Tunbridge Wells Branch A.G.M. Meeting

Sunday January 16^th    1977 10.30 p.m.

at the Welfare Rooms Tunbridge Wells Central Station

The Branch Chairman opened the meeting, by extending a warm welcome to Bro N. Milligan, organising Secretary, who had come to discuss the possibility of members being unavailable to form a branch at Tunbridge Wells for 1977.

The Branch secretary read the minutes of the last meeting of the 19^th September ’76, and it was moved by Bro. F. Diplock and seconded Bro. R. Harper. “That they were a true record.”

The minutes of the 2 Special Branch Meetings of the 3^rd and 6^th October ’76 were then read by the Branch Secretary and it was moved Bro. A. young and seconded Bro. B. Baldock, and moved by Bro. T. Allen and seconded Bro. F. Diplock. “That the minutes of these two special branch meeting were a true record.”

Matters arising from the three meetings.

The branch secretary read the correspondence and replies to and from all concern on what had taken place over the dispute between management and the branch on the loss of excessive Sunday duties at the depot.

This was given a very full discussion by the members, many questions were asked on the subject, and request for the up to date position were asked for by the members.

The Branch Chairman and Secretary gave their report on this but were unable to answer off questions due to there being no other replies, or very limited information in the replies that were received from Head Office and that perhaps the Organising Secretary could answer these on completion of Branch business.

Correspondence

Correspondence and circulars as from the last meeting were read by the Branch Secretary and discussed by the members present.

The voting paper for 1 delegate to the Trades Union Congress ’77 was read through. But as the branch had received no information on the candidates standing for this position, it was felt by the members that a vote could not be given on this item.

All other items were accepted and placed in the Branch file.

L.D.C. Nominations

Due to there being insufficient members at he December meeting for a meeting to be held, nominations for the vacant L.D.C. position could not be called for prior to the 1^st January ’77, but request for nominations for this still vacant position were then asked for.

It was proposed Bro. P. Musselwhite and seconded Bro. B. Baldock that Bro. A. young be nominated for this position and there being no other persons nominated, Bro. A. young accepted to stand for this and was given a unanimous vote by all members present to be the official L.D.C. representative to take up this vacant position.

The Branch Chairman, Bro. A. Brooker asked Bro. Milligan if he would accept an invitation from the branch to give his points of view on the issues raised throughout the meeting and answer if possible questions from the members.

Bro. Milligan accepted this invitation and informed the meating that he was pleased to visit Tunbridge Wells Branch and thanked the members for there welcome, especially as the circumstance of his visit related to the future existence of the branch.

Bro. Milligan opened by apologising to the members at being thrown in at the deep end at this meeting. He informed them that he had come to discuss the unavailability of members to form a branch for 1977, and he had no knowledge of the dispute which had led up to the possibility of this. He assured them that he had not been advised of or requested by Head office to look into this dispute and therefore was not in a position to answer questions as to what had taken place.

He explained what would happen if the members failed to elect Branch Officers to keep the Branch open, and how difficult it would be to re-open a Branch once it closed.

He requested the members to adjourn rather than close this meeting so to allow him to make notes of the Branch Secretary’s correspondence so that he could take the matter up direct with the General Secretary as to what had gone wrong at Head Office and he, himself would arrange to discuss the matter with Sectional Council ‘B’, with the view of the Branch being advised on both accounts of the position, which he helped would lead to fresh consideration being given to forming a branch at Tunbridge Wells for 1977.

This request was unanimously accepted and the meeting was adjourned at 13.20.

Tunbridge Wells Branch the Adjourned A.G.M. Meeting

Sunday March 20^th 1977 10.30 p.m.

at the Welfare Rooms Tunbridge Wells Central Station

The Chairman welcomed to Bro N. Milligan, organising Secretary, on his return visit to the Branch to give his assistance (if required) to elect members form a branch for 1977

The Branch secretary read the minutes of the last meeting of the adjourned meeting  of 16^th January ’77, together with letters received from the General secretary and Organising Secretary in reply to his assistance that the matters that had led to the possible unavailability of members to form a branch for 1977 would be throughly looked into by both himself and General Secretary with a full explanatory sent to the branch.

The contents of these letters was given a very full discussion by the members and Mr. Milligan was asked if there was anything he could add to these replies. He explained there was nothing further he could say, and give fresh consideration at this meeting, to forming a Branch for 1977.

Further discussion was given to this and it was unanimously agreed that in the light of the assurances within the General Secretary’s letter, the Branch accepted the explanation given.

Correspondence

Circulars and correspondence was read by the Branch Secretary and from this a unanimously vote was given to the Eastleigh delegate for the labour Party Conference 1977, all other correspondence was accepted and put on Branch file.

Branch officers

The Chairman informed the members that with the acceptance of Head office explanation the next business of the meeting would be the election of the Branch officers of 1977 and called for nominations for these positions.

Branch Chairman A. Brooker, 

Vice Chairman B. Baldock, 

Secretary M. Allen, 

Asst. Sec W. Baldwin.

Committee 

Bros. F. Diplock, A. Young, R. Brown & A. Dougherty

District Council Delegates 

Bros. A. Brooker (1) & M. Allen (2).

It was unanimously agreed that Bros. A. Brooker and R. Bridger remain Branch Trade council Delegates. That Bro. K. Savage remain Branch Trustee and Bro. W. Baldwin remain L.D.C. Scrutineer.

L.D.C. Report 

The L.D.C. secretary, Bro. A. Brooker gave his report on matters that were being progressed by the L.D.C. at this time and brought to the attention of the members 2 items which required discussion at this meeting.

L.D.C. Report 

The L.D.C. secretary, Bro. A. Brooker gave his report on matters that were being progressed by the L.D.C. at this time and brought to the attention of the members 2 items which required discussion at this meeting. 

(1) Extra Sunday Booking

Due to the loss of Sunday duties at the depot the position of booking men strikly down the line of men due to work an extra Sunday duty (as per the L.D.C. minute) had become impossible to work and this had to be brought to the attention of the members for discussion.

It was agreed by the members that for a man to work a late extra Sunday duty without a clear 12 hours off before the commencement of his Monday duty could only be achieved by allowing the list clerk the right to move a man forward of his late early turn to accommodate the extra Sunday duty driver.

This was given a full discussion, and agreed that to allow this would take away the right of any driver to be able to make prior arrangements within his social life on what is his rostered booking on time of duty.

It was unanimously agreed that the L.D.C. minute should stay as it is (i.e.) with the names of the men due to work written in order from the top to the bottom of the list put out each Tuesday. But that men cannot be regarded as available for an extra Sunday duty, if there is not 12 hours between their Monday booking on time and the available Sunday duties booking off time.

(2) Rest day booking of men having agreed to work rest days if required.

It had been brought to the attention of the L.D.C. Secretary that the L.D.C. minute of giving 3 days notice to be booked of an a rest Day with it never being credited to the man wether he was due to work or not, had resulted at the end of this summer period, with there being an uneven balance on the Rest Day records chart and requests had been made that the rest days booking be carried out the same as extra Sunday booking.

This was given a full discussion and it was proposed Bro. L. Stephenson and seconded Bro. A. Goodwin. “That the rest day booking should remain  as the L.D.C. stands.” This motion was voted on and defeated 5 to 3.

It was proposed Bro. D Godden and Seconded Bro. P. Musselwhite. “That if a man failed to give 3 hours notice of his unavailability to work his rest days and refusing or declined to work a turn booked to turn he is marked off O/AC on the rest day chart.

If a man puts in 3 days prior to his rest day information the list clerk off unavailabilty to work his rest day, only if he would have worked is he credited own account.

This proposal was voted on and given a unanimous vote in favour of this system of booking to apply.

There being no other business the chairman brought the meeting to a close at 14.00 hrs.

Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting

Sunday May 1^st 1977 10.30 a.m.

at the Welfare Rooms Tunbridge Wells Central Station

The Branch Secretary read the minutes of the meetings of the 16^th January and the 20^th March 1977. These being the Branch A.G.M. adjourned and the Branch A.G.M. continued. After an amendment by the Chairman it was moved F. Diplock and seconded A. Young that they were a true record.

Correspondence and circulars received since the last meeting were read out and items were discussed.

The Tunbridge Wells branch nomination of a candidate for Sectional council ‘B’ for 1978. A letter from Bro. W. Eames was read out in connection with this election and after some discussion and some reservations voiced, it was moved W. Baldwin and seconded F. Diplock. “That Bro. W. Eames be Tunbridge Wells Branch nomination.” This was agreed upon.

The question of a statement made by Bro. N. Milligan about presentation pen sets which the secretary said was being processed.

The question of a collection for Dougherty who it was thought had been off sick six weeks before resuming duty. The Secretary promised to investigate this matter. This being in line with the discussion made at the Branch meeting Sunday 17^th November 1974.

A request by the L.D.C. Secretary that the Branch Secretary contact Head Quarters requesting that an official L.D.C. stamp be made available if possible for the use of the Tunbridge Wells L.D.C. The Secretary said that a request had been made and he was awaiting a reply.

On completion of the Branch Secretary’s report, the Branch Chairman expressed his wish that a sincere vote of thanks be given to the outgoing Branch Secretary W. Baldwin for the work which he has done for the branch over the past five years. This was echoed by all members present.

A vote of thanks was given by members present to F. Diplock for his time and trouble spent in preparing the roster cards. This vote being proposed W. Baldwin and seconded A. Brooker.

The Chairman reported to the Branch that discussion had taken place with the Branch Secretary on the question of the changeover of authority in respect of the Mutual Aid Fund and the Branch Banking. Also on the financial status of both accounts. He stated that the changeover authority between the outgoing Branch Secretary and incoming one was nearing completion and a financial report was expected at the next meeting.

The L.D.C. Secretary made his report on the meeting of 24^th April with management. Minute L574 scrutinising of diagrams was agreed. L.D.C. minute 7 revised rest day rostering agreed, Storage of mopeds deferred, Car parking deferred.

Management stated that after discussion a new set of minutes would be drawn up and would be made available in the near future.

The L.D.C. Secretary reported that a meeting with management was being held on 2^nd May and a report on this meeting would be made at the next branch meeting.

The L.D.C. Secretary was ask to investigate the booking of men who request a change the of roster for domestic reasons and grounds are considered to be in this catergory  where the Secretary replied that this would be looked into.

One item of business was entered into correspondence for the next meeting to be held. This being new proposals were put forward by T. Allen for discussion on branch procedure. But due to the lack of time at this meeting it was decided to hold this item over until the next meeting.

The Chairman brought the meeting to close at 13:10

Five members present.

 Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting

Sunday July 10^th 1977 10.30 a.m.

at the Welfare Rooms Tunbridge Wells Central Station

The Branch Secretary read the minutes of the meeting of the 1^st May ’77 and it was moved W. Baldwin and seconded A .Young “That they wee a true record.”

Correspondence and Circulars received since the last meeting were read out and included the following. 

Letters from W. Eames and J. Richardson in conection with the Sectional Council ‘B’ elections. It was decided after a vote that W. Eames would be given Tunbridge Wells vote when the voting papers were sent and the Branch Secretary was given full authority to complete the voting paper and return it.

The Secretary reported that the nomination paper had been sent and received by Head office. The vote for W. Eames was proposed W. Baldwin

Items arising from the last meeting were reported on by the Secretary and were

A reply from Head Office re the supply of an L.D.C. rubber stamp which they said would not be complied with.

Presentation pen sets, a pen set had been sent for the Branch Chairman, and members said it was well deserved for the service he had given.

A question of a collection for A Dougherty thought to have been off sick for six weeks. The Secretary reported that this was looked into and was not in fact correct, he had only been sick for four weeks.

The Secretary was asked if the Branch funds had been sent to our Branch and he replied that they had not and he would contact Head Office.

The Chairman reported the changeover of authority from previous Branch Secretary to the present one in respect of the Branch banking and Mutual Aid Fund had been completed and statements from both accounts had been received.

The L.D.C. Secretary made his report on his attendance at District Council 4 meeting and on the following items

An L.D.C. stamp had been obtained and was now in use together with new locker keys

The refuelling apron T.W.W., the Secretary reported this item still being processed.

Annual Leave roster now posted and annual leave vacant date applications received and accepted.

A circular containing an item on double time being paid for working Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Payment of wages, a meeting had been held over the payment of some wages from the loco by telephone attendants with the result that the telephone attendants were not in agreement with paying out wages and a further meeting was being held on Thursday 14^th July ’77

A report by A. Ashdown on incorrect booking was being pursued by the Secretary and a letter sent to Head Office in connection with this. The secretary reported that he was awaiting a reply to this letter.

The L.D.C. Secretary was asked to look into the matter of new chairs for the drivers room TWW Loco. The Secretary said this would be looked into.

Items on Branch procedure were discussed and were deferred for further discussion.

There being no other business the Chairman brought the meeting to a close at 13:55

5 members were present

 Tunbridge Wells Branch Meeting

Sunday December 4^th 1977 10.30 a.m.

at the Welfare Rooms Tunbridge Wells Central Station

The Branch Secretary read the minutes of the meeting of the 18^th September and it was moved F. Diplock and seconded W. Baldwin. That they were a true record.

Correspondence since the last meeting was read but and included a letter from Bill Eames S.C. ‘B’ requesting the Branch consider holding a collection to be presented to H. Bagilhole on his retirement from S.C. ‘B’. Consideration was given and it was decided that the Branch Secretary take up a collection among the members of the branch. This collection to be supported by branch funds as necessary.

A collection for V. Rumley and Mutual Aid payment to him of £17.17 and £3.60 respectively .

J. Vigar petrol allowance still being dealt with at this time.

Letters from K. Savage and A. Ashdown expressing thanks for the presentation pen, a letter from Redhill Branch Secretary re closed line Hurst Green Junction to Birchden Junction Sundays, which members of the Branch said should be replied to by the Secretary.

The Health and Safety officer nomination paper had been forwarded to Head Office for their attention.

An application form for Society National School was presented to the Branch and it was moved A. Brooker and seconded w. Balwin. “That M. Allen should be this branch’s nomination.”

After the branch Secretary’s report W. Baldwin and F. Diplock wish to add their thanks to those of A. Ashdown and K. Savage for the presentation pens.

The L.D.C. Secretary made his report on District council 4 meeting of 31^st October ’77. 

Meetings with management on STOPS, 1978 timetable, amendments to L.D.C. minutes 2 Sunday booking, 14 parking of  mopeds.

The Secretary reported that meetings would be held on 12^th December, 14^th December and 19^th December in connection with L.D.C. minutes. Christmas holiday period ’77, payment of wages T.W.W.

The L.D.C. Secretary was asked to purse the matter of uneven surface of platforms as they were becoming a danger.

Lighting in the loco shed for the parking of mopeds and perhaps the filling of the pit adjacent to No.4 road. The Secretary said these matters would be looked into.

After the L.D.C. Secretary report the Chairman asked for nomination for the 2 L.D.C.  position as the two L.D.C.  members had reached the nend of term who were in office at this time.

It was proposed F. Diplock and seconded W. Baldwin. “That A. Brooker be nominated for one position

It was proposed  A. Brooker and seconded F. Diplock that W. Baldwin be nominated for the other position.

The two nominees accepted.

Consideration was given to the candidates for the 1978 A.A.D. and a vote taken with the result that P. Plaine of Brighton would be given our vote 4 for and 1 against.

There being no other business the Chairman brought the meeting to a close at 12:45

4 members were present.