AWARDS/OBITUARY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2026 :: RMTnews 28 S outheastern RMT Station Grades representatives and the four Company Council reps organised a meeting to empower members in the workplace and provide tools and guidance for their roles. Some attendees were newly elected while others have held their positions for several years. There were 34 people in attendance, and it proved to be a fantastic and productive day. R MT Scotland regional secretary Jim Gray presented Laurance Ferris with his fifty-year medallion for services to the union. Larry joined the merchant navy as a member of the National Union of Seamen when he left school and joined British Rail as a guard in 1978. He has served as a health and safety rep and defended members throughout that time. “I have seen many changes over the years in the industry. “I would like to thank the union which has supported me over all those years and wish you all the best for the future,” he said. C arlisle branch recently held a joint event for George Notman with 41 years’ service and Brian Anderson with 44 years’ service. Brian was a local rep for around 40 years and branch secretary of Dumfries and Lockerbie branch for around 36 years.  Both members had served the union for many years and the branch celebrated in suitable style. R MT member Andy Bower was presented with the 2026 Willie Strang Health and Safety Representative of the Year award at the union’s health and safety conference recently. Andy holds key union positions including local and route health and safety and industrial relations rep. He is also on the East Coast Route health and safety council and Darlington branch secretary. As a longtime health and safety rep he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, clarity of thought and a relentless focus on securing the safest possible outcomes for members at all levels. RMT assistant general secretary John Leach said that Andy took an active role in major investigations, producing comprehensive and well-evidenced reports. “These have been invaluable in protecting members, particularly when cases progress towards potential disciplinary action. “Andy leads by example an actively mentors new reps, providing guidance, documentation and day-to- day support to help them grow into their roles. “Within his own S&T discipline, he is regarded as the expert. “His technical knowledge and practical experience are vital to health and safety reps across his region,” he said. W igan branch is sad to report that David Tomlinson has passed away after a short illness. David started his railway career in 1981 at Horwich loco as an apprentice when Horwich closed he moved to Eastleigh in Southampton. From there he moved up to Warrington p-way in 1985 before moving to in Golborne on the p-way as a trackman. He moved back to Warrington p-way and in 2001 became a team leader in charge of new starters. He came back to Wigan in 2006 and in 2023 he became a supervisor. RMT regional organiser Steve Shaw said that he was “a proper railway stalwart who will be missed by many”. SOUTHEASTERN MEETING 50-YEAR AWARD FOR LARRY CARLISLE AWARDS HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD WINNER WIGAN STALWART