1994



LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

JANUARY 1994


WE'LL FIGHT TO

SAVE OUR RAILWAYS


At a time when we should be looking to a resurgence in the railway and the exciting prospect that the New Cross Channel link to Europe offers, 1994 brings a feeling of total despair and despondency with the knowledge that our industry is to be broken up into unworkable units.

The Tory dogma for privatisation could have been satisfied, I am sure, without resorting to such destruction.

This privatisation package is obviously led by Treasury thinking -- with no concern for provision of a sensible railway service.

To be really cynical, you might guess that closure or a second Beeching axe is on the agenda of the Treasury.

Gullible managers and Government Minister still roll out stupid rhetoric that the reorganisation for privatisation is in the best interest of the general public.

I have yet to meet one member or, indeed, any railway worker who believes that. 

Unfortunately, we shall see on 1 April 1994 (April Foo's Day) a railway bogged down in bureaucracy -- 90 quangos, 41 companies, more chiefs than Indians -- in an overblown and unworkable privatisation process.

The Society is not alone in its opinion. What do others say about the Railway Bill? 

The Railway Development Society (RDS): Virtually everyone knows it won't work but the Government pressed ahead any way

A whole host of inexperienced outsiders are now let loose to meddle and tinker with the railway system.

The Railways Act, says the RDS, gives no safeguards about fare levels, family railcards, minimum service levels and many other reasonable public concerns.

The Bill's progress merely highlighted the contempt with the Government views the industry and its users.

British Rail is relegated to the position of operator of 'last resort' even though it is more efficient than many private companies and internationally recognised as a success.

Rail workers are insulted for clinging to the ideals of working for public service.

They believe the Treasury is trying to hijack their £4 billion pension fund.

Rail users have been largely ignored.

They expect fares to rise, service to be cut and eventually to be at risk.

In turn, though, the Government is now viewed with suspicion by an increasing number of people who've watched its appalling handling of this 'ghastly Bill'.

After a series of secret deals, the suspicion remains that there is a hidden agenda behind this legislation, inspired either by the dead hand of the Treasury or the malign influence of the road lobby.

To add insult to injury, the RDS adds, the Government is now considering spending millions of millions pounds sending 20 million leaflets explaining its position.

Yet privatisation has been denounced by 93% of senior rail managers, according to another.

Lord Marsh. former BR chairman and Transport Minister, said in the House of Lords: BR management will be left with no purpose except to supervise its own decline and the decline of rail services.

To do that by accident would be disgraceful. To do it deliberately, out of sheer arrogance, is near criminal.

Chris Green former Manager NSE and Intercity is reported as telling a Rail User Groups conference in London in October. We will make a big profit one day and be needing subsidy the next. The railways in Britain are world leaders at reorganisation.

John Prescott, Labour spokesman. This has absolutely nothing to do with providing a better rail service or saving money. It will actually cost more money. It is all about robbing the rail workers; pension fund.

As your General Secretary, I will do all that I can through this difficult period in the history of our railways.

Although opposed to privatisation, we have no alternative but to meet the new owners and managers of the Train Operating Companies with a view to achieving your aspirations.

Your Executive Committee, officers and myself need your support and unity more now than perhaps ever before.

The new owners will seek to maximise their position; but this must not be to the detriment of our conditions.

The Spcoety is working hard to ensure the protection of your interest. We are in discussion with our solicitors and brokers, with a view to protecting you against possible litigation when the stupidity of rail privatisation begins in earnest on April Fool's Day.

My best wishes for 1994 to you all. And remember. Unity is our strength. 


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Graham Penn Collection 

TED SELLWOOD



EASTBOURNE BRANCH

May I express my sincere thanks to all a A.S.L.E.F. Head Office and also to Wendy Leydon of Robin Thompson and Partners, London, for my successful deafness claim.

Please find enclosed a cheque for £40 for A.S.L.E.F. Orphan Fund

E.W. Sellwood

Ex- Driver, 

Eastbourne branch




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

JANUARY 1994


SELHURST BRANCH

May I express my sincere thanks for the help I received from the union's solicitors in pursing my claim for deafness.

I enclose a cheque for to show my appreciation which I wold like sent to the Orphan Fund

R. Lee

Driver, 

Selhurst branch




Selhurst Branch 75th Anniversary 12th January 1919 - 1994



LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 1994


BRIGHTON BRANCH


NOW ITS ‘BACK TO BR BASICS’ FOR THE UNION 

I address all members of our Society. We are about to see a change that is going to have an effect upon rail workers the like of which have not been seen since the days of the nationalisation of the railways.

Since the days of 1948, rail workers - and in particular, train crews - have always worked and adopted to various changes and our trade unions has always put forward the case for protecting its members, always seeking a better understanding.

We must, as dedicated workers, stand and support one another. We have a duty to stand and fight the changes which are about to hit our industry.

I often hear workers ask “why?” Well, this country deserves and expects a railway system run for the people by the people; and not that is geared to the profit market of investors.

They deserve an industry properly financed and injected with proper levels of investment. Properly managed by people prepared to increase standards for both workers and travellers.

A.S.L.E.F. members are undergoing increased pressure to adapt. We can adapt without giving up our values, without selling ourselves down the river. We can stand united. We can assure ourselves  a future with the recognition and rewards we deserve; a future in which we play a leading role.

But.... we must unite. Members expect others to help take on the task of building a better future. Your support, through the Society, is crucial.

We must take on the task. We must seek a better future. Give our Society your full support.

C. Newton

Branch Secretary 

Brighton Branch



LITTLEHAMPTON BRANCH

"Wheels grind to a halt for four train drivers


Retiring Littlehampton drivers in February 1994

Arthur Budden, Derek Fullick (G.S), Nigel Tippen, Jack Sanders, Bob Dorkings, 

Fred Janaway & Roy Turner



LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 1994


THREE BRIDGES BRANCH

The 1993 AGM of the Three Bridges Branch was very positive despite the threatened closure of the depot, which means this may well be the last AGM to be held at our Branch.

It was also pleasing to note that for the first time in living memory our Branch is now 100% A.S.L.E.F.

Matters continued with the Branch secretary informing those present of the very violent and horrific attack that took place on Brother Neil Anderson - a brutal attack at the beginning of the morning rush hour at the now infamous, and later to be demolished, Tottenham Corner.

The Branch (and I) are sure that all of Neil’s colleagues on the South Central wish him a very speedy recovery.

Further discussions took place around the latest drink and drug Circular where it was felt certain points needed further clarification. The recent decision taken at the Labour Party conference on one member - one vote was discussed and the local constituency is to be contacted on the membership question.

Next came alterations to our Standing Orders, increasing our meetings to a monthly system.

Among the elections, we now have a new vice-chairperson in Bro. A. Harbinson and a Assistant Secretary in Sis. D. Bloom. Following the elections and slightly more debate the 1993 Three Bridges AGM closed.

D. Abrahams

Branch Reporter    






TATTENHAM CORNER 

E.M.U.T. DEPOT 

On the 14th February 1994 saw the closure of Tattenham Corner E.M.U.T.  depot. 

The depot was originally a steam depot opened by the South Eastern Railway and was a sub shed of Purley shed.

On the 25th March 1928 with electrification arriving it become a South Eastern motorman’s depot was opened.   

A.S.L.E.& F. members would have been members the Purley & Stoats Nest Branch of A.S.L.E.&F.

They later become part of the Selhurst Branch of A.S.L.E& F. 



CLOSURE OF

SEAFORD BRANCH No.180

Sunday 13th February 1994

The re-opening of the Seaford Branch was to be short lived and within eighteen months, the Branch along with the depot had finally closed. On Sunday 13th February, 1994, Len Warboys returned back to Seaford this time to officially close the Branch after 59 years of A.S.L.E.F. activities at Seaford.




Left ~ Right: Tony Allen Branch Chairman, Len Worboys A.S.L.E.F. District Secretary No. 1 & Stu Fuller Branch Secretary

Len Worboys visited the Seaford Branch of ASLEF with sad task of officially closing the Branch, on Sunday 13th February 1994



PAUL EDWARDS COLLECTION

The Seaford Closure plaque presented to A.S.L.E.&F. General Secretary Lew Adams in 1995



Left ~ Right: Paul Horan presenting Len Warboys with a Seaford Branch closure badge



 


Last meeting held on Sunday 13th February 1994.

At the Seven Sisters Public House.

Members present, S. Fuller, M. Allen, P. Horan, C. Gent & S. Holder.

Also in attendance District Secretary Len Worboys.

L.D.C. report.

On the 6th January 1994 the Divisional Functional Council were present, along with the L.D.C. at Seaford depot to meet all drivers to advise and explain the options open to drivers under the P.T.& R. arrangements of the closure to Seaford. The personal interviews took place on the 10th & 11th January at Brighton under the P.T.& R arrangements. 

On the  15th January met the Eastbourne L.D.C. at Brighton to place all drivers on the roster who had transferred there and to place the extra Sundays on the roster, from which this was carried out by the Eastbourne L.D.C. On the 22nd January 1994, met the Brighton L.D.C. to place all men on the roster there and they were placed in the correct links.

On the 9th February 1994 attended a meeting with Train Crew Manager Brighton. Also in attendance were the Brighton & Eastbourne L.D.C.s. this meeting was called so that a smooth transfer of all Seaford drivers takes place.

Five Redundant Seaford drivers moved to Brighton and the remaining 8 drivers moved to Eastbourne. All the Seaford diagrams were transferred to Brighton and Brighton to release 2 diagrams to Eastbourne.





LONDON TO BRIGHTON SPEED RUN

On 26th March 1994, an 8 car 319 units 008 & 009, set a new fasted recorded time between London Bridge to Brighton with a journey time of 37 minutes and 57 seconds. 

This record stood until 2005



Jim Rowe Collection 

The last Southern Region Sectional Council 'B' 1994

Left - Right Tony Allen (Brighton), Tommy Taylor (Grove Park), Jim Rowe (Basingstoke), 

Derrick Fullick Gen. Sec., 

Arthur Brockman (Guildford), Ron Lifford (Battersea)  and Billy Eames (London Bridge).

 

 With the disbanding of the old Southern Region Sectional Council "B" into Company based Drivers Functional Council in 1994. 

Above is the newly elected South Central DFC 

Left~Right: D.F.C. Tony Allen (Seaford), Billy Eames (Norwood (L. Bdg.), Graham Morris (London Bridge), Lew Adams (GS), Len Worboys (DS No.1) & Bill MacKenzie (EC No.1).




Jim Rowe Collection

Billy Eames 

Southern Region Section Council 'B' / South Central D.F.C. passed away 1st May 1994



Extracted and adapted from


BRIGHTON BRANCH MEETING

 MAY 9th 1994

Members also wished recorded their deep sadness over the death of Bro. W. Eames our D.F.C. Secretary and A.S.L.E.F.

BRIGHTON BRANCH MEETING MAY 9th 1994

South Central (D.F.C.) casual vacancy.

Following the reading of the two candidates address the following proposal was called. Proposed P. Horan & Seconded S. Fuller.

“That this branch nominates Bro. R. Luxford of Three Bridges for this position.” 



 

Horsham Train Crew & Platform Staff photographed on 22nd June 1994 during the R.M.T.'s Signalmans Strike:

Standing Tony Hooper, Brian Boxall, Mark Hateley(?), Dennis Watts, Unknown(1), Graham Holmes, Graham Richardson (Guard), Chris Bassett, Ron Trotman, 

Dick Ford, Geoff Waters (Trainman "G"), Reg Hampshire,

Mick Hockley & Brian Flack (Trainman "G").

Front Keith Hollingsworth, John Spears & Unknown(2).



Graham Court Collection

Eastbourne Driver Graham Court at Steatham Hill depot in July 1994..



Railway accidents on British Railways

Southern Region 


Central Division



Cowden 15th October 1994 

Involving Norwood MT Drivers David Rees & Brian Barton, & 

Norwood Trainman John “Starbuck"  Brett - Andrews 

SEE SUB PAGE




 RETIRING BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.F. MEMBERS OF 1994

Left - Right: Bill MacKenzie (A.S.L.E.F. E.C. Member District No.1 (Brighton Branch), 

Chris Newton (Brighton Branch Secretary), Ron Rabbetts, Billy Kenchington, Tony West 

(A.S.L.E.F. Assitant General Secretary (Stratford Branch), Len Warboys (Distict No. 1 

Secretary (Portsmouth Branch), Gordon Hoad, Peter Pollard, Geoff Reynolds, Bert Long 

& George Hards.



RON RABBETTS COLLECTON

Graham Eccles (Divisional Manager), Ron Rabbetts, Mrs. Rabbetts, Tony West (AGS) 

& Len Worboys (District No.1 Secretary)  

Ron served as Brighton No.1 Branch Chairman through the 1960s




RON RABBETTS COLLECTION

RETIRING DRIVERS BRIGHTON & EASTBOURNE

Left - Right Cyril Ring (Ebne), Peter Pollard, Ken Pellett, Mick Donnelly (Area Manager), 

Ron Rabbetts & Geoff “Killer” Reynolds

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