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The employee magazine of Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru
SUMMER 2015
Positive EMPLOYEE SURVEY results PAGE THREE
a s t e g g o d e Murphy th
n r u t e r s s first cla PAGE 11
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We now have a clear vision for our future business strategy AS an Executive team we have been having a look at the strategy by which we manage the business. It had become clear to us that the “Best in Class” vision is not how we plan or run the organisation and indeed this had not been the case for a number of years. So we set about looking at what our business purpose is and what our ambition should be i.e. where we want to be in the future. When we thought about this it was very clear that it is our people and the communities that we serve that make us really proud and define what and how we do it. So this has become the focus for the future strategy of the business. A few weeks ago the other Directors and I took the senior managers in Arriva Trains Wales through what this should look like. We determined that our new purpose going forward will be: “Connecting people and communities to what is important to them” and our ambition for the future is to reach a point where we have:“Passionate, proud people delivering excellent service – every time”. Our fantastic Spring National Passenger Score of 89 per cent of satisfied customers is a great illustration that we have many people already delivering our ambition! We can all be very proud of such a high customer satisfaction rating. But I believe we can improve further and make the journey experience even better for our customers. The key to this is to make sure everyone understands how their role supports the customer experience and in helping them to fully
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By Managing Director
Ian Bullock play their part. So the Directors and I, together with the senior managers, will over the coming months be organising the way we work to enable everyone at Arriva Trains Wales to bring our ambition to reality. I hope that this is a vision for the future that holds resonance with you. In reflecting on the people that make me proud to work for Arriva Trains Wales, I would just like to make a special mention for the work of the safety culture champions. They are already well on their way with the safety workshops up and running. Although I can’t possibly be at them all, I have managed to attend a number of these and I find their enthusiasm and professionalism inspiring. They deliver with real passion the need for a better and safer culture in Arriva Trains Wales. I am very proud of the way they are delivering the workshops. So I will close with my thanks to them for their efforts and also to you for your engagement in the workshops – together we run a great performing railway that our customers are saying they like. So let’s make it a really safe one as well.
Driver Neil Driscoll, left, is pictured by the new cycle hoops along with Facilities Manager Gareth Ponting, centre, and Conductor Performance Manager Simon Groves.
Hoops boost cycle security A
bike security scheme suggested by Safety Culture Improvement Champion Neil Driscoll is proving a great success. It was Driver Neil, who is also a Sports Champion at Arriva Trains Wales, who proposed that cycle hoops should be installed at St David’s House in Cardiff. His suggestion was taken up by Employee Relations Advisor Tina Rees and thanks to her enthusiasm in pursuing the project the hoops have been installed. The 10 hoops are accompanied by a number of wall anchors for extra security and the site is being monitored by a CCTV camera. “Too many people were having their bikes stolen and I knew that the company is committed to improving my colleagues’ health and wellbeing,” said Neil. “I thought that making the
facilities safe for cycle storage would encourage more people to commute to work on their bikes. “The new facilities are fantastic and with the British Transport Police having agreed to patrol the area cycle users are now reassured.” Tina said:“There are benefits not only from the security point of view but also for the health and fitness of staff. My thanks to Facilities Manager Gareth Ponting, British Transport Police and Ian Hyman of building agency Cooke and Arkwright for their support.”
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Staff survey results are
very positive S
TAFF are being thanked for their superb response to the latest Employee Survey, with more than 1,600 replying. The overall results were very positive, showing the dedication and commitment most colleagues have to the business and the customers. But there are key areas that need to be focused on – and a number of action plans are being launched to address key areas such as diagram lengths, additional warm clothing for winter, cleaning of mess rooms and improved engagement with staff. There was positive survey feedback on organisation of working time, (83 per cent saying they are able to do their job well during their working time); professional development, (67 per cent saying training gives them what they need); having the tools they need to do the job well (80 per cent) and working together (72 per cent saying there is a good working environment where they work). Lower scores included satisfaction with working conditions (57 per cent) and
Free entry for Cardiff family run EMPLOYEES are being reminded that they are eligible for free entry to a Family Fun Run in Cardiff on October 3 – the day before the half marathon which the company is sponsoring and which is also free to enter for people at Arriva Trains Wales and At Seat Catering. All family members are welcome in the fun run over 2.4 kilometres which loops twice round Cardiff Civic Centre, Alexandria Gardens and North Road. Register your interest at healthy.living @arrivatw.co.uk.
co-operation among different areas of the company (46 per cent). A number of initiatives have been put in place to reflect employees’ views as expressed in the previous (2013) survey. Improved development opportunities are being offered through the MaDe programme, there has been improved focus on Health and Wellbeing and more praise is being given when things go well, through the Spotlight awards. ● The Employee Survey results booklet is currently being distributed – so, if you have not already got a copy, pick up one today.
The latest staff survey showed positive feedback on training and professional development. Above right is Conductor Jim Durney who is training to become a Driver. He is pictured with Driver Instructor Matt Foden at Crewe station.
‘‘likeI would to see improvements in rest rooms and toilet facilities on platforms.
”
Communication is ‘‘improving through the very open and honest Board of Directors, but still needs a lot of improvement.
”
‘‘
Shifts and driving turns are increasing in length year after year... turns must be shortened.
’’
See HR Director’s survey comment on the next page ASPECT Summer 2015
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By Human Resources Director GARETH THOMAS
It’s what we do with the feedback that really counts IN the last issue of Aspect I talked about the importance of the Employee Survey results both to me personally and to the wider leadership team in Arriva Trains Wales. We are keen to continue shifting the emphasis in Arriva Trains Wales towards a culture of openness, where we can share our experiences and give feedback that will help improve how we operate every day. I’m pleased to say that we will shortly be sending out the detailed results – so look out for some leaflets and posters in your mess rooms and have chat about them. As with all these things though it is not about the leaflet and the results themselves, it is about what we do with the feedback you give us. We recognise that local and functional needs may vary, so each of our Directors has been required to produce an action plan to explore the improvement opportunities you have suggested through your feedback. There were also some items which came up quite consistently which we have committed to address centrally. These are: 1. To review how mess rooms are managed and to agree and improve standards. 2. To provide jumpers/cardigans in our staff uniform offering. 3. To improve how we communicate and engage with you. Detailed plans are being worked up for each of these items and you should see some progress in due course. I’m sure you will have some great ideas about how best we can improve in these areas and we are keen to hear them. Talk to your line manager or drop us an email to our dedicated email address – talktous@arrivatw.co.uk – with any feedback or ideas you may have. It’s good to talk and it’s good to listen.
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Customer Service Team Member Paul Myers serves a customer in the new ticket office at Rhyl station.
Rhyl station given a new bright look T
HE working environment is brighter and more customer-friendly at Rhyl station thanks to improvements carried out under a £2.5 million enhancement scheme. The ticket office and the customer information point have both been remodelled so that there is easier access for members of the travelling public. The mess room has been refurbished including provision of a new kitchenette facility and seating area. “The whole ambience at Rhyl is a lot better,” said Jacqui Small, Customer Services Advisor in the ticket office.“There’s a lot more space and people really appreciate the easier access through automatic doors. “The information point is now in view of the public so if the staff in the ticket office are busy, customers can easily obtain information from colleagues close by.” As part of the Network Rail makeover, which is being carried out as part of a wider £24 million Wales Station Improvements Programme, updated CCTV, a new staff toilet and a new shelter on Platform Two
Customer Service Team Member Tom Lloyd at the barriers in the remodelled concourse. have been provided. The WSIP scheme is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to transform five railway stations across Wales. Also to be provided
shortly at Rhyl station are new passenger toilets together with new LED lighting, drainage and improvements to night access on the platforms. Refurbishment to the entrance and platform canopies is planned.
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MaDe starts with team building workshop THIS year’s Management Development (MaDe) programme began in April with an introductory team building workshop combining both the north and south cohorts. It is the first time that Arriva Trains Wales has run two groups – nine in the north and 12 in the south consisting of employees from the Traincrew and support functions. A further workshop was then held where participants were given their 12-month business projects – real business issues supported by a manager and a business project sponsor. Taking part are Drivers Tony Hill, Kath Haywood, Steve Willis, Michael Joyce, Gareth Brace, Steve Paramore and Phil Siddy; Conductors Nicola Roberts, Emily Cross, Leanne Dimelow, Mark Smith, Emily Beattie and Nick Cummings; from Stations David Davies, Richard Bartlett, Sam Edgerton and Darren Haynes; from Customer Relations Paul Valente; from Fleet Rob Cargill; from Control Gary Davies and from Resources Leanne Woodfin. “We have had great feedback both from managers and the MaDe candidates themselves on the programme so far and are really pleased with the progress everybody has made already and the continued enthusiasm they have all demonstrated,” said Clare Coxshall, Talent Manager. “We are also pleased that a number of MaDe candidates have already secured promotions on both a permanent and secondment basis which is fantastic for their continued development in conjunction with MaDe.”
Customer Information Manager Mark Smith by a bank of CCTV monitors at the Control.
Learning skills led to
managerial role C
ONDUCTOR Mark Smith has been seconded to a managerial role – thanks to skills he has acquired by being selected to enrol on a Management Development Course (MaDe). He has been appointed Customer Information Manager and until his secondment ceases in October he is receiving full back-up from his MaDe sponsors. Mark has always loved his conductor role on the Valley Lines but he wants to develop his potential within the company. “When I applied for other roles in the past it was highlighted that I lacked a bit of business knowledge,” he said. “My Conductor Performance Manager (South) Simon Groves made me aware of the MaDe course and I was selected after going through the interview
process. The course focuses on the development of the individual with personal coaching, mentoring and development. “It’s also a great way of learning more about Arriva Trains Wales and it gave me the confidence to apply for my current secondment.” In his role as Customer Information Manager Mark manages the team of 12
customer information controllers based in Control who are responsible for station CCTV, customer information screens and customer information messaging to both staff and external customers. He also looks after Passenger Information During Disruption compliance and reports this to the Arriva Trains Wales’ Executive and to the Office of Rail Regulation periodically.
Youngsters send thankyou note CARDIFF Mainline drivers were delighted to receive a rather unusual thankyou note. It read:“Dear Train Drivers – I was just writing this note to say thank you for driving us to Shrewsbury and back. I love the tunnels and the speed the train goes.” The note was written by a youngster of primary school age and signed with four kisses by Courtney, Grace, Kyle, Liz and Rose. It was accompanied by a drawing of a train. ASPECT Summer 2015
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Maintenance Controller Richard Weston is overseeing an initiative to place signs at strategic locations around the network to remind drivers to report defects.
Network Rail’s Phillip Rawlings, joint lead of The Valleys Recovery Taskforce, studies a route map at the Control.
Head of Projects (Resignalling) Lee Paxton updates a performance tracking board at St Mary’s House.
Train Delay Attributor Rebecca Page takes a call from a conductor to report a train’s location with greater accuracy.
Taskforce to cut recovery times on Valley Lines A
Train Delay Attributor Stuart Brown, seated, and Route Performance Measurement Manager Matthew Coutliff analyse delays on the network.
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N innovative and wide ranging project is underway to boost the way services get “back on track” following disruptive incidents on key Valley Lines routes. The Valleys Recovery Taskforce is a joint Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail initiative which aims to analyse and reduce the reactionary delay resulting from breakdowns or other in-service problems. With key players throughout Arriva Trains Wales involved, steps are being taken to improve resilience on the Valley Lines where 570 passenger trains a day are run across just over 160 route miles, almost all through Cardiff Queen Street station. The project, led by Arriva Trains Wales’ Customer Information Manager Chris Davey and Phil Rawlings, Network Rail’s Senior Asset Engineer (Structures), was launched at the beginning of this year. Initially more than 40 potential causes of reactionary delay were identified (this includes delays resulting from congestion after an incident and delays analysed retrospectively from a late terminus, as opposed to the
duration of the initial breakdown incident). “We identified quite early on that visibility of trains on some of our Valleys routes is a challenge due to there not being modern signalling equipment in place,” said Chris. “We have tried to counteract this by introducing a process that sees conductors contact the Network Rail Delay Attribution Clerk to communicate the departure time from Treherbert. “This is then logged onto the TRUST system making any delays visible to Arriva Trains Wales staff, signallers and customers alike as our Customer Information screens are linked into the TRUST system.“ Also set to bring about a rapid reduction in congestion is the relocation of Arriva Trains Wales’ station fitter from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Queen Street between 0730-2100 each day from Monday to Saturday. Suggested by Head of Projects Lee Paxton, this has been made possible by the opening of the new platforms at Cardiff Queen Street, offering greater flexibility. The investigations by the Valleys Recovery Taskforce have also led to a series of key recommendations including:
● Full crew working on Valley “It will also be easier to Lines routes from September 7, identify where train crews allowing more drivers and need to be ‘stepped up’ and conductors to remain together provide a vital link to both for the duration of their the Control team in De diagrams. Croche Place and the Resource Team in St David’s ● Increasing dwell times at stations between Pontypridd and House,” said Chris. Cardiff Queen Street (at peak times and during events, a 30 second dwell time is insufficient). ● Distributing a booklet giving Arriva Trains guidance to train crews about Wales’ Chris Davey, joint lead of the taskforce, some onboard train faults. pictured outside the ● Signs at strategic locations Network Rail building in around the network to remind De Croche Place where drivers of the need to report the taskforce Control defects – suggested by is based. Maintenance Controller Ritchie Weston. Giving the station fitter as much information as possible will narrow down the cause of some defects. To increase flexibility at Cardiff Central, the Cardiff Valleys drivers are being route-refreshed on some of the “East End” shunt moves. When the new Resource Office on Platform 7 at Cardiff Central is opened, the train crew resource team will have a presence on the platform as a point of contact for train crews during disruption.
Train Planning Manager Steve Baddock, left, and Assistant Training Planning Manager David Clark are analysing train crew diagrams to find ways of keeping conductors and drivers on the same shifts.
We identified “” quite early on that visibility of trains on some of our Valleys routes is a challenge due to there not being modern signalling equipment in place. CHRIS DAVEY ASPECT Summer 2015
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Maintenance Controller Richard Weston is overseeing an initiative to place signs at strategic locations around the network to remind drivers to report defects.
Network Rail’s Phillip Rawlings, joint lead of The Valleys Recovery Taskforce, studies a route map at the Control.
Head of Projects (Resignalling) Lee Paxton updates a performance tracking board at St Mary’s House.
Train Delay Attributor Rebecca Page takes a call from a conductor to report a train’s location with greater accuracy.
Taskforce to cut recovery times on Valley Lines A
Train Delay Attributor Stuart Brown, seated, and Route Performance Measurement Manager Matthew Coutliff analyse delays on the network.
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N innovative and wide ranging project is underway to boost the way services get “back on track” following disruptive incidents on key Valley Lines routes. The Valleys Recovery Taskforce is a joint Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail initiative which aims to analyse and reduce the reactionary delay resulting from breakdowns or other in-service problems. With key players throughout Arriva Trains Wales involved, steps are being taken to improve resilience on the Valley Lines where 570 passenger trains a day are run across just over 160 route miles, almost all through Cardiff Queen Street station. The project, led by Arriva Trains Wales’ Customer Information Manager Chris Davey and Phil Rawlings, Network Rail’s Senior Asset Engineer (Structures), was launched at the beginning of this year. Initially more than 40 potential causes of reactionary delay were identified (this includes delays resulting from congestion after an incident and delays analysed retrospectively from a late terminus, as opposed to the
duration of the initial breakdown incident). “We identified quite early on that visibility of trains on some of our Valleys routes is a challenge due to there not being modern signalling equipment in place,” said Chris. “We have tried to counteract this by introducing a process that sees conductors contact the Network Rail Delay Attribution Clerk to communicate the departure time from Treherbert. “This is then logged onto the TRUST system making any delays visible to Arriva Trains Wales staff, signallers and customers alike as our Customer Information screens are linked into the TRUST system.“ Also set to bring about a rapid reduction in congestion is the relocation of Arriva Trains Wales’ station fitter from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Queen Street between 0730-2100 each day from Monday to Saturday. Suggested by Head of Projects Lee Paxton, this has been made possible by the opening of the new platforms at Cardiff Queen Street, offering greater flexibility. The investigations by the Valleys Recovery Taskforce have also led to a series of key recommendations including:
● Full crew working on Valley “It will also be easier to Lines routes from September 7, identify where train crews allowing more drivers and need to be ‘stepped up’ and conductors to remain together provide a vital link to both for the duration of their the Control team in De diagrams. Croche Place and the Resource Team in St David’s ● Increasing dwell times at stations between Pontypridd and House,” said Chris. Cardiff Queen Street (at peak times and during events, a 30 second dwell time is insufficient). ● Distributing a booklet giving Arriva Trains guidance to train crews about Wales’ Chris Davey, joint lead of the taskforce, some onboard train faults. pictured outside the ● Signs at strategic locations Network Rail building in around the network to remind De Croche Place where drivers of the need to report the taskforce Control defects – suggested by is based. Maintenance Controller Ritchie Weston. Giving the station fitter as much information as possible will narrow down the cause of some defects. To increase flexibility at Cardiff Central, the Cardiff Valleys drivers are being route-refreshed on some of the “East End” shunt moves. When the new Resource Office on Platform 7 at Cardiff Central is opened, the train crew resource team will have a presence on the platform as a point of contact for train crews during disruption.
Train Planning Manager Steve Baddock, left, and Assistant Training Planning Manager David Clark are analysing train crew diagrams to find ways of keeping conductors and drivers on the same shifts.
We identified “” quite early on that visibility of trains on some of our Valleys routes is a challenge due to there not being modern signalling equipment in place. CHRIS DAVEY ASPECT Summer 2015
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S A F E T Y
matters By Operations and Safety Director
Claire Mann
Champions deliver engaging sessions – stimulating great feedback from the frontline THE past quarter has seen some real achievements in many of our key areas. The safety culture programme is ramping up now with workshops well underway and the feedback has been very positive. The champions are delivering some really engaging sessions and some great ideas and feedback is coming in from the frontline teams. The Safety Department has also welcomed new members with Sue Anzeze, Leanne Silvestro and Steven Beedles joining the team to support the managers in ensuring we do everything we can to improve our safety culture and to communicate progress in our key project areas. We are also now starting to evaluate the results of our fatigue and wellbeing survey for which we had 1,200 responses. When we get some clear areas of focus we will be communicating those with you too. Train service performance has been excellent. We are leading the way with right time performance, being the best company in the UK for Period Five and we have now delivered seven periods of performance in a row better than target. This really is an amazing achievement especially with the volume of special events, engineering works and training which we have had to deliver but as a team at Arriva Trains Wales we are making a difference. This improved punctuality has also had a direct impact on our customer service results
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which have seen an uplift during this wave. The impact of the Valleys Recovery taskforce has seen some real benefits in terms of how we recover from disruption in this area. As the project comes to a close, we are trying to imbed some key changes which will help make the difference to the way we manage disruption. With summer now here (and the lovely weather) passenger loadings are a challenge and I appreciate your support in managing this as best we can. The Rugby World Cup is an exciting opportunity for us to showcase what we can deliver but also takes a lot of planning and this is now hotting up with us working with the planning committee and other Train Operating Companies to ensure we deliver for our customers during the tournament. Finally, I just wanted to say how pleased I am with our employee survey results and, as I try and get out and about as much as possible around the network, it is great to hear your views and suggestions for improving the way we work. We will ensure that there are regular updates on your suggestions. We also have some new Driver Team Managers who have joined us recently in Llandudno, Holyhead, Carmarthen and Crewe and they will be available to support our frontline teams. I wish them all the best of luck. Have a great summer.
Conductor Charles Allen pictured at Chester racecourse with one of the posters promoting the APT message to racegoers.
Nosebag info for racegoers C
HESTER Races are “a must” on the calendar for horse lovers – but they can also bring increased levels of antisocial behaviour on the trains. With that in mind, members of Arriva Trains Wales’ Assaults Prevention Team (APT) ran a campaign focused on giving out information as people arrived for the annual May meeting. They also supported rail colleagues throughout the day and for the return journeys out of Chester station. Five members of the APT travelled from South Wales to conduct the campaign – Customer Service Supervisor Jay Bryce, Trainer Penny Gazzard and Conductor Gareth Staples together with Conductor Instructor Stef Garner-Joel and Conductor Jason Crimmins. “The purpose of the campaign was to remind customers of their
responsibilities in ensuring their safety and that of others through responsible use of alcohol,” said Lynne Milligan, who chairs the Team.“There was a particular focus on ensuring that people’s behaviour towards our colleagues is appropriate. We were supported in that by the British Transport Police who are also members of the APT.“ Jay Bryce said:“We spoke to and engaged several hundred customers over the course of the day and we monitored customer behaviour to ensure everyone’s safety was in high regard at all times.” ● The Assaults Prevention Team recently held an extremely positive meeting with Sandra England, British Transport Police Chief Inspector for the Wales Route, during which they discussed alcohol-related antisocial behaviour.
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FOOTBALL CLASH IS A
charity winner O
RGANISERS of a charity football match for cancer research raised a staggering total of more than £4,000 in just two months prior to the kick-off. Rhyl Customer Service Advisor Matt Luke dreamed up the idea of a “local Derby” match against Chester while chatting on the gateline with colleague Scott Barlow. They wanted to do something to raise money for a cancer charity because so many of their colleagues and friends had been affected by the disease. He could not have dreamed so many donations would be forthcoming – or that Darren Sumner, Rhyl Customer Service Advisor who has survived cancer, would score in the ensuing match.
The clash was billed as “North Wales versus Chester” and the venue was at Rhyl FC’s Corbett Sports Stadium, formerly Belle Vue. North Wales triumphed 5-2 with Matt himself, playing in the striker’s role, notching up a hat trick. He was captain for the Welsh side, while Matthew Clutton, Customer Service Advisor, captained for Chester. “It was a 6pm start and the weather was fine,” said Matt.“A crowd of 170 people turned up, boosting the donations, and afterwards we were able to present a cheque for £4,008.40 to Cancer Research UK.” Both teams enjoyed the contest so much they decided to carry on with the fixture next year.
Outstanding efforts put in the spotlight CONDUCTOR Sarah Hannifan and Driver John Boreham received a joint Spotlight Award for supporting a distressed member of the public who was lying on the track on the approach to Llanelli. Canton Operations Team Leader Steve Neilson won an award for working with Train Planning to reduce the intensity of early evening depot movements. Ryan Jones, Duty Manager, received an award for spotting a crack in the tarmac on Platform One at Machynlleth station while he was covering a late turn, avoiding further infrastructure damage and eliminating potential risk to passengers. Recent runners-up in the Spotlight Awards were Duty Manager Controller Matthew Carroll (rewriting Cambrian Lines contingency plan), At Seat Catering Steward Ami Cole (essential planning) and Maintenance Team Leader Tony Dyer (assisting with a Wembley Special).
Emphasis on teamwork ALL of Arriva Trains Wales’ driver managers across the network took part in two development sessions as a teambuilding exercise. Held in the Cardiff Training Centre and the Control Centre (WROC), the sessions included colleagues from Network Rail and Control. The aim was to understand the way individual personalities impact on teamwork, and to build working relationships. Participants completed a personality questionnaire and a treasure hunt around Cardiff. A question and answer session then looked at various issues that impact on the train service. Charity football match organiser Matt Luke with the cheque presented to Cancer Research UK. Karen Kinder, Station Manager for Wales north, is holding the trophy won by the North Wales team. ASPECT Summer 2015
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Five minutes with Kristian Hull Kristian, aged 37, is one of the nine Duty Managers at Cardiff Central station. An Arriva Trains Wales employee for 10 years, here he takes time out of his busy schedule to answer our questionnaire. What are you doing at the moment? My role is to help ensure the safe running of the railway on a day-to-day basis. As well as working on the platforms I liaise with staff on the barriers and in the ticket office. What is the best aspect of your job? The variety – I regularly meet customers face-to-face to help them resolve problems or lost property issues. Which famous people alive or dead would you invite to a dinner party? I would invite Dean Martin, who could talk about his days with the Rat Pack, Ryan Giggs the Welsh footballing legend and Tom Hanks, the star of the film Forrest Gump. How do you relax? I play golf in Cardiff and the area round Barry. Kristian My favourite location is Cottrell Park Golf Hull at Resort because the two championshipCardiff Central designed courses offer different challenges. station. I play football to keep fit and I bike to work most days. I also enjoy spending time with my wife Lisa and 13-year-old son Rhys. Favourite music? I like Pink although I also listen to the music of Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack friends, together with pop music and R&B. Most valuable possession? My family. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A sportsman of some kind – probably a footballer or rugby player.
If you could go back in time which period would you choose and why? I would go back to World War One to see how people lived under pressure. One of my grandmothers often spoke about life during the Great War. Your favourite place in the world? Turkey, which I have visited a few times. Marmaris and Icmela, both resorts on the
country’s Turquoise Coast, have much to offer including lovely people, good food and excellent sightseeing. The ruins against the mountain backdrops are stunning. Best bit of advice you have ever been given? Be true to yourself and don’t try to be someone you are not – advice given to me by my parents.
Company-sponsored Spinathon raises £250 for charities ARRIVA Trains Wales sponsored Machynlleth employees who entered a Spinathon event at their local leisure centre to raise money for Red Nose Day. It’s the second year running that staff have joined the cycling marathon at Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre, and bikes were reserved for them at 10am and 7pm. Attending the first spin session were Technicians Dave Roberts, Kevin Ellis,
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Huw Jones, Barry Evans and Rob Cargill together with Depot Team Organiser Manu Franken, Conductor Louise Caisley, AXIS Amenities Cleaner Sharon Holder, Clemtech Technician Mark Ransom and Fleet Manager (North) Dave Watts. Dave Watts and Dave Roberts were joined for the second slot by Technician Andy Callery, Carriage Cleaner Rhoderi
Jones and Triston Lister from TSE. Others joined the Centre’s 12-hour Spinathon at various points in the day. Two of the entrants have now decided to make Spinathon a permanent leisure time activity.“It was a really successful day and everybody enjoyed it,” said Dave.“We are grateful for the company sponsorship and the cheque for £250 went straight to the Red Nose charities.”
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Dawn swims 100 lengths of pool for charity fundraiser DAWN Thomas surprised even herself when she managed to swim 100 lengths of a pool for charity. The Swansea Customer Service Advisor had never swum before but she was advised to try swimming by her physiotherapist after damaging her knee two years ago. She gradually built up her
stamina, length by length, and when it was suggested she take part in a Swimathon event she was ready to aim high. The event took place at Penlan Leisure Centre in Swansea and as a result of her stunning performance Dawn raised £1,250 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. It was part of a nationwide fundraising
activity – and Dawn was informed that her performance was among the most outstanding in the country. “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I realised I had completed the 100 lengths,” said Dawn, who received a medal to commemorate her achievement.“It was the first time I had ever reached that number.”
Shadowing colleagues
Murphy with his owners Bill and Chris O’Hagan pictured at Llandudno Junction station with Collette Hughes and Al Murtagh.
Collette rescues soccer
club mascot dog C COVER STORY
ONDUCTOR Collette Hughes came to the rescue when a football club’s mascot dog disappeared at half-time during a home game. Murphy the wire-haired Jack Russell sparked a county-wide search when he suddenly decided to go on his travels courtesy of Arriva Trains Wales. The nine-year-old family pet, who had been taken to the match by his co-owner Bill O’Hagan, crossed the road outside Llanfairfechan Town FC’s ground and hopped onto a Llandudno Junction bound train. While frantic calls were being put into the emergency services and rescue homes back at the ground, Conductor Collette
made Murphy’s acquaintance as the train sped westwards. “He was running up and down the carriage looking disorientated,” she said. “He must have jumped on board at Llanfairfechan as people were getting on. “I soon realised he didn’t belong to anybody on board. I comforted him as best I could and kept him in a toilet until we arrived at Llandudno Junction.” Murphy was given some water in the messroom while the BTP were contacted. It soon emerged that no dog warden was available. “So I phoned ahead to my husband Mike to ask him to meet Murphy off the train at Holyhead with Customer Service Operative Al Murtagh,” said Collette.“Mike did so, took the
dog home for a meal, and then drove him back to be reunited with his owners.” Relieved co-owner Chris O’Hagan, a retired ward sister on the intensive care unit at Gwynedd Hospital, Bangor who says Murphy is “the light of her life,” is full of gratitude to Collette and her husband. “They were wonderful,” she said.“It was panic stations when Murphy went missing – I even went down on the beach in my wellies to look for him. “Eventually my son was tipped off by a kennels that the BTP were looking for the owners of a dog of Murphy’s description, and he was given Collette’s number. “He’s a very mischievous dog and he’d obviously just jumped on board – he was probably looking for the buffet car!”
AT Seat Catering stewards are being given the chance to “shadow” conductors to gain an insight into their jobs. The initiative is aimed at stewards who are interested in eventually crossing over to Arriva Trains Wales. Carmarthen Steward Samantha Hill was one of the first to take part, shadowing Carmarthen Conductor Paul Firmston on one of her rest days. The project is being praised as a good example of Arriva Trains Wales and At Seat Catering working together to promote progression through the company.
Prepared for big concert EXTRA trains were laid on in anticipation of the crowds flooding into Cardiff for the recent One Direction concert. Valley Lines services and trains to West Wales were strengthened by the addition of extra carriages. The concert, at the Millennium Stadium, attracted interest from a wide area with many people travelling well in advance of the event. Additional conductor and driver managers were present on platforms, and the Arriva Trains Wales crowd management plan was put into place. ASPECT Summer 2015
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Chance to join RUGBY CLUB
Golf day organiser Chris Hammond is looking to stage another tournament next year.
THE newly-formed Arriva RFC is on the look-out for members and anyone interested is being encouraged to put their name forward. Training is already in progress at Heath Park, Cardiff, every Sunday from 1730-1900 and games are already lined up for August and September. Benefits of being a member are raising fitness levels and getting the chance to raise money for worthy causes. Find the club on Facebook under “Arriva Trains Rugby” and on its website pitchero.com/clubs/ arrivarfc Anyone looking to join can phone Stewart Ekstrom-Gabb on 07780-481974 or just turn up at a training session.
Sign up for big sports events
Inaugural
GOLF DAY
tees off in style A
prestigious golf club where Jack Nicklaus designed a course was the venue for an inaugural Arriva Trains Wales Golf Day in the North. Teams from Chester, Llandudno Junction, Holyhead, Crewe, Shrewsbury and Cardiff took part in the tournament at Carden Park Hotel Golf Resort and Spa. They did not play on the Nicklaus course – but they found the adjacent Cheshire Course just as spectacular, with a cliff top finish.
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It was Finance Director Rob Phillips’ idea to extend the Golf Day, previously played between between Holyhead, Llandudno Junction and Chester, under the Health and Wellbeing banner. Organised by Llandudno Junction Conductor Chris Hammond, it became the latest example of the successful Sports Club initiative. The winning team comprised Richard Pierce (Engineering Developments Manager, Canton), Darren Price (Traincrew Shrewsbury), Ian Walbyoff
(Traincrew Shrewsbury) and Rob Phillips (Finance Director, Cardiff ). Chris said:“It’s always been our ambition to have a larger competition in the North and this first tournament was a definite success. We are looking to organise another for next year. “I would like to give a special thanks to Maria Preece who helped me sort out the prizes for the day and also drove round on a buggy keeping the players topped up with refreshments all day on the golf course.”
EMPLOYEES are being urged to sign up to take part in the biggest race in Wales – the Cardiff Half Marathon to be held in October. It is a mainly flat course, taking runners past the capital’s most iconic landmarks from Cardiff Castle (the starting point) to Penarth Marina and Cardiff Bay. Another high-profile sporting occasion open to all is next year’s Velothon Wales cycling event. To express interest in either or both events please email healthy.living @arrivatw.co.uk
Have you got news for us? IF you have a story for Aspect please contact Internal Communications Manager Katrina Tzannis by emailing katrina.tzannis @arrivatw.co.uk