LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL 

FEBRUARY 1990

THANK YOU 

On behalf of Bro. G. Hatcher and myself, we would like to thank Robin Thompson & Partners for their assistance in our recent case for compensation from the C.I.C.B.

Both of us wish to express our gratitude for all their help and to the union for appointing an excellent firm as its legal representative.

C. NEWTON

BRANCH SECRETARY 

BRIGHTON 

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL 

APRIL 1990

SOUTHERN REGION SECTION COUNCIL ‘B’ 

February 1990 marked a unique occasion as it was the milestone of 20 years continues service of 20 years continuous service by Bros. Bill Eames and Ron Lifford, Chairman and Secretary respectively.

They were both elected to office by the Central and South Eastern Sectors in February 1970, following the re-organization of  councils, and have represented the interests of Southern footplatemen throughout the past two decades. They have served with a total of 14 other members, including the undersigned, during this time.

Their long service has ensured continuity and stability within Council, a fact that was clearly illustrated recently when management tried to depart from an established practice.

Documents and memoranda going back to the 1970s were soon produced which proved and supported staff side’s case.

There have been some very hard times for the Society members and the region during the period, with depot closures, train cuts and official industrial disputes.

All of these challenges have been met and tackled by Bill and Ron in their forthright and honest manner. They have served the union and Region to the best of  their considerable ability, and could be asked to do no more than that.

They have spent many long hours of their own time unselfishly in the service of others.

This long service deserved recognition, and was duly recorded on the evening of 28 February when a surprise presentation was made by other serving members of Council.

They were both given a Society locomotive plaque, with an additional plate added and suitably engraved.

For once in their careers, they were both lost for words and found it hard to believe that the event was planned within Council, under their noses, without them getting a whiff of it!

It must be unusual for so long a period of office to be served, with so many years of uncertainty and problems, but our two stalwarts have worn quite well, although they still bear the scars of battle.

The time spent on Council is unprecedented in living Southern Region memory.

Now that the proposals on the Machinery of Negotiation and Consultation have been shelved, it seems likely that they will notch up 21 years in 1991 (a fact that we could not be sure of whilst making our plans). Perhaps this landmark should be recorded by the Society in an official manner when that time comes, and should be examined by others.

It remains for us to wish them well in their continued efforts, and to add that we are aware that all members who know, or who have come in contact with them over the years, join us in saying: “Thanks and well done, Bill and Ron.”

TONY ALLEN EASTBOURNE BRANCH, 

ARTHUR BROCKMAN GUILDFORD ELECTRIC BRANCH

JIM ROWE BASINSTOKE BRANCH

TOMMY TAYLOR GROVE PARK BRANCH