ORPHAN FUND GAINS £25,000 AFTER FINES POOL GOES NATIONAL

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: october 2008 :: RMTnews 35 R MT’S orphan Fund has benefited from a huge £25,325 as a result of the Lincs and Anglia Fines Pool going national at the start of 2008. Executive member Dave Gott handed over the cheque to general secretary Bob Crow at Unity House recently, fulfilling the old pool’s rule that any residue must go to the Orphan Fund. The RMT Head Office Fines Pool – an essential insurance scheme against road-traffic fines incurred in the course of professional driving work – has been operating since the turn of the year, continuing the work of the Lincs and Anglia fund, which helped tens of thousands of members during its 10-year history. Still excellent value at just £5 per year, with a with a discount for people who join mid-year, details of the fines pool can be obtained from Vicky Bryce at head office on 020 7529 8882 T he London Widows and Orphans Fund committee would like to thank all those who bought tickets for the summer draw along with the grades conferences and annual general meeting delegates that raised money for the fund. The committee took fund beneficiaries on a trip to York in August with the travel cost sponsored by NXEC and goodie bags from Rail Gourmet. Each family was also taken on a city bus guided tour. Families also enjoyed a trip to Alexandra Palace as guests of First Capital Connect for a fun day including traditional fair rides, ice skating and the Moscow State Circus. A trip has also been planned to Southend-on-Sea due to the generosity of RMT members. Secretary Jim Stevenson R MT bus driver members in Plymouth number 5 branch thanked the union for helping to set up their football team which is now competing in a local league. Drivers’ rep Pauline Harris was instrumental in setting up the team with self-styled manager and RMT union learning rep Paul Murphy and club secretary Paul Jeffery. After a request for help from the company was rejected, the trio turned to the union for financial help to pay for nets, kits and the £100 fee to join the league. So far the team has lost one game, drawn two and won one and confidence is growing within the team. Their success has been tinged with sadness with the loss of branch activist Mike Stinchcombe who passed away at the age of 59. He had spent 38 years in the bus industry and will be missed by the members. Club members now sell raffle and lottery tickets to build a social fund and are hoping to hold a Christmas dinner to celebrate the birth of Plymouth RMT FC. For more information or to challenge the team to a match contact driver rep Pauline Harris through Plymouth No 5 branch. ORPHAN FUND GAINS £25,000 AFTER FINES POOL GOES NATIONAL WIDOWS AND ORPHANS VISIT YORK PLYMOUTH RMT FC OFF TO A FLYER