New Computer

My computer died whilst I was at Crich on Wednesday so this my first post on my new computer.

The picture show Outside Works staff cleaning the path to the sub-station at Wakebridge.

Kath and I plan to visit the Museum tomorrow pm to get some pictures of the Edwardian Weekend and hopefully a couple beers from the real ale bar.

Derby Beer Festival

I have just returned from Derby BF. The Chairman's Welcome in the programme concluded with the following:
"OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE NOT PAID - NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE WORTHLESS, BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE PRICELESS".

Mostly London United 159

Unfair dismissal appeal

I have agreed to meet the Appeals Panel in the afternoon of Friday 17th July. I have asked for copies of various minutes for my benefit in preparing my statement. I have also asked for two third party statements which I hope will help both the Panel and me understand what happened and why.
Despite everything, I am still hoping that justice will prevail and that from now on the Society's disciplinary codes will be applied to employees and volunteers alike.

10th July
I asked for the following documents:

1. A statement from the Curator explaining exactly what I have done wrong with dates and times of each incident and the reasons why he considers this to be gross misconduct that could not be remedied in any way other than by instant dismissal.

2. A statement from the Collections Management Committee as to why they didn't explain the obscure membership rules for this committee and have taken no interest in my work and simply refused to consider my application to join.

3. Minutes of the Collections Management Committee from April 2006 to March 2009.
Here is the Panel's response:
Your list of documents does not appear to be of direct relevance to the five grounds that form the basis of your appeal. The Panel is not in a position to seek documentation not relevant to the grounds of the appeal.

What next?

Today's trams

Not a particularly busy day with a three tram service and Berlin 3006.
1. Blackpool 40.
2. London Transport 1622.
3. Leeds 399 in the distance.

4. London and Berlin at Town End.

TMS Election

I have received an e-mail from a well-wisher telling me that his voting paper has arrived and assuring me of his vote. Thanks!
We will be returning to the UK on Saturday evening and I will visit Crich on Sunday afternoon all being well. I want to meet members, find out their concerns and then ask them to vote for me.
Richard

Ukraine

Reliable internet connections are not common in Ukraine so I haven't been able to post any pictures for several days. It is very hot here around 35 degrees and also quite humid so we are wilting.
We were both very sorry to hear of Steve Cunningham's death and send our condolences to Cheryl and William.
That's all for now Richard & Kath

We have now moved to Kryviy Rih where the hotel internet is free and works so I will add a few blog pics in the Ukraine section. We are also listening to THE ARCHERS on the computer on Sunday evening. Sad insn't it!

all around my hat

Roger Webster took this photograph of Frank Bagshaw's hat at the Crich50 celebrations.

We are going on Ian Longworth's tour of Ukranian tramways tomorrow so there will be no more Crich pictures until early July. I hope to publish some pictures of the world's longest trolleybus route and lots of trams including Tatra T3s (click on link).

Blackpool and Eastern Europe

1. Prague 180 and Blackpool 49 in 1969.
2. Halle 902 was built in Prague in 1969.
3 & 4. Recent pictures of Blackpool 298.
Halle 902 and Blackpool 298 have been the subject of recent comments on the internet so I thought I would add my suggestions.
Blackpool 298 should not be stored in the Exhibition Hall but consigned to a dark corner at the back of the depots for the next 5 years. During this time the Blackpool Tramway will be transformed and a rational policy for all the Museum's Blackpool exhibits can then be determined.
Halle 902 is unlikely to be an Access Tram. However it could be retained as a static exhibit and combined with Prague 180 to form the centrepiece of a dispay of Eastern European tramways. Some 17,622 Tatra T3/T4s were built, more than any other type of tram and whilst 902 is not suitable for running at Crich now, who knows what the situation will be in another 40 years.

London United 159

1. The beginnings of one of 159's bogies.

2. The south end staircases have been placed in position.

Liverpool and Leeds

Today's trams: Liverpool 869 and Leeds 345

Path to Glory Mine

Today I walked along the public footpath to Glory Mine and back. The overhead line at GM has been modified so that it is now necessary to operate a pull frog to use the trolley reverser.

Then and Now

The top picture was given to Mike Crabtree by John Peck (a 1960 veteran) at the Crich50 celebrations.

"Sorry not to have sent it sooner but I have been trying to date the photo.
The loco was delivered to Crich on 22nd August 1963, so the photo must be after that date but it is before the overhead anchor pole was put up beyond the pile of ballast that marked the end of the track.
Also the loco has been fitted with running boards over the wheels and this did not take place until late 1963. As there are no leaves on the trees in the background I suggest that the photo is taken in about March 1964 or thereabouts.
The location to most of today's TMS members may be a little difficult to appreciate but the area beyond the pile of ballast is now occupied by the Bandstand Stop (northbound) and Ashton Shelter. The loco is just beyond on what today is the northern end of the interlacing
Names: L to R on the ground Jim Jordan, on the loco Merlyn Bacon, Roger Benton standing to the rear, Tony Bacon driving and Mike Crabtree standing on the right on the running plate. Note how smart we are with collar and tie on with overalls, a sign of the times!"

Nigel Walker sent me this picture of new track being grouted at Shudehill Manchester on Wednesday.

All the 'lads' in the top picture were volunteers as the early TMS couldn't afford to employ anyone.

All the 'lads' the second picture will be employees of contractors or subcontractors.

The problem facing today's TMS is how to combine the talents of volunteers and employees, contractors and subcontractors and to create stable working relationships. At the moment the balance is tilted too heavily in favour of employees who are protected by legal rights which are not available to volunteers. When faced by conflicts of interest, managers at the Museum often take the course of least resistance and simply dump the volunteers who are then quietly replaced by more employees or contractors.

Perhaps each manager should have increasing the number of volunteer hours in their department by 10% year on year as one of their formal key tasks.

Problems

1. Remedial work on the track at Town End.

2. The tram service was delayed by a problem at Wakebridge sub-station.

Michael Ward

On Friday I heard a familiar voice from the past. It was Mike Ward seen here in his horse tram driving days. Mike was regular volunteer in the 60s and at one time was Hon Work Organiser and I think a Board member.
Mike now lives near Seaton and was accompanying their engineering and operations managers on a visit to Crich. We had time a brief chat and he promised to vote for me in forthcoming Board elections.

The Quarry

Many children visiting the Museum on weekdays are interested in the quarry with its huge lorries and earth moving equipment.
1. The quarry in action.
2. Berlin 3006.
3. Blackpool 166.

4. Paisley 68 with an industrial background.

Grievance Procedure

My final appeal against unfair dismissal will be held under the Grievance Procedure for Working Members of the Society (section 2.1 paragraphs g and h).

" g) On receipt of such notice of appeal, the Board will arrange for a panel of three persons drawn from membership of the Board, who for this purpose may also include a Vice-President, to enquire into the appeal. Neither the Head of Department (if he is a Board Member) nor any Board Member may be a member of the appeals panel if he has been previously involved at any stage in the circumstances giving rise to the grievance."

" h) The appeals panel will inquire into the issue as soon as possible and the member will be given an opportunity to state his case. The appeals panel will submit their findings and recommendations to the Board in writing and the Board will thereafter reach a decision on the issue in light of the submission, which decision will be reported in writing to the member. The Board's decision will be final."

Tuesday 2nd June
I received a letter from the secretary of the appeal panel stating that the panel are currently making arrangements to have a preliminary meeting. Once this has taken place the panel will be in touch with me again.
However the composition of the panel does not appear to be in compliance with the Grievance Procedure.

Monday 8th June
A compliant panel has now been formed. I am waiting to hear from its secretary when I will ask for details of the procedure and timescales.

Friday 10th June
I received a letter from the panel secretary today suggesting a date for the hearing. I have replied asking for details of the procedure to be followed and asking for a pre-meeting to confirm the rules and for some specific assurances. I will now be on holiday until 5th July.

Board Selection Process

I find the process of vetting potential candidates for Board membership rather insulting. I submitted a completed nomination form and a statement of 100 words as requested. I received the following acknowledgement.
"I would confirm that I have received your nomination papers and they seem acceptable although I am not happy with your biographical details and may amend them. This will not however affect the validity of your nomination."
I don't think that the information that candidates provide for the benefit of Members should be altered in any way and I have asked that my details are not changed.

I then received the following request.
"Thank you for your nomination paper which I am now processing. As mentioned on the briefing note which accompanied the forms, in order to ensure that the full skills needs of the Board are fulfilled, the Board will consider the nominations received and may recommend to members how the vacancies are filled.
In order to do this the Board needs knowledge of the candidates standing for election and it is proposed that all candidates, who are not existing Board members, be invited to attend an interview with the Board."
I decided not to attend the interview for two reasons.
1. The interview panel consists of the entire Board and presumably Presidents and Vice-Presidents. I would find this very intimidating.
2. Board members seeking re-election and spouses of other candidates will be part of the interview panel.

I have submitted a brief CV and would be happy to provide any relevant information on a one to one basis or in writing.