NORTH THAMES CELEBRATION

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2023 :: RMTnews 28 C oventry No. 1 branch has announced that former branch secretary Ray Billingsley has passed away. Ray served as branch secretary for 33 years from 1973 until his retirement in 2006, which is believed to be a record. Coventry No.1 Branch Chairman Shakeel Goulthorp said that Ray had been a member of the union for over 60 years and he will be sadly missed. R onnie Hardman has received the 2023 Railway Benefit Fund Lifetime Achievement Heart of Gold Award to celebrate those in the rail industry who have made a real difference in their workplace or community. The nominations and voting are by the everyday people who work in rail – giving them the opportunity to thank the colleagues they appreciate, value and who inspire them. Ronnie has worked on the railways for 46 years and has worked tirelessly to support his colleagues in his roles as a RBF ambassador and trade union rep. Ronnie never switches his phone off and always tells colleagues to call anytime if they need someone to talk to. He is always at the end of the phone with a sympathetic ear and helpful advice day and night. The support he gives colleagues is selfless and he always goes above and beyond. Ronnie has even visited colleagues in hospitals, hospices and at home, offering support to their families too. Ronnie remains passionate about helping his railway family friends and colleagues and is much loved by all. T he branch with possibly the longest name in the union, North Thames London, Tilbury and Shoeburyness (NTLT&S) branch, held a gala evening for retiring members and long service awards in Benfleet social club recently. Back Row (Left to Right) Christopher Leggetter with 40 years membership, Chris Pomeroy with 25 years membership), Carl Elliott, Scott Elliott, David Doyle all with 10 years membership, Tony Luhar with 25 Years and Martin Wheeler who is retired. Front Row (left to Right) Carol Betts, retired, Anthony Guterson, 10 Years, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, Raymond Marney, retired, assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey, Brian Wilson, retired and Tony Bowers with 10 Years. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was a privilege to present these awards to many hard-working members of the branch. He congratulated branch secretary David Conway and branch chair Darren Trigg for putting on such a well-attended event. He outlined the importance of the role of the branch in the life of the union as a point of first contact with the union. “As a union we must stand together in order to win at work and sometimes in can be a hard job but we all do it because we understand the unity is strength and without each other we are alone,” he said. Eddie Dempsey also presented late arrival Greg Cracknell with his 10-year award in front of the union’s London and Anglia regional council banner brought out especially for the occasion. Eddie Dempsey with Greg Cracknell NORTH THAMES CELEBRATION LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR RONNIE COVENTRY FAREWELL