RM News Issue 2 • 2021
Chaplaincy to the railways of England, Scotland & Wales
Support on life’s journey
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From the Top
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Chaplaincy in focus • Helen Lewis
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Chaplaincy in focus • Phil Brawn
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Spreading the good news
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Chaplaincy in focus • Andrew Buchanan
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Support on life’s journey www.railwaymission.org Railway Mission Rugby Railway Station Rugby • CV21 3LA
More power to your Alba
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The biggest change in a generation
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Chaplains’ post-incident support
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1213 Miles
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Chaplains Prayer & Info
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The Railway Mission in Ireland
office@railwaymission.org support@railwaymission.org
07718 971919 Cover photo by 6089Gardener at Flickr… “On 17 August 2019, 150203 stops at Dore on the 0849 Manchester Piccadilly - Sheffield.” Used with permission of author.
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 God in the lead
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ave you ever noticed the way God has a habit of having you in the right place at the right time? Recently someone cancelled a meeting with Michele, chaplain to East Anglia, so she came to meet John Robinson and myself as we were going to make a short video for Tramlink to be played on a loop as drivers sign on. John is chaplain for the Southern area, including TfL Tramlink. We grabbed a coffee and sat outside a station, suitably socially distanced, when I received a call to ask for immediate support due to a serious incident that was unfolding. Because of the sensitive nature of the situation, I can’t give any details, but to be able to say, “I have Michele with me, she will be right there” was wonderful. After visiting the station, Michele headed to the hospital. Of course, we never want to hear that there has been a serious incident, but when we do, it is wonderful to know that God has placed us in the right place at the right time. Later I received an email of thanks from a manager who said, “I knew that Michele would be a calming influence at the hospital where emotions would be running high.” We need to be open to the possibility that our plans can and do change, but also be ready to respond to the needs of people and the leading of the Holy Spirit, trusting that the Lord will place us where He wants us, and that it may not always be where we want to be. Liam Johnston is the Executive Director of Railway Mission
Support on life’s journey
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Chaplaincy in focus
On track to be a chaplain • Helen Lewis Recently Helen Lewis joined Railway Mission as the Railway and British Transport Police Chaplain for South and Mid-Wales. Recalling how she came to faith in Christ at the age of 14, Helen said, “I would love to say that since then my Christian walk has been one of continuous growth, but sadly, I backslid during my late teens…” but God remained faithful and while at university, Helen recommitted her life to serving God. In 2004, together with her husband, Matt, Helen began to
work in schools across Wales with the Christian Council for Schools in Wales (CCSW), sharing the Gospel with children and young people from nursery age to sixth form. Although CCSW has closed and the work is now run by Scripture Union, initially Helen continued in a different role with Scripture Union, working as a support worker for the Wales team. About four years ago, after suffering a back injury that left her unable to continue working with Scripture Union, Helen was prayerfully waiting on the Lord’s direction; for many years she had suffered from severe post-natal
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I knew that my experiences with poor mental health could be of benefit in understanding the issues that others might be struggling with.
depression, and the Lord made it very clear that these struggles would not be wasted. Helen was then approached by Sports Chaplaincy UK, about becoming a volunteer chaplain with Welsh Netball. Helen says, “I knew that my experiences with poor mental health could be of benefit in understanding the issues that others might be struggling with.” Since then, Helen has had the privilege of being chaplain to both the Wales senior national squad and the Celtic Dragons Super League teams. “It was as part of this role that I became aware of Mental Health First Aid training,” said Helen. Soon she trained as a Mental Health First Aid instructor and set up a small training business, with a vision to see at least one Mental Health First Aider in every church in Wales, which she has been working towards, by training people across Wales.
days a week, allowing her the opportunity to continue training people to be Mental Health First Aiders, while still practising the skills and knowhow she has gained over the years. One of the biggest issues the railway industry faces is that of fatalities on the railway. On average around 270 people, a year lose their lives on the network in a deliberate act, with others being left with lifechanging injuries. Railway Mission chaplains offer support to the rail staff involved in such incidents and also to the members of the public that are affected and referred by the Police to the chaplaincy for post-incident support. Locate your local Railway Mission chaplain at railwaymission.org / find-a-chaplain
Now Helen has taken on the role of Railway Mission chaplain for three
Support on life’s journey
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Chaplaincy in focus
Phil Brawn ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ – Jesus (Matt 25:40). Phil Brawn is the new chaplain for the Manchester and North West area east of the West Coast Main Line. He joins Railway Mission after working with those who have found themselves homeless, recently volunteering with the Embassy project in Manchester. “I have enjoyed sharing stories, food, and time with people from all walks of life that have become homeless.” “It is especially good to see people’s lives turned around. Some have found Jesus, permanent housing, employment and the support they need.” Now Phil brings that same compassion and love to those who work on the railway. It might seem like a big leap from supporting the homeless to supporting people who have jobs and a roof over their heads at night. But everyone needs to know they are cared for and have the opportunity to be introduced to Jesus. Starting work with Railway Mission during the pandemic has been a challenge. It’s not easy for people to get to know the ‘chaplain behind the mask.’ Nevertheless, being available to meet people, in person, by video or to spend time on the phone listening to the concerns of staff is helping to open the doors for the future.
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Spreading the good news One of the most enjoyable aspects of rail chaplaincy, from a missionary perspective, is the mandate to work with people of faith within the industry. Being called Railway Mission means we are commissioned to promote the good news that God loves people and wants them to have a better life and future. We do this in a number of ways: one on one with people of faith, or with those who are enquiring; in small groups that gather on a regular or spontaneous basis; through invitations to speak at churches or faith groups outside of the rail industry who are interested in our missionary work. Some chaplains have created space at stations, depots and offices for staff members with common beliefs to gather and share the message of hope, pray for one another and for the industry as a whole. Included in the ways in which chaplains reach out to people of faith in the industry are: working with groups that meet on a regular basis at various locations, engaging with Christians
Support on life’s journey
through WhatsApp groups, supporting Christians at stations for catch-ups and casual conversations on the move. There are also some groups working with Alpha Courses which give an introduction to what faith is all about. Other chaplains speak of staff members requesting prayer or to seek a blessing from a minister. Chaplains agree that it’s beneficial to meet up and discuss faith with staff members because ‘it’s a way to build each other up and develop a good level of support,’ ‘it helps in our spiritual development and maturity,’ ’it develops a sense of purpose and calling,’ ‘it encourages honesty,’ ‘it allows us to bring prayers and petitions before God.’ Eight in ten workers globally profess faith of some kind or other, almost a third being Christian. Promoting faith in the workplace is part of what chaplains do, and it is a privilege to be able to support workers in this way.
Are you a Christian looking for connection in the workplace? Contact us at office@railwaymission.org.
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Chaplaincy in focus Andrew Buchanan One man’s journey from police to paramedic, train driver to chaplain… In 1881 Railway Mission was founded to provide pastoral care and support for railway staff. One hundred and forty years later the charity is still supporting the railway community through a dedicated team of railway chaplains. From the North of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from the Welsh coast to the Humber, chaplains provide a valuable, proactive support network for the railway industry. During the ‘COVID-19 Lockdown’ last year, Andrew Buchanan joined the Railway Mission team as the chaplain for the South West of England. Andrew says: ‘It is a privilege to have been called to
take up the role as a Railway Mission representative and chaplain for the railway industry and British Transport Police for the South West of England.” Andrew has found a recurring theme prominent in many of his discussions with railway staff and senior leadership teams. Irrespective of the company or organisation, there is a real focus in the railway community on Health and Well-Being. Companies of all sizes have recognised the need to support the mental health of industry colleagues. Regardless of the role colleagues may perform, everyone deserves to be cared for and listened to when it comes to their mental well-being. All of the chaplaincy team brings a wealth of ‘life-lived experience’ to the role of Railway Mission chaplain. But Andrew brings
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something of a unique perspective due to his time as a former Police Officer and Scenes of Crime Officer, a Paramedic and latterly, as a Train Driver on the West Coast mainline. Using his past work experiences, Andrew hopes to build upon established links and develop new and trusted relationships with railway staff. He has been involved in a fatality as a train driver, body retrieval and identification with the police, and lifesaving work as a paramedic. He believes this will help him to come alongside those who may want to talk and share their own experiences. Railway Mission objectives over the years have not changed as we continue to provide professional, independent, impartial, confidential short term pastoral care and support that complements the chain of care provided by the rail industry. Railway Mission is actively involved in a multi-agency, multidisciplinary approach to tackling the very real issues that impact the mental health of those in the railway industry and the members of the public affected by railway operations. Andrew describes chaplaincy as, “Christianity with its sleeves rolled up,” adding “I can't expect to leave footprints if I haven't taken the opportunity to
Support on life’s journey
reach out to all, irrespective of whether a person is active or retired.” Railway Mission is actively working for the benefit of the wider railway community and will continue to enhance what has already been established, but where there are still opportunities to be explored the chaplaincy team will continue to reach out and be available in meeting needs that can only be effectively met by working through these issues as part of a multidisciplinary approach. The railway industry faces an uncertain future. Yes, trains will still run, the investment will happen, but the shape and management of the industry is still not fully settled. There is uncertainty around passenger numbers, the security of some jobs, or indeed the governance of the industry. But what is certain is that as long as there are Railway Mission chaplains like Andrew Buchanan, there will be support for railway staff and members of the public affected by railway operations.
To find out more about Railway Mission chaplaincy visit railwaymission.org
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More power to your Alba
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he Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland is Alba, which comes from the same Celtic root as the name Albion, which refers to all of Great Britain. So it is fitting that we have Graham, an English man to support the Scottish Railway Family. After studying at St Andrew's, Graham settled in Scotland working 25 years on the railway, first as a ticket examiner, then a driver and finally a timetable planner. But Graham always felt called to combine his profession and faith. After studying a course on chaplaincy, Graham (left) joined the Mission. “It joins up the things I love – faith, railways and people.” Coming from a railway background, most frontline staff and managers appreciate that I talk their language. Born in South Africa, Johanna (above) has an interesting family history connection to Scotland, which ultimately led her to join us as a chaplain for Scotland. We will explore this in a later publication. “I feel so privileged to be a chaplain in Scotland. The country is so beautiful and the people are so
friendly,” Johanna explained, “Where I was brought up, it had one of the highest crime rates in the world, but in Scotland, I feel safe.” Serving the Lord and loving the railway people in Scotland are the motivating factors for Johanna. Dereck (below) covers the north of Scotland, where his vast area has the smallest population. “In rural locations, you build relationships slowly and trust takes time.” Timing is important for travelling by train. “Some of the stations close mid-afternoon. Get it wrong and you can get stuck for hours with no one to talk to!”
The pandemic has taken a toll on mental health even in the remotest of communities. Dereck says, “I have seen more people with mental health issues, this is both staff and passengers.” Such is the problem that Dereck has been asked to hold a Suicide Prevention event in the north for Wick and Thurso staff.
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GBR The biggest change in a generation
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fter years of uncertainty and turmoil, with claims of profiteering levelled at the big train operating companies and confusing ticketing schemes, the creation of a new public body Great British Railways (GBR) promises to deliver a railway system for the 21st century. The Prime Minister said: "I'm a great believer in rail, but for too long passengers have not had the service they deserve. By creating GBR and investing in the future of the network, this Government will deliver a system the country can be proud of.” The formation of GBR is the key recommendation of a government review, led by Keith Williams, which also proposes simpler fares and changes to commuting patterns as a result of the pandemic. There are concerns about the future; Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association general secretary, Manuel
Support on life’s journey
Cortes, has written to Network Rail amid reports the state-owned company is planning to slash thousands of jobs. Please pray as Railway Mission will continue to support all those who are affected by the uncertainties of the present situation. This is an exciting time for our industry, and we hope and pray that the changes that will come over the next year or two will benefit everyone. With safety and mental health, green technology and a fairer system of ticketing, the future looks bright. Please pray that the industry as a whole will continue to support Railway Mission and the support and care we provide. Pray too that the doors for the gospel will remain open and that chaplains will have the wisdom to know what is appropriate to say and bold enough to take the opportunities as they arise to point people to Jesus.
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Chaplains’ post-incident support for rail staff
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ngoing support for first responders and rail staff who witness or deal with tragedies on the railways is of paramount importance to staff and officers alike. It’s a sad fact that every year between three and four hundred people seek to take their lives on the railways of England, Scotland and Wales. Railway Mission is strongly involved with other agencies in suicide prevention and intervention, but we have also made ourselves key to the support of rail staff following incidents. Whilst we’ve had an excellent track record of supporting rail staff following incidents historically, two years ago we set out with the purpose of following up on every
incident recorded in a British Transport Police (BTP) proforma to ensure that all staff are reached with an offer of support following serious incidents. During the year from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, Railway Mission chaplains gave support to staff with a direct or indirect connection to every BTP recorded rail incident. This was a major achievement because there are so many rail staff involved during and following a person’s attempted self-harm on the railways. A typical incident could include the train driver, onboard crew, station staff, and first responders such as Network Rail Mobile Operation Managers and BTP officers,
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Railway Mission is strongly involved with other agencies in suicide prevention and intervention, but we have also made ourselves key to the support of rail staff following incidents. including medical and investigation teams. Then there are signallers who are aware of the incident, of course, and the management teams of those who are directly involved. We work hard to contact them all through their management teams to offer and give support. Chaplains also follow up on sudden deaths at stations or on trains, and where there are accidents involving rail staff or passengers, again to support staff whenever there has been a potentially traumatic occurrence on the railways. We are occasionally requested by the coroner’s office to support friends and relatives of those who have lost their lives on the railways. Sometimes we are asked to support those travelling members of the public who witness an incident. During the lockdown we continued offering and giving support, mostly using electronic means. Again we were 100% effective in offering support. Now that we are able to work on site we can visit staff where they work, which has always been our preferred option, but we
Support on life’s journey
can make the primary electronic contact which has added to our effectiveness as a post-incident support team. Chaplains have many conversations with rail staff following incidents, and staff are always appreciative of the contact, many saying they’re glad that there is someone there who cares. Often the conversation shifts to previous incidents staff members were involved in. Being available to rail staff is part of the recovery process from potentially traumatic events that they have witnessed or worked on. Railway Mission will continue to support rail staff and officers following incidents. If you’re a rail worker and have been troubled in any way by an incident you witnessed or dealt with, please get in touch with your local chaplain. You can find chaplains at our website.
Find us online…
www.railwaymission.org
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team is aiming to walk 1213 miles in June to match the longest route currently diagrammed by an Avanti West Coast Class Pendolino in service on the West Coast to raise money for the work of Railway Mission, who provide a team of chaplains to help support staff in the rail industry. Railway chaplains have been in increased demand as the challenge of emerging from the lockdown and the pandemic begins to hit home, and with a significant part of Railway Mission’s funding coming from voluntary donations, the team hopes to help provide additional funding through sponsoring supporters. The team of five will walk, between them, 1213 miles, matching the distance of a train leaving Wembley and travelling to Euston, north to Glasgow, back to London, and returning to Glasgow, before finishing there at Polmadie depot. The walkers are all current or recent members of the railway family,
including Mike Roberts, who works as the railway chaplain for the North West, covering the West Coast Line between Stafford and the Scottish Borders.
The team: Debbie Francis: Non-executive director, chair, counsellor, coach and mentor, previously Managing Director of Direct Rail Services. National Rail Awards judge. Natasha Hanson: A HR Specialist most recently at DRS, and a judge in the National Rail Awards. Bessie Matthews: A former Greater Anglia conductor and now trainee train driver. Mike Roberts: Railway Mission chaplain for the North West of England and North Wales. Heather Waugh: a train driver, formerly with ScotRail and now with Freightliner in Southern Scotland, and a mental health campaigner and advocate.
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1213 Miles Walking the journey of the busiest West Coast Train Photo: PNW Production for pexels.com
40 miles per day The intrepid ramblers expect to cover 40 miles per day as a team, with each person aiming to complete almost 250 miles. Between them, they will aim to pace out approximately 2.8 million steps between the 1st and 30th of June. Mike then hopes, at the end of the month, to do as much of the 1213 miles in a day on the Pendolino that leaves London before 0600, calling at Crewe, Warrington, Wigan, Preston, Lancaster, Oxenholme, Penrith, and Carlisle during the day (all stations that Mike serves as chaplain), as well as Glasgow.
About Railway Mission The railway chaplains’ team offer support to all staff across the railway industry, including Network Rail, British Transport Police and Train and Freight Operating Companies. They have been in action for 140 years, being formed in 1881. Chaplains
Support on life’s journey
support staff through any trauma, personal or professional issues and have been involved in following up on a number of major incidents, including the Carmont derailment of August 2020. Railway Mission, supported by the industry and by donations, consists of a team of 20 chaplains across England, Scotland and Wales, working in partnership with the rail industry to help staff when they need it, to offer a friendly voice and listening ear at all times.
For more information on the 1213 Miles fundraiser, please contact Mike Roberts on 07557 430364, or email: mike.roberts@railwaymission.org. He’s on Twitter @birdsnestsblog.
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info Johanna Childs East Scotland
Life is getting much busier now that restrictions are being lifted. Glasgow is no exception. Glasgow Central has a new Station manager, Drew Burns. Please pray for him and his new responsibilities in his role. Trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow are getting pretty busy and the opportunities to support railway staff are getting more frequent. My experience is that staff would easily share their experiences of lockdown and the effect it had on them. Listening to their stories creates opportunities to reflect on issues like loneliness, togetherness, life, death and the purpose of it all. I pray for wisdom to touch everyone I spend time with, with the love and grace of God. Dereck Grant North Scotland
Now, with lockdown restrictions lifting it has become noticeably clear that there are a lot of people struggling with mental health issues in my area. In fact, modern technology has helped me to stay in touch with people and my work colleagues. Still, people need to
know that we genuinely care about their welfare, so an encouraging text message to someone who has lost a friend, or a family member can make a big difference. However, there is nothing like meeting people in person and talking to them. Therefore, the more I talk to people the more I discover that mental health issues are worse than I could have imagined. For example, I spoke to one broken father who lost his son recently. Obviously, the father is struggling over the loss of his son. Yet, he believes that a simple faceto-face conversation might have made his son’s death preventable. So, my prayer is to be in the right place at the right time to help those who need to talk because it can make a difference! Angela Levitt-Harwood Great Northern, LNER, York to Kings Cross London
Recently my work has continued to be a mixture of supporting from home and getting out to visit my major stations and making reconnections. There has been a surge in requests for my help with facilitating memorial benches, plaques in memory of those who have sadly passed away, a memory wall and a clock to remember a muchloved railway employee. I guess the last year has brought into sharp focus loss
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and alongside restricted funerals the desire to bring further closure. Staff are happy to see us out and about again and if anything, seem to have a deeper desire to both understand and utilise the breadth of services we provide. Going forward I'm sure we will be increasingly called upon to support situations that have occurred as a consequence of the pandemic and your prayers for our health, strength and resilience will be even more important and for which I say thank you in advance. Graham Whitehead West Highlands and Central Scotland
As COVID-19 loosens its grip on our world, I have spent some time simply travelling about, trying to get a feel for how people are. It has been wonderful to catch up with some friends in person, and to hear their stories of working (and sometimes home) life during this strange year. Railway people are aware that they have been protected from the worst of the economic effects of the pandemic, although they have been exposed to its health risks. As restrictions begin to lift, I find that their spirits are also lifting, and they are thinking more
about their futures. The railway family has been amazing, keeping goods and people moving safely, and I pray that they will be recognised and rewarded for their service to us. Writing as we approach Pentecost, I see signs of new life everywhere. Let’s thank God for them. Michele Ashton London East, Anglia, Abellio East Anglia, c2c, TfL East
What an exciting time I had as I stepped on to the platform at an unmanned station, to start my station visits after working from home for several months. First couple of non-stop trains, greeted me with a vigorous hand wave. The feeling of travelling was quite emotional, I felt like a child in a theme park. It was lovely to be in my familiar workplace. Following up with 18 serious injuries and fatalities in four months from home was normal. Now, out and about visiting, I hear about the weddings being postponed difficulties with homeschooling children, divorce, illness,
Be a friend. Just ask.
www.ruoktoday.co.uk
Support on life’s journey
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info tension in relationships, and so the list goes on. All issues being faced by those keeping the railway operational. What immense pleasure I feel to walk side by side with staff and support them as they work. From one cancelled appointment to supporting BTP officers responding to an emergency. There is never a dull moment, and you never know what is around the next bend. Philip Brawn Greater Manchester & The North West
I have recently joined the Railway Mission chaplaincy team, but already been encouraged by the support of my fellow chaplains. It has been a strange experience starting under lockdown but just like everyone else it has been a case of making the best of the situation and learning new skills such as video communications. As restrictions are beginning to ease, I am enjoying visiting more of the station staff and starting to build relationships with them. Sometimes it's just conversations over lunch where people feel they can open up and talk freely about things they are struggling with. It is a privilege to be able to support the railway family in this way. Please pray that I will be accepted by staff as I
move through the different stations and for more opportunities to communicate Jesus in the day-to-day stuff. Colin Fraser East Midlands Railway, London St Pancras
I have been really encouraged by phone calls and emails that I have been receiving from railway staff looking forward to meeting up again in person as restrictions start to ease. Though I do wonder whether some of these invites have come off the back of the rumour that I might bring biscuits! Towards the end of May, East Midlands Railway will be introducing new services due to major electrification work. Also, a result of this work, a new depot has opened along with regional offices. Please pray for the smooth integration of these new services into the timetable; me as I seek to build on existing relationships and forge new ones at these new facilities that have opened; the steady increase in rail passengers across the network; all the chaplains as we reconnect with staff over the crucial reintegration time that the coming months bring; that we have ears to listen, and our words are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
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John Roe Great Western Railway, Paddington, TfL West
It has been encouraging to be able once more to meet many Railway workers face to face at stations, and by invitation to some depots and offices, now that travel restrictions are being relaxed. Through these renewed informal engagements, we are once more a visible presence of support, and agents of hope to those in need. Many office-based railway staff continue to work fully or partly from home at this time, increasing the risk of loneliness and isolation. I thank God for the invitation and opportunity to work with senior railway management, through Wellbeing Focus Groups, to re-connect and support home-based staff. David Hardy West Midlands, Gloucester, Retired Railway Staff
Recently I was asked to take the funeral of a 91-year-old retired driver. For more than 10 years I have been going to the reunions and he was always there, chatting and joking with his friends. His daughter had arranged for a member of the family to read two poems. Sadly, just before the funeral he tested positive for COVID-19 and so
Support on life’s journey
could not come. I read one of the poems and I asked a retired railwayman friend to read the other. The friend had known him for years and had fired for him in steam days and later been a guard and often worked the train he was driving. I lent the guard my green flag that I sometime use as a visual aid in worship services. After reading the poem, the guard waved the green flag and shouted “Right-Away driver! Have a safe final journey!” His daughter was really pleased! The wonder of the gospel is that, because of Easter we know that all can have a safe homeward journey, if we trust in Jesus our Saviour! Dylis George Southeastern, GTR for South Eastern routes, TfL South
Chaplaincy support and pastoral care continue, and I am excited to journey alongside staff who just need a shoulder to lean on. At this juncture, I have had emails from staff who are contacting me for the very first time. Exciting times indeed to link up, have a chat and be in a position to encourage and proffer strength in dealing, primarily, with the challenges of post COVID-19 amidst other cares of this world. I look forward to re-engaging and reconnecting with my railway family
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info upon the resumption of face-to-face contacts. I have been working closely with the Wellbeing Manager of Southeastern trains in doing station visits in the last six months and it has been absolutely brilliant to touch base with staff on duty. There are proposed wellbeing days scheduled at a number of stations in June that will give me the opportunity to reconnect with staff and an opportunity to engage with new staff members. Christopher Henley South West Railway, Waterloo to the South Coast, TfL South West
‘Great to see you, glad you’re here. Chris is our Chaplain’ (talking to a few newer members of the railway team). I have the great fortune to be invited and trusted to talk with many railway people who have experienced or witnessed the traumatic side of the railway industry. I was recently invited to a Network Rail Depot and then a South Western Railway main hub and warmly welcomed with the above greeting. In the area l cover (WaterlooWeymouth-The Isle of Wight-Waterloo), it is truly overwhelming to know so many of the railway family have that confidence and trust in me to share their life stories, experiences and traumas. Not, however, as overwhelming as the experiences and
life stories l am privileged to hear. Always happy to listen and chat. I may, however, steer clear of talking football, particularly as my team have just opted out of the Premiership! Mike Roberts North West, North Wales, Liverpool
Imagine you’ve been doing the same journey for years, and then suddenly someone has changed the layout of all the roads? It can feel a little like that on the railway at the moment. Whilst you hear politicians talking about “building back better” after COVID-19 there is much anxiety around how the railway will return as social distancing eases. Please pray, in this forthcoming period of inevitable change, that chaplains may be able to be there for managers, directors and front-line staff. I’m giving thanks for an openness in the industry at the moment and a huge desire to enable the work of Railway Mission to expand. One director spoke of the “unique value” that chaplains bring, and, in a tough year, I’m thankful for that value, which we know comes from our hope and faith. I’d also value your prayers to get to know the teams I’ll work with in North Wales, as I’ve started to cover that area this year.
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Helen Bartlett North East, Newcastle
Resourcing ourselves is essential to wholesome support for others. Praying as chaplains is vital for our wellbeing. Enjoying a week’s leave; and having both my ‘jabs’ are all essential to safeguarding myself for the role. Staff still face enormous challenges in keeping trains running.... and running on time. Stations still have vulnerable people. Staff keep encouraging support of others facing difficulties. The past few months have involved four trips on a train, and taken in the ‘20 years Great Heck Anniversary’ (over 1000 viewers online). I’ve been involved with Network Rail Multi-Faith Network ventures, including their Conference (doing a taster session on Christianity), a number of on-line meetings, and I’ve supported a few individuals after rail fatalities. I’ve had
the opportunity to meet up with Northern and CrossCountry Directors. Life goes on and so does the chaplaincy. Chaplains have met together in Newcastle. Great fun. God is good to us. Helen Lewis South & Mid Wales & The Marches
I am privileged to work in the beautiful land of Wales, and I cover the rail network from the South Wales coast, as far north as Shrewsbury and west to Pwllheli. When I joined the Railway Mission in February this year, restrictions imposed by COVID-19 made visiting rail installations and meeting railway staff difficult. Thankfully, as restrictions are slowly easing, I am now able to begin travelling around the network, getting to meet staff and offering support for whatever issues they may be facing on a daily basis. Please do pray that these initial encounters would be well received and
EmergencyUK.com Emergency Services Show 7-8 Sept 2021 NEC Support on life’s journey
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Chaplains’ Prayer & Info that I would be aware of, and able to meet with those who need help. However, as excited as I am about meeting so many new people, I am more excited at the possibility of them meeting Jesus. Please pray that in all my interactions I would both reflect Him and point others towards Him. John Robinson Southern, Gatwick Express, GTR for Southern Routes
I have recently taken on the Jubilee Line, the first time that I have worked with London Underground staff. My first meeting was with the London Bridge Area Manager, who was very receptive towards Chaplaincy support and happy for me to meet all her staff on shift. From that first meeting, one of the staff has been in touch and the Railway Mission contact details will now appear in a book that she is publishing on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of railway staff. As so often, God is one step ahead and I am very grateful for that! As well as your prayers for Underground staff, please pray that I am able to reach out to the British Transport Police at Croydon, who have substantially increased the officer numbers in recent weeks. I am now
planning visits to meet all the officers in person! Andrea Smyth London North, ARL, Chiltern, Avanti, Eurostar, GTR, TfL North
I’m reading a book about intimacy at the moment. About the link between our intimacy with God and our intimacy with other people. Last week I spent some time supporting a young police officer who has just been diagnosed with PTSD. A couple of weeks ago I was supporting a young woman who is an abusive relationship. Someone said to me today, do these people sometimes see you as their mum? And I thought, how true! The level of intimacy required on occasions like these, which chaplains face, is akin to being that person’s family member. And in order to bring that intimacy, we must also have that same intimacy with our Heavenly Father, who knows us and loves us despite all our faults. Please pray for your chaplains as we seek intimacy and trust with and from those we are called to serve.
Find us online…
www.railwaymission.org
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Stephen Rowe
Andrew Hall
Area Manager London & The South, TfL Central
Area Manager North, West Midlands, Avanti, Chiltern
It's been marvellous to be able to travel on trains and meet staff in situ as the lockdown is eased. We are still cautious and vigilant, but chaplains are about people and, even if it's mask-tomask rather than face-to-face, we have a smile behind the veil. We are still predominantly working from home, however, and have had discussions about how we can best support lone workers who are feeling lonely working in isolation. Flexible working arrangements will possibly be a part of the rail recovery for some staff, so it's important to find ways of coming alongside to encourage them during this period of change and adaptation. We do have answers to prayer, though, including one family who are grateful that their special needs son has been able to find new accommodation nearby after having had the previous arrangement end suddenly. Prayer is effective when the righteous seek God.
At last, we are beginning to see the beginnings of a return to the railway. Obviously, this is very desirable at an industry level because of revenue and raison d'etre. It is possibly not quite so desirable to others. I'm sure no passenger really wants to return to overcrowded rush-hour trains and no staff member wants an increase in the number of rude, aggressive, faredodging passengers. Please pray for all rail staff as they engage with these changes and for the chaplains as we endeavour to support them in their places of work. There will be some staff who will continue to work from home for some or all of their hours. As a Mission we are endeavouring to establish sustainable ways of engaging with these homeworkers. Please pray for wisdom and inspiration in our endeavours.
Thanks for caring
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The Railway Mission in Ireland One reason why Ireland has been in the news is the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State. Before 1921 the whole of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom and the Railway Mission (RM) had an interest in all railways within the UK. The Irish railways were idiosyncratic with a ‘standard gauge’ of 5ft 3ins, several narrow gauge lines and even a monorail. The Mission was a staunchly Protestant organisation that viewed the Roman Catholic Church that dominated Ireland as a mission field rather than a partner in mission. The RM was keen to spread the gospel among railwaymen in Ireland and in May 1886 the Secretary visited Dublin and Belfast. As a result thirteen
branches of the Railway Mission were formed between 1886 and 1889. By 1888 a Miss Crossle had been appointed as District Secretary covering eleven of them. The outreach of the Mission apparently flourished as Miss Crossle applied to the Committee for payment for an assistant that was granted. The spread of the branches extended from Limerick in the south to Derry in the north. Later she sought finance for a hall at Broadstone station in Dublin and a “residence.” The response was that the Committee would help “when local efforts had been made.” The history of Anglo-Irish relations is scarred by conflict and even the Railway Mission was not exempt. By 1891 an ‘Irish Railway Mission’ had
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been created in opposition to the London backed Dublin Committee. Over the next six months correspondence shuttled between London and Dublin, and by late October the Dublin Committee were being urged to take legal action against Miss Crossle. But Dublin was very reluctant, even though they would have been reclaiming what was rightfully theirs. The London Committee found themselves in a difficult position and felt that time had come to settle the matter.
They recognised that; “Miss Crossle still insists upon retaining the premises she at first entered as Secretary to the Railway Mission, but to which having resigned that position she has no longer any right, and in which she carries on the work as an independent organisation. The Committee however, on further consideration prefer to maintain [an] attitude … of Christian forbearance, rather than
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take legal proceedings… they rely upon the cordial sympathy and support of all their Christian friends in Ireland, and especially the Railway men themselves, to maintain and develop the work in union with the Railway Mission of London…” It would have been a clear objective to bring about the ‘conversion’ of Roman Catholics as illustrated by the account of one such conversion in Scotland; “One instance is one of [the] Sunday afternoon carriage washers – a Roman Catholic, very proud and independent, and leader amongst the men. He is quite broken down, comes to the Sunday night meeting and prays for other Railway men.” And in recent years the Mission has received prayer requests from Ireland via social media illustrating the shared experiences of railway people. Dudley Clark May 2021
Page 22: Driver and fireman with Dublin, Wexford & Waterford loco in 1902 (DW&WR loco at Dublin.jpg) Page 23: Northern Ireland Railways loco shunting at Belfast York Rd in 1968 (NIR 2-6-4 No56 shunts yard Belfast Yk Rd v2.jpg)
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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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www.railwaymission.org/donate
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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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