witnessing first hand the conference (kindly
community to push for Shadow Foreign Secretary or through the import of separation wall that cuts supported by ASLEF) and in
stronger action against Emily Thornberry said the settlement goods to the through so much of the campaigns we are
human rights violations by settlements ‘are a roadblock UK’. And in this year’s Palestine. He used the visit leading, as LFPME works
the Israeli government. to peace and a violation of manifesto the party again to strengthen ties between towards a just and
Illegal settlement activity international law’. supported the call for an the Labour Party and Fatah equitable solution for the
across the Occupied LFPME continues to end to settlements. and reaffirmed the party’s Palestinian people.
10 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017report
Let me tell you
something
ELLEN mELLINgtoN, interim head of
cIRAS, the confidential Incident
Reporting and Analysis Service set
up in 1996, reveals why train
companies should listen to the
concerns of railway staff
UcH of what we do at confidential
m reporting for safety is about
listening, without judgement, to the We’re here to listen to what you have to say
health and safety concerns of people in safety- hard to achieve in practice. it requires both
critical roles. parties to put aside their agendas and really
Health and safety reports typically arrive at focus on what the other is trying to say.
cirAs carrying a level of dissatisfaction with Listening more authentically is likely to lead
previous responses. in a recent survey of more to far fewer health and safety concerns
than 1,000 workers in the UK transport remaining unaddressed. But this only works if
industry, 43% said that when they reported a managers respond empathically and act on
safety concern they did not get good the information entrusted to them at an early
feedback. stage. Training managers with the right
i spoke to an operator who no longer felt interpersonal skills to listen more effectively
like speaking up in the workplace. He had can therefore play an important role in
seen a decade of industry change resulting in ensuring concerns are not stymied.
lower wages and felt his status as a respected confidential reporting has an important
member of the workforce had been role to play. of course, there is normally less of
diminished. once he had vented his long- a need to report a concern confidentially if
standing frustration, he began to talk more individuals feel listened to in their own common tendency to want to take someone
freely about some of the genuine health and organisations. in an ideal world, confidential out of their dark place. But attempting to
safety issues he had concerns about. reporting would not be necessary. But if the cheer somebody up can be the equivalent of
He held a perception that raising a concern listening breaks down somewhere, or a shutting them up if they are not in right frame
internally wouldn’t make any difference. listening culture isn’t present, confidential of mind. Allowing an individual to vent and
Whether this perception was true or not, it reporting can bridge the divide. retrieving the express negativity is an important part of the
contributed to a feeling of disengagement at intelligence that might otherwise be lost listening process.
work. He felt he was primarily there to drive, requires skilled listeners and cirAs prides itself Be a calm presence. This provides the
but that his concerns for safety would fall on on its ability to listen in these circumstances. environment for someone to trust and feel
deaf ears. i listened as best i could without Placing the emphasis on listening, rather confident in opening up to you. it helps here if
saying too much. Those untapped health and than asking questions, and impartiality, rather one's body language looks engaged.
safety issues began to surface after a while as than establishing responsibility, allows the learn the art of silence. silences are often
he became more comfortable. reporter to describe openly what the concern felt to be awkward. And where there is
Listening always plays a pivotal role in is. The tips below can help foster a better awkwardness, there is anxiety. But silence,
establishing a good health and safety culture. listening environment: properly respected and utilised, allows us the
if there is a listening deficit, either at a avoid giving advice. giving advice is time to think and process thoughts and
personal or organisational level, it is likely to largely incompatible with good listening. emotions.
negatively impact on the organisation. Although well-intentioned, it can disrupt the allow anger to be heard. As a rule,
Authentic listening, where both managers and flow and may inhibit further dialogue. allowing someone a safe space to be angry
employees can express themselves freely, is Sit with them in their cave. There is a without any acting out is therapeutic. Wait
until any tirade is over before asking questions
on what may have triggered the anger. The
the best station pubs in britain anger can be effectively contained this way,
allowing any underlying feelings to emerge.
SImoN JENkINS, author of Britain’s 100 Encourage dialogue on mental health.
Authentic listening is especially important
Best Railway Stations (Viking, £25),
when it comes to breaking down the barriers
reveals his favourite station taverns to talking about mental health, thus reducing
THE finest must be the the best down south the associated stigmatisation. The removal of
three Great Northern is the warren of bars hierarchical boundaries by using informal
spectaculars – the and sitting rooms of dialogue can be the stepping stone to open
Sheffield Tap; the art The Parcel Yard at Beer on tap at Sheffield station communication about mental health.
nouveau York Tap; and King’s Cross where you Phoenix at Denmark beat Lady Foley’s Tea
the magnificent can disappear for Hill in south London Room on the platform ■ You can contact CiraS by phone (0203
Centurion in hours. Lesser stations where, until recently, at Great Malvern, 142 5369); by post (freepost CiraS); or visit
Newcastle; the last can seem like pubs the beer was brewed where tea comes with the website (www.ciras.org.uk). the report
two designed by with platforms on the premises. For fruit cake and whisky, hotline is 0800 410 1101 and the report
William Bell. Up with attached – such as the subtle charm, few can if you ask nicely. textline is 07507 285887.
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 11agenda
SnoW train CoM
uP around thE B
to celebrate the release of Murder on the Orient Express
we take a look behind the scenes of this new version of
Agatha christie’s classic murder mystery and remember
other trains – in fact and fiction – working their way
through snow in winter
HE nEW big budget version of Agatha suggests that loss has to be acknowledged or it
t christie’s 1934 novel Murder on the
Orient Express is playing to packed
can provide a poison that can create another
crime.’
houses in cinemas around the country. Directed Murder on the Orient Express was filmed at
by Kenneth Branagh, and produced by ridley Longcross studios, between virginia Water,
scott, it stars Branagh, wielding ‘the finest chertsey and cobham in surrey, where the Bond
moustache in Belgium’, as detective Hercule film Skyfall and the marvel movies Thor: The Dark
Poirot, and Johnny Depp as ratchett, a World and Doctor Strange were made.
businessman murdered in the middle of the istanbul station – with two tracks and a
night on the famous long-distance train running platform on either side – was recreated on one of
from istanbul to Paris. the studio’s enormous sound stages, as was the
This classic whodunnit – there are 14 train itself, a majestic 30 tonne locomotive with
suspects in rail carriages rather than a country four carriages running along a mile of track, plus
house – co-stars Penélope cruz as the a second version with moveable walls for interior
missionary played by ingmar Bergman in sidney shots. A rig of hydraulics and air bellows beneath
Lumet’s 1974 film; Derek Jacobi as ratchett’s the carriages, as well as virtual scenery, shot in
valet; Willem Defoe as an American professor; new Zealand, moving on LED screens, helped
michelle Pfeiffer as a seductive widow; and Judi convince the cast they were riding on a real train.
Dench as a russian princess with olivia colman A viaduct, and a 35ft high mountainside
as her maid. stretching for several hundred metres, were also
When the train is marooned in an avalanche – built. ‘The special effects team put in a lot of
a snowdrift in the book – Poirot interviews each work,’ says executive producer matthew Jenkins.
of the passengers in his hunt for the killer. ‘There were all sorts of different types of snow,
‘i like the train being enclosed in snow, the from powder to snow candles to smoke. They
claustrophobia,’ says Branagh. ‘it’s a tale set in the also had to devise a way of having snow move
golden age of travel; a world in which you feel past the windows without making any noise.’
the miles under your feet. Agatha christie it might, or might not, be a white christmas
described her work as entertainment but she this year, but to celebrate the festive season, and
leaves holes, invitations to go a little deeper. she the release of the film, here are some cinematic
asks whether revenge is worthwhile – can you moments – and some real scenes – of
forgive, when do you stop hurting? – and snowbound trains.
12 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017Snow trains
ing
BEnd
tom Courtenay as Strelnikov standing by his armoured
battle train during the russian civil war in Doctor Zhivago
The Elizabethan, a Br Class 2Mt,
withdrawn in 1966, sat at Severn valley
railway for more than 20 years, and
finally returned after restoration to steam
with the great Central railway in 2004.
the Pere
Marquette loco,
which was the
inspiration for the
train featured in
the movie The
Polar Express,
makes one of its
runs from owosso A Cumberland Christmas by John Winfield. Crew
to ashley, change at the Queen City hotel in Cumberland,
Kenneth Branagh as Michigan, after a Maryland. a helper engine is added to aid the E8
hercule Poirot in Murder heavy snowfall. loco climb the Sand Patch grade.
on the Orient Express
and the crew shooting
another scene
a Canadian Pacific freight train runs by the side of a snowy river in a majestic winter landscape.
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 13Platform
get your motor running
East midlands trains uLR
cHRIS NuttY reports on a
recent study visit to see an
iconic british motorbike
being built at donington
HE history of the norton
t motorcycle company,
founded as a
manufacturer of ‘fittings and parts
for the two-wheel trade’ in
Birmingham in 1898, could well
have ended in the 1970s with the
demise of norton villiers Triumph paddock of the Donington Park
but, after a number of false starts, race circuit. The new factory is
the norton name is back on track. housed in Donington Hall, once
The firm goes from strength to the home of British midland. The
strength, with new models, and two sites could not be more
their racing exploits at the isle of different, and the move
man TT races. A sixth place for demonstrates the growth of the
Josh Brookes in the senior TT at company. it has allowed the firm
this year’s event is no mean feat to expand its workforce and
when you consider that they were develop the next generation of
the new norton v4 1200; the aSlEf train crew go motor bikin’ at the
up against the likes of Honda, motorcycle engineers by offering
norton motorcycle factory; a vintage poster for the old norton
suzuki, BmW, and Kawasaki. There apprenticeships to young people.
dominator; and the classic norton Commando 961 Sport
is still a lot of prestige to in the assembly section we saw
manufacturers in winning a TT, bikes being built for customers in bikes on display. in the fabrication has never come cheap.
despite the event losing its world india, America and, of course, the section Andy explained the The star exhibit of the visit was
championship status back in UK. our visit coincided with that amount of work that goes into the company’s new v4 superbike,
1976. Brookes also set the fastest of norton’s Japanese distributor. one of their alloy petrol tanks: five a 200mph missile that looks
lap, for a norton motorcycle, of Talk about taking coals to pieces of aluminium are cut and absolutely stunning. While it is still
130.88mph during this year’s newcastle! shaped to make a tank; this, and in development the feedback
senior TT. We were shown round the the high spec equipment, like from the test rider, former British
it’s four years since i last visited factory by Andy, who gave us the suspension and electrics, all put superbike rider and sometime
the norton factory; then it was lowdown on norton’s isle of man together by hand, is reflected in Tv commentator steve Plater, is
based in a building in the exploits, with many of the race the price, but quality, of course, very good.
such is the popularity of these
factory visits that when i first tried
Wear a white ribbon to book a group visit for 10
people, back in may, the first date
RIcHARd muRgAtRoYd, trade union i could get was september. The
campaign manager for White Ribbon uk, group was made up of AsLEf
explains what it’s all about – and why you members from East midland
might like to wear a ribbon this month Trains and crosscountry, plus
friends and family.
WO women are killed each week by a East midland Trains driver Tim
t male partner or former partner and one
in four will suffer domestic violence at
some time in their lifetime; wrecking families and
Waterhouse, who was on the trip
with his wife nancy, said, ‘The new
norton is a small company
lives. But this isn’t just a personal tragedy. Because compared with norton past,
violence and discrimination against women challenge the idea that violence against women is building bespoke motorcycles
impacts on all parts of society, including the just physical – because discrimination, emotional and a racing department
workplace. abuse and sexual harassment at work are all concentrating on the isle of man
The White Ribbon campaign was set up by men aspects of the problem, too. TT races. it was a pleasure to see,
who believe this isn’t just a women’s issue. Men That’s why we have produced a campaign pack close up, their beautiful machines,
have to be part of the solution. for branch officers and workplace reps which gives handcrafted and assembled by
Every year on White Ribbon Day – 25 November you all the ideas and info you need to really make graduates from norton’s own
– and for the next 10 days trade unionists in a splash on White Ribbon Day. apprenticeship scheme.’
workplaces across the UK show support to women Our vision is that trade unionists will actively The study visit was well
experiencing violence, sexual harassment or support this day throughout the country, so it received, and we are looking to
bullying. Thousands of people wear the white becomes a national demonstration of solidarity – organise another trip soon. for
ribbon, take part in workplace-based educational but in offices, factories, work sites, staff canteens more details or to register please
events and pledge not to commit, condone or and cafés, instead of the streets. And, with your contact AsLEf ULrs nicola Davis
remain silent about the issue. help, drivers’ rest rooms, too! Please visit at ulr.nicolad@gmail.com or
It is very much a trade union issue that directly www.whiteribbon.org.uk to see how you can get richard swain at
impacts on female colleagues. We need to involved and order campaigning material. richaydan44@gmail.com
14 The ASLEF Journal l December 2017Key Worker
remember days of
skipping school racing
cars and being cool
When gWR driver tom taylor isn’t
taking a class 180 into paddington, he
likes to throw his Renault clio around
the demanding corners of the
Nürburgring in germany. kEItH
RIcHmoNd talks to him about racing
cars, flying gliders and driving trains
HE legendary nürburgring, which
t dips and rises 300m through the
breathtaking forests of the Eifel
mountains, is, with silverstone, spa, monaco
tom on the limit at the ring; at a branch meeting;
representing aSlEf at the tuC young workers’
conference; and a vigilant glider
and monza, one of the great grand prix motor
racing circuits. Just outside nürburg, in rAf he worked as an engineer servicing the course it’s not like that. i’ve put them right and,
rheinland-Pfalz, it’s also one of the most machines that put straps around bundles of ironically, rory is now a trainee driver!
challenging, whether it’s the original 17½ mile newspapers to be sent, often by train, around ‘i’m really happy i became a train driver. i
gesamtstrecke, the 13 mile nordschleife, or the the country, before joining the railway as a really enjoy the job. i’ve always done – and
3 mile grand prix course built for modern driver. loved – shift work, it’s good money and you
formula 1 cars in 1984. Drivers who mastered At one stage it looked as if Tom would get good rest days and annual leave, and it
the original prodigiously long and perilously follow his father into the rAf. He was a doesn’t affect my social life.’
narrow track, with its blind crests and 73 member of the Air Training corps in Witney grahame, 58, is chair of AsLEf’s oxford
bends, such as Tazio nuvolari, Alberto Ascari, from 13 to 20 and went on camp to ramstein branch, and encouraged his son to attend
Juan manuel fangio, Jim clark and Jackie in germany and Akrotiri in cyprus and, at 16, meetings as soon as Tom joined the union.
stewart, were dubbed the ringmeisters. won a gliding scholarship to learn to fly on a ‘Dad dragged me down,’ laughs Tom. ‘i
grob vigilant T1 powered glider. thought i’d see what it was like and i really
LoRdS oF tHE RINg ‘you’d take off with the engine, get up to enjoyed it and decided to get more involved.’
By a quirk of history, and highway regulations, 1500 feet, then shut off the power, and glide it was, he says, quite daunting at first but he
the nordschleife has always been a one-way back into land. it was a fabulous feeling flying soon got the hang of things, was elected
public toll road on which, when there is no up there in the sky but funny because i could branch secretary, and, earlier this year,
racing, anyone with a street legal vehicle and take off, do a circuit, and land a glider before i attended the TUc young workers’ conference
valid driver’s licence can ride the ring. These learned to drive.’ at congress House in London with Antony
touristenfahrten days – a snip at €35 a lap – are Holdsworth (D6) and matt france (D8). ‘Lee
enormously popular with petrolheads. mINImum WAgE James from head office was a great help. she
Which is why Tom Taylor, 26, a driver with He left school ten years ago, in 2007, did an sorted everything out and encouraged us all
gWr, and secretary of our oxford branch, has engineering course at college, and worked at the way along the line.
for the last four or five years headed off with the co-op, before going into catering, ‘starting ‘The union is important – for train drivers
his mates to race around the track. ‘i drove a on minimum wage, doing 12 hour shifts at a and for the railway – and the branch structure
renault megane sport and got a real buzz out pub in Woodstock, ending up as a duty is at the heart of this union. We need strong
of it,’ says Tom. ‘i did some track days at manager. branches to go forward to make a strong
Bedford Autodrome – a good starter circuit ‘Then, when i was 21, my dad, who’d been a union. We need more young members, too,
where you can spin and not do much damage driver for a couple of years by then, came and it’s good that Ec7 Andy Hudd and Ec1
– and Anglesey and then decided to have a home one day and said they were looking for marz colombini are encouraging young
crack at nürburgring where, unfortunately, trainee drivers, why not go for testing? initially people to get involved.
there are no run off areas and, if you spin, you i laughed but, the more he talked about it, the
go into the barrier and it’s very expensive as more interested i became. INSuRANcE poLIcY
they charge you for every metre of Armco you ‘i didn’t really know what to expect. i had ‘if we all stand strong behind the people who
damage. an inkling from dad, but they’d changed negotiate our pay deals then it helps them
‘i bought a renault clio, which is road legal, things, a lot of it was new, and there was a lot deliver. i know some people see it as taking
but stripped out, with a roll cage, harnesses to learn. A six week rules course back in out an insurance policy in case you have a
and bucket seats, and i get a real rush out of it. college, then Paddington, Bristol, reading and sPAD. But the truth is that, if AsLEf wasn’t a
Track days are not competitive, you’re not swindon. it took me 18 months to qualify. i strong trade union, then our pay and our
racing against the other cars, but you are really passed out two years ago, on 26 october 2015, terms and conditions, wouldn’t be anywhere
buzzing when you finish.’ and felt relieved. And excited! my first job was near as good.’
Tom was born in 1991 and brought up in Banbury to oxford, then oxford to And what do people of his age say when
oxfordshire. His dad grahame served for many Paddington. And i remembered everything! i they learn how he earns his living? ‘some say
years in the rAf as an engineer – ‘it was an rAf signed for class 165 turbo and class 180. it’s easy – monkeys could do it – but many
household, because mum was a medic in the ‘Two of my best friends, rory and Dec, used more are interested in what a train driver does,
WrAf’ – at Brize norton and then at rAf to say the trouble with train drivers is they get why i’m so young, and how they can apply to
Lyneham in Wiltshire. When grahame left the paid too much and do nothing all day. of do it!’
December 2017 l The ASLEF Journal 15You can also read
