Railway Mission News Issue 2 2017

Issue 2 2017

Inside Reports on: Manchester Bombing London Terror Attack Grenfell Tower Fire BTP chaplaincy support Chaplains’ news Hi-Vis vests RUOK Today? initiative and more‌

Inside Inside Support on life’s journey

3 From the Top 5 Manchester Bombing 8 London Terror Attack 9 Grenfell Towers 10 A Brighter Mission 11 RUOK Today?

12 Standing in the Gap 19 IMechE Support Charity 20 Down the Line 22 Thanks for Support 23 How to Donate

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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).

Front cover is a from a photo by William Johnston that evocatively reflects the public’s response to the Manchester bombings in May 2017.

From the Top

Liam Johnston Faith against the odds Hebrews 10:39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.

Have you faced the uncertainties of life? Have you ever felt like giving up, that God has given you more than you can cope with?

There are times when we all feel that the pressure is just too much. It is at these time that I personally look at Hebrews 10:39. The writer to the Hebrews is calling us to ‘Persevere in Faith’. It is not that we don’t feel the pressure or fear, but we put our trust and hope firmly in the call of God. In faith, we face the uncertainties, in faith, we move forward to push

against the tide of despair and despondency. God has a plan for all of us and we must keep pressing forward in faith, working out our salvation even if it is with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

The last few weeks have been difficult for many. The atrocities in Manchester and London have brought despair to the lives of countless people, and not just those directly involved or affected.

Let us all keep our faith fresh and flourishing. Not allowing the evil of this world to undermine this faith.

Don’t let us shrink back, for God has called us to through faith to salvation. Those who seek to bring fear will fail and those who serve God will not be destroyed.

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Manchester Bombing We continue to pray for all those affected, through the pain of loss, by physical and emotional trauma.

Those officers that ran toward the maelstrom to help try to save the lives of those injured. Sadly, despite their best efforts, some could not be saved. Once the paramedics arrived more could be done, but for some it was not enough.

Being at Manchester Victoria station in the aftermath of this disgusting and cowardly atrocity, I wish I could say I felt the prayer of those who prayed for the situation. But the truth is all I felt was the despair of the moment. There was a void, an emptiness born anguish that in the quietness of the station that made it feel God was distant. Perhaps this is a little of the feeling abandoned by his God that Elijah experienced. He felt alone and desperate; and sought audience with God, hoping for answers and recognition, the story is told in I Kings 19:9-18.

Outside the station and through the concourse of Manchester Victoria Station discarded remnants lay in stark contrast to one another; a sign made to show the adoration of a fan to their hero, shoes, and clothing worn to a night out of entertainment, yet, now, bloodied and abandoned;

Special Report Liam Johnston

medical equipment left where they were last used; streaks of blood where the injured and dying had dragged themselves away from the steps they had fled down; blankets from ambulances and souvenir tee-shirts used to stem the flow of blood all spoke of lives that were so tragically lost or damaged. A night that should have been one of the best memories of their lives, turned into the worst. The youngest victim to lose her life was just eight years old.

We shall continue to support the railway family, from the North of Scotland to the South of England and Wales. As chaplains, we are there for everyone and will continue to be.

Chaplaincy Response: On receiving a call from British Transport Police [BTP] Control Centre asking for chaplaincy support at Manchester Victoria station, I immediately booked on duty to go the location of the bombing. I had not been aware of the events, having gone to bed earlier than usual.

The control room operator said Mr Gregory (Chief Superintendent and 5

Manchester Bombing For me it was a day of contrasts the obvious gloom of the situation contrasting with the bright sun, and the scene contrasting with the obvious gratefulness of both BTP and GMP officers that we had turned up for them.

Area Commander for C Division BTP) would like a word. Mr Gregory explained the situation and arranged for the Superintendent on site to be notified of my ETA. Arriving on site, it was my priority to be available to first responders.

These officers did far more than anyone should ever need to do. I also spent time visiting the cordons to ensure officers were all okay. BTP officers attended the site from as far as Aberdeen and Kent, bringing with them the specialist skills required for forensic body recovery following such a terrible event.

While on the way to Manchester, I contacted a number of the chaplaincy team and arranged for Paul Holloway, Angela LevittHarwood and Andrew Hall to attend the incident. I am extremely grateful to all the team for the willingness to support the officers and staff affected by this exceptionally horrific event.

Paul (above) visited Manchester Piccadilly, just a 10 minute walk from

Victoria, to support staff and police there. Paul ensured he talked to all the staff on duty and spent time with the armed response units that were based at the station. Virgin Trains West Coast allowed the officers to use the facilities in the first class lounge for their breaks.

Andrew looked after the Greater Manchester Police Cordons and said.

For me it was a day of contrasts - the obvious gloom of the situation contrasting with the bright sun, and the scene contrasting with the obvious gratefulness of both BTP and GMP officers that we had turned up for them.

One of our aims was to make sure the officers were being fed and watered but the public and others (Tesco for instance) were taking care of it. One young mother got her 3 year old daughter to give me a pack of chicken. (This was slightly marred by a reporter then trying to interview the little girl).

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I have been very pleased to be associated with BTP today and incredibly impressed with every officer I encountered.

Angela spent much of her time at Victoria Station. She said: It was a privilege to support everyone today and the feedback I got was extremely positive as regards our presence on the station.

It came across to me that we were very much part of the team that came together to help at this awful time, and for me those are some of the biggest compliments we can be paid that we are seen as one of the workforce, although, of course, we come with an added extra!

Richard Cook, who is the chaplain for the area will be supporting Area HQ at Manchester Piccadilly later in the week. This follows our policy and procedure for Major Incidents.

Messages I have received the following message from Chief Superintendent Martin Fry (B Division): Liam, thank you to all your team for the fantastic support you provide. Your presence is very evident and greatly appreciated by all.

Special Report Liam Johnston

Your support really supplements what is available to our teams in terms of trauma support.

And from Chief Superintendent Allan Gregory (C Division): Liam, Can I thank you for your personal commitment in attending Manchester and driving through the night to offer valuable pastoral support to officers and staff around the scene of this tragedy? Your support really supplements what is available to our teams in terms of trauma support. I am very grateful for what you did for us.

Another of your team, Richard Cook telephoned this morning and will be calling in to Manchester teams on Friday. We feel very well supported by the chaplaincy.

We continue to pray for all those affected and will continue to be there to support them.

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London Terror Attack Response Just a week out from the tragic Manchester bombing, London suffered an attack by terrorists which again shocked the nation.

Our heart goes out to those who are still suffering from injuries inflicted in the brief but deadly attack, and for the families and friends who lost loved ones because of the actions of men with a warped ideology.

Although rail infrastructure was not directly targeted, British Transport Police were amongst the first responders to this incident. London’s Metropolitan Police (above) played a major role in policing the area around London Bridge where the attacks occured, but BTP officers had a support role, especially at railway stations in the capital.

Railway Mission chaplains were called in to support BTP officers and

Steve Rowe

rail staff at affected locations. Some officers had attended the Manchester bombing response, whilst others had been involved with the Champions League Footbal Final in Cardiff the night before the London attacks, and then been requested to go on twelve hour shifts. Their willingness and readiness to do this is testiment to the excellent work of our police and emergency services.

When I arrived at Monument Underground Station to check the welfare of BTP officers on Sunday, I met two officers who were just heading home after an eighteen hour shift.

Chaplains were asked to meet with responding officers at Waterloo, where an aftercare service was set up through BTPs TRIM and Employment Support Association Welfare Response [ESA]. Some of 8

the officers we spoke to at Holmes House had dealt with very difficult situations directly when the three terrorists were on the rampage.

We were engaged in support work for BTP officers from Sunday through to Thursday, which was much appreciated by officers and staff.

BTP Diversity & Inclusion Manager Barry Boffy, who was overseeing the Employee Support Association Welfare Response had this to say regarding ESA and chaplaincy involvement: Again, without wanting to repeat myself, the ESA and chaplain response has been described to me as ‘exceptional’ and everyone I have had feedback from has expressed a huge amount of gratitude to you all for your collective efforts to support officers and staff. There are, undoubtedly, lessons to be learned for all of us following the incidents, but these all relate to the processes involved and not your ability, professionalism or willingness to offer support.

For the following days chaplains were out and about London stations with Hi-Vis jackets to provide a visible presence for BTP and the travelling public.

The resilience, calm continuance and warm-heartedness of the British public remains an important foil to all forms of evil.

Grenfell Tower fire response Steve Rowe Sadly, it may be some weeks before all the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in London are recovered.

Safety issues and the sheer difficulty of the task make this a slow process. British Transport Police Recovery Teams are engaged in this vital work, and, of course, Railway Mission chaplains, as official BTP chaplains, have been on hand to support them. Christopher Henley, who has experience in this area, along with Steve Rowe, Andrew Hall and Liam Johnston were the on-site team, and remain on call.

Chaplain Dan Godwin was also on the ground supporting staff at Latimer Road Underground Station, which is directly in the shadow of the tower. Dan takes care of the stations on this line.

There was understandably a heartbroken and sombre mood on the normally vibrant streets around the area, but also a noticably reverend atmosphere on the whole as the community reflected on the loss of life and suffering of victims.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the survivors and victims’ families, as support for the work of BTP Recovery Teams continues.

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A Brighter Mission Train operator, London Midland and its supplier, Arco, have come to the aid of the Railway Mission, kitting out our chaplains with new high visibility clothing.

London Midland’s Passenger Services Director Tom Joyner (above, third from right), explained “The Railway chaplaincy service has helped many people - particularly after fatalities and other incidents, and we wanted to thank them for the service they give our colleagues and customers. Knowing the chaplains needed some new protective clothing we talked to our supplier Arco and they kindly offered the kit for free.”

equipment and said “This has been my best ever working day; extremely satisfying and great to meet all the railway chaplains”.

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of the Railway mission said, “the generosity of London Midland and Arco has been such a surprise and a real blessing to all of the chaplains.

This high visibility clothing will help raise our visibility and not just because of the colour! Having the Railway Mission’s logo and name so visible will help identify chaplaincy team members from a distance.”

Arco National Account Manager, Tracy Figg (above, third from left) joined Tom at the Railway Mission’s annual chaplain’s conference near Coventry to hand over the new 10

RUOK Today?

Celebrating Excellence in partnership with NHS, BTP and Network Rail Railway Mission Executive Director Liam Johnston (left) recieves the award with Matthew Wakely and Hayley Bull

The RUOK Today? initiative came about from a chance conversation in June 2015 between Eddie Carlin from the British Transport Police and Team Manager, Matthew Wakely from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT).

They agreed that the large and diverse numbers of passengers travelling through Leicester were almost a microcosm of the community – and its mental health and wellbeing.

They arranged further discussions with Railway Mission and Network Rail that led to the idea of raising awareness at Leicester Railway Station.

To have a real impact we needed this to be a multi-agency event – and the idea of RUOK Today? was born.

Railway Mission Talks

The message would be simple - an uncomplicated, kind gesture. For example a text message, having a chat over coffee or tea, a phone call, just letting someone know you are thinking of them, can be a help.

Simply asking people "Are you OK"? and although they may say yes I'm OK, our team would then suggest ways people can support or help others who might be struggling with their feelings.

We have now completed four events around Leicester, and hope to be back at the train station for a 3rd time in October.

On Friday 5 May, at the Leicester Tiger’s stadium RUOK Today? Was awarded first place in the Celebrating Excellence Awards in the Partnership Category.

Why not invite us to speak to your team, group, church, club or organisation about the work of Railway Mission?

07718 971919 office@railwaymission.org Support on life’s journey

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STANDING IN THE GAP This section contains comments and observations from some of our chaplains out on the Rail Network.

Please use these comments as a basis for your understanding of the role and to indicate how to pray for the chaplains as individuals and as a team.

Most of these were written before the dreadful events in Manchester and London.

Andrew Hall West Midlands and Chiltern Railways • Northern Team Leader

In my role as Area Manager I have seen Graham Whitehead join us in West Scotland, Steve Cosslett in the South West and Ruth McBean transition from West Scotland to East Scotland. The latest development is the departure of Simon Evans and the search for a new chaplain in Wales, for which your prayer is valued.

There are a number of franchise renewal/ change situations involving reorganisation in the industry, causing a degree of uncertainty for staff, and bringing new challenges and opportunities for many. Pray for ways to bring light into the darkness and peace in times of trouble.

Although I’ve dealt with fewer fatalities recently, I have been invited by British Transport Police [BTP] and others to engage with relatives and witnesses in a number of

chaplains’ news + intercession cases. These have been difficult but very rewarding times and have seen prayer and scripture bring comfort. Pray that the industry will continue to refer people to chaplains and that we’ll be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit in those encounters.

Following events in Manchester and London, please pray for our special relationship with the BTP staff some of us were able to support at the scene.

Ruth McBean Edinburgh & East Scotland

My main focus, lately, has been building relationships through prayer connections, churches, networking and getting out and about to meet people.

I’ve received a very warm welcome from folks over here in the East and I’m settling in well, visiting stations, including early starts, with Station Team Managers, and meeting staff, offering support to a number of people.

Pray for upcoming meetings with senior management, and for our relationship with Scotrail, as our involvement and procedure with fatalities is now being included in their nine-point suicide prevention plan.

Following on from this, Conversation Cafes is an initiative evolved from the Suicide Prevention strategy group, which involves hospitality as a way to open up

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conversations with passengers. Please pray for good interaction on future dates.

BTP have invited me to talk about chaplaincy to specials and recruits, which is a great opportunity to get in and share that there is support before they even start.

Recently I’ve been invited to a major prayer event with church leaders, met for lunch with Edinburgh City chaplains, and attended a prayer retreat with the Church of Scotland. Give thanks for developing ties with church leaders and organisations in this area.

Paul Holloway Merseyside, North Wales & Stafford

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 55.11

As you know, we have had the tragic events at Manchester Arena and Victoria Station.

Along with three colleagues I was at the scene a few hours after the event occurred in Victoria Station. The sight that met Andrew Hall and myself was a very sad and sombre experience indeed. I was to be there for several days supporting BTP and Emergency Service Teams at Victoria and Piccadilly Stations. I would just like to bring to your attention four BTP officers (Matthew, Carl, Jess and Emma) who were first responders to the attack scene. Please pray for them.

Aside from this, I have dealt with several rail fatalities, two of which have been particularly traumatic. Despite the tragic circumstances, there has been opportunity to support staff involved, share the gospel, and hand out RM/Gideon Bibles.

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On a positive note, Mersey Rail invited me to take part in a week long “Health and Wellbeing” event. I was able to get alongside many staff and make them more aware of Railway Mission chaplaincy and the support it offers to them.

Angela Levitt-Harwood Yorkshire area & King’s Cross

This year I’ve been invited to speak about Railway Mission to people within and without the railway industry.

A large Mother’s Union meeting heard my story of coming to faith and an overview of rail chaplaincy, leading to a number of conversations about my job role, faith, hearing from God and doing His will. I also handed out several New Testaments.

With Helen Bartlett I’m visiting a theological college, sharing experiences around the area of death to a group of students, drawing on our knowledge prior to joining RM (mine as a Pastor and Funeralcare employee and Helen’s running a Bereavement Support group), and situations we have encountered in chaplaincy. I’ll also be speaking on chaplaincy at a Railfuture conference in Leeds.

Please pray about a new Christian Network initiative now meeting regularly and looking to expand; ongoing support for those affected by railway incidents in the North; involvement in Virgin Trains EC suicide prevention initiative; meeting with BTP and York Dementia Friendly Alliance to make our station a better place for dementia sufferers; providing input on chaplaincy to York St John University Masters students; and staff undergoing substantial changes in their job role and work/life balance.

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Ralph Coleman East Midlands

One of the important things for me is to see how staff work during a full shift and not just for the few minutes that I might be visiting them, so, for last few months, I have undertaken to work a number shifts with various members of staff.

This has involved working as a customer host serving tea & coffee to first class customers, being with Revenue Protection Officers as they check tickets on board trains (it was an eye opener to see the abuse they get from some passengers), working on the gate line at a main station checking tickets.and travelling in the coaches with Network Rail staff on a track maintenance train.

I have also joined a number of shifts with BTP. This has involved early, late, and night shifts, and a shift in the control centre at Force HQ during a football weekend.

All of these have shown me the different types of work that the officers face on a daily basis. Not only have these shifts given me a fuller picture of this work, but has also given me the opportunity to build stronger relationships with staff.

Richard Cook The North West

Many times, people are asked to pray, and it is only sometimes that we find out how God answers those prayers.

In my own life your prayers have meant so much, both in my role as a chaplain and to my wife Anne and I regarding our health.

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When cancer was diagnosed we felt the need for prayer and, thanks be to God that Anne will make a full recovery. Your prayers helped us so much. We are thrilled and honoured.

At this time, please pray for all affected by events at Manchester Victoria, especially those staff who were working at the time and for those brought in to help. Please pray that I have the opportunity to provide pastoral care to those in need.

Stephen Rowe Euston, Eurostar & London Overground • Southern Team Leader

Thanks for your prayers and support. They are both felt and appreciated, especially in these difficult times following the terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Please keep our chaplains in prayer. Most have been dealing with staff who have witnessed or are going through difficult situations, and need ongoing support. Pray that chaplains will find and maintain a place of refreshing before God. Another issue being faced in my part of London involves job security. Staff are unsure of their futures as franchises change or make adjustments. Pray that companies have an awareness of staff needs and work towards reassurances for their future, which would surely improve morale and efficiency.

There’s good news. Prayer and study groups I’m involved with are well attended. There is a real need for small group activity within the networks, especially for practicing Christians. It’s a time of refreshing during a busy working week for many staff members.

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Dan Godwin London Underground

Volunteering and Remembrance services have led to time on operations with BTP officers and allowed me to really get to know them.

Some have sought me out for individual support. Subsequently, I have agreed to assist BTP in their process of reassessing and developing volunteering.

Each year BTP issues a research questionnaire, so, following a meeting with a Chief Inspector at Division HQ, I agreed to take this form to tube line stations I support.

This involves visiting a station, explaining the survey to the supervisor, discussing the work of the chaplaincy and the issues that surround them both with the BTP and beyond. It has been mutually helpful.

Chief Inspector Doyle wrote, “Can I thank you for the amazing assistance you have given to drive this survey out to rail staff. The response this year has been fantastic and it is down to the help given by people like yourself engaging and speaking with staff and encouraging them to participate.”

A new extension of my role involves support for Andrew Hall on Chiltern Railways. I finally get to see what Chaplains are fussing about when out and about on the “big” trains.

Humphrey Gillott North London, Milton Keynes & Northampton

One fatality I dealt with involved a car swerving around a closed level-crossing half-barrier. The car was hit by a train and came to rest outside a former crossing keeper’s house, now occupied by a lady who was not connected with the railway.

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Following a request from BTP, I visited this lady with an officer. She had not been able to open a set of curtains in her lounge since the crash as there was a piece of paper from the wrecked vehicle still stuck under the railway line outside her window.

During our time with her, the BTP officer drew back the curtains, and then, with permission from the Signalling Control Centre, went to retrieve this piece of paper from the track. I distracted the lady as he did this, so she would not see him do it, as she had not wanted him to go onto the railway line.

The lady now felt ‘free’; and I wondered in how many lives of people I talk to, there is a very small, but significant, ‘piece of paper’, which prevents them from ‘drawing the curtains’ and inviting Jesus into their lives.

Please pray for BTP officers who have difficult situations to respond to, not only on the railway, but also during the course of their working day.

Christopher Henley London South West

It’s a privilege to be asked to talk about my chaplain’s role. Being proactive as well as reactive has enabled me to be ‘interactive’ with onboard staff and managers.

Maybe we overlook the importance of our presence and the impact that this has on those we engage with but also what that impact means for them. Our presence is about ‘being’; Chaplains ‘being’ there for others.

Recently l was asked to attend a station where there had been two fatalities within

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the space of a week. My presence on the station resulted in being invited to the funeral to support staff and family.

Although I said very little before and after the funeral, a number of people asked if they could give me a lift back. It became apparent that by being around, my presence was noticed. I accepted a lift in the biggest vehicle with the most people in it.

My driver was an RMT union representative, who said it was good that I was there, and that they really needed to engage with me.

It is good that we are here and there. ‘Being there’ enables Rail staff to engage with us.

Alan Thorpe Bristol & Swindon

In March, I officially became an OAP but am still working parttime (one day a week) covering Weston-super-Mare to Swindon.

The handover of the area to Steve Cosslett has been extremely smooth and I am delighted to have introduced Steve in various strategic West Country locations.

The Rail Companies, Network Rail and BTP have all given Steve a great welcome. We are grateful to God for the smooth transition, and for Steve’s enthusiasm for the Lord and for Railway Mission work.

The Great Western retired section has monthly get-togethers, but have invited me to their AGM in June. They are wanting to make a presentation for my 36 years of ministry among them. I have known most of the retired staff in their working careers, and it will be good to catch up with these former colleagues and minister among them again.

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John Robinson London South East

Whilst there have been many incidents in my area during this quarter, none would be more significant than the suicidal staff member I met at a small country station.

This man was very clear, when he discovered that I was his company chaplain, that he intended to commit suicide and his favoured option was to jump in front of a train (even though he acknowledged that his wife, children and colleagues would suffer greatly as a result).

After some time with him, I discovered that he had a possible BTP court case pending and had decided to take his own life if he received a summons.

I spoke to BTP and was able to obtain a review of the pending case, which led to a decision not to take the matter further.

The staff member is convinced that I have ‘saved his life.’ I have explained that it is God he should thank, presented him with a RM/ Gideon Bible, talked through the basics of the Christian faith, the way to submit to Christ, and pointed him to a local church.

He hasn’t, yet, made a profession of faith so I would greatly value your prayers for him and his family.

Michele Ashton East Anglia

I’m privileged to be part of the induction programme for Greater Anglia. Over the last three months I have followed a team of recruits from their induction to training at Cambridge Station, into their roles as a new station, Cambridge North, is now open. Pray

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with me that they will develop into a strong team as they find their feet in their new roles.

BTP have called on me to support a number of bereaved family members following fatalities on the railway. I have found it a huge privilege to meet some of them on a regular basis. Most of them feel empty and are so grateful to me for my support. Having someone who is there for them really does make a difference.

I have a number of drivers that I am supporting and one in particular had hit rock bottom. He spent hours sitting in silence in the same chair not able to do anything. Even the thought of washing his car or going for a bike ride, both favourite pastimes, was beyond him. We went on a journey together over several months and I am pleased to say from regular contact he is now out driving.

Chris Newport London West

This quarter has seen a rise in the breakdown of relationships which has caused a lot of depression and anxiety. I have been able to minister to at least three members of staff in a meaningful way to help them get through. One has even deferred counselling to spend an hour or so with me every week. This has caught the eye of the Great Western occupational health team. I have also had the pleasure of speaking to a GWR staff member’s son who was abused by his grandmother. It is wonderful that people are learning to trust me as their Chaplain.

A main part of the role is to help break down barriers and build up trust so that people will understand the work of the chaplains and Railway Mission.

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Please pray for physical strength and good health to be available for rail staff as required.

Dylis George London Underground

As a chaplain for the London Underground, I am particularly grateful to God for the new meaningful and positive relationships that I continue to build and develop with all strata of the Staff.

Covering the Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria Lines, gives me a wide field to meet people and meet their needs. With the new lanyards and ID cards that we wear, Railway Mission is being presented loud and clear and that has given the opportunity to talk to many of the staff about our role as chaplains. I recently came to understand that many of the LU Staff members were of the opinion that chaplains are employed by London Underground directly. The new ID and Hi-Vis vest have been a selling point for the Mission in the Underground and I can confidently say that we are more valued now that we are recognised as an independent organisation. More and more the staff members feel confident to talk with me and share their opinions.

Helen Bartlett The Newcastle Area.

Having had the very unexpected experience of a TIA (minor stroke) to start the year, and a break to recover, I’ve felt almost as if I’ve been starting from scratch: there’s so much change going on in the north east...new roles, labels, and areas of responsibility in the different train operating companies, coupled with a lot of concern and the feeling of being unsettled.

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Now that I am back at work I have been trying to renew contacts and get a grasp of what’s going on. Many staff seem to feel the same. Change and transition can bring anxiety and instability. I am trying to be a listening ear in all this.

I have received a number of invitations to take part in fairly high-profile events, including Mirfield where Angela Harwood and I were invited to give a presentation on sudden death/suicide to a group of ordinands/trainee priests; a café style service at Nunthorpe Methodist Church, an opportunity to encourage more support for Railway Mission chaplaincy; ‘Conversation with a Chaplain’, focusing on Mission in the railway chaplaincy.

Dereck Grant North Scotland.

The most exciting thing about working for Railway Mission is helping people from a variety of backgrounds.

Over the last few months my work has varied from attending the Railway Mission Conference to visiting rural Signal Boxes in the middle of nowhere with BTP. I also had a positive meeting with the Management at Caledonian Sleeper in Inverness, and met the directors of ScotRail in Glasgow, with colleagues.

I even had the chance to meet retired rail management at the British Transport Pensioners Federation. They always invite me to their meeting in Aberdeen to say the opening prayer. I took part in a very encouraging train ‘conversational café’ on the Aberdeen-Elgin-Aberdeen train. I had the opportunity to talk to many passengers about suicide awareness.

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I met up with the new Choose Life Coordinator for Aberdeenshire to discuss future events regarding suicide awareness.

The new Co-ordinator has manged to get me a place on an ASIST course. I have also attended the Samaritans’ course on Trauma Support in Edinburgh recently. It is great to have these courses as they help us to better understand people.

Graham Whitehead West Scotland.

Following the bombing in Manchester, I spent several days in the public areas at Glasgow’s Central and Queen St stations, talking to railway staff and police officers (from both BTP and Police Scotland).

I was able to offer support to officers working continuous 12 hour shifts, with its impact on domestic life, and to be available for staff to offload their own worries before they went home. One member of staff was particularly worried that her child would miss her presence and support during exam time, and this led to a discussion about a healthy work/life balance when it is possible.

I was also able to stand with the BTP officers and station staff for the one minute silence, which was well received. Please pray that I will continue to forge strong, open relationships with front line staff as they go about their daily lives.

I have also been re-orienting my relationships with staff whom I have known over my 25-year career, both from my perspective and theirs. Please pray that I will become known as a chaplain, rather than a driver or timetable planner, and that people will continue to respond positively to that change of role.

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Steve Cosslett The South West

After a busy and joy-filled Easter weekend my planned routes and visits were completely changed by a phone call.

I received news from Network Rail HR that a young track supervisor had passed away from a sudden and unexpected heart attack.

Contacting one of the managers at the depot, I learned that this young man was greatly loved by all who worked with him, including his brother and dad who worked alongside him.

With many workers taking compassionate leave I made plans with the depot manager to go up to meet with his team on their return to work the following week. However, I was surprised to learn when I arrived that rather than the five or six I was expecting to meet, the whole depot (around 40 guys) were waiting to hear from me.

Rain was forecast for the day of the funeral, however the sun shone down on over 350 people who came to celebrate a special life cut far too short.

It was a privilege to participate in this celebration alongside a minister I had worked with previously. Hopefully, we were able to bring something of the Easter hope into this dark moment and confusing time.

Please continue to support and uphold Railway Mission chaplains as they bring the love of God to the rail industry.

RM is IMechE Supported Charity Railway Mission is delighted to have been chosen as the supported charity for the IMechE Railway Division Annual Luncheon.

This was excellent opportunity to network and raise the profile of Railway Mission; attracting over 1,200 people from all sectors of the industry.

Held at the prestigious Grosvenor House on Park Lane, the luncheon was hosted by Richard East, Railway Division Chair, with the keynote speech given by Bernadette Kelly (pictured), Director General of Rail at the Department for Transport.

A free-to-enter prize draw was held, but participants could also opt to donate to Railway Mission via a Gift Aid Envelope.

Once we had completed the processing of the IMechE Luncheon envelopes we successfully submitted a claim for payment of £1686.92p Gift Aid. This was in addition to the £9317.80p banked in cash from the event, giving a total raised of £11,004.72p.

Overall we processed 748 envelopes from the (just under) 1200 guests at the luncheon, so about two-thirds of those attending took part in the draw, with just under half those attending giving us details to process gift-aid claims.

We are extremely grateful to all those who took part in this event and to Cliff Perry, who arranged that Railway Mission was the chosen charity. We hope that this will be repeated in three years’ time as we are now on a rota with two other charities.

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down the line

Railway Mission historian Dudley Clark continues his series

No Continuing City When the Railway Mission was founded the intention was to act solely as a mission agency to bring railwaymen to Christ not to establish new churches.

In 1887 when the Mission’s General Committee set down the object of the Mission and its statement of belief, they clarified its role: ‘The Railway Mission does not encourage the formation of distinct churches, but counsels all those who are spiritually influenced by its operations to attach themselves to the churches already in existence if such substantially agree with the above named foundation truths.’

The no ‘distinct church’ rule was reinforced by rulings on the celebration of the ‘Lords Supper’ in Railway Mission Halls. In 1889 a letter was received from Mr Spring of Gloucester asking if the Committee

had any objection to “the Lord’s Supper being partaken of in the Railway Mission Hall.” They replied that “it could not encourage this and a note was to be put in the Railway Signal.”

Some members of Railway Mission (RM) branches were members both of their branch and a local church; for example Driver Scott, who was killed in the Quintinshill disaster of 1915, was a member of the Carlisle branch and also Etterby Presbyterian Mission near where he lived and was commemorated.

The generally good relationship with local churches, which recognised them as mission agencies, was demonstrated at Boston in 1909 when “the members of the Mission Choir of the Congregational Church gave the service of song ‘Spring Flowers’ for benefit of our work”.

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This had apparently resulted in the neglect of railwaymen at the workplace.

From its founding in 1884 it had been natural for the Railway Mission Christian Association to seek a regular place to meet, which might be at the workplace or in a local hall.

Throughout their existence some branches met on rented premises whilst others acquired their own building almost as soon they were formed.

As to the sources, styles and sizes of buildings, there were many variations but the most popular would have been the ‘Tin Tabernacle’ (above). Not all halls were built for the RM and some branches, as at York (right), purchased redundant chapels.

When assessing the state of the Mission in 1945 the Secretary commented: “It is sad to note that there are Branches which have settled down as small churches and conventicles, and have lost their evangelistic vision, have ceased to attract the outsider, and as a spiritual force are dead.”

Contact Dudley Clark regarding Railway Mission history

The lifespan of mission halls varied enormously, from Saffron Walden opened in 1893 that had closed by 1901 to Brighton opened in 1894, which continues as an independent church today.

Today’s RM has long abandoned its building-based ministry and our Chaplains now work from industryprovided offices or home.

Former mission halls have often survived for many years after closure, and there might be a survivor near where you live. If you know of one or would like to know where the branches were please contact me by email (see below), or via the Rugby office.

Photos this page Top left: Folkestone (Former RM ‘Tin Tabernacle’ at Folkestone in 2015) Above, right: York (Former Methodist Chapel then RM mission hall at York in 2012)

rmhistory@ railwaychaplain.net 21

Thanks

for supporting Railway Mission

We at Railway Mission thank all of those of you who support our work.

This includes purchases of our calendars which brought in £3582 which was an increase on last year’s giving. Plus the individuals whose philanthropic giving has also increased this year.

As you may know, London City Mission [LCM] withdrew from rail Chaplaincy in London and the South, so Railway Mission took on the areas they previously covered.

For an agreed initial period, LCM helped Railway Mission financially, but that assistance will shortly expire, so we have a funding requirement to bridge the gap. Thankfully The Jerusalem Trust and the Hobson’s Charity have made considerable donations this year which have obviously been of huge help to the charity.

One way you could support us is by donating monies to us on a monthly basis. This would spread the cost for yourself however, it would also allow us to plan for the future based on an income stream that we could rely on.

Antonia Newman

Railway Mission Trustee

Charitable Giving or Charities Aid Foundation. Your workplace finance department will know how to set this up for you.

If you would prefer to send us a cheque we have enclosed a gift aid form which will enable us to claim 20% additional on the monies given.

Obviously continued prayer is also very much appreciated. If you would like to receive our weekly prayer points by email please do not hesitate to contact Anne at our Rugby office.

We have almost no overheads due to the practical support by the train companies.

This means that almost every penny gifted goes straight into the main body of our charity which is pastoral and spiritual care.

This of course will support the railway staff all across the UK as well as the BTP. On behalf of the Railway Mission I would like to thank you for your financial and spiritual assistance and enabling us to go forward and continue to support the railway staff on their life’s journey.

Some individuals prefer to Give AsYou Earn [GAYE] which comes through

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Your donation takes us further…

How your gift can make a difference £10 funds a chaplain’s 20-minute support meeting with a distressed member of rail staff, a BTP officer or a member of the travelling public. £50 buys a chaplain some of the essential safety clothing needed to support people involved in the scene of a rail incident or emergency.

£100 funds a series of chaplain’s visits to a sick or injured rail worker, or to the grieving family of someone who has died on the railways. £500 provides an area’s rail staff, BTP officers and members of the travelling public with support for a fortnight.

Six ways to help us support rail staff 1. Cheque or Postal Order

You can make a one-off or regular cheque or Postal Order donation by simply sending your gft to : Railway Mission, Rugby Railway Station, Rugby, CV21 3LA.

2. Standing Order

4. Payroll Giving*

There are tax benefits to Payroll Giving, and you can effectively match this option to Gift Aid. See the star option panel below for details…

5. Gift Aid

You can make a regular donation through your bank. Email our Administrator for more information: office@railwaymission.org.

If you’re a UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25% of your donation from the Inland Revenue, as long as you meet their conditions and complete, sign and return a Gift Aid form to us.

3. Web

6. Wills

Go to our website at www.railwaymission.org and click onto the Donate page, where you can give via the Every Click website, or try other options…

To include us in your Will, our charity name is Railway Mission, our charity number in England and Wales is: 1128024., and our charity number in Scotland is SC045897.

How to consistently give more for less…

*Payroll Giving is a tax-efficient way to give

regularly through monthly payments from your salary. Because the 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-giver.

www.railwaymission.org/giving

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).

“They helped me through the hard times.”

Support on life’s journey