Aspect Autumn 2016

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The employee magazine of Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru

AUTUMN 2016

Employee Roadshows

full steam ahead PAGE THREE

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Inspired by efforts of staff in big race

By Managing Director IAN BULLOCK

WELL done to everyone who took part in the Cardiff half marathon that ATW sponsored. I was inspired to participate myself after seeing the efforts of our staff last year.

The training was tough and sometimes not that enjoyable either – I hate running in the rain – but a side benefit has been that I’ve lost weight and this has spurred me to eat more healthily.

So what started as being inspired by the efforts of other colleagues has had a positive effect on my health and well being. And that is really the point of why we have been sponsoring these types of events and promoting sports clubs.

It sometimes just takes a small nudge to change long established habits for the better. It is of course important to me that we have a healthy team – this has business benefits like reduced sickness and absence.

But actually the bigger benefit is that outside of work you will be able to enjoy life more fully and, most importantly, hopefully be around longer with your family and friends.

I certainly was not the first of the ATW people taking part to finish but for me the taking part was the important bit. Maybe if you did not take part this year perhaps I will see you next time?

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Chris Hannaford who called a taxi at his own expense to transport stranded customers.

Chris always puts the customer first C

HRIS Hannaford is being hailed as one of Arriva Trains Wales’ most public-spirited conductors. When customers were stranded on a service to Maesteg he called a taxi for them at his own expense.

And on another occasion he went miles out of his way to help a passenger with special needs when she became lost.

The first incident happened when the train came to a stand at Tondu station because of an emergency situation unfolding at the signal box.

“I realised that the seven passengers would be detained for at least an hour so I decided to book a taxi to take us all on to Maesteg,” said Chris, who works on the Cardiff Valley Lines.

Two weeks later Chris was travelling out of Cardiff on his day off when he became aware that

a passenger with special needs had got on the wrong train.

“She was crying and saying that she was trying to get to Llanelli so I got off with her and walked her back to Bridgend station so that she could catch another service,” he said.

“I am the sort of person that will try to help people if I possibly can.”

Chris, who has been a Conductor for two years after transferring from working on the barriers, was put forward for a Spotlight award for his initiative at Tondu station.

Conductor Manager Tony da Luca said:“Chris demonstrated outstanding customer service skills far beyond what would be expected under the circumstances. He is diligent in his role and always puts the customer first.”

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N industry-leading initiative is currently underway at Arriva Trains Wales to create the world’s first Platform-Train Interface simulator for staff training.

The Platform-Train interface (PTI) is the highest-risk activity that staff and customers face when using trains and stations, resulting in at least 303 incidents last year with people at the platform edge or boarding and alighting trains.

The new simulator comprises a three-walled room called the CAVE where projectors and screens create an immersive environment allowing the user to experience a virtual reality railway station, complete with customers, trains and interactive objects.

Designed by a group of project champions, the “station” incorporates features that contribute to platform-train interface (PTI) risk such as curved platforms, narrow passages, coffee shop furniture and hidden staircases. Users can navigate around

the virtual reality station using a hand held controller and experience three different modes – free roam, dispatcher or conductor.

As they navigate around or carry out activities relevant to station duties, they will be able to interact with avatar customers or identify objects that could impact on the safety of staff or customers.

“The simulator will enhance and develop people’s decision-making skills and their ability to remain calm under pressure,” said Matthew Long, Driver Trainer.

“Incidents at the platform-train interface represent the highest risk to the safety of our customers and staff.

“In response we decided to manage the risks through enhanced training, realising

Trainee Conductor Chris Edwards uses the new CAVE simulator at St David’s House. that CAVE simulators would provide the immersive, hands-on training tool that we needed. The input from the project champions has been vital in getting the project to where it is today.”

The simulator will be rolled out to trainee and existing staff later this year.

Series of face-to-face roadshows improve employee experience ARRIVA Trains Wales’ commitment to engaging with its staff is being reinforced in a series of Employee Roadshows.

The events, equipped with banners and information stands, are criss-crossing the network over a period of six Head months visiting of Leadership stations as and Organisational widespread Development Liz Prince talks with Catering Steward as Chester, Alex Gregory during an Machynlleth Employee Roadshow at and Cardiff.

Chester station.

Directors and

senior managers hold “open house”, taking part in Question and Answer sessions with employees. People can ask questions on any subject they like including the franchise arrangements as well as local issues.

The roadshows, which replace the staff forums, are part of the ongoing strategy to improve the employee experience. Going out to stations to talk to people face to face increases the visibility of the leadership group.

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Luke raises £2,000 for leukaemia charity

By Finance and Commercial Director SAM HAWKINS

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NEWPORT Station Manager Luke Endsor has raised nearly £2,000 for Leukaemia Care in support of a friend’s son with the disease.

Sponsored by Arriva Trains Wales as well as by workmates and colleagues, Luke entered the London Marathon for the first

time. He had previously entered many half marathons over the years, including the one in Cardiff alongside Arriva colleagues.

“I always wanted to enter the London Marathon ever since I was at school entering the 800 and 1,500 metre events,” said Luke.

Plans to grow revenue are now in place and actioned

Expert guidance on mental health help

MY initial task on taking up my post was to make sure that we have a dedicated financial and commercial team in place, following a number of staff changes.

Since then my primary focus has been on revenue.

It’s been a challenging year – we have seen revenue decline against budget expectations and it’s been all hands on deck looking at ways of growing business.

It’s vital that we look at ways of making improvements and streamlining processes – and we have already made significant progress.

We have put a specific revenue recovery plan in place, with the main focus on our highest yield service – Cardiff to Manchester.

As well as reviewing the revenue collection processes on that route we have launched a price promotion for 20 per cent off dedicated advance fares.

In another initiative, a shared service centre for the IT department has been set up between Arriva Trains Wales and CrossCountry.

Next year is expected to bring with it further trading challenges, particularly in respect to revenue.

So we can all do our bit – if every conductor sold an average 10 tickets more per week we would recover our budget shortfall.

Or, if you see a ticket vending machine out of order, please let us know.

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ENTAL Health Awareness is a key part of Arriva Trains Wales’ ongoing management development programme. Guidance on how to support people through difficult times is being offered to line managers throughout the business.

The company’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy places great importance on education and advice on mental health.

Mark Hector, Management Trainer, is featuring Mental Health Awareness as part of the Health and Wellbeing element of the Evolve Management Development programme for new and existing first line managers.

The Management Development team has also produced a two-hour “bite-size” session for managers, flagging up key pointers.

“The session provides an overview of health and wellbeing before focusing on the causes and symptoms of poor mental health,” said Lynda Hammett, Management Development Advisor.

“It gives managers guidance on how to prevent problems and support their teams and colleagues.

“The session is designed to give a refresher or overview of a particular topic in a way that allows Managers to attend more easily than if it was delivered over a longer period.”

Management Development Advisor Lynda Hammett discusses mental health policy with Conductor Manager Trudie Burns and Driver Team Manager Richard Oram.

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Control teams praised for outstanding performance

SPOT-ON SERVICE: Amanda Lewis with her Spotlight commendation on the Gateline at Chester station.

A living example of

values in action A

Customer Service Advisor at Chester is being praised for being a “living example” of Arriva Trains Wales’ new values.

Gateline employee Amanda Lewis regularly goes the extra mile for customers and has recently received three commendations in the course of two weeks from members of the public.

The first was from a customer who had left her purse on the Merseyrail service and was helped by Amanda to retrieve it.

Amanda offered to pay for a taxi herself to make sure the purse was safely returned.

On another occasion Amanda calmed a lady who became upset on the station after being abandoned by her partner, helping her buy her ticket and making sure she got on her train.

Then she sorted out revised travel arrangements for a couple who had planned a day out to celebrate an18th birthday only to find their train was delayed due to service disruption.

“Amanda does these kinds of

things on a regular basis,” said Station Manager Margaret Benson.“She always has a welcoming smile for our customers and is a shining example of a passionate and proud employee.”

Amanda herself, who has just tied the knot with Chester Driver Ian Mair, said:“I was absolutely thrilled to receive a Spotlight commendation for my customer service.

“I love working with people and I see my job as being an ambassador for the company.”

Fundraising in full swing for official charity DISABILITY Sport Wales is now the official charity of Arriva Trains Wales.

The proceeds from Dress Down Days and charity events are being sent to the charity, which delivers thousands of disability-inclusive sport opportunities

throughout Wales. The special status builds on the already successful community partnership between the rail company and the charity.

Arriva Trains Wales runners taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon were encouraged to raise money towards Disability Sports Wales.

TWO teams in Control at the Welsh Route Operation Centre have been praised for their outstanding performance under the Customer Experience and Trusted Partner pillars.

In the first incident, four members of the Control team were busy recovering the service after a Network Rail engineering work over-run on the North Wales coast. Then a Class 153 unit failed at Craven Arms, blocking one line on the Marches route.

The team worked unstintingly to recover the train services, making hundreds of phone calls, only for a level crossing to fail in the Wrenbury area bringing more disruption.

This was followed by a collision between an Arriva Trains Wales service and a lorry in West Wales on a level crossing.

The team checked the welfare of staff and customers, arranging for a relief train crew and laid on emergency road transport.

Route Controllers Karen Rosser and Gareth Brittain, Duty Control Manager Andy Green and Customer Information Controller Clive Raison have all been nominated for Spotlight awards in recognition of their commitment.

Also nominated after another incident were two Controllers who worked tirelessly to minimise disruption after the axle counters failed at Cogan Junction.

Duty Control Manager Kevin Shaw quickly made the decision to “thin out” the services using the junction to ensure the best possible punctuality.

After Kevin came off shift his colleague Duty Control Manager Ken Harwood continued to work highly effectively in partnership with the Network Rail train running controller.

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Partnership is effective in tackling antisocial behaviour Driver Merrion Jones has a cuppa in the comfy messroom at Treherbert.

Supervisor Richie Bailey with the exhibition of historic photographs in the waiting room at Treherbert depot.

One of the nostalgic images – Treherbert station in 1912.

Driver Chris Bridges at the portal stone of the Rhonda Tunnel.

Modern Valleys depots celebrate

nostalgic railway heritage P

Conductor Craig Howells takes a break in the messroom at Rhymney.

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EOPLE on their break times at two Valleys depots can enjoy smart modern facilities – but they can also take a walk down memory lane.

Treherbert depot was given an office makeover recently and its messroom boasts a flat screen TV, comfy armchairs and kitchen area.

But at the same time, a mini “museum” has been created in the waiting room with photos, posters and maps illustrating bygone days.

In another Valley, Rhymney depot, which also has a well-furnished relaxation area, features a wall given over to photos of the old-time depot as well as recent successes at the Exceptional Contribution Awards.

Treherbert Supervisor Richie Bailey has become something of a local curator of all things related to the history of his depot.

He decided to set up his exhibition when eight large mounting frames became available, and the 50 photos, posters and old luggage labels which are on show have created widespread interest.

“I’m constantly having members of the public knocking on my door wanting to share old stories and information with me,” he said.“The photos – one of which dates back to 1870 – have also been a talking

point with colleagues who are fascinated by the former status of the depot.”

Many of the pictures show Treherbert when it was a major hub with loco sheds and a fuelling area for transporting coal from the nearby colliery to Cardiff and Swansea. Also featured are pictures of the (now disused) Rhondda Tunnel driven through a nearby mountain at Blaenrhondda to facilitate coal transport.

The original portal stone from the tunnel entrance is on show near Treherbert depot and the Rhondda Tunnel Society, which is trying to open up the tunnel as a cycle path, is given space in the exhibition.

The photos at Rhymney depot show the old sidings and one of them highlights the ground frame with its blue locking bar which was used to transfer engines from the sidings on to the platforms on the main line.

Depot supervisor Wayne Jones said:“There’s been a lot of interest in the display among the traincrew and it’s really got people talking about the history of the depot.”

■ Bargoed in the Valleys and Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast also have displays of heritage photos.

Driver John Jones by the “wall” of photos old and new at Rhymney depot.

PARTNERSHIP working between Arriva Trains Wales in the Valleys and the British Transport Police has proved effective in tackling antisocial behaviour.

The Rail Ambassador Scheme was launched earlier this year by BTP and Network Rail assisted by Arriva to involve youngsters in the Caerphilly area.

Four volunteers aged either 17 or 18 are taking part in spreading the rail safety and rail crime message within their peer groups.

After going through an induction training day and depot tour at Canton the teenagers attended school talks and community events.

The scheme will be looking for more volunteers in the next few months, so employees are asked that if they know anyone who is interested, could they email lewis.parsons@ btp.pnn.police.uk.

The scheme is now open to all ages 16 and above.

Arriva Trains Wales is also involved in the Cardiff City FC Premier League Kicks project.

Youngsters in Caerphilly, where antisocial behaviour and trespass have been a problem at the station, are given free rail travel to attend tournaments at the Cardiff City House of Sport as well as Emergency First Aid and coaching course.

“Without the support of Arriva Trains Wales some of the young people would never get the opportunity to attend the tournaments,” said Lewis Parsons, officer at the BTP who have developed the national Premier League Kicks project at Caerphilly.

“This scheme, alongside other initiatives, has helped reduce antisocial behaviour and rail crime in Caerphilly by 63 per cent.”

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Partnership is effective in tackling antisocial behaviour Driver Merrion Jones has a cuppa in the comfy messroom at Treherbert.

Supervisor Richie Bailey with the exhibition of historic photographs in the waiting room at Treherbert depot.

One of the nostalgic images – Treherbert station in 1912.

Driver Chris Bridges at the portal stone of the Rhonda Tunnel.

Modern Valleys depots celebrate

nostalgic railway heritage P

Conductor Craig Howells takes a break in the messroom at Rhymney.

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EOPLE on their break times at two Valleys depots can enjoy smart modern facilities – but they can also take a walk down memory lane.

Treherbert depot was given an office makeover recently and its messroom boasts a flat screen TV, comfy armchairs and kitchen area.

But at the same time, a mini “museum” has been created in the waiting room with photos, posters and maps illustrating bygone days.

In another Valley, Rhymney depot, which also has a well-furnished relaxation area, features a wall given over to photos of the old-time depot as well as recent successes at the Exceptional Contribution Awards.

Treherbert Supervisor Richie Bailey has become something of a local curator of all things related to the history of his depot.

He decided to set up his exhibition when eight large mounting frames became available, and the 50 photos, posters and old luggage labels which are on show have created widespread interest.

“I’m constantly having members of the public knocking on my door wanting to share old stories and information with me,” he said.“The photos – one of which dates back to 1870 – have also been a talking

point with colleagues who are fascinated by the former status of the depot.”

Many of the pictures show Treherbert when it was a major hub with loco sheds and a fuelling area for transporting coal from the nearby colliery to Cardiff and Swansea. Also featured are pictures of the (now disused) Rhondda Tunnel driven through a nearby mountain at Blaenrhondda to facilitate coal transport.

The original portal stone from the tunnel entrance is on show near Treherbert depot and the Rhondda Tunnel Society, which is trying to open up the tunnel as a cycle path, is given space in the exhibition.

The photos at Rhymney depot show the old sidings and one of them highlights the ground frame with its blue locking bar which was used to transfer engines from the sidings on to the platforms on the main line.

Depot supervisor Wayne Jones said:“There’s been a lot of interest in the display among the traincrew and it’s really got people talking about the history of the depot.”

■ Bargoed in the Valleys and Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast also have displays of heritage photos.

Driver John Jones by the “wall” of photos old and new at Rhymney depot.

PARTNERSHIP working between Arriva Trains Wales in the Valleys and the British Transport Police has proved effective in tackling antisocial behaviour.

The Rail Ambassador Scheme was launched earlier this year by BTP and Network Rail assisted by Arriva to involve youngsters in the Caerphilly area.

Four volunteers aged either 17 or 18 are taking part in spreading the rail safety and rail crime message within their peer groups.

After going through an induction training day and depot tour at Canton the teenagers attended school talks and community events.

The scheme will be looking for more volunteers in the next few months, so employees are asked that if they know anyone who is interested, could they email lewis.parsons@ btp.pnn.police.uk.

The scheme is now open to all ages 16 and above.

Arriva Trains Wales is also involved in the Cardiff City FC Premier League Kicks project.

Youngsters in Caerphilly, where antisocial behaviour and trespass have been a problem at the station, are given free rail travel to attend tournaments at the Cardiff City House of Sport as well as Emergency First Aid and coaching course.

“Without the support of Arriva Trains Wales some of the young people would never get the opportunity to attend the tournaments,” said Lewis Parsons, officer at the BTP who have developed the national Premier League Kicks project at Caerphilly.

“This scheme, alongside other initiatives, has helped reduce antisocial behaviour and rail crime in Caerphilly by 63 per cent.”

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By Engineering Director SIMON HUGHES

Being process compliant is key to improvement WE are having a difficult time. Our performance to our customers and against our key metrics is below where it should be. There are many varied reasons for this but many of you will have felt disappointment from our customers directly.

To address this, we have many improvement plans ongoing across all the functions, targeted at delivering better trains every day under our Five Pillars ambition.

From what I have seen in my short time with the company, we certainly have the willingness, desire and ability to correct this temporary blip and I am confident we shall.

In my experience one of the fundamental contributors to improving performance is process compliance. This is not an initiative, but a way of working or cultural mindset. We all work to processes and procedures that have been laid down to ensure we do things right first time and every time.

Repeatability of tasks (doing things the same way every time) means we are more predictable and are therefore able to plan better, and deliver the plan with improved reliability and quality.

This does not mean we have to accept procedures or work instructions that are not fit for purpose – on the contrary, we should be challenging them so that we can deliver what we promise every time which is one of our key behaviours.

However, once we have a set process we must adhere to it and we all have a responsibility to ensure this is the case. By not complying with a process, we cause huge inefficiencies in the business and may put the safety of our employees and customers at risk, not to mention the reputation of the company.

My plea is simple – be process compliant in what you do and then stand back and watch the performance of your business improve as a result.

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Driver Phil Edwards boards the busy Bridgend train at Cardiff Central station.

Plan to strengthen commuter service I

NITIATIVES to better inform customers and enhance their journey experience on the busiest services are underway at Arriva Trains Wales.

Special attention is being given to the early morning commuter service, the 0742 from Bridgend to Cardiff, with plans in place to strengthen it from two to four carriages.

A comprehensive review of rolling stock utilisation has allowed the transfer of the additional unit from elsewhere on the South Wales network, in a move guaranteed to boost customer satisfaction on the under-pressure service.

Meanwhile a Q&A booklet is being issued to all traincrew giving them information which will help them to explain to customers the factors influencing the busiest services.

And a short film called “A Day in the Life of” has been produced which will give

customers a glimpse into the “daily life” of an Arriva Trains Wales Class 150.

The story-based film has been produced

by Arriva Trains Wales’ in-house movie maker, Cardiff Conductor Barrie Willacott, supported by Andrew Williams, Head of Conductors.

“It shows the unit constantly hard at work up and down our Valley Lines network,” said Andrew.

“The train is depicted being maintained, cleaned and washed in preparation for the day ahead.

“The short film, which is targeted at existing and potential new customers, will be available via our website and will give them a real insight into the daily workings of their local community railway, with the aim of helping them understand some of the pressures on our already stretched fleet.”

Connecting manager to what is important MANAGEMENT conferences in Cardiff and Chester are being planned as a follow-up to those which launched the new business strategy at the end of last year. Speakers will assess the progress of the uptake of the strategy “one year on”, and conference attendees will draw up personal action plans.

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Posture is crucial to reduce risk of long term problems D

RIVERS at Arriva Trains Wales are receiving guidance on how to maintain a healthy posture. The aim is to reduce the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems that can develop through seated work.

Optimising the driving posture also helps minimise any pain and discomfort that is being experienced. The Drivers’ Seat Guidance, which is being delivered by the Safety Department under the Health and Wellbeing strategy, includes advice on how to: ● Ensure the body weight is supported. ● Make sure there is no pressure under the thighs, behind the knees or the calves. ● Ensure the back is supported and there is no slumping or slouching.

Included in a guidance booklet being issued to drivers is advice on how to adjust their seat to improve their comfort. A number of seat

Driver Kim Patel with one of the recommended seat supports.

adaptions are available if required.

Exercises that drivers can perform in the cab (while not driving!) that have been approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy are highlighted. Advice is given on managing the symptoms of persistent pain through addressing the physical, psychological and social factors that will improve quality of life.

Outside of work, drivers are being encouraged to ensure their backs are healthy by keeping them moving through exercise and hobbies like gardening.

In cases where discomfort does not lessen drivers should report to their Driver Team Manager who can make a referral to the company’s physiotherapist.

Employee Relations Advisor Tina Rees discusses driver’s seat posture guidance with Operations Assurance Manager Neil Driscoll.

Five-star EFQM rating retained ARRIVA Trains Wales has retained its five-star rating under the European Foundation Quality Model (EFQM) accreditation – and entered an exclusive category of business excellence.

The assessors, who interviewed numerous employees as they went round the business, were extremely impressed by the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and the highest business standards.

After visits to eight sites across the network, and interviews with around 100 people, they judged that the company had achieved “enhanced R4E” status.

The accolade, which shows that Arriva Trains Wales has achieved more than 600 points, is the outcome of an especially rigorous and detailed assessment.

Membership of the Excellence 600 Club qualifies the company to be considered for entry into the awards offered by the British Quality Foundation nationwide.

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Five minutes with Nik Davies-Chare Nik, newly-qualified Cardiff Valleys Driver, is aged 34 and has a background in the Armed Forces.

Here he tells us about his TV work and his love of the outdoors.

What are you doing at the moment?

I have just passed out as a driver, the culmination of nine months’ training. I have enjoyed the process immensely – the recruitment team, managers, trainers and instructors are all eager to help and they all take an interest in our progress.

Tell us about your background My background is with the Armed Forces, which gave me a solid grounding and self-discipline. For booking-on I always make sure I am punctual, of smart bearing and dress. When I left the Forces I began to work in the fitness industry – and then a former colleague got in touch to ask if I would like to help out with his work as a military adviser on films and TV productions. Within a short period I was busy up and down the country on film and TV sets. This opened more doors – as a Welsh speaker I appeared on Pobol Y Cwm, followed by Casualty where I played a policeman chasing a character played by Hannah from S Club 7, Sherlock and a plethora of big budget films as well as consulting on military matters for productions. Most recently, I can be seen in an advert for Blas Y Tir Welsh Produce featuring their award-winning potatoes.

Which famous people alive or dead would you invite to a dinner party?

Keith Floyd to cook, Horatio Nelson because I am fascinated by the Battle of Trafalgar, Amy Winehouse to sing, Mike Tyson my boxing hero, to spar a round with him just to say I have, actress Audrey Hepburn so I could

Nik Davies-Chare with a model train set which is used in driver training at St David’s House, Cardiff.

propose and actor and comedian Keith Allen to reclaim the £10 he owes me.

What are your favourite music and films?

Filmwise, my all-time Top Five are Das Boot, The Count Of Monte Cristo, Rambo: First Blood, Life of Brian and Enigma. From a musical perspective, it doesn’t get better than George Michael, INXS and RnB. What is your most valuable possession?

My great-grandfather was shot in his heart during the battle of the Somme, only for his watch to deflect the bullet. I have that watch and it keeps accurate time twice per day.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I’d like to think I’m still growing up.

How do you relax?

I relax by doing the polar opposite of activities. There is nothing I like more than

mountaineering, boxing and snorkelling.

However in equal measure I relax by doing absolutely nothing – laying out in the sun, with no TV, no music, no people, no stress. An avid reader, I have a penchant for historical crime and military fiction. James McGee and Bernard Cornwell are my favourite authors.

If you could go back in time what period would you choose to go back to and why?

Regency and Dickensian England. It’s when the world as we know it changed, through the Industrial Revolution and across world politics, discovery, war and invention.

What is your favourite place in the world?

My bed. Though I’ve travelled extensively around the globe, seeing ice caps and deserts, nothing beats Swansea.

What’s the best bit of advice you have ever been given?

We have two ears but one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak.

Prompt action saves exhausted pigeon at Rhymney AN ailing pigeon that flew into Rhymney depot on one of the hottest days of the year was saved thanks to prompt action from Supervisor Wayne Jones. After colleague Rob Prees scooped up the exhausted bird, he placed it in a cardboard box with shredded paper for a bed and a food

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and water supply. If the visitor had been left to its own devices it would have wandered back on to land near the line and fallen victim to predators.

After a couple of days of care and attention provided by friends in Rhymney the pigeon – housed at the local taxi office – was back to full

health. “I took it out to open ground and released it,” said the Supervisor.“It was great to see it fly off safe and well.

“The temperature the day it arrived was 35 degrees Celsius and I’m certain that if we had not taken it in the cats or rats would have got it.”

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Driver is selected to represent Great Britain in triathlon TALENTED triathlete James Manson has lined up against some of the best international athletes after being picked to represent Great Britain in the gruelling endurance event.

The Cardiff-based train driver has competed for his country in top tournaments around the world in the 35-39 year-old Age Group Sprint category.

James, 39, has featured in two European Championships and two World Grand Finals, in places as far flung as Kitzbuhel in Austria, Alanya in Turkey and Edmonton in Canada.

The Age Group system, allows non-professional triathletes to compete against other entrants of the same age (within a five year band) and sex. The triathlon

sprint event involves competitors swimming 750 metres, then cycling 20 kilometres before finishing with a five kilometre run. James usually finishes in a time of around 65 to 70 minutes.

He said:“I’m so proud to be representing Great Britain – it is a great honour to be competing in an event I love for my country in some fantastic places around the world.”

Walk In My Shoes steps out again – in style T

HE popular Walk in My Shoes programme is back in action – in a new and improved version. The initiative which gives directors and managers the chance to experience day-to-day activity out in the field has been relaunched to encapsulate the ATW values.

There is a strong emphasis on caring, as participants from across the business shadow their colleagues to get a better understanding in a number of areas.

Posters promoting Walk In My Shoes feature inspirational quotes from famous figures such as Maya Angelou, the American poet, who said:“If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.”

This year people taking part are being encouraged to take “selfies” of themselves alongside their colleagues on their smartphones which can then be pinned up on a Selfie Wall on the intranet.

One of the first to take part in this year’s shadowing was St David’s House-based Driver Team Manager Richard Wylie. He made the journey over to Canton to spend the day with three Controllers, Steve Morris (Mainline), Kev Shaw and Ken Harwood (Valleys).

Richard said:“It was a really useful event and I suggest that everyone in the business takes part if they can. It gives an insight into the day-to-day roles of colleagues and the issues they face.

“Walk in My Shoes is a great opportunity to spend time with employees in other parts of the business, all working together to achieve our goals.”

Driver Team Manager Richard Wylie with two of the posters promoting the new Walk In My Shoes programme.

Baking skills put to good use to raise charity cash A group of Arriva Trains Wales employees based around the Safety Department carried out a fundraising drive for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the Swansea area.

Through personal donations

and a bake sale – with many tasty treats being made by employees’ children – a total of £223 was raised.

“We all wanted to support the RNLI whose volunteer lifeboat crews rescue an

average of 24 people every day,” said Lead Auditor Stephen Beedles.

“A special thankyou needs to go to the staff members and their families who donated cakes.”

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Winning bowls players with the Championship Group Cup, left to right, Conductor Tom Rees, Canton Depot Operations Manager Malcolm Phillips, Guard Colin Grant and Station Environmental Operative Phil Crocker.

I

T started as a suggestion under the Health and Wellbeing programme – but just four weeks after being formed the Arriva Trains Wales bowls team has recorded an astonishing triumph.

The six bowlers sponsored by the company have been crowned as champions of the transport industry after a barn-storming performance on the national stage.

They stole the show at the National Passenger Transport Sports Association Championship Tournament which was entered by 24 teams from around the UK and was held at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.

“This was a fantastic achievement for both the team and the company,” said team

New bowls team are

national champs captain Malcolm Phillips whose idea it was to put a bowls team together.“We entered two teams of three and Arriva Trains Wales came out as overall winners in both group competitions to lift the trophies and be crowned champions.

“Our team performance will go down in history as the first time Arriva Trains Wales has won silverware at such an event.”

The intrepid bowlers’ motto

was “We Have a Dream” and they were “over the moon” to discover that they all gelled as a competitive unit on the day.

“If one person had a patch of not playing well the others stepped in to boost the performance, with a real team spirit,” said Malcolm.

The Championship Group Cup was won by Andrew Broad (Cardiff Stations), Colin Grant (Cardiff Conductor), and Malcolm

Phillips (Depot Operations Manager, Canton). Silver Plate winners were Stephen Jones (Treherbert Conductor), Phil Crocker (Cardiff Stations) and Tom Rees (Cardiff Conductor).

Since the success on the greens another eight employees have stepped up to join, and Malcolm plans to enter the team for further competitions now that they have secured two pitches with a local club.

Cycling Tour raises £5,000 for charity ARRIVA Trains Wales’ rival to the Tour de France has raised more than £5,000 for a children’s home and a charity.

The ride organised by Operations Assurance Manager Ian Reiffer, which saw 20 participants cycling from Holyhead to Cardiff via Gwent over a weekend, goes by the name of Tour de Arriva Trains Wales.

Money raised by the 240-mile challenge went to Oaklands children’s home near Newport, a home which provides respite care for children with disabilities, and the children’s charity Ty Hafan. Ian’s son Lewis uses their services, and while Ty Hafan receives the amount raised a similar donation is made to Oaklands thanks to match-funding from Arriva.

“This was our best Tour so far,” said

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ASPECT Autumn 2016

Cyclists who took part in the Tour de Arriva Trains Wales.

Ian.“Most of the cyclists were already members of the Arriva Wheelers, our WhatsApp group, and since the event the rest have signed up. We were faced with high winds

throughout, with one person being blown against a fence as we ascended the Dilife mountain road near Machynlleth, but everyone really enjoyed the adventure.”

Cardiff Valleys Drivers Ian Stark, left, and Karl Palmer reflect on their exertions after the cycle ride.