RMT SAYS FAREWELL TO BRIAN AND JIM

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: may 2008 :: RMTnews 35 RMT Carlisle City branch now meets at The Kings Head pub, Fisher Street, Carlisle on the first Tuesday of every month B rian Curtis and Jim Stevenson both retired from the union recently after both serving 21 years as divisional organisers. Brian was elected as DO for South Wales and South West in 1987 and Jim also took up the same duties in the South East and Anglia region. Brian joined the NUR in 1971 as a member of Barry Docks branch and became branch secretary. He was also secretary of South Wales Ports area council, a regular delegate to the Dock and Maritime grades conference and served on the executive committee from 1985 to 87. Brian was well known as an effective organiser and served as chair of the Wales TUC. He was recruited to the Labour Party by Michael Foot and became treasurer of the Welsh labour Party sat on the MP selection committee for Labour seats in Wales. Jim joined the union in 1961 and became branch secretary of the Kings Cross branch. He also served as secretary of the Training Catering National Council and the Catering Grades Conference. He served on the EC twice from 1980/82 and 1986/88 and when he first elected he was described by his branch as having “a welcome blend of youth and experience”. He also gained notoriety by appearing in the cult film classic ‘Get Carter’ as an extra serving Michael Caine a silver service dinner while he travelled to Newcastle. Jim was heavily involved in raising funds for the London widows and orphans fund and will be continuing in his duties as secretary. RMT general secretary Bob Crow thanked them for the unique contributions they both made to the union and wished them all the best for the future. “I am sure Jim and Brian will be around to still give valuable advice to RMT members of all ages for many years to come,” he said. F ormer Assistant General Secretary Wilf Proudfoot died recently at the age of 69. Wilf joined the NUR at the age of 15 on commencing BR Service at Shildon Works in 1954. He was made redundant in 1960 but rejoined at Shildon and transferred to Derby. During this time he was secretary of Derby No. 2 Branch, Shop Representative and member of the Works Committee – Derby Loco Works, Delegate and on EC to NUR Midland District Council, Delegate to the Derby and District TU Council. On a national basis, He was a delegate to the AGM in 1973 and TUC in 1973, 1977 and 1981. He was elected as Divisional Organiser in 1977 covering Division 1 Glasgow from 1978 until transferring to the Yorkshire, Humberside, Lincs and Nottingham Division. Wilf was appointed as headquarters officer in 1988 before his election as Assistant General Secretary in 1991. He also represented the union on the TUC Transport Industries Committee and was a representative on the European Community’s Joint Committee on Railways. He was a member of the Labour Party and member of the EC of the Labour Party Scottish Council. A letter of condolence has been sent to his family and the union was represented at the funeral. WILF PROUDFOOT PASSES AWAY RMT SAYS FAREWELL TO BRIAN AND JIM PRESTON NO 1 BADGE AVAILABLE The cost is £5.75 including post and package, orders to Trevor Jordan,3 Edward Street, Morecambe, Lancs, LA4 4BL Cheques are payable to RMT Preston no 1 branch. The price is based on an order of 100 comes down to £5 a badge. The price to non-RMT members is £10 plus sae Jiffy Bag. CARLISLE CITY BRANCH ON THE MOVE