Support on life’s journey
RM News
Inside: Underground, Overground History of chaplaincy on the Underground…
2021 issue 1
Elf and safety Heather helps rail staff raise funds for Railway Mission…
& much, much more…
Support on life’s journey www.railwaymission.org Railway Mission Rugby Railway Station Rugby • CV21 3LA
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From the Top A clean getaway A bouquet for Dylis Elf and safety Underground, Overground… Poppies to Paddington Farewell Ralph Chaplains’ prayer & info New chaplains
office@railwaymission.org support@railwaymission.org
07718 971919 Cover photo by Ephraim Stochter at Pixabay, of the steam locomotive LMS Stanier Black Five 45212 in the West Highlands of Scotland. See more at pixabay.com.. Used by permission.
Railway Mission is a registered charity in England and Wales (1128024) and in Scotland SC045897). A company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (06519565)
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From the Top Broken and alone
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he Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18)
You have heard the proverb, ‘a stitch in time saves nine’. When I was a child, I didn’t understand what it meant, but over the years I began to understand, a small act can have a greater impact than the act itself. Recently this idea has been brought into sharp focus when Johanna, one of your chaplains, received a message from a member of rail staff on social media. For over 20 years he had hidden his depression from family and friends, now he was getting ready to end his life, he felt he couldn’t go on, all was planned, all was in place, he felt no-one would care, no-one would miss him. Then for some reason, he picked up his phone and saw a simple message on Twitter. Not a message of great wisdom, or incredible encouragement, but it was enough to spark a question. ‘If I take my life, what are the consequences?’ So, he reached out, and through a small act, a life was saved. As I write, it has just been a few days since he was about to take his own life, but when asked how he had been feeling today he sent a message that said, “I feel really good thanks, can really say I haven't felt this good in ages, a weight has been lifted and I have good enthusiasm.” I know he still has a long way to go, but with the continued support of the chaplains, he will overcome his emotional turmoil and pain. I’m so grateful to Johanna for her faithfulness and for that simple message, that saved a life. Liam Johnston is the Executive Director of Railway Mission
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Roberts lends A clean getaway Mike a helping hand… Last May I got a phone call from a director at Northern, checking how I was doing during the lockdown. The call lasted a while and I asked, “Is there anything I can do to help you guys…is there anything you need?” We’d been told that volunteering outside our role was acceptable during furlough and a week later I ended up joining the Train Presentation Teams on Merseyside. Each time a train arrives at its final station it needs cleaning before it heads out again, and a team of dedicated staff worked to make sure the trains were clean and safe. Cleaners, until 2020, were often the forgotten part of the railway family. Equipped with materials for touchpoints, cabs, toilets, tables, chairs and handrails it was so good to see an amazing team of Northern staff working to keep the railway
running safely. I spent several weeks with the Southport team working front to back to cover the whole train in the time it spends there. Rebecca, my wife, asked me after a while, “why are you never that quick to volunteer to clean at home?” and I genuinely don’t know. But I realised that, in a very practical way, to the Train Presentation Teams, it was offering Support on life’s journey. When travel becomes possible again and you get on a train, remember that a team worked overnight to clean the train. The train gets cleaned, litter picked and sanitised during the day, and there’s a host of Train Presentation Operatives working to make sure your journey is as safe as it can be. Mike Roberts is a Railway Mission Chaplain for the North West
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A bouquet for Dylis Dylis George, our chaplain for Southeastern, shares a story with a happy ending… ‘Support on life's journey’ is our chaplaincy tagline, and it resonates in all I do. It always brings tremendous joy to me when I am given the opportunity not only to support rail staff in their life's journey but to serve them.
On the day of the court proceedings, I accompanied Francis and his wife to the Magistrates’ Court and it all ended very well in their favour.
One evening the last Summer I received a phone call from a Southeastern staff member who was very open about sharing his feelings following an incident that required him to attend the Magistrate court.
To my pleasant surprise, a few weeks later I received by post a lovely bouquet of flowers and a thank you card from Francis and his family expressing their gratitude for the chaplaincy support they had received in what they described as "a very tough time for us."
I assured him of my support for him and his family during the process. A home visit was requested where I met Francis and his family for the first time. We enjoyed a great time of fellowship in an atmosphere of love, care and support.
I cannot overemphasise that it's absolutely fulfilling to have been given the opportunity to serve and to support our railway family. Let me end by saying, your wellbeing is our utmost concern, we are here for you.
Support on life’s journey
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Elf and safety W
hen Heather Waugh, a train driver with Freightliner, spotted on Twitter that Railway Mission was raising funds with a Christmas Gift Appeal, she decided to step in and help raise some cash to support the chaplains. On 22 December Heather posted on social media, “IF £200 is raised for Rail Chaplains 22:00 on Christmas Eve I will book on for work in the [elf] outfit.” Just a couple of days later Heather posted the following message: “I don't know anyone who works harder than Mike [Railway Chaplain for the North West] and I am so proud to call him a friend. In 48 hours, you lot have donated £900 to the amazing Railway Chaplains.” The final total raised was an incredible £1088. Of course, safety is an important issue for the railway industry, so for the safety-
Support on life’s journey
critical elements of her job she still had all the correct Elf and Safety Personal Protective Equipment. Thank you, Heather and Freightliner for being such good sports. We can’t wait to see who volunteers to wear an Easter Bunny suit to work in April… anyone volunteering?
In 48 hours, you lot have donated £900 to the amazing Railway Chaplains.
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Underground, Overground… …Railway Mission involvement with London’s underground railways. For most of its history the Railway Mission did not visit railwaymen who worked on the ‘Underground’ for which excavations had begun with the Metropolitan Railway in 1860. The London City Mission (LCM) and others visited the navvies at work. The LCM’s missionaries were allocated to particular districts bringing the Gospel to all they met. Later some visited occupational groups including railwaymen above or below ground. This ministry lasted until 2014 after which it was passed to the Railway Mission in 2015 as the LCM sought to refocus its activities. Although the whole of the London Underground is referred to as ‘the
Tube’ there are two distinct types of railway, the ‘Underground’ and the ‘Tube’. The larger profile ‘Underground’ lines were built on what is known as the ‘cut and cover’ system whilst the Tube tunnels were bored with the navvies excavating within a ‘Greathead shield’. The Railway Mission had very little involvement with the ‘Deep Level’ lines that were bored from the 1890s. The District and the Metropolitan were ‘cut and cover’ railways, and the work of the Mission was concentrated on these two. The longest lived mission branches were both on the District at Acton Green and West Brompton. The latter was formed in 1878 before the RM itself and lasted until 1931. The Railway Signal of April 1885 carried the story of West Brompton. Their first
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venture was visiting two stations with flowers and copies of the British Workman. These were received “with a kind of pleased surprise; [and] gradually, we found that here and there, up and down the line, were Christians standing firm through temptation and ridicule…”. One drawback was that they had no focal point in the men’s neighbourhood to which to invite them. So “a little gathering of District Railway Christians [met] in an upper room to pray” and discuss how to reach their mates. A Mission branch was established and at first meetings were held in a local Coffee Tavern. At one of the first gatherings, an Inspector and his wife stood up and declared “We bless God the Railway Mission ever came our way”. Another early fruit was the young porter who having come to Christ was heard singing as he worked: “I do believe, I will believe That Jesus died for me, That on the cross He shed His Blood, From sin to set me free." A Sunday Bible-class was held for the men's wives and one husband’s first response was "Bosh!" but he later had to admit to his wife "Well, there's something new about you anyhow."
The RM branch at West Brompton was formally founded in 1885 and remained until 1931. The last Superintendent, from July 1924 until 1931, was William Porter the father of a current Mission Trustee. That mission hall is still an active place of worship known as the West London Family Church (AoG). Today the Underground employs 28,000 people, and six of the Mission’s chaplains offer support to London Underground stations. Dudley Clark January 2021 Illustrations A District Railway train with carriages from the 1920s and 30s in 1964 (Whitechapel District K-Q stock v2.1.jpg) William Porter superintendent of the West Brompton branch from 1924 until 1931 in 1949 (Porter W. J. jpg)
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Photo by GWR used by permission
Poppies to Paddington The annual Remembrance Service at Paddington Station is a major event, each year attracting several hundred people. In recent years, as the Paddington based Railway Mission Chaplain, I have had the privilege of leading this service. In the midst of the pandemic, I did not expect the event to be held in 2020, until, that is, Paul Gentleman, Project Communications Manager for GWR contacted me, explaining the plan for a special GWR network wide Remembrance event ‘Poppies to Paddington’. The event, which attracted nationwide media coverage, involved nine early morning Paddington
John Roe, our chaplain for Paddington and GWR, recalls a special event… bound scheduled services on Remembrance Day from the length and breadth of the GWR network. GWR and the Veterans Charity coordinated the placing of wreaths on board these services, from over 60 stations. Local authorities and military bases also took part in the operation and 226 wreaths were taken to London. On arrival at Paddington, they were placed at the station’s iconic war memorial on platform 1, for the Remembrance Day service. Standing alongside a sea of poppy wreaths, it was a truly honouring and moving experience to once more to lead Paddington’s Act of Remembrance, an event that was live-streamed for the benefit of railway staff and friends across the railway network.
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Farewell Ralph When Ralph Coleman first applied to work for Railway Mission, he did not get the job. Although he had the experience and was qualified, we felt that his gifts were more suited to being a chaplain. So he became the chaplain for the East Midlands, then later reducing his hours and working in the West Midlands.
Ralph Coleman is hanging up his chaplain’s lanyard for a well earned retirement Ralph has made a huge and positive impact on the lives of railway people and his work and dedication will be missed by the team. We wish him every blessing for his retirement.
A good read during lockdown… Old Bill’s Tales of the Railway ‘Old Bill’ by Bill Rogerson MBE , is ‘the heart-warming tale of the life of a British Transport Police Officer and steadfast community worker. Bill looks back at his 49 years working with the British Transport Police working as a warranted officer, a civilian and a volunteer, which was sometime humorous and sometimes serious.’ Bill’s book is available from Amazon Books.
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info Andrew Hall Area Manager North, West Midlands, Avanti, Chiltern
As I write this I am aware that today is a ‘Day of Prayer for the Nation’ as called by many of the streams and denominations in the UK. This should not be a nationalistic thing or an attempt to use ‘2 Chronicles 7:14 (if my people…)’ out of context but an understanding that, in the spirit of Matthew 19:26 (with human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible), our trust in God is not misplaced. Our colleagues on the railway are under pressure, many have worked on despite very hard situations in their lives. We thank God for them and ask Him to richly bless them. Please pray that as chaplains we encounter new ways of caring for them.
Michele Ashton London East, Anglia,Route for Anglia Abellio, c2c, TfL East
Unfortunately, I missed contributing to our last newsletter. During the first lockdown I was suddenly shocked and traumatised with the ill health of my husband. Thankfully he is now under the care and support of a specialist hospital and I am in a much better place. I would never have considered contacting the railway staff through a
Teams meeting if we didn't have to face lockdown. For me it's transformed the way I work, to be invited to a meeting with 125 staff in attendance and give a presentation and offer support was a huge privilege and this is one of many opportunities I have had recently. Staff are embracing a chaplain's contact and it's a wonderful to see how my role is evolving by using different ways of communicating.
David Hardy West Midlands, Gloucester, Retired Railway Staff
I am keeping in contact with people by telephone and email. We have a good network of retired folk, many of whom live alone. They enjoy sharing wonderful stories of things that happened ‘in their day!’ Approaching Mothering Sunday, I remember one driver telling me he had forgotten to buy flowers for his mother. It was late Saturday evening. As he was working a branch line in Cornwall he noticed daffodils on the embankment, so he stopped, got out of the cab and picked them! No one ever knew – and Mum was delighted! I am not suggesting that we do such things, but it is important that we all try to remember folk who are lonely and offer our prayers and encouragement in any ways we can.
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Dylis George Southeastern, GTR for South Eastern routes, TfL South
Misty Copeland puts forward that, “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” I am a testament to this. I am part of a team that not only offers and gives support to all and sundry on the railway but supports its own impartially. ‘A burden shared is a burden halved.’ I share my pains, and struggles with my team and the unequivocal support I receive from my colleagues is amazing; we are there for each other, just as we are there for you. The journey has not been easy, but I have pulled through day by day because I have the right team to support me. My earnest prayer is that the grace of God will be sufficient for us at all times. Christopher Henley South West Railway, Waterloo to the South Coast, TfL South West
A warm welcome to everyone, particularly to those of you whom I’ve now had the opportunity to ‘meet’ and get to know via the new medium. Our new medium of course being Zoom (why didn’t I buy shares in them a year ago?), Teams, Skype, Facebook etc. It has meant that I have been able to meet so many of you to share, have a bit of fun and talk about some of the issues
Support on life’s journey
important to you on a one-to-one basis, and in absolute confidence. Instead of a voice on the other end of a phone we can ‘meet’ making the call more personal, if you prefer. I have also enjoyed the quizzes… If only my camera could see the answers! Andrea Smyth London North, ARL, Chiltern, Avanti, Eurostar, GTR, TfL North
Due to restrictions on going out and supporting people face to face, I have been using digital platforms much more frequently. As some will know, I enjoy engaging in conversations on social media, and I frequently receive requests for support on platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Recently I supported a senior police officer through private messaging on LinkedIn, and I have also been able to support Eurostar staff both publicly and privately on Twitter. I have also been struck by how open people are willing to be, even if we have never met them face to face. It is a credit to our organisation that people trust us. Praise God for this challenging ministry that he has given us.
Be a friend. Just ask.
www.ruoktoday.co.uk
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info
Dereck Grant North Scotland
Until Christmas, I could travel around the North of Scotland where restrictions were less than in other places. This allowed me to help people in person rather than over the phone. Even to the end of the year, I was supporting people affected by the derailment at Stonehaven. I was also able to support railway staff who were devastated by the loss of three work colleagues to cancer. Mental health issues have increased over the last nine months. It has been challenging to support people with such issues. Trespassing is a growing problem in my area. A driver has shared with me how difficult it was when their train hit someone. Please pray for the rail industry in the north of Scotland. Helen Bartlett North East, Newcastle
We are working with Network Rail and LNER to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Great Heck (near Selby) incident, where a Range Rover stuck on the track meant that ten people died including two train drivers. Although the current situation is limiting our actions, we will lay wreaths
at Great Heck and Newcastle on 28 February. The train will whistle at 10:13 am. Network Rail has a strong interfaith body, and we have discussed some really useful topics. A Darlington colleague encourages me to help with some of the presentations. I am joining the Christian Zoom breakout room next month. Other faiths will be represented on the same day. What a world we live in - and God is definitely at work. Colin Fraser The Midlands for East Midlands Railway, London St Pancras
This has been a time of seeing the benefits of Railway Mission being so deeply embedded into the railway community. This has ensured that contact with rail companies has remained fruitful and even potentially expanded opportunities. I have seen that not only is nothing wasted with the Lord but that He always makes a way into His bigger Kingdom plans. I have been part of plans to continue supporting staff in the immediate future as needs present themselves, and also looking at sustainable, longer-term support options. Please join me in praising the Lord for His faithful and innovative guidance during this time and pray that our vision is not limited to our
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understanding, but keeps in step with the greatness of our God. Graham Whitehead West Highlands and Central Scotland
Keeping in touch by video call works, but is no substitute for being together. I have missed those chance meetings which turn out to be such important and meaningful conversations. When I do speak to people, many are finding the situation wearing, and the impact on the industry is potentially huge and ongoing. For some, job insecurity dominates, for others, the losses we have suffered. Please pray that we can all look forward to a brighter future in which God's works will be more clearly visible to everyone.
Angela Levitt-Harwood Great Northern, LNER, York to Kings Cross London
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 in the New Testament talks about ‘the God of all comfort who comforts us so that we in turn may bring comfort to others.‘ For almost a year we have been living in a strange world and many have needed to find comfort as they have faced new challenges. The Railway Industry has been no exception.
Support on life’s journey
Together we have found new ways of communicating, and we've taken online courses and joined in teaching sessions. Next week I start presenting a five week remote Team Brief for Network Rail on supporting people with terminal illness both in and out of the workplace. Many in the industry have expressed their thanks to the chaplaincy for bringing comfort in difficult situations. Mike Roberts North West, North Wales
In a world where the news seems to be repeated each day there has been much to be thankful for. Working from home has created some opportunities to work differently. WhatsApp groups with staff from across the network have been places where people have been able to share openly about the challenges they face, and I’ve been able to support them. Twitter has become a key part of the week to engage with large numbers of staff (@birdsnestsblog). I’ve joined projects around Diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and as a mentor to staff at one of the Train Companies. I’m grateful that chaplaincy has come into its own with dialogue with directors, managers and staff. Pray this continues as our work patterns change so quickly.
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info John Roe Great Western Railway, Paddington, TfL West
In these unprecedented times, I have learned a whole new technological vocabulary (‘Zoom’, ‘Teams’, Online Streaming’ etc.!) and, more importantly, how to use the hitherto mysterious technology to positive effect in railway chaplaincy ministry. Whilst travel remains restricted, a high degree of contact has nevertheless been maintained with staff at all levels and functions, through online meetings, including staff induction and welfare and safety training. It has also been encouraging to be invited to contribute a number of written and video contributions to Train Companies, Network Rail and British Transport Police internal communications, promoting our availability for support. This, I pray will continue to raise the profile and value of chaplaincy to the Rail Industry. Andrew Buchanan The South West for Great Western Railway
Whilst embracing technology, I am still wary of joining Zoom or Teams meetings, anticipating that things may not go quite as planned. In one meeting with managers based in the South West, I clicked the link at
the appointed time to find I had accessed what appeared to be the sound of heavy breathing and I mean ‘heavy breathing’. Unknown to me, I was accepted into the meeting at a point where breathing exercises were taking place - very much above board but, my word, did it leave me feeling hot and clammy. To this day, I remain fearful in pressing that ‘Join Meeting’ button so a lesson to take from this is to look at who is on before doing so! John Robinson Southern, Gatwick Express, GTR for Southern Routes
As the new year gets going, the need to improvise with caring for railway staff has increased. One very encouraging thing for my work with GTR Group has been the opportunity to work collaboratively with local and senior management in providing care and helping to develop initiatives to facilitate staff wellbeing. One such initiative springs from the fact that Southern and Gatwick Express are currently recruiting Family Liaison Officers and I have been asked to offer training support for the new recruits. As well as supporting the role personally, I have been speaking to the BTP Fatalities and Investigations Team, as well as the Training Department, to ascertain whether they might also offer support for the new role.
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Stephen Rowe Area Manager London & The South, TfL Central
Like many, we've been mostly working from home, which has meant innovating the way we approach communication with fellow staff members and with rail industry workers. The benefit has been that most of our chaplains have become reasonably tech savvy, and learned how to converse via Teams, the phone or even in emails and texts. It is likely that this will be the form of communication we will utilise for the immediate future, but it is so effective that it will become part of the way in which we interact with staff going forward, with the caveat that we can't wait to be out and about again in face-toface meetings. Our prayer is for patience as we navigate this season.
New Chaplains Despite the lockdown and the COVID-19 pandemic, people on the railway still need support. We are pleased to introduce two new team members. Helen Lewis, who is taking on South and Mid Wales from Hannah; the North Wales line will now be covered by Mike Roberts, who now also covers Merseyside. Phil Brawn is also starting as a railway chaplain for the Greater Manchester and North West area. Both Helen and Phil started training on 1 February. Please pray for them as they start this new adventure within the railway industry.
Help support Railway Mission chaplains with your giving… RailwayMission.org/ Donate
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Six ways to help us support rail staff…
Cheque or Postal Order
A one-off or regular donation by cheque or postal order sent to: Railway Mission, Rugby Railway Station, Rugby, CV21 3LA.
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A one-off or regular donation through your bank. Email our Administrator for more information… office@railwaymission.org
Web Donation
A one-off or regular donation through our website. Visit www.railwaymission.org, and click on the Donate page, where you will find easy to follow directions.
Wills & Legacy
To include us in your will, our charity name is Railway Mission, our charity number in England & Wales is 1128024, and in Scotland is SCO45897.
Gift Aid as an extra
UK taxpayers can claim an extra 25% on donations via HMRC, as long as you meet their conditions and complete, sign and return a Gift Aid form to us.
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Because every donation is taken from your gross pay, every pound you give will only cost you 80p, or only 60p if you are a higher rate tax payer.
*For more information on Payroll Giving, go to:
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Railway Mission is a registered charity in England and Wales (1128024) and in Scotland (SCO45897). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06519565).
Railway Mission Room 66 • Rugby Railway Station • Warwickshire CV21 3LA • office@railwaymission.org • 07718 971 919 Supportwww.railwaymission.org on life’s journey
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“They helped me through the hard times” Support on life’s journey
