SOUTH EAST REGIONAL COUNCIL SEND -OFF

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september 2011 :: RMTnews 31 C amden 3 branch held a presentation ceremony for members to receive 25-year membership badges. The branch was very grateful to Bob Crow for making the presentations. In the photo are: from left to right Joe Chauhan, Mick Crossey, Bob Crow, Ian Smith, Pierce Hickey and Dennis Clarke. A bout 50 delegates and members were at the RMT South East Regional Council’s AGM earlier this year to mark the end of an era. President Bill Martin and secretary Ron Ward were both standing down from their posts after lifetimes of service to the trades union movement. Bill has been president of council for the last seven years. He was also Company Council representative for Conductors on Southeastern for many years, playing an important part in the long battle to resist Driver Only Operation. Before he joined the railway, Bill was a miner in the Kent pits and played an active part in the great 1984 miners’ strike. Ron is a driver at Hastings, on the odd days when he is not representing members at hearings – he has saved more members’ jobs than we can count. He has been secretary of the council since it was set up in 1995. Their leadership of the regional council will be greatly missed in the future, but we look forward to them giving their energies and experience to our active retired section. They were presented with engraved RMT hip flasks by former RMT President Tony Donaghey, an old friend of the committee. A presentation was also made by President Bill Martin to Chris Fuller, a regular delegate from Dover Shipping Branch, who has retired. Chris is still busy helping shipping members and he will be representing retired members at Council. Jeff Slee F rom left to right Retired member Frank Howe presents Ian Paterson with his 25-year badge and branch secretary Stuart Harris hands Paul Nelson his medal for 40 years’ service to the union. SOUTH EAST REGIONAL COUNCIL SEND -OFF CAMDEN HONOURS WIRRAL BRANCH SEND-OFF