THIS WEBSITE, THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.&F.
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IGNITING THE FLAMING OF UNITY
http://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/1991.php
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TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE
IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE
THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE THEIR WORKING LIVES
CENTENARY YEAR 1891 - 1991
ALAN PENTNEY COLLECTION
Commemorating the centenary of the Brighton Branch the badge was designed by Branch Secretary Chris Newton
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON JANUARY 7th 1991
Members present M. Thompson, M. Hawkins, J. Osborne, T. Fielding, P. Edwards, M. Bloomfield, C. Newton,
& W. Mackenzie.
New members
Proposed P. Edwards & seconded M. Thompson. “that M.D. Harris, L. Finestone & P. Fourneir be accepted as members to
A.S.L.E. & F.” Voted unam in block.
Health & Safety
Matters over messroom and sidings issue are being dealt with Bro. M. Hawkins who has been attending a H&S course express
the point that member should be made aware of the implications of not carry all drivers equipment and that he fulfils the duties
of a drivers within the B.R. rules etc., as this will not affect any compensation or discipline against members.
L.D.C. Report
A meeting on the Ardingly work was due to be held Monday January with Western Region. Changes to diagrams i.e. P/As to
come into effect 21.1.91.
Agenda meeting with Train Crew Manager over holidays, comp. leave, training/routes etc was called for on the 15th.
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON JANUARY 11th 1991
Members present R. Abell, R. Matthews, D. Knight, G. Postance, J. Osborne, M. Hawkins, F. Locke, I. Osborne, B. Brown,
M. Hunter, M. Bloomfield, & W. Mackenzie
New members
Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded G. Postance. “That P.W. Barber, S.D. John, L. Amner & N. Moye be accepted as members
of A.S.L.E. & F.”
Health & Safety Report
Bro. M. Hawkins, Hove sidings available for use, wearing of H.V.V., walking routes in view of accident claims to make sure
in the case of a claim accident book.
Disciplinary action on individuals not wearing H.V.V. in the correct places, or use unlawful walking routes.
L.D.C Reports
Loss of Ardingly work to Old Oak Common, further loss of Lavant – Drayton work, possible. Loss of Mixed Traction work at
Brighton depot.
Forthcoming link movements, all vacancies at Brighton frozen at present. Introduction of Hidden Report by Project Manager,
to be implemented by October 1991. maximum of thirteen consecutive turns to be worked.
Agenda meeting, computerised route cards, to ensure drivers do not sign route not worked in over in the previous six months
as per Natural Agreements, forthcoming meeting of D.O.O. operations.
Tony Farmer
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1991
LEGAL SERVICES
What an inspiring publication the special edition called ‘Legal Briefing’ was. As a Branch Secretary, I have always advocated
importance of the unrivalled legal assistance which we as a trade union have given to our members.
Since members received the supplement, the comments and talks I have had with our members has been one of praise and
appreciation for the sort of help which Robin Thompson & Partners gives ASLEF.
There is one area over which members seem a little confused: that is when their wives might not be entitled to legal
assistance. If their wives are working, help may not be given as some members seem to believe. As always, members should
seek advice from their Branch Secretary before asking the union to act on their behalf.
C. Newton
Branch Secretary
Brighton
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON MARCH 4th 1991
I. Osborne & A. Farmer.
New Members
Proposed P. Edwards & seconded A. Farmer. “That Trainman ‘D’ Bro. C.W. Witcher be accepted as a member of
A.S.L.E.&F.” vote all in favour.
L.D.C. Reports
Chairman commented on changes to May/June rosters, link movements and work to the depot.
Concern over Ardingly and the way Old Oak Common men are operating, clearly against conditions of service.
Expect loss of Lavant/Drayton stone traffic.
Drivers requested to not sign for any routes that have not been use in the last six months.
Will seek “Rest Day Agreement” with Train Crew Manager at the first opportunity.
All other matters brought to the attention of the L.D.C for their attention.
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING HELD ON APRIL 8th 1991 Members present I. Osborne, R. Matthews, J. Osborne, T. Fielding, M. Hawkins, P. Edwards, M. Bloomfield, W. Mackenzie & G. Postance. New members M. Hawkins & seconded G. Postance. “That P.J. Knapp, P. Dewitt, J.W. Spiers, M. Bradford & B. Williams be accepted as members to A.S.L.E.F.” Health & Safety Correct procedure of safety of units berthed in Lover’s Walk shed sidings for heavy cleaning purposed prohibited, propelling of trains into the station (Brighton). Wearing of High Visibility Clothing/Vests, authorised walking routes, Authorised walking Routes. L.D.C. Report 319/1 “Smoking Compartment” Branch resolution “That branch instructs the L.D.C. to inform management that working of Class 319/1 from the driving compartment adjacent to the smoking compartments is unacceptable.” Proposed G. Postance & seconded T. Fielding vote all in favour. May diagrams loss of Lavant/Drayton work. Comp leave/annual leave days, all minus to be removed from leave statements, Stop Order, overtime not | Martin Bloomfield Assistant Branch Secretary |
compulsory if incurred by acceptance of a stop order, safety meeting with management to be held 21st April, 1991.
Comp leave/annual leave days, all minus to be removed from leave statements.
Stop Order, overtime not compulsory if incurred by acceptance of a stop order.
Safety meeting with management to be held
Vic Clarke
on a EDL 73101 "The Royal Alex"
(formerly The Brighton Evening Argus)
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON MAY 14th 1991
?
W. Mackenzie, C. Newton, P. Pollard & J. Osborne.
“Driver Restructing”
Circulars Nos. 112,119, & 99, were read out. These circulars give us the position the union are progressing, talks will no doubt
be long and hard but members will has the final say via ballot, members will be kept fully informed on any further talks.
1991 Pay Talks these are still being dealt with although at present there is no break through.
Health & Safety
M. Hawkins confirmed that recent trials in smoke entering cabs on 319 units proved that smoke did enter the cabs and that
new type of doors seals would be fitted.
Position of drivers preparing 319 units when unable to enter units particularly at out berthed units i.e. Gatwick Sidings .
Brighton Messroom and problems of fly’s
L.D.C. Report
On present changes into diagram workings, report on D.O.O. working arrangements and the recent study into D.O.Operation.
The matter regarding the letter posted in the messroom by Bro. A.T. Farmer and allegations made towards members of this
branch. Chairman explained the position of the branch and its involvement with the social fund we clearly felt that the
allegations were libel and deflamatory, the following resolution was put to the branch.
“That this Branch requires a full retraction from Bro. A.T. Farmer on the allegations put in the letter posted on the notice
board on the 12.05.91 and also a full public apology to those members who received copies of the letters.” Proposed R. Abell
& seconded M. Thompson. Voted unam.
New Membership
New application by trainee drivers was submit to the branch B.G. Shilliam. Proposed P. Edwards & seconded M. Hawkins.
“That the applicant be accepted by this branch.” Vote unam.
SIX BRIGHTON BRANCH MEMBERS RETIRING ON THEIR 65th BIRTHDAY DURING JULY 1991
Left ~ Right Drivers: Roy Swetman, John Naisby (Train Crew Manager), Cyril Hutchings, Gus Wright, Don Hill,
Harry Mitchell, Norman Light & John Brookshaw (A.T.C.M.)
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON JULY 22nd 1991 AT
Members present G. Postance, T. Fielding, M. Cole, P. Edwards, T. Farmer, R. Stobbart, P. Gambling,
W. Mackenzie, P. Pollard, M. Hawkins, M. Hunter, I. Osborne & C. Newton. * L. Worboys
New Membership application
Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded G. Postance. “That H.R. Penter be accepted as a member.” Voted unam.
Health & Safety
M. Hawkins informed us of his visit to Ilford with regards to 319/1 revised cab ventilation.
The problem of weeds, and foliage still remains a problem Bro D. Gillam’s position explained.
L.D.C. Report
Bill Mackenzie referred to the Area Mangers request to review the “Hidden Report.” Regards to “Staff Parking
Arrangements” position explained.
District Secretary’s Report
Bro. Len Worboys was welcomed to the branch and expressed his thanks to speak. Len gave an in-depth report on signal
irregularities particularly “Purley” and just how they are investigated. Next he gave us a break down on the latest talks of
restructuring. Question’s on these and other matters were put and answered.
ALAN PENTNEY COLLECTION
MARGARET LIGHT COLLECTION
Left - Right: John Naisby (Train Crew Manager), Cyril Hutchings, Roy Sweetman, Norman Light, Don Hill,
Harry Mitchell & Gus Wright
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON AUGUST 27th 1991
Members present I. Wilson, R. Matthews, M. Cole, M. Hawkins, W. Mackenzie, C. Newton, B. Brown
& M. Bloomfield.
New Members
Propsed M. Hawkins & seconded I. Wilson. “That Bros. Christie, Cliff Cook, Coombes & Parry, be accepted as members of
A.S.L.E. & F.” vote Unam.
Correspondence
Proposed R. Matthews & seconded I. Wilson. “That £25 donation be given to the Local Trade Union ‘Labour’ Urgent
Appeal.” Vote unam.
W. Mackenzie be nominated to attend the 1992 Annual Assembly of Delegate. Propsed M. Hawkins & seconded I. Wilson.
Vote unam.
Health & Safety Report
Bro. M. Hawkins, Health & Safety Rep.
Position of no-smoking in the first class on 319/1.
General clearning of foliage be undertaken in Brighton Area.
The importance of having a union representative at any inquests attended by members.
The dangers of filling out report forms after an incident.
L.D.C Report
Clearer understanding of the effects of implementation of Hidden Report.
No changes at present to the October workings.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
SEPTEMBER 1991
BRIGHTON
July’s meeting of Brighton Branch held at the Staff Club would normally have been held during the first week of the month -
but with Society business taking much of the limelight, the Branch was held over to take account of events
We were honoured that we had invited Districted Secretary Len Warboys to come and speak to the members and we enjoyed a
larger than usual number of members attending the meeting.
Minutes were read and accepted, letters and circulars were read our with questions and answers to circulars. We heard, via
an appeal, to the plight of one of our members from LUL and we will be affording our concern in the usual way and extend to
his family our thoughts and support.
Concern was raised on staff car parking arrangements, our Chairman and L.D.C. leader explained the position to members;
then our health and safety rep reported on the latest round of H&S problems and that he would be attending a visit the
updating of cab seals on 319/1 at Ilford.
At this point our Chairman invited our District Secretary to address the branch. Len thanked members for inviting him to the
meeting and kicked off by addressing the problem over SPADs and signal irregularities referring to Purley.
He explained the way these incidents were being conducted.We’ve heard recently that problems within this area were still
occurring, putting our members in very uncertain positions. Members asked if Bro. Bob Morgan’s case would be reviewed, but
no decision has been taken.
Len then went on to talk on Restructuring, explaining the working parties and the way the talks will lead hopefully to a
successful conclusion.
With time being the enemy, we had to call time but a call went out for Len to come again.
C. Newton
Branch Secretary
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
SEPTEMBER 1991
TO BE RE-PHOTOGRAPHED
Len Warboys, District Secretary of No.1 & 8, held his first school at Bournemouth over 16 and 17 March 1991. Thos of us
who attended the school were not to be disappointed although the weather was not very good.
From the speakers that Len had asked to the school, we were left in no doubt where we stand with management and the plight
of the railways are in, with the reductions in the subsidy that the Government has instituted efficiency through cut-backs and
reductions in our industry.
Paul Walkinson, Director of B.R.B. filled in for John Welsby and gave his views on how he sees the future of the railways and
the role of drivers. Also there to give his views was Dennis Tunnicliffe, Managing Director LUL, who outlined the problems
LUL were facing and his vision of where drivers stand within these plans.
As we are all aware some of the ideas put forward have.....
Derrick Fullick, our General Secretary attended the school and gave us a talk on pay talks and on future restructuring
ship that the trend is on the increase. This is a positive sign that we are on the rift road.
To Len, well done. We look forward to the next one - and to those who missed our for one reason or another, perhaps next time
we will see you.
C. Newton
Branch Secretary
Brighton Branch
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON OCTOBER 7th 1991
Members present R. Matthews, M. Hawkins, P. Edwards, I Wilson, J. Osborne, I Osborne, T. Fielding, A. Allen,
W. Mackenzie & M. Bloomfield.
Correspondence
“That £25 donation be given to Craven Tasker Dispute.” Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded P. Edwards.
“That £25 donation be given to Offshore Industry Hardship Fund.” Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded P. Edwards.
“Proposed £100 be donated from branch funds to assist the members going to the weekend school at Portsmouth on October 17th 1991.” Proposed P. Edwards & seconded M. Hawkins.
Health & Safety Report
Chichester Yard – proposed new walking route. Time of leaf fall season, drivers will be supported in their on whether to drive
over a certain route. Accidents at work - report this to LDC or Health & Safety.
L.D.C. Nominations
M. Hawkins Proposed T. Fielding & seconded R. Matthews
J. Osborne Proposed I. Osborne & seconded M. Hawkins.
No further nominations
L.D.C Report
New rosters – little change, Link Movements on 14.10.91.
Bro. A. Allen was welcomed to the branch and expressed his thanks.
Tony gave a informative report on the implantation of Hidden Report 18. Information was given on Safety training and how
this will be carried. Questions were then asked and answered.
Resolution
Proposed P. Edwards & seconded J. Osborne. “That this branch instructs the Executive Committee to enforce the resolution
passed on the 25-36 July 1991.”
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
SEPTEMBER 1991
Don Pullen reports on 150th birthday celebrations of the Brighton Line and looks back at
Grilled kippers, toasted firemen
Full marks to Divisional Director Chris Jago and hard working team for putting on a truly great show marking the 150th
anniversary of the first train to run into Brighton station from London.
For railway enthusiasts this was a quite remarkable demonstration of the development of routes and mileage, all breeds of
locomotives, rolling stock, stations, depots and systems and how they fitted into the general pattern running through social
and political change down through the years.
This celebration really began at the beginning of the summer with all sorts of events up and down the Division.
The climax came on Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 September when Brighton station was almost completely over taken by a
programme of entrainments, education, history and pure nostalgia attended by many thousands of railway buffs, friends and
relations.
We have to say “almost overtaken” because, somehow, the normal train services, plus a good many extras, managed to find
their way around the hundred of exhibitions, demonstrations, bands and dancers, vendors and caterers crowding every
available inch of space on platforms and concourse.
I was luck to be there with John Wickes (former Industrial Relations Chief on the Southern Region) in charge of Network
SouthEast official stall selling items like badges, books T-shirst and all manner of memorabilia.
Our real purpose was to collect a generous percentage of total takings as a donation to that oldest-of-all railway charities, the
Railway Benevolent Institution.
We had an absorbing, interesting couple of days, supported throughout by the Secretary of the North Staffordshire Railway
Modelling Club who manned the stall next to us and likewise gave a nice commission to the R.B.I.
This was a weekend offering thousands of things to see and do and although our own activities were limited by being tied for
most of the time to the business in hand, the highlights for me where (1) the opportunity to join the footplate of the Bulleid
Paffic Taw Valley and (2) to sample the luxury of riding up to Victoria aboard Brighton Belle (or Orient Express), both of
which came from the invitation of Chris Jago.
RON TERRILL COLLECTION
It happens that I did quite bit of firing on Bulleid locos when
stationed at Ashford during the war years and afterwards.
Those of us who can still remember Bulleid would be forced
to admit that Oliver Vaughan Snell Bulleid was not on the
list of favourite locomotive engineers among the footplate
fraternity of those early days.
In fact, we all quickly found the opinion that here, with the
introduction of Utility ‘Q’ Class, we had unearthed some
sort of idiot for a locomotive engineer. Those ‘Queers’ or
‘Spam Cans’ were odd to look at and even odder to work on.
Nor, in those early days, were many marks given to the
Bulleid Pacifics. I recall the chief of the Ashford Works
drawing office, Joey Palmer, giving a lecture to the Mutual
Improvement Class one fine Sunday morning in the early
war years.
Joe wanted all drivers to understand that the new,
revolutionary chain-drive gear on these engines had to be
handled with great care. To se the reverser to notch back
towards mid-gear could be fatal to the heavy handed. A
snapped chain would fall into a sealed oil sump and the loco
would be a complete failure. The message went home.
My mate at the time, Jack Milbury, was one of the lightest,
most experienced drivers at the depot. I reckon Jack handled
an engine so gently tha if a coal-saving bonus had been
available in those days, he would have retired a rich man.
Bit from the moment Jack learned from Joey Palmer of the
danger of snapping the chain, he resolved never to be guilt
of notching back too far. The result? Whole shovels full of
good coal straight out through the tubes without touching
the firebox - and a fireman with an aching back...!
It is true that after a long period of trial and error and
numerous modifications to the alignment of the blinkers
alongside the smokebox - with other beat and blast
refinements - the Merchant Navy and West Country Class
locomotives became very good , powerful machines which
served the ‘Southern’ very well until the withdrawal of
steam.
But Bulleid’s greatest abomination without any shadow of
doubt was the infamous Leader Class monstrosity. Built to
like a carriage, it had the firebox and mini footplate in the
middle of the coach with a drivers desk at each end. Result?
Happy driver, roasted fireman.
All that was so long ago as to be almost forgotten and
forgiven. Down at Brighton for the 150 years’ celebrations
we were privileged to witness the naming of a Class 73/128
loco - OVS Bulleid. Officiating were two sons of the great
man Messts Hav and Michael Bulleid - both retired
engineers and architects.
And, buffered up to the new locomotive, stood the
magnificent Taw Valley a preserved West Country Class, in
steam and positively sparkling.
It was my luck to be invited on to the footplate with the
Deputy Mayor of Brighton and other civic dignitaries. There
was also an invitation from the fireman to try my hand with
the shovel again.
After the absence of something like 45 years and recent
major surgery, this was an offer I felt obliged to decline. Yet
it was great to be back on the footplate where it all began!
Amid all the speech making ad grandeur of many old steam
locos; among the new, powerful diesels in the modern fleet,
it was good to that members of the staff and long-suffering
passengers were recognised.
Peter Staniford
Chris Newton
RON TERRILL COLLECTION
Ron Terrill
The guard of the first Brighton Bell train arrive, Peter Hambridge, was called to the rostrum with his wife. Peter worked for
46 years on the Brighton Line, often on the Belle.
It was his 65th birthday and this his very last duty before retirement. He received from the Divisional Director a scale model
of a Belle coach and nice things were said on both sides.
Some “customers” began as mere passengers more than 40 years ago and have shuttled between Brighton and London all
that time, clocking up in some cases more than 900,00 miles. And they can still find it within themselves to say kind things
about the services and the staff.
In my own case, I ended my active footplate life ats a driver at Victoria Central in 1962. Several Brighton Belle turns were
worked by Victoria men, so I know enough about the Belle stock to be able to report that while that while famous people like
Sir Laurence Olivier, Dora Bryan nd others were enjoying their special lipped breakfasts, the poor old driver was perched on
a piano-type flat, circular stool bolted to the inside of the cab door, having a really rough ride at the front.
That’s why I was delighted to be asked to take a seat on the last Belle trip that day. It was nice to spend the next 58 minutes in
the rare luxury of a Pullman car, sampling the splendid services of a bygone age.
And to crown a pleasant trip, our driver was none other than George Knight of Norwood Junction depot, a longtime L.D.C.
officer and great A.S.L.E.F stalwart.
Yes, the 150 Years of the Brighton Line was a big success. Such events together with railway depot Open Days do so much to
improve what are now known as customer/staff relations. They also provide an opportunity to advertise the work of railway
charities as the R.B.I and Woking Homes.
John Wickes and I enjoyed the visit. We are grateful to Mike Edwards, Claire Wickes and all those who worked so hard and so
long to ensure celebrations befitting the occasion. The Bi-centenary is still a long way off. But its organisers now have a good
pattern from which to work.
RON TERRILL COLLECTION
Gerry Aggett
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON NOVEMBER 11th 1991
Members present P. Edwards, M. Bloomfield, T. Fielding, W. Mackenzie, C. Newton, M. Hawkins, J. Osborne
& P. Osborne,
New members
Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded J. Osborne. “That P.A.S. Rayment be accepted as a new member.” Voted Unam
L.D.C. Elections
With no further nominations Bros. M. Hawkins & J. Osborne are carried.
Branch Officers Nominations
Proposed list of members be accepted as nominations
Chairman W. Mackenzie
Chairman Assistant P. Edwards
Secretary C. Newton
Asst Sec M. Bloomfield
Trustees M. Hawkins & D. Pumfrey
Auditors T. Fielding & R. Matthews
District Council W. Mackenzie
Committee Members M. Hunter, D. Knight, J. Osborne, L. Osman, F. Locke, I. Wilson, P. Osborne & I. Osborne.
Trade Council A.A. Flowers + vacancy
Labour Party Delegate Vacancy
L.D.C. Report
Hidden Report, introduction deferred until December, possibly longer.
Additional diagrams, management/L.D.C. agreed to look at these.
Loss of “Class 73” work, and the increase of Brighton /Bedford work next May.
Health & Safety Report
Leaf fall problem and letter posted in L.D.C. notice case.
Proposed H&S action in L.W.S and withdrawal of action pending further H&S Rep information. Proposed walkabout by H&S
Rep.
A.O.B.
Bro. P. Osborne raised problem over matter of additional payment for making reports.
MINUTES OF BRANCH MEETING
HELD ON DECEMBER 2nd 1991
Members present R. Matthews, P. Edwards, M. Cole, J. Osborne, I. Osborne, P. Osborne, M. Hunter, M. Hawkins,
W. Mackenzie & I. Wilson.
Election of Assistant Branch Secretary.
Due to the resignation of M. Bloomfield, a new Assistant Branch Secretary had to be elected. Proposed W. Mackenzie &
seconded J. Osborne. “That I. Wilson be proposed as Assistant Branch Secretary.” Carried Unam.
Correspondance
Appeal from Brighton Unemployment Centre. “That £25 be donated.” Proposed m. Hawkins & seconded M. Cole. Carried
unam.
Apeal from Card Setting Machine Tenters Society. “That £25 be donated.” Proposed M. Hawkins & seconded R. Matthews.
Carried unam.
New Members
Proposed P. Edwards & seconded R. Matthews.
“D. Chumbley, A. Cole & E. Larkin, be accepted as new members.” Carried unam.
Health & Safety Report.
Report on smoking in cabs of units.
L.D.C. Report
Suggestions for the Agenda meeting, link moves to commence on 16.12.91., Gatwick work no further information, roof still
leaking in Messroom over kitchen units.
A.O.B.
M. Cole express his appreciation inall the help he received during his inquest from the Brighton L.D.C. and L.Warboys.
Claim for petrol allowance for getting home on Christmas Eve.
A.G.M. HELD ON THE 2ND DECEMBER 1991
OF THE A.S.L.E.F. BRIGHTON BRANCH
Branch Meetings
“That Branch meetings be Bi-monthly on alternate shifts, to be monitored after six months.” Proposed P. Edwards &
seconded J. Osborne. Carried unam.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1991
THANK YOU
I wish to express my appreciation of you and the Society in presenting my recent claim for loss of hearing caused by my work
to the solicitors who successfully resolved the claim with much satisfaction in my award.
Furthermore, I have extended the same to Mr. C. Newton, Brighton Branch Secretary.
J. Sayers
Retired, Brighton Branch
A.S.L.E.F. RETIREMENT PRESENTATIONS MADE AT THE BRIGHTON TRAIN
CREW SOCIAL CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 1991
PRESENTATIONS MADE BY
LEN WARBOYS A.S.L.E.F. DISTRICT SECRETARY
& JOHN NAISBY TRAIN CREW MANAGER
PHOTOS TAKEN FROM THE VIDEO DONE BY EDWIN FORDHAM
Norman Light
Roy Sweetman
Harry Mitchell
Cyril Hutchings
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1992
BRIGHTON
1991 was a year that special importance it was our
centenary. The branch was first formed in 1891 with 24
drivers.
Since those early days, the branch as steadily grown in
numbers and has shown a interest in the rights of A.S.L.E.F.
members not only in the Brighton area but nationally.
To mark the centenary we held a dinner and dance, jointly
run by the Traincrew Social Fund who annually organise a
retirement event for traincrew staff.
As this dinner and dance was regarded as something special,
Hove Town Hall was hired. This enabled us to cater for over
400 people and as special guests of honour we invited E.C.
Member J. Davis and District Secretary L. Warboys. Other
guests were members of our Sectional Council and
representing our local management, our Area Traincrew
Manager and Depot Manager.
General Secretary Derrick Fullick was due to attend; but at
the last hour, he was called away to Robin Thompsons,
solicitors on urgent union business over the recent collision
in the Severn Tunnel.
Len Warboys agreed to stand in for the G.S. at the retirement
presentation and along with the Area Traincrew Manager
presented our retiring members with a certificate and
tankard. Their wives received a gift voucher for all the
support they have given to their husbands over the years.
As the General Secretary was unable to attend, we asked
Len to accept, on his behalf, a specially engraved tankard
marking our centenary. This he did, and apologised on
Derrick’s behalf for being called away. Len said that he
would present the tankard to Derrick on return to Head
Office.
A special mention has to be made of all the past Branch
officers for all their hard work over the years. Without them,
the cornerstone of the union, A.S.L.E.F. would not be a
union
Gordon Hatcher
Don Hill
Our thanks to our present chairman, Bro. W. (Bill) MacKenzie, for all his hard work at A.A.D., District Council, L.D.C. and
the Branch. Finally our thanks to the Social fund for putting on a great function.
C. Newton
Brighton Branch Secretary
Above Gus Wright &
Left Vic Harris
THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.&F. WEBSITE.
HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO A NEW SITE CALLED
IGNITING THE FLAMING OF UNITY
https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/
PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW
TO TRANSFER TO THIS NEW SITE
CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO TAKE YOU
TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE
IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE
https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/
THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE
HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE
THEIR WORKING LIVES
CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO TAKE YOU
TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE
IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE
https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/
THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE
HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE
THEIR WORKING LIVES
Sandra Fleet Collection
(Laurie Osman’s daughter)