Railway Mission News Winter 2014

news The Railway Mission

Newsletter for the Railway Mission

"Autumn 2014

inside this issue Remembrance Service venues and dates Interview with Trustee Ray Wingate New staff members • RailStaff Awards Conference notes • Calendar info Chaplain Rafiq Thapar

Tram dedication Midland Metro - page 2

Cover photo

Report by Chaplain Andrew Hall

It was a privilege to be invited to the Midland Metro in September for a service of dedication at the depot in Wednesbury.

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Railway Mission Chaplain Rafiq Thapar, who serves the tram network in the West Midlands, led the service, which included a blessing along with messages of encouragement for the staff.

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The service began with a welcome from Dean Watkins, the Director of Midland Metro.

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As Railway Mission Chaplain for Birmingham, the West Midlands and Chiltern, it was a great opportunity for me to talk to many staff members and others who attended.

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The key message of the service was that the Midland Metro is not just a set of trams or a transport system, but it is the people, the staff and management that truly make the company what it is and what it will grow to be in the future.

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Midland Metro is a National Express company and is set to grow over the next few years as the West Midlands continues to develop as a transport hub for the whole country. We wish the staff every blessing in Christ for now and the future.

in this edition…

From The Top

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Conference Notes

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Spotlight - Ray Wingate

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Remembrance Services

8

Trustee Focus

11

Wills

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Contact Details

12

Special Report

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Ralph Coleman Welcome

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RailStaff Awards 1

10

RailStaff Awards 2

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RM Calendars 2015

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© Photography by Soft Tones Photography unless otherwise indicated.

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www.softonesphotography.co.uk Photos pages 6 & 4 by Steve Rowe.

RM News Produced by Liam Johnston

for the Railway Mission

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Edited by Rachel Dalby

Design by Steve Rowe

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from the top

Liam Johnston God loves railway people!

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Matthew 10:42

We live in a world of rush and turmoil, where life can pass us by and leave us breathless, but that is not good for our health and wellbeing. Chaplains can bring a more considered approach to life, helping railway people to stop and contemplate the reality of God and his love in a profligate and cynical world.

As we enter the workplace with gentle words and actions, we bring the providence of God and the light of his

love into the lives of individuals, not by great deeds or persuasive arguments, but by the gentleness and compassion we have received from the Lord. Like one who gives even a cup of cold water, Chaplains bring refreshment to a thirsty soul.

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Chaplains need your prayers to keep this simple and positive ministry at the heart of the railway industry. Things may be changing for the Railway Mission, but the message is the same as it has always been, and always will be – God loves railway people.

Liam Johnston is Executive Director of the Railway Mission

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Conference notes Our annual Railway Mission Conference was held at Network Rail's Westwood conference centre near Coventry in October.

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Chaplains and Trustees gathered for fellowship, to meet new folk, be encouraged in the Word of God, pray together, and hear about future strategies for the Mission.

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Several new staff members made the trip, so it was great to get to know them, and welcome them to the team.

We also had an opportunity to meet some of the incoming Trustees, and, of

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course, most of the familiar faces were there, plus a couple of London City Mission Chaplains It was encouraging to see that we have such a mix of experience and enthusiasm to take us forward.

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The Westwood Centre is one of Network Rail’s jewels, purpose-built to hold conference and training sessions, with excellent accommodation, meals, recreation and training facilities available for large or small groups. We are grateful to them for allowing us to use this excellent centre free of charge.

conference

Speakers

Liam Johnston, our Executive Director, encouraged us to walk circumspectly amongst the people we serve, and to hold to the highest standards of integrity as we maintain our effectiveness and presence on the railways of Britain. He called us to remember that we represent Christ everywhere we go, and that people take note of how we conduct ourselves as envoys of the Railway Mission and especially of the gospel.

John’s testimonies of God’s provision, involvement and power were inspiring, and we were encouraged to see God’s supply, engagement and leadership in all things as applicable to our ministry to the rail Industry.

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John Carrick, one of our new Trustees, was the keynote speaker. He encouraged us with three excellent messages during the Conference, including illustrations from his adventures in ministry with MECO, a mission he is involved with in the Middle East.

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John took us through important passages in 1 Peter, Isaiah, and John to remind us of the difference between two kingdoms - darkness and light and how we can best serve God through dedication to His kingdom, His will, and His way, knowing He is always with us to guard us, guide us, and help us through challenging times. John reminded us that God leads us to times of refreshing, excitement and enterprise, and that, no matter what we face, we can ‘be of good cheer’, because He has ‘overcome the world’.

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Dudley Clark, a former Trustee, gave a fascinating talk on the history of the Railway Mission, taking us from the original concept through the different stages of development to the present day. The Railway Mission has been a viable and effective mission throughout its time, and it was great to see that, although it has been through various stages, the basic concept of one-onone evangelism remains the same today.

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Rachel Dalby, who has recently come on board as our Marketing and Fundraising Officer, gave us a glimpse of the future as we prepare for a greater awareness of our presence in the industry by utilising more effective and efficient means of marketing and promotion of our service, skills and availability.

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Keith Rose, Chairman of the Trustees, closed the conference with an exhortation that, though we face challenges, we can proceed confidently into an exciting future with the assurance that the God of victory is leading us forward.

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spotlight

Interview with Ray Wingate Ray Wingate has been involved with the Railway Mission for a number of years, as a supporter of chaplaincy work and as a Trustee. "

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RM News recently had the opportunity to speak to him about his involvement and experiences with the Mission.

How long have you been involved with the Railway Mission?

In September 1959 I started going to Brighton Railway Mission, to what I thought was a local church, and discovered the wider connection with a number of other missionary branches or mission churches, and the work of the Railway Mission around that time. I got involved with a couple of young people's house parties in Matlock.

Ewart Helyar was General Secretary at that time, and my involvement grew from there.

Ewart arranged area rallies, and we used to meet up at Stratford and Watford with others from the Railway Mission branches.

law changes, we used the term ‘Trustee’, because that is what we are; Trustees of the work of the Railway Mission.

How long have you been a Trustee?

I joined what was then the National Committee or Headquarters in July 1975, so quite some time ago, when the railway was very different. Of course, with the charity

In a way it is a huge responsibility, and I'm not sure whether we realise how big it is in some ways, or how it could be if things went wrong.

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What do you see as the role of a Trustee?

The Charitable Commission provides quite a bit of information on that particular subject, but generally it's the overall responsibility for the work of the Railway Mission. The Trustees manage the Railway Mission through the Executive Director, Liam Johnston, and the Chaplains do the front-line work, so we're like the Board of Directors. We are Directors because it is incorporated now, so we take responsibility for what happens.

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What do you see as the core values of the Railway Mission?

Well, certainly standing for the gospel of Jesus Christ. When I first joined we only had one front-line worker, who was in fact Ray Porter's father, working out of Bishopsgate, the British Rail underground goods yard, down into Essex, when it was possible, in those days, to stand up and preach in the mess rooms. Obviously, we have to do things much more sensitively these days, but there is still that sharing of the love of Jesus Christ, and being ready to give an answer for the hope that's in us that's not only for the Chaplains on the front-line - and also meeting the needs that are there, which are many, particularly, as we know, from the suicide fatalities and so on, and personal, family, financial needs, and all sorts of things we come across in life generally.

and that sort of thing, where you have to watch your step these days, with legislation in terms of health and safety, and so on, which are all good things, albeit complex.

You must have seen many changes in the rail industry Yes, it was still steam when I first got involved with the Railway Mission, whilst, in 1975, the modernisation program had come in. I do recall the time when we had a committee meeting at the old Culross Mission Hall, at the back of Kings Cross Station, in the year British Rail had decided to dismantle the Welfare Service. Help with many referrals had come through the Welfare Service. As it turned out, it was a blessing in disguise, in many ways, because managers were approaching Chaplains, such as we had in those days, directly.

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Are the needs the same or different today?

Basically, people are much the same in many ways. Technology affects society, and perhaps there's an impact with some of these changes, but, generally speaking, although there are changes, the major issues that, obviously, we find as Christians, are still there.

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How do you see the Railway Mission developing in the future?

Certainly, I think, going on as we are. We do need to adapt to changing situations and the way the industry and society develops. I think, still, to try to bring the passion of Jesus Christ, and maintain what I've always called ‘a professional attitude’.

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I think that's largely the two areas for the Railway Mission to expand, and, again, one of the reasons the industry is partially funding the work of the Railway Mission is because of the professional manner in which the chaplaincy work is being done, and that, I think, is recognised across the industry, as we see with the nomination for the RailStaff Awards as the Railway Team of the Year (see page 10). So people are seeing that what we do is professional, and we need to keep it up. It's not something we can let go, because we are engaged by invitation, and if we do things wrongly and badly then these invitations will be withdrawn, and it will be difficult to continue to work, so I think we need to continue as a well equipped, well-oiled chaplaincy.

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And, of course, privatisation coming along the big step change. Yet, as our Chairman at the time, George Chilton (I think), pointed out, in fact, the Railway Mission had worked with private firms longer than before the railways had been nationalised in 1948, and the 1990s when privatisation came in. So there have been big changes in the industry, and, of course, the changes in society as a whole - the impact of political correctness

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Thanks for talking to RM News

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spotlight

 

This year marks the centenary of the commencement of the Great War in 1914, so our services take on an added significance as we remember those who have given their lives in service for their country.

maintain the liberty that we experience in our time.

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Armistice Day has been traditionally set aside for remembrance every year on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour, but there are several other times being set aside for various services across the country at railway stations.

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Chaplains are heavily involved in these services, so there are several opportunities to join with rail personnel and passengers to mark this event on our calendar and pay respects to those who served in the Great War and in other conflicts at various times to

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Railways and their sta have, since the industry’s beginnings, had a part to play in the defence of liberty, particularly in the supply chain, and in getting servicemen and equipment to the front. This year, join with us as we remember those who have served and given their lives for the freedoms they have guarded.

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Remembrance Service Times " Station

Date & Time

Station

Date & Time

Blackpool

01/11/14 at 10.45

Little Sutton Wirral

10/11/14 at 11.00

Accrington

02/11/14 at 10.45

London Marylebone

11/11/14 at 10.45

Bombardier Crewe

03/11/14 at 10.45

Preston

11/11/14 at 10.45

Crewe Station

04/11/14 at 10.45

Derby (Platform 1) 11/11/14 at 10.45

Manchester

05/11/14 at 10.45

Cardi Central

11/11/14 at 10.45

Manchester Piccadilly

06/11/14 at 10.45

Glasgow Central

11/11/14 at 10.40

Birmingham New St

07/11/14 at 11.00

James St Liverpool

11/11/14 at 11.00

Leamington Spa

10/11/14 at 14.00

Bristol Temple Meads

11/11/14 at 10.55

Barrow-inFurness

08/11/14 at 10.45

London Euston

11/11/14 at 10.45

Manchester Victoria

08/11/14 at 10.14

London Liverpool St

11/11/14 at 10.50

Liverpool Lime St

08/11/14 at 11.00

Quadrant:MK

11/11/14 at 11.00

Kidderminster Severn Valley Railway

09/11/14 at 10.45

Manchester Piccadilly commemoration of WW1 truce

06/12/14 at 10.30

London Victoria

09/11/14 at 11.00

Birmingham Moore St

10/11/14 at 10.45

Longsight Manchester

10/11/14 at 10.45

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Team shortlisted for top industry award The Railway Mission has been nominated for the RailStaff Team of the Year Award, and we’re told that we are finalists. Here’s what our nominators have written about the service we provide:

Suzanne Hardy Network Rail’s Community Investment Specialist

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Describe the situation(s) or problem(s) that the nominee faced “The Railway Mission is one of the charity partners for Network Rail. The chaplaincy team face a lot of problems, but usually they are problems that relate to other people as they quietly support Network Rail and other Rail Staff through personal difficulties. The Chaplains are the unsung heroes who need a little more recognition for all the support they give to the industry.”

What was the outcome?

“The railway industry is simply a better place for having that support and care.

There are always those needing help and the Railway Mission’s strap-line is ‘Meeting People… Meeting Needs…’ The Chaplains are like the fire brigade, you may not ever want to need to call them, but when you do you are glad they are there.”

(continued on page 15)

head of steam

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How did they overcome this?

“They have overcome difficulties through the professional manner and readiness to respond to situations without judgment but with care and compassion. Always ready to respond to a call whether it is from a person or a company, to help with family problems or support following the death of a colleague or family member.”

Find more information on the RailStaff Awards at:

railstaffawards.com/events Well done, Railway Mission!

Nostalgia on wheels Chaplain David Hardy caught this image of the 7822 Foxcote Manor pulling out of Bitton Station on its way to Oldman Common. This beautiful locomotive is one of several being preserved by engineers and enthusiasts.

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trustee focus

Steve Hailes It’s our pleasure to welcome Steve Hailes to the Railway Mission as one of our new Trustees, joining a growing team of talented people with a wide range of expertise.

We are blessed to have new Trustees joining the Railway Mission, who will add their talents, experience and ability to our multi-skilled team.

Steve Hailes recently became part of the RM family, and we’re happy to have him on board.

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Steve was a career railwayman, and with a quiet and thoughtful disposition, his manner and motivation are consistent with a well-established Christian approach to his life, based on a clear testimony.

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He is very active in his local Baptist congregation at Leighton Buzzard and

Are you rail staff looking for a Bible study in your area, or would you like to meet up with your local Chaplain?

is involved in the finance committee of his church.

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Steve's working life was as a signalling and telecommunications engineer, and he was in charge of policies and procedures.

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Taking early retirement from Network Rail has freed him to be involved with the Railway Mission as well as his current involvement as a school governor.

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Steve describes himself as a ‘details man’ and he has agreed to oversee the day to day financial side of the Railway Mission.

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Call Railway Mission HQ on

0771 897 1919

What will be your legacy?

OK, so you only have a short window of opportunity during October with this one, but it is worth considering for next time if you don't already have a will in place. From their website, freewillsmonth.org.uk…

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Free Wills Month brings together a group of well respected charities to offer members of the public aged 55 and over the opportunity to have their simple Wills written or updated free of charge by using participating solicitors in selected locations around England and Wales.

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The Free Wills Month campaign runs throughout October but appointments are limited – once the last appointment is booked the campaign will close.

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To take part simply complete the two step process – postcode first then a few more details later.

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Once you’ve completed step two just select a convenient solicitor and call them to book your appointment, mentioning Free Wills Month – you have to call during October but your appointment can be at a later date if convenient for you and the solicitor.

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The charities supporting Free Wills Month work for a variety of causes.

Their vital services protect and enrich the lives of many thousands, if not millions of people every day.

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The Railway Mission relies wholly on donations - including legacies - from its supporters, and is included as a registered charity in the Free Wills scheme. Our registration number is 1128024.

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If you miss the October opportunity, keep an eye on the Free Wills Month website for future dates.

Railway Mission Support & Contact details… www.railwaymission.org office@railwaychaplain.net

0771 897 1919 Donations by cheque should be sent to the postal address on this panel.

The Railway Mission Rugby Railway Station Station Approach Warwickshire CV21 3LA

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special report

Paul Holloway

HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, unveiled a sculpture at Liverpool Lime Street Station at the end of August.

suggested that it must have been a “unique occasion” for me to take a service on a Railway Station!

The sculpture commemorates the 100th anniversary of the ‘Liverpool Pals Regiments’ formation, and subsequent embarkation for France from Lime Street.

That gave me the opportunity to tell him of the work of the Railway Mission nationally, in which he showed great interest.

I will be watching the New Year’s Honours list with interest!

The Prince did speak to me (I'm pictured below, on the far right), and

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Ralph Coleman The Railway Mission welcomes Ralph as the new Chaplain for the Derby area

“After nearly 32 years on the staff at Life Church, Bedworth, I began my role as Chaplain for East Midlands at the beginning of September. Initially, this was for two days per week, but in October I became full-time.

I am thrilled to have been offered the post as it combines two of my passions, assisting people to achieve the best possible outcomes for their lives, and a love of the railways. After just a few weeks in the role I can begin to see the enormous potential that there is to interact with staff and customers and the opportunities to engage with people in meaningful conversations.

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Although in these early days I feel a sense of being overwhelmed by the size of my area and the task that lies ahead, I am excited about the coming weeks and months and the opportunities that will be presented.

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This year Derby is celebrating 175 years of the railway industry in the city. On 13th September Etches Park Depot opened its doors to over 2000 enthusiasts who came to see a collection of railway locomotives and demonstrations of the various aspects of the depot’s work. It was a wonderfully organised day by East Midlands Trains and provided a wide range of activities and events for the public to view and participate in. It was also a great opportunity to mingle with the crowds and distribute leaflets about the work of the Railway Mission. I quickly

ran out of leaflets as the public seemed keen to take them and hear about the work of Chaplains.

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As part of the 175 year celebrations, a service to recognise the work of the rail industry was held on Saturday 25th October in the city's Anglican cathedral. The service was open to all, especially anyone with railway connections. Many local dignitaries attended, along with the Minister for Transport, who gave the key-note speech.

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I am keen not only to build connections within the railway industry but also with local churches and Christian groups within the rail infrastructure business.

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The railway industry is a large family and I trust that in my role I can become a part of that family as I begin to build relationships with people.”

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Team shortlisted for top industry award (Continued from page 10)

Keith Johnson

British Transport Police

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Describe the situation(s) or problem(s) that the nominee faced “The railway chaplaincy service can be described in the same kind of terms as the police service. When there is an emergency or a problem you know they can be called.

The chaplains give support for railway staff, police officers and support Staff In a variety of ways.

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When there are fatalities on the railway wherever possible the chaplains will make contact with the staff affected by the tragedy. This can be as simple as a phone call or it can be more in depth signposting and supporting individuals. The chaplains don’t replace the chain of care that is established to support the drivers or anyone else affected by such terrible incidents, but they are there as a supplementary support especially for the British Transport Police and Network Rail staff.

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However, another aspect of the support they give regarding railway related incidents is in the area of postvention care. This is where chaplains are to engage with individuals and families who are vulnerable and at risk. Because the chaplains work in situations that are often deemed to be of the most confidential nature it is almost impossible for them to publicise the valuable work they do within and for the railway industry. As a team the chaplains

cover the entire rail network, but because of the fact but there are only a handful of these dedicated individuals covering such a vast railway network unless you are in direct need of help you may never realise the value of the service they provide.

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The chaplaincy service has become an important support network to the rail industry. With over 100 years of history behind them the chaplaincy team have become specialists in care and support of railway people during times of personal or work related stress. When there is a major incident the chaplains are there. When somebody is sick the chaplains can visit them in hospital if they are asked to go.

Where there are relationship problems the chaplains can be called upon to help mediate. When you need a shoulder to cry on the chaplain can be that shoulder, or when you simply need somebody to talk to the chaplain can be that listening ear.”

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How did they overcome this?

“At the moment there are 24 chaplains most of whom are full-time. Nevertheless the sheer scale of the industry requires the team to work in such a way that they can meet the needs of railway staff and police officers through being strategically placed at major railway centres and linking in to various systems and processes that the industry has.”

(continued on back page)

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2015 RM Calendars Team shortlisted for top industry award

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(Continued from page 15)

What was the outcome?

"By working with rail staff and the Police, the chaplains have been able to intervene [to assist] in situations that have been difficult. Moreover, where the chaplains are not dealing specifically with individuals or incidents, they can be found travelling around various railway locations building relationships with people, and getting to know them so that when there is an issue people know where they can turn for help, advice and guidance, which is then given by someone who is known and trusted by railway staff and police officers, and is given in a non-judgmental and nonthreatening way.”

BTP Sgt Keith Johnson

It will soon be time to distribute our very popular Railway Mission Calendars for 2015. You can make sure you receive a calendar by contacting our HQ today. (Please send an A4 SAE with a large letter stamp.)

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Thanks to our sponsors for nominating the Railway Mission for this award, and for the recognition of our work.

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Stephen Sorby, our York-based Chaplain, has also been nominated for an individual award.

Congratulations!

Support the Railway Mission with your giving Every pound you donate helps us to go on supporting rail staff and passengers across the UK. See page 12

Christmas Cards You can also order Christmas cards now that the season of good will is just around the corner. There are two designs to choose from. Each Christmas card is blank inside for your own message, so could also be used as 'thank you' cards or notelets.

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A pack of 10 costs just £6 (plus postage).

0771 897 1919