Railway Mission News 2019 Issue 1 by Railway Mission

Support on Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey

ISSUE 1 2019

3 4 6 8 9 Support on life’s journey

railwaymission.org Railway Mission Rugby Railway Station Rugby • CV21 3LA

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Inside From the top Stabbing epidemic hits the railway Rail Dedication Mission on the move Chaplains’ prayer and information pages IRM Conference Join us for the IRM Conference Demon drink

office@railwaymission.org

07718 971919

Railway Mission is a registered charity in England and Wales (1128024) and in Scotland (SC045897). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06519565).

Cover photo: Duchess of Sutherland, Plean-betLarbert, Stirling, by Neil Betteley. Photo by Network Rail Air Operations Team

Facing an uncertain future with confidence Railway Mission is a small but influential charity, providing pastoral care to the railway industry, supporting rail staff and their families through chaplaincy and sharing the love of Christ with those we meet.

year by £50,000, but we still need to seek God’s wisdom and guidance for the rest of the financial shortfall.

We are at a transformative stage of development and are making real and impactful changes to the mental health and wellbeing of railway staff and members of the public affected by rail operations.

(Rev. William Ralph Inge)

However, we face real challenges, not least the everpresent issue of funding. With the end of the transitional the funding from London City Mission in March 2018 and the end of grant funding from one of our major trust funds. We face a potential reduction in funding of £170k a year. We have been working hard to replace this funding and will continue to do so. We believe we have reduced the potential shortfall for next

“We must cut our coat according to our cloth, and adapt ourselves to changing circumstances.” How do we move forward with confidence? Hebrews 10:36 and 39 tell us, ‘You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised...’ ‘But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.’

from the top

Yes we need wisdom, yes we need to persevere, but in the end, all we do must honour the Lord.

Liam Johnston is the Executive Director of Railway Mission

Stabbing ‘epidemic’ hits the railway There has been a lot in the media about the increase in knife crime amongst young people across Britain, and the railway has not been immune to this increase in violent crime. In November 2018, a police officer was stabbed in an ‘unprovoked knife attack’ outside Ilford station. The officer was ‘fortunate’ that colleagues were nearby to restrain his attacker. Michele visited him at his home station on his first day back at work and also spoke to Inspector Richards offering support to him and his officers. The chaplaincy team across the country were asked to be more mindful of the well-being of BTP officers and staff following this savage attack on one of their colleagues, to ensure we could

effectively support anyone who may need it. Rachael Etebar, BTP’s Director of People and Culture contacted Railway Mission to say “… I’d be grateful if you and the team are watchful for those who may need support…” Adrian Hanstock, Deputy Chief Constable also contacted us to say, “Like Rachael, I’d like to thank you for all the prompt support and attention the chaplains have provided, and that you are also looking out for our officers & staff as well as the vulnerable on the network. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all the team.” Sadly, on New Year’s Eve, there was another knife attack; this one was at Manchester’s Victoria station. Three people were stabbed 4

…thank you for all the prompt support and attention the chaplains have provided, and that you are also looking out for our officers & staff as well as the vulnerable on the network… Adrian Hanstock, Deputy Chief Constable

including a BTP police officer. The site of the attack was only yards from where the Manchester Arena bombing occurred in May 2017. Once again our response to the incident was swift, with Mike Roberts visiting the station the following morning with chaplains across the country asked to prioritise visiting BTP Stations. Especially those areas and staff directly affected by the terrorist attacks of 2017, as this recent incident may bring back traumatic memories. Then on the 4th of January at 1.15pm BTP officers were called to Horsley station after a report that a man had been stabbed on-board the 12.58 pm service from Guildford to London Waterloo. The attacker left the train at Clandon, the stop between Guildford and Horsley.

events unfolded it was clear that this was a horrific and needless attack. A Chief Inspector called on the day of the attack to request support for officers as soon as possible. She said “in all my years of policing with BTP, I have seen some terrible fatalities, but this was the most traumatic scene I have ever witnessed… the officers who conducted CPR were drenched in blood”. Regrettably, this was followed by a stabbing at Blackhorse Road tube station on the 6th of January when a man was rushed to hospital after being knifed in broad daylight at the east London tube station; at 2.30 pm. Dylis was asked to give followup support to the station staff and police. Railway Mission chaplains are also chaplains to BTP officers.

The chaplaincy response was coordinated by Steve Rowe, as the

Rail dedication Mike Roberts, Railway Mission chaplain for the North West, was asked to take part in two significant events in Crewe over the last few months. In November Mike took part in the dedication of the crest of The Unknown Warrior, a new steam locomotive (pictured above). It is being built by the LMS-Patriot Society who asked Mike to take part in the service as a representative of Railway Mission.

Railway Mission and the LMS Patriot Society.“ A month later Mike went to Bombardier in Crewe to lead a service of dedication for their new memorial garden (pictured below). He’d led their Service of Remembrance the previous month, but again it was a chance to tell an important railway story as the memorial garden remembers those who went to war, both those

Mike says, “Telling the story of The Unknown Warrior with Simon Weston, the charity’s patron, was an incredibly poignant moment. It’s a new locomotive telling a story that has been being told for a century. There are also signs of a great new relationship developing between 6

The stories of the railway’s past shape the railway of today and will continue to influence tomorrow’s railway who died and those who returned but also those who were affected by industrial illness, particularly asbestosis. Mike was joined by Richard Cook (pictured right), who has previously covered Bombardier, Crewe for many years. Mike says, “The stories of the railway’s past shape the railway of today and will continue to influence tomorrow’s railway. Looking to the future includes remembering yesterday and it has been a privilege to be a part of this chapter of the story.” Please pray for your railway chaplains that we might weave together the story of God and his people along with the story of the railway and it’s people and offer hope into an amazing industry.

Ways to support Railway Mission 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.

Standing Order

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 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.

Payroll Giving

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.

Your donation takes us further 7

Mission on the move When Business Image Limited heard Railway Mission was looking to purchase some new wheeled bags for the chaplains to use for delivering calendars, the company stepped in and offered to provide bags for all of the chaplaincy team.

does so much to support the railway community”.

Adam Rogers (front left above), Sales Manager for Business Image, said: “We are really pleased to support such a worthwhile charity; it’s a pleasure to support a charity that

Having the new high-quality Railway Mission branded bags has really helped the team deliver them for this year and will do for years to come.

Railway Mission thanks

For 2019, Railway Mission has produced 60,000 calendars that have been distributed all across the railway network.

BUSINESS IMAGE PROVIDING TOUGH AND INNOVATIVE ACCESSORIES AND SAFETY PRODUCTS FOR RAIL, POLICE AND FIRE PROFESSIONALS www.businessimage.co.uk

for their generous support of vital rail chaplaincy 8

chaplains’ prayer and info pages 1 News and prayer requests from our chaplains in the field Steve Cosslett South West

’d really value prayer for wisdom: I’m delighted to say that a number of railway colleagues are beginning to see the value and significance of welfare support done well. I spoke to a senior director today in the industry who told me, from a purely business perspective, that helping colleagues stay healthy mentally, to save them from missing work due to stress and anxiety, has to be a priority. Now resources are being commissioned into the welfare sector I feel a keen sense of responsibility to adapt and fit to what’s being requested while not compromising in holding true to what makes us truly unique as chaplains; this balance is not always easy.

Graham Whitehead West Scotland

uicide prevention has been a major focus of my time over the last few months, with new relationships building around this issue, and the possibility of some organisational support from within

ScotRail’s Community Engagement Team. The issues around suicide and its prevention have been discussed at my church, and an important conversation about supporting people in distress has started there. Abellio are interested in the possibility of building on the Conversation Café initiative with the prospect that Railway Mission may able to support Train Operating Companies [TOCs] elsewhere. Please pray for all people involved in support for those affected by suicide, and for the many growing initiatives to reduce its incidence, particularly on the railways, but also in our communities.

Angela Levitt-Harwood Yorkshire & Kings Cross

ravelling on a train recently a lady noticed that I was a Railway Chaplain and came to sit with me. She told me that her husband had taken his own life a number of years ago on the railway and the impact it had on her and all who knew him. I meet many staff who are caught up in the aftermath of these terrible incidents, sometimes encountering their first experience of death. As chaplains we often visit families who are trying

chaplainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; prayer and info pages to process the loss of a loved one, and survivors, often with life changing injuries, who need our support to try and find some way forward. Please pray for us as we offer practical help in these situations.

Alan Thorpe Bristol

he 2019 Calendars have again been well received. The annual distribution means that every location has had at the very least a whistle stop visit - and an opportunity to acknowledge the presence of the chaplaincy, or even engage in deeper, more meaningful conversation. Staff at all levels have shared concerns and problems - besides joys and excitements. It is rewarding to help and signpost people, or simply to be a listening ear in their time of need. Although some still make the railway a lifelong career choice, there is nonetheless a constant turnover of staff, and it is good to get to know new staff as they join.

John Roe

Great Western Railway East

had my first experience and logistical challenge of visiting all stations, depots, signal boxes and offices in my area over the period up to Christmas, introducing myself and delivering calendars to staff.

Praise God for the overwhelmingly positive response received and new connections made. It has been encouraging working with Steve Cosslett, my GWR colleague, meeting directors, senior BTP officers and senior managers, raising awareness and the availability of the support chaplains offer. We also participate in the corporate welcome and induction courses for new GWR and Network Rail staff, many of whom I have subsequently met. Please pray for growing and trusting relationships to develop, so we can more easily be available to support in times of need.

Andrea Smyth London North

lease keep in your prayers platform staff who come into contact with suicidal people and feel prompted to approach them. Staff need wisdom and protection; recently a member of staff assisted a young woman who was the same age as her daughter. This member of staff still requires ongoing chaplaincy support due to the mental anguish this caused. Also pray that I will have wisdom as I seek to minister Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love to people from all different aspects of society. As chaplains, we meet people from across the spectrum of races, creeds and backgrounds. The Lord has given me a burden to care for the vulnerable and to give them special consideration.

chaplains’ prayer and info pages Dereck Grant

North Scotland

nvited to speak to new trainee train drivers at Inverness Depot in November, I was able to tell them about the support Railway Mission can provide for them. Additionally, there have been several issues to deal with over the last few months. For example, trying to calm down a very disruptive passenger; supporting staff who had to deal with the sudden death of a passenger at Aberdeen; supporting those who dealt with the fatalities at Aberdeen and Aviemore in December. Therefore, I have come to realise how important our support is to the rail industry. Even a word of encouragement can help someone especially in January when some people can feel just a little bit down.

Levi Lee Southern

aving now been a Railway Mission chaplain for six months, I find that there has been a lot to learn and much to take on board in that time, but it’s been good meeting so many new people as I travel around. There are still stations and other places connected to railway industry that I have yet to visit for the first time, so I will be planning to visit these over the coming months and making sure in the future that they are visited on a regular basis in a

realistic time scale that allows for building lasting relationships with staff. Please pray that I learn to prioritise my plans for each day.

Michele Ashton Anglia

nfortunately, in my area I had three sudden staff deaths in one week. The shock and trauma shook me and their colleagues to a level I have never experienced before. In one situation the man was on his way to work and died in a car accident, leaving his colleagues wondering why he was late. I value your prayers for the families, friends and colleagues facing the sudden deep loss, a hurt that words can’t describe. Thank you for your prayers regarding the meeting in Cambridge station. I’m delighted to say we started in September with four in attendance and there were two other meetings up to the end the year. The interest has been so exciting, people have now joined an Alpha course. I value your prayers as they explore what life is all about.

Support Railway Mission chaplains to support rail staff Making a difference on the railways of Britain

See page 7

chaplains’ prayer and info pages Christopher Henley London South West

he past month has been challenging for so many connected with our railway network, particularly in the South Western Railway, Wessex area. As I visit rail staff and BTP with their differing roles and disciplines, some things are clear: our constant presence, practical support and prayer support are vital and invaluable. Again, what comes across is the appreciation that there is a chaplain who can be contacted when there is a need to talk. I have conversations with Signaller’s, Operations Managers, staff in the ticket office, on the gate-line, in despatch, and train presentation. Basically, I am being a ‘presence’ for them. For us as chaplains that also means praying for those we meet and their families.

Ralph Coleman West Midlands

our prayers are appreciated as I transition from a full time role to working two days a week, changing areas from the East Midlands to a new role in the West Midlands. Having got to know so many staff over the last four and a half years, I think my biggest challenge will be establishing relationships with a new group of staff over the coming months. That is a something that I am excited about but it will take time.

I’m believing that I will be able to build on what has been established by Andy Hall, whilst Colin Fraser will build on what I was able to achieve in the East Midlands. I am excited about the future.

Ruth McBean East Scotland

alendar delivery is over for another year in my area, so please pray that God will speak through the scriptures on the calendars to all individuals. I am thankful for the relationships formed with BTP as, recently, I attended their new neighbourhood policing stakeholders’ meeting, which was exciting as I really felt recognised for the valuable support that we provide. This also reflected on my invitation to Police Scotland’s ‘Rabbie Burns Supper’ at the BTP table. Pray for continued strength of relationships and growing partnerships. Please pray for a few speaking engagements coming up soon, one at a depot with the theme ‘Time to Talk’, and others at a Men’s Breakfast and Women’s Guild, sharing about the support work of Railway Mission. Thank you.

Richard Cook

Cumbria, Merseyside, North Wales

t has been a traumatic time for the people on Merseyside. Within a fourweek period there were a number of tragic events including some staff deaths.

chaplains’ prayer and info pages These situations can have a farreaching effect on some staff, but, along with the sad occasions, there have also been many positive encounters with people who have commented on the value of having a chaplain available. Sometimes it is difficult to know what to do or say, but I remember who I represent and I know that God commends His love towards us, which is an encouragement to us all. So, with this in mind, please do continue to pray for us, as your prayers mean so much.

Mike Roberts

Greater Manchester, Stafford, Stoke, Huddersfield & Halifax

’ve never quite worked out when I am supposed to stop describing myself as the “new” chaplain. There are lots of great opportunities to take at the moment and I could fill my week several times over. The challenge is working out what invitations and opportunities to take and doing those things really well. I’m giving thanks for opportunities to be involved in talking about chaplaincy in staff induction programmes with various companies and deveoping a great relationship with British Transport Police. There have been some really difficult situations lately in the region and responding appropriately to those is an ongoing task. Please also pray for passengers and staff at all levels affected by the continuing impact of industrial action in the north.

John Robinson Southeastern

s the New Year recedes quickly in the rear-view mirror, railway staff in my area continue to look for help and the vast majority of my time is taken in one-to-one support for workers and their families. As I am currently working in areas such as gambling addiction, divorce, imprisonment, domestic violence, gender dysphoria and family break up, it is crucial that I have the Holy Spirit beside me so that I am able to listen to Him and not rely on my own wisdom (definitely not my own wisdom!). As chaplains, the value of supporter prayer cannot be underestimated and that alongside the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives, without doubt. Scripture tells us so!

Dylis George

London Underground

ith the challenges of a work-life balance, there has been an injection of prayer support, which has proved valuable during my one-to-one sessions with staff members. For some workers, the feeling of not being able to continue can be overwhelming. Like all rail employees, London Underground staff need strength and courage every day as they serve the public and continue to provide a great service for the city. Our sincere prayer is that staff members will perform each task to the best of their ability.

chaplains’ prayer and info pages We had an important meeting last year with the London Underground Operations Director, currently acting General Manager, and our prayer is that there will be a follow up meeting to discuss progress on the points previously raised.

David Hardy

Gloucester & Worchester

s well as visiting staff at stations and offices, I enjoy keeping in touch with retired railway folk. I recently visited an 84-year-old who started at Bristol Temple Meads in 1951. He was in the Personnel Office and responsible for working out the wages – by hand! Every Thursday he and the chief clerk would get a taxi with a BTP officer on board, go to the bank, collect the cash and return to the office. There he counted it out and put the cash in the wage packets before they were delivered to the various stations for distribution. Please pray for all retired staff, especially those who are unwell or lonely. What a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love!

Colin Fraser

East Midlands

hilst distributing Railway Mission calendars over the past few months has helped in building on existing contacts established by my predecessor Ralph Coleman, it has also allowed me opportunities to develop new ones. This in turn has created openings for me to act as a light in some very dark

and vulnerable situations that members of the railway community have found themselves in, especially over the Christmas period and into January. As a chaplain I am conscious of the importance of discerning the leading and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in all areas of chaplaincy - supporting and working with railway industry staff, establishing myself as the new chaplain for the East Midlands and maintaining a healthy worklife balance.

Hannah Tuck

South, Central Wales and the Marches

or many the end of the year is a wonderful time. After two remembrance services the run up to Christmas was in full swing. Calendar delivery is a very busy time for us but it’s a great opportunity to catch up with many staff we haven’t seen for a while. It was also a chance to share with staff who don’t find the end of the year so wonderful. I ask you pray that the Lord continues to put us in the right places at the right times. I am also now covering the North Wales coast and I ask you to pray for wisdom to organise my time and self in a way that honours the Lord. Would you like a visit from a chaplain? Are you engaged in the rail industry? Check our website for details of chaplains in your area.

www.railwaymission.org/ chaplaincy-support 14

chaplains’ prayer and info pages Stephen Rowe

Area Manager London & the South

haplains have been extremely busy with calendar delivery in recent months. Desktop calendars have proven popular in offices, and there have been opportunities for discussing the work of Railway Mission as well as giving impromptu support to some who have taken advantage of having a listening ear available to them for a few minutes. Something important to pray about is a proposed Remembrance Service for Railway Workers, to be held at London Southwark Cathedral later this year to commemorate the centenary of a similar event held in 1919 following WW1. Rail workers were either engaged in the front line or running the railways that took troops there. We will remember them, too.

HOW DOES

PAYROLL GIVING HELP US?

Payroll Giving is a way of contributing money to charity without paying tax on it, paid through PAYE from your wages or pension. When donating from your pay, payroll giving takes your donation before deducting your income tax, so your

Andrew Hall

Birmingham New St & West Midlands. Area Manager North

lthough I have reduced my ‘area’ to some extent, having handed over Chiltern Railways to Ralph and Andrea and the ‘Snow Hill lines’ to Ralph, the workload does not diminish. The idea of the changes is to allow me more time for line management responsibilities, which is useful as I shortly have staff appraisals taking place in Birmingham and Glasgow. I am one of three Railway Mission staff trialling a Diploma level course in Crisis and Trauma Counselling which will be a valuable certificated skill. Please pray that I am able to divide my time wisely as I seek to do all these things.

charity gets a donation from you which includes the tax you would normally have to pay HMRC. 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.

www. railwaymission. org/giving

IRM Conference Join us this year in the Netherlands at the Congress Centre de Verelt in Lunteren for the 2019 IRM Conference. Meet missioners from around the globe who are supporting rail workers with the good news, and enjoy the option of staying on for a train excursion into the historic city of Amsterdam.

August 2-9 Lunteren, Netherlands more info

www.railway-mission.net

1. Congress Centre grounds 2. IRM Board & Representatives

3. Amsterdam Rijksmuseum

join us for the IRM Conference 2019 Trustee Ian Markey, Railway Mission’s Representative for the International Railway Mission [IRM], has passed on an invitation from IRM President Ueli Berger to all interested parties to the next IRM Conference in Lunteren in the Netherlands. The IRM Conference brings together rail missioners from around the world, including India, Europe, USA and South Africa for an encouraging week of interaction and inspiration, all taking place in a forest setting at a well appointed conference centre. Ueli writes: ‘Dear co-workers, board members, contacts and friends! Please pray for the IRM Conference team for 2019, who have been busy preparing the IRM Conference

scheduled for August 2-9 in Lunteren in the Netherlands. We are looking forward to this event, with the sense that God wants to reveal new horizons for mission work amongst rail industries. So, with this in mind, come to Lunteren to recieve encouragement and inspiration as you discover and enter new territory with us. Save the date and bring your friends and colleagues to the conference.’

For more information, registration, and to download the invitation, visit www. railway-mission.net, or contact Ian Markey at ian.markey@ railwaymission.org.

Demon Drink The strength of conviction against the consumption of alcohol can be gauged from the ‘Abstainer’s Creed’ published by the Railway Signal in March 1892. It commenced: “I believe that the demon of strong drink is the gigantic foe of God and man; that it ruins man alike for happiness on earth and blessedness in heaven; that two thirds of all the pauperism, crime, and woe of earth may be traced to him as his progeny; that he was conceived of Satan, born of the depraved appetites of men, and inflicts only suffering upon his victim;...” Temperance was strong from midcentury among Nonconformists and the Railway Mission followed their lead. Its third ‘Object’ read:

Railway Mission by Historian Dudley Clark & Temperance ‘To advocate the cause of Temperance and the moral and social wellbeing of all grades and to assist, in every way possible, the various societies already existing on our railways.’ Several Branches met in Temperance Halls and predominately temperance societies were Evangelical. There evolved a ‘Gospel Temperance’ movement marked by the wearing of a blue ribbon. Success of evangelistic missions would be measured by the number of conversions and the number of pledges made. Alcohol dependence was not confined to adults, with children drawn to drink through their elders. Provision for help was made for them by the United Kingdom Band of Hope Union from 1855. A network 18

of branches was set up by existing churches and later branches of the Railway Mission. Temperance organisations and railway companies opened Coffee Houses as alternatives to the Pub. The Railway Signal not only put the moral case against alcohol, but also an economic one, claiming efficiency benefits to the industry.

being pushed more than ever and a contributor to the Railway Signal, having highlighted the scale of intemperance in the Navy, listed key advantages of abstinence; ‘discipline, straight shooting and endurance’. However, alcohol derived from maize, etc. had its place as a fuel. Magistrates continued to prosecute men for drunkenness but the wife of one accused uttered these wise words: “wouldn’t it be better for me and the children if you locked up the public-house, and let my husband go to work?” Campaigning on temperance continued and the Railway Signal for May 1935 reported moves in Bristol opposing attempts by local brewers to attract young people to Public Houses.

Railway based temperance organisations multiplied from the 1880s becoming the British Railways Temperance Union that survived until 1983. At a meeting in 1901, presided over by Alex Hubbard, Deputy Chairman of the Great Western, it was claimed that the Railway Mission included more than 7,000 total abstainers ‘seeking to exert influence across the country’. On the GW some 11,600 men had ‘signed the pledge’ and joined the Great Western Temperance Union.

Abuse of alcohol still haunts today’s railway with drunkenness on trains and at stations; and rail staff and BTP officers are frequently called upon to deal with the aftermath of that abuse.

Dudley Clark

Illustrations: Page 18: Hard hitting cartoon from the Railway Signal – “The Bier”’ Page 19: Railway Mission Pledge Card from 1898

At the outbreak of the Great War the claims of temperance were 19

“They helped me through the hard times.” Support on life’s journey www.railwaymission.org

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