Aspect Winter 2010 by i•creation

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The employee magazine of Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru

WINTER 2010

Netballers

on track for success

SEE PAGE FIVE

Ryder Cup operation

goes with a swing SEE CENTRE PAGES

Proud to have you on board

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Looking after our customers is crucial to our business By Managing Director

Tim Bell

SINCE my last column the Deutsche Bahn purchase of Arriva has been completed. As I indicated in my previous briefs, business has continued as usual. The main change has been the requirement to report financially direct to Germany. As you can imagine this is done on a high level from Cardiff and has little or no impact on the day-to-day lives of the majority of the people in our business. The Arriva Group of companies will continue under the same brand. Arriva Trains Wales will operate within the same parameters as present with the same funding challenges and opportunities. Our challenge will still be to develop revenue opportunities while controlling our costs to ensure we can invest in the future of the business. Therefore it is important that we continue to recognise how important our customers are to the business. Delivering our timetable every day of the week is what they expect – anything less may make them consider an alternative mode of transport. That alternative is neither good for the business nor for anyone associated with or working within the business, especially in these challenging economic times. Finally, it is that time of year again and I would like to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also a personal thank you to all of you who have helped run our bit of the railway whatever the prevailing conditions and local politics.

ASPECT Winter 2010

Eurwyn Jones with two of his Welsh Cob horses Black Beauty and Gwen.

Good homes sought for

five Cob horses A

HOLYHEAD Driver is not foaling around by making an oat-so generous offer to Arriva Trains Wales staff – does anyone want a horse? Eurwyn Jones keeps 10 Welsh Cobs on an 18-acre hillside on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park near Caernarfon, and he is serious about their welfare. He is very attached to them all – but finds his work duties are clashing with the demands the animals are making. Eurwyn got the bug for collecting the breed after his wife owned a Cob and it “just snowballed.” “They are strong, durable and very hardy,” he

said.“They don’t need an awful lot of expensive care, but they do need attention.” In fact Eurwyn, based at Holyhead, has been making great efforts recently to look after a young filly called Gwen after she gave birth at a young age.“I would even sell my house to make sure she had enough food to build up her weight,” he said. Another favourite is a mare called Machi, whom Eurwyn thinks about every time he sees a train heading to Llanharan, her place of origin. “I am very proud of my horses but I have too many and I don’t have time to concentrate on each one,” he added.“I need to find good homes for five of them.”

Dave’s soccer award is a model train WHEN local football chiefs gave Dave Parker a cash award to commemorate his years of long service to the sport, he didn’t have to think twice about how it was going to be spent. The Crewe Driver Instructor told Cheshire County Football Association officials he wanted a model of a Class 158 train. Dave started out as a

driver in the cab of 158s, and he has never lost his fondness for the class. The model in Arriva Trains Wales livery, which was duly designed and delivered by a local specialist, now sits on his mantelpiece at home. “The Class 158 was the first train I drove and I prefer them over all others,” said Dave, who has been a local

football administrator for 21 years.“It seemed the obvious present. “The award came about because I am the secretary of the Crewe and District Football League, and I also represent them on the Crewe Football Association.”

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Not a day off in 46 years:

meet Mr Reliability A

TRAVEL Assistant who has never had a day off in 46 years was recognised at Arriva Trains Wales’ latest long service awards. Gerald Plant, who is based at Hereford station in the ticket office, was among 22 employees who were honoured at the Park Inn, Cardiff. Gerald (pictured back row fifth from the right, wearing glasses), joined the railways as a lad porter when he was 15-years-old. He spent his early years driving delivery vehicles taking railway parcels round Herefordshire. His later career was more station-based, including some train despatch work, and he now works in ticket offices such as Cwmbran and Abergavenny as well as Hereford.

Commenting on his record of uninterrupted service, he said: “I suppose I have been lucky that I have not had to take time off for sickness. I really enjoy the challenges of the job.” Long service awards were also presented to Leslie Thomas, Cardiff Driver (40 years, now retired); Malcolm Standage, Cardiff Driver (40 years); and John Owen, Holyhead Station Environmental Operative (40 years). Honoured for 25 years service were Simon Lewis, Cardiff Driver; Robert Lewis, Cardiff Driver Team Manager; Keith Tibbs, Cardiff Driver Team Manager; Christopher Sproston, Chester Driver; Haydn Cridland, Cardiff Driver Manager; Caroline Jones, Shrewsbury Travel Assistant; Maureen Mills,

Cardiff Passenger Refunds Clerk; Adrian Barnes, Cardiff Driver; Eleanor Bastable, Bangor Travel Assistant; Gary Thompson, Cardiff Driver; Paul Jenkins, Carmarthen Driver; Andrew Ladner, Canton Team Leader; Nicholas Dimauro, Canton Shift Manager; Alven Sargant, Rhymney Driver; Paul Spencer, Treherbert Driver; Gareth Jones, Rhymney Driver; Gary Evans, Chester Driver Instructor; and Steve Bradbury, Machynlleth Driver. Guests at the awards evening were invited to a drinks reception followed by a dinner. The formal presentations of the awards were next in the running-order, with a disco dance until the early hours closing off the proceedings.

Training facilities in European spotlight THE training and simulation facilities at Arriva Trains Wales came under a European spotlight during a top-level seminar in Cardiff. The half-yearly meeting of the European Network of Training Centres (ENTC), facilitated by the International Union of Railways (UIC), was hosted by Arriva Trains Wales. It brought together participants from 15 training providers in 11 countries from across Europe including Austria,

Norway, Portugal, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Netherlands. Also in attendance were Rail Training International, the Association of Railway Training Providers, AMEY Rail, UIC Paris, Network Rail and the Rail Safety and Standards Board. All participants felt this meeting was a great success with lively interaction between the ATW trainers and the European managers. The training team delivered a series of

presentations at the Training Centre in Cardiff, focusing on European Rail Traffic Management System implementation. There were driver training reviews including a visit to the company’s new Simulator Centre at Cardiff station. Bethan Jelfs Buckley, Training Centre Manager, and Lynne Milligan, Human Resources Director, also made presentations to the seminar.

ASPECT Winter 2010

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Recipe for

Christmas leftovers

Seasonal tips for a

healthy Christmas H

QUICK

VEGETABLE SOUP INGREDIENTS 1 medium potato, cubed 2 leeks, thinly sliced 2 carrots, thinly sliced 1 onion, finely chopped 2 courgettes, sliced 50g frozen peas 1 small tin chopped tomatoes 1 vegetable stock cube Freshly ground black pepper 750 ml water

METHOD 1 Place the potato, leek, carrot and onion in a pan with the water and stock cube.Then gently bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

2 Whizz the soup in a blender with half the tomatoes.

3 Return the puree to the pan with the remaining stock and vegetables. Finally add the frozen peas and the rest of the tomatoes, heat thoroughly and serve.

Y PT

H ALF

Avoid calorie overload DID you know that the average person eats around 7,000 calories on Christmas Day and it would take roughly 780 minutes of running to burn off those calories?

Stay within your means

STAY debt free this festive season – it’s important not to get carried away and spend more than you can afford. If you do have any financial worries you can call the AXA ICAS Employee Wellbeing Programme for advice and support on 0800 072 7 072.

ASPECT Winter 2010

AVE yourself a merry little Christmas – but go easy on the merry! That’s the message from Arriva Trains’ Wales Health and Wellbeing team in the run-up to the festive season. A series of tips are being circulated to help people enjoy nutritious celebrations that will not overload on the calories. Eat breakfast on Christmas Day to make you less likely to snack on chocolates; serve plenty of vegetables at dinner for a balanced meal; and microwave, steam or roast vegetables to preserve more vitamins. Try pepper or fresh herbs instead of salt, cut

potatoes for roasting into larger chunks so they will absorb less fat, choose turkey instead of goose since it contains less fat and go for unsalted nuts, dried fruit or satsumas as healthy snacks. After dinner take a brisk walk, play an indoor game or just dance away those calories. As regards alcohol – pace yourself with water or a soft drink after every alcoholic tipple. Eat before you start drinking or at least enjoy snacks or a meal with your drink. Decide on a designated driver before going out in the car. Remember you may be still over the limit the next morning and don’t be tempted to skip meals to allow for drinks.

Jamie to use iPod when exercising THE winner of last issue’s iPod competition is full of praise for the advice on the Wellbeing Works website. Jamie Harris, a fitness enthusiast and Conductor based in Cardiff, plans to use his prize, an iPod shuffle, when he goes running or to the gym. He said: “I was delighted to win the prize simply by registering online at www.wellbeing works.com. “The links to sleep pattern and diet on the website were especially helpful to me, and with some guidance my energy levels have improved significantly. “There is something for everyone on the site and I would recommend people take a look.” In a bid to improve his fitness, Jamie together with some work colleagues organises bike rides, walks and days out. They are planning a charity walk along Hadrian’s Wall next year – all welcome. ● Jamie is pictured after being presented with his iPod prize – with Conductor Manager Trudie Burns looking on.

THIS logo, chosen by readers of Aspect, will feature at all Health and Wellbeing promotions and events from next year.

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ST YLISH DESIGNS for

new uniforms T

HE final design for Arriva Trains Wales’ new uniform has been unveiled. Incorporating elements of both the original proposals, the uniform – shown in the artist’s impression – will be made out of highperformance fabric. The design reflects feedback from triallers who were chosen from different sections of the company to take part in a wearer trial. The project is now moving to implementation phase which will include collecting measurements for wearers, manufacture of fabric and booking of factory space for production. Delivery of the uniforms is planned for May 2011, with the exception of the winter jacket which is being trialled over this winter and will be issued later. The existing jacket will be worn until then. ● The artist’s impression does not include the female scarf which was still at the design stage when Aspect went to print.

Arriva gets behind young

sporting talent YOUNG sportsmen and women have benefited from Arriva Trains Wales sponsorship. The company recently supported a national roadshow staged by Wales Netball at 10 venues across Wales. Youngsters aged between 10 and 17 were invited to attend the training sessions held over a seven week period. A mix of skills, match-play and technical coaching was on offer, which also included workshops aimed at coaches, team managers and umpires. On the hockey front, two players from Swansea are being supported with their travel arrangements to and from training and home matches at the Welsh

Institute of Sport. Tom Vinney and Jonny Gordon play for Cardiff based Whitchurch Hockey Club, the only Welsh club offering men’s National League hockey. Meanwhile, fifteen year old Hollie Arnold from Llanbradach is being supported in her efforts to reach the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Originally from Grimsby, Hollie, who was born without her right hand and forearm, competes in the javelin. She has already competed in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and moved to South Wales in order to access better training and physiotherapy facilities.

Speaking at Llanbradach railway station, Hollie said: “I’ve always enjoyed sport and with lots of hard work, I’m hoping to represent Team GB in London 2012. “Preparation is really important and access to quality training facilities in Cardiff will help me achieve my goal. Arriva’s support with train travel will make it easier for my mother and I, especially in today’s climate where sponsorship can be difficult to find.”

Hollie Arnold is hoping to compete in the javelin event at the London 2012 Paralympics.

ASPECT Winter 2010

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Initiatives to further improve reliability

Justin Watkins, a Maintenance Team Leader at Canton Depot, inspects a newly-fitted HID headlight on a Class 142.

A bright idea to

improve safety A

SERIES of improvements are being made to Arriva Trains Wales rolling stock to enhance operating efficiency and safety. High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights are being fitted to give greater visibility for drivers. They are a lot brighter – and also far more reliable than conventional bulbs. Run by clusters of light-emitting diodes, the HID headlights continue to function if one single diode fails.“The brighter lights benefit drivers of the Arriva Trains Wales units as well as those of trains coming in the other direction,” said Jonathan Thomas, Class 142 Technical Inspector. “Track workers will also be more aware of the approaching trains. The HID headlights use less power than conventional equivalents, while there

is a real gain in reliability.” Most of the Class 150s and Class 153s have been upgraded with the headlights and fitting of the Class 143s is underway. Class 158s will be fitted during refurbishment. Meanwhile, shatter-proof laminated windows are being fitted to units to safeguard passengers from tree falls and stone throwing by vandals. Previously, windows were treated with an adhesive film to prevent “spalling,” where the glass fragments into a crystalline dust. The new state-of-the-art windows contain an inner layer coated with an anti-spalling material. Class 153s are currently being fitted and the rest of the fleet – with the exception of the Pacers – will follow in due course.

Bikers make ‘road trip’ to war graves A BIKE enthusiast from Arriva Trains Wales led a “road trip” to the battlefields and war graves of France and Belgium. The four-day expedition was organised by Conductor Chris Richards, of Shrewsbury, on his HarleyDavidson, accompanied by his wife Jayne on her Kawasaki 500.

ASPECT Winter 2010

They were joined for the visit, which took in 1,000 miles of travelling, by four fellow members of Oswestry Motorcycling Club. Highlights included the V2 Museum, the Menin Gate at Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery at Sonnebeke. Chris said:“The tour was unforgettable and extremely

moving at times. At Tyne Kot visitors are greeted by a roll call of names, ages and dates of some of those who fell. “It is hard to imagine that thousands died fighting for a few metres of ground which could be lost again in a matter of a few weeks, with thousands more falling in its defence.”

A NUMBER of initiatives are underway to enhance the reliability of the Arriva Trains Wales fleet. With the reliability of the Pacers remaining best in class in the UK and the 150s close to best in class, the company’s overall record is excellent – but problems with the Class 158s need addressing. A “baselining” exercise has been introduced to put the five worst-performing units under the microscope. Each is being put through a series of careful checks and any outstanding defects are being remedied. Work is being undertaken at Machynlleth depot, supported by Technical Inspectors from Canton, to test and renew a number of relays – a frequent cause of problems with the 158s. Meanwhile the engineering team at Alstom is working hard to improve the reliability of the Class 175s. Solid-state Automatic Warning System receivers are being fitted and the air conditioning is being modified so that a fault does not disable the auxiliary supply. In addition, a remote downloading system for the TMS system is to be trialled, to allow Chester depot to extract reliability data from the train remotely. This system, which has already been fitted to the Virgin Pendolino fleet with great success, allows defects to be diagnosed before trains return to the depot. Alstom continues to make reliability improvements during the 10-year overhaul to couplers, cooler groups and underframes.

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Tributes to Grant Tryon T

RIBUTES have been paid to Grant Tryon, who died suddenly at the age of 46. In his role as Current Operations Manager he used his expertise to help the company achieve the excellent service performance it now experiences. Everyone who came into contact with Grant was touched by his modesty, wit and his passion for his family, his job and not forgetting the donkeys. Many people will remember him for his opening gambit of “What news?” Our deepest sympathy has been extended to his widow, Catherine and their young daughter Francesca. Catherine is known to many Arriva Trains Wales staff for her role as Risk and Environment Manager working as part of the safety team. Managing Director Tim Bell said: “Grant’s very sudden death is a shock to many of us and he will be missed, not just by the business but by all the colleagues and friends who came into contact with him.” Grant's funeral, at Llandogo Church in the Wye Valley on October 7, was attended by a host of colleagues from both within the company, Network Rail and further afield in the rail industry. Speaking to Aspect, Catherine said:“I would like to extend my heart-felt thanks to everyone for their outstanding support and for all the numerous cards and letters. “My words cannot in any way do justice to the way people have actively shown their boundless kindness.

Two of Grant and Catherine’s rescued donkeys – Bertie and Paige.

“I have always considered that being part of the railway is like being part of a huge extended family, and at this time it has never been more accurate. “I would also like to extend a thank you from the Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. To date donations are in excess of £1,000, which is a phenomenal amount. The link is still active at www.justgiving .com/GrantTryon. “There is one other thing that I would like to say and that is about organ donation. “There never seems the right time to talk about organ donation. It appears to be one of those topics that many of us firmly want to do, but do not actually end up getting round to registering our details. “You may be reading this and you have already registered, as I have. If you have done so, thank you. Please remember that it is very important to communicate your express wishes with your loved ones. “I will continue to encourage anyone to join the NHS Organ Donor Register. Joining is not difficult, costs nothing and gives someone else the potential of either a vastly improved life or even life itself.”

S A F E T Y

matters By Operations and Safety Director Peter Leppard

Use of ‘defib’ saves elderly passenger’s life at Neath station THE use of the “defib” (Automated External Defibrillator) saved a life at Neath station on 25 October when an elderly passenger collapsed and stopped breathing. A doctor came forward and asked if the station was equipped with a defibrillator and fortunately it was. With the prompt response from station staff, the doctor used the defibrillator to restart the elderly passenger’s heart. In terms of cardiac arrests in public places, Wales currently has a 41 per cent survival rate. Of 27 incidents this year, 11 casualties have been resuscitated thanks to the use of a defibrillator. Funded by the Welsh Assembly in 2006, Arriva Trains Wales currently has defibrillators located at some of its staffed stations. Staff training is provided by the Welsh Ambulance Service. The West Midlands Ambulance Service has recently funded a device and staff training for Hereford station. We are hoping to receive a charitable donation of two more defibrillators from Heartbeat UK, which could be placed on stations on the northern part of our network.

Heart safe environment There is no obligation for our staff to be trained. However, training will provide the confidence and understanding for you to use a defibrillator during an emergency because during a cardiac arrest, every second counts. It is vital that staff report any faults with the defibrillators. If there is a BEEP then there is a FAULT. The coloured indicator in the handle should always be GREEN. If it is RED, there is a FAULT. These life saving devices need to be ready to work at our stations and staff are urged to contact the relevant Ambulance Service Defibrillator Response Team if they detect a fault. Welsh Ambulance Service Tel: 02920 932917 West Midlands Ambulance Service Tel: 01432 268353 We anticipate more training will take place throughout 2011 so if you are interested, please contact your line manager for more details. By doing this, you are helping to create a “heart safe environment” for staff and passengers alike. We would like to express our appreciation to both Heartbeat UK and Cardiac Science for their assistance and generosity in funding two of our defibrillators. ASPECT Winter 2010

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The Ryder Cup focused the attention of the world on Newport, giving the station a chance to showcase its £22 million facelift. Aspect went to report on Arriva Trains Wales’ impressive special events operation that catered for the thousands of golf fans flooding into the area for the tournament.

Revenue Protection Officer Keith Sutton checks a customer’s ticket at a station barrier.

Selling shuttle bus tickets in the station foyer are, left to right, On Train Assistant Ticket Examiners Jade Hamilton and Anna Pereira and Safety and Compliance Officer Liz Williams.

Signs pointed the crowds towards waiting buses to shuttle them to Celtic Manor Resort.

Station staff stay quick on feet for

their own Ryder Cup triumph T

Golf fans make their way from the shuttle buses back to the station.

Flying the flags for the European team.

Ready for the crowds are Special Events Manager Simon Turton, second right, and Station Environment Supervisor Martyn Tudor, far left, with staff from Sword events control who were brought in to help with the operation.

ASPECT Winter 2010

A customer looking every bit the golf fan in his plus fours.

HE organisers of the Ryder Cup were not the only ones who had to improvise when the competition spilled over into a fourth day for the first time in its 83-year-old history. Arriva Trains Wales’ dedicated team at Newport station also had to stay quick on its feet as the torrential rain took a heavy toll on the fairways of the course at Celtic Manor Resort. Briefings led by Simon Turton in the special Crowd Management Centre above the station concourse were dominated by the weather as all concerned waited for the golfing authorities to make a decision on start times. The flow of customers through the barrier system leading from the shuttle bus terminus to the station entrance was irregular throughout the tournament as the weather led many to come away early. On the first day, with play delayed until 4pm, stewards were faced with crowds

COVER PICTURE: Supervisor Carl Manley gets into the Ryder Cup mood by practising his golf swing.

Platform 3 packed with golf enthusiasts on their way home after the final day of play. returning from the course in a steady stream through the afternoon. More than 3,000 golf fans poured into Newport by train on each day of the tournament, with another 1,200 passengers arriving on three charter trains. When the charter passengers returned from the course at the end of play, they were tactfully discouraged from taking photographs on the station to ensure the queues kept moving. A high number of fans were American visitors, who referred to the railway as a “railroad” and came in search of detailed directions to get round the station. “On the rainy days both sets of fans came back to the station wet and disappointed,” said Angela Burt, Supervisor who was responsible for train despatch on platform 2. “Even so they were really polite and gracious. Many of them were loaded down with Celtic Manor souvenir bags.”

The mood of the crowds brightened considerably on the Monday, with supporters of the European team thrilled by their team’s triumph. “It’s a great privilege to be involved in the staging of the Ryder Cup in Wales,” said Supervisor Carl Manley, who attended the CMC briefings and helped to co-ordinate the response to the crowd flows on to the platforms. “I’ve just taken up golf at the Peterstone golf course and it’s great to be part of an event that is being watched by 1,500 million people worldwide.” A total of 20 stewards – a mix of ATW volunteers and staff from Sword events control – took up their positions at points on the station under the instruction of Wayne Cresswell. Passengers returning on shuttle buses were directed into queues at the south of the station building signed Charter, London, Midlands, Crewe, North Wales and Cardiff,

Swansea, West Wales. All queues flowed freely until platform loading levels were reached. “The weather was the main challenge,” said Simon.“The crowds were unpredictable – there were 500 waiting for the first shuttle bus at 0530 on the first morning – but we remained flexible throughout the event and met all the challenges.” On the barriers, ATW’s revenue protection assistants noticed the Americans had done their research about the local area. “They joked with us about the recent spoof song Newport State of Mind,” said Ifi Ali. A small café was opened on the side of the concourse serving teas, coffees and snacks. In the concourse, 5,000 ponchos and blankets were made available to those who needed them for the atrocious conditions.

Two American visitors return to Newport station with plenty of Ryder Cup souvenirs.

Colourful characters – two Americans dressed as a leprechaun and Uncle Sam. ASPECT Winter 2010

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Revenue Protection Officer Keith Sutton checks a customer’s ticket at a station barrier.

Selling shuttle bus tickets in the station foyer are, left to right, On Train Assistant Ticket Examiners Jade Hamilton and Anna Pereira and Safety and Compliance Officer Liz Williams.

Signs pointed the crowds towards waiting buses to shuttle them to Celtic Manor Resort.

Station staff stay quick on feet for

their own Ryder Cup triumph T

Golf fans make their way from the shuttle buses back to the station.

Flying the flags for the European team.

ASPECT Winter 2010

A customer looking every bit the golf fan in his plus fours.

COVER PICTURE: Supervisor Carl Manley gets into the Ryder Cup mood by practising his golf swing.

Two American visitors return to Newport station with plenty of Ryder Cup souvenirs.

Colourful characters – two Americans dressed as a leprechaun and Uncle Sam. ASPECT Winter 2010

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By Human Resources Director LYNNE MILLIGAN

Positive feedback from company’s ‘people projects’

Driver Steve Quine on his narrow boat Little Luv. Below, Steve sails the boat on the aqueduct high above the Ceiriog Valley.

Steve’s valley feat by

boat and train W

HEN it comes to crossing one of the prettiest valleys on the Welsh borders, Steve Quine is possibly unique. He can lay claim to the unusual record of having driven a train and sailed a boat high above the Ceiriog Valley in North Wales. The feat is made possible because the river, as it flows near the town of Chirk, is straddled by a viaduct and an aqueduct, standing side-by-side. “It’s a strange feeling that I have made the crossing by rail and by water,” said Shrewsbury Driver Steve, whose narrow boat Little Luv is the fourth he has owned in 18 years of sailing the canals.“I suppose it’s quite unique to sail over Telford’s Aqueduct knowing you have also driven a train across Robertson’s Viaduct only a few days before.”

ASPECT Winter 2010

Steve’s 30-foot boat is moored at the nearby Ellesmere Basin. On rest days he makes trips to places like Llangollen and Whitchurch, often with work colleagues on board. “It’s a great way of unwinding,” he said. “I’m sometimes joined by Conductor Dom Eaton, who brings his dog Lily, Driver Ed Douglas and trainee Conductor Chris Ware.”

AS we reach the end of another year, it’s worth reflecting on some of the “people projects” that have taken place recently at Arriva Trains Wales. In developing and trialling new items of uniform, we have been keen to acknowledge the views and preferences of staff. We will be moving to a smart charcoal jacket and trousers with striped shirt, complemented by a new tie and cravat design which will add colour. Feedback from the triallers was very helpful and it provided valuable assistance with drawing up the final designs. One of the most encouraging pieces of feedback came from one of our conductor triallers. He reported that passengers responded to him in a more positive way due to the smartness and professionalism of his uniform. Illustrations of the new designs can be found in this issue of Aspect and the project plan will see delivery of the uniform in May 2011. On the health and wellbeing front we have introduced wellbeingworks® where staff are able to complete a personal health assessment questionnaire. Tailored information bulletins can be sent to the email inbox of your choice and you can use the site as an encyclopedia full of useful health information. The Human Resources team has also run some wellbeing days in conjunction with our occupational health service. We have also been busy developing e-recruitment which will enable job applicants to create a profile and apply on-line as well as being alerted to vacancies in their chosen area of work. The full service will go live early in 2011. Our simulator centres are now fully up and running with all four simulators installed. We continue to get great feedback about them and I look forward to their continued contribution to our training programmes. We also have our own ILM centre which is able to provide a modularised approach to management training and is already proving very popular. I hope you enjoy the festive period with your friends and family.

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Moustache sacrificed for charity fund-raiser

Road Transport Manager Martijn Gilbert plans replacement services for the ATW network.

Road team rise to

the challenges N

EWPORT station has featured high on the list of priorities over the past year for Arriva’s rail replacement team. Headed by Road Transport Manager Martijn Gilbert, the Road Transport Section (RTS) based at St Mary’s House pulled out all the stops to provide buses and coaches during the station’s £22 million revamp. Replacement services are still having to be found during closures for works on equipment on the approaches to the station under the ongoing re-signalling project. But the main challenge was the Ryder Cup, where a ground-breaking partnership between Martijn’s team, Arriva’s Tellings Golden Miller Coaches and ATW successfully delivered the largest special event ground transportation operation so far. Planning included the production of drivers’

route maps, event staff briefings, integrated shuttle bus timetables and contracting of vehicles. A team of 38 road transport co-ordinators from the Road Transport Section supported the transport fleet which included eight “bendy” buses, four vehicles from UK Bus regions, 14 coaches from Arriva and 200 vehicles supplied by 38 sub-contracted operators. Martijn said: “It was hard work but everyone pulled together and got the job done. “I was impressed by everyone’s willingness to work together and the operation demonstrates the spirit of partnership not only between group companies but also the sub-contracted operators with whom we have built up relations through our core business of rail replacement coach and bus operators.”

PONTYPRIDD station made a hair-raising contribution to the fund-raising activities for Children in Need. Dennis Morgan made the ultimate sacrifice – he had his moustache shaved off for the first time in 40 years. The last time the Revenue Protection Assistant was seen without it was on his wedding day! “My wife has not seen my bare lip for many years,” he said.“In fact, the only photograph I have without my moustache was taken during our wedding celebrations all those years ago.” A number of other staff joined in with fashionable new hairstyles and extravagant fake facial hair on display. Paula Jones, Ticket Office Clerk, said: “Everyone was fascinated to see Dennis without his moustache. It brought staff and customers together for a very good cause, and we had the biggest laugh we have had for ages.” The station raised a total of £243.80, with donations from the public and employees.

Family embrace martial art ethos FOR Stephen Faber, practising the Korean martial art of Taekwondo is a family affair. His son Paul, aged 12, and his nine-year-old daughter Seren have both accompanied him to go through the moves at a club in Aberystwyth. The Machynlleth-based Conductor believes the regime of the sport is making them more disciplined and peaceful in their daily lives. “Although Taekwondo is a

contact sport it is not violent, ” he said. “The ethos of the martial art instills self control and stops people from being aggressive.” Practising Taekwondo, which is the national sport of South Korea, has also prepared Stephen to deal with any difficult situations he may face in his day job.“It gives you extra confidence and selfassurance,” he said.“You are more likely to walk away from

conflict – that is the sport’s real value.” Seren has been enjoying the martial art, which includes self-defence and making sets of moves against an imaginary opponent as well as kicking from a mobile stance, since she was aged five. “Both she and her brother have increased their fitness levels and achieved a real sense of belonging,” added Stephen.

HAIR TODAY – NONE TOMORROW: Dennis Morgan pictured with his moustache before the sponsored shave at Pontypridd station. ASPECT Winter 2010

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five

minutes with Dave Griffiths Dave, an Instructor Conductor based at Holyhead, is married to Liz and has two children, Laura and Thomas. The latest addition to the family is his grandson, Oscar William Griffiths, who was born in August this year. What are you doing at the moment? I have been a Health & Safety Representative for more than 17 years. Along with Drivers’ Safety Representative Dave Williams and a member of the management team, I have just completed one of the four walkabouts which I make each year at Holyhead station and depot. We make notes on anything that needs attention and if it’s an urgent matter, we report it directly. Reports are sent the same day to HQ in Cardiff via the local managers. Anything raised at the walkabout is discussed at the area Health & Safety committee meetings at Chester a fortnight later. What is the best aspect of your job? I have been a conductor for almost 22 years, having joined the railway 11 years ago. I enjoy meeting people and dealing with the different challenges each journey can bring – no two days are the same in this job. It was great when we used to work freight trains in the 1980s. What’s the strangest thing that has happened to you in work? During the time we used to work the Freightliner trains from Crewe to Holyhead we had a three-seat settee dropped on top of our loco in the Shotton area. Fortunately it just smashed and did no damage – very scary though.

Dave Griffiths by the distinctive clock tower at Holyhead station.

Which famous people alive or dead would you invite to a dinner party? Guests would include Andrew Marr, the former BBC Political Editor, who has a way of making politics sound interesting; Eddie Izzard, one of my favourite stand up comics; Elton John for the background music and Michael Palin.

How do you relax?

What did you want to be when you were growing up? A vet. I would be no good at it though as I would only end up crying if I had to put anything to sleep!

“Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail.”

Favourite films/CDs? Films include Gladiator, Black Rain, and Kelly’s Heroes. Music favourites include John Barry, Billy Joel and David Gray. I am going to see the full orchestral live show of War of the Worlds by Jeff Wayne at the MEN Arena in Manchester in December.

I like to walk my dog, Mr Pickle. I read all the time, especially military and industrial history. I love the Discovery Channel and would have it on all the time if I could. Best bit of advice you have ever been given?

What would you like to be doing in five years’ time? Hopefully, peeping over the edge of the retirement hill. And your favourite place in the world? Nicest place I have ever been to was called Deer Lick Creek in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. So peaceful. I was last there in 1980 when I went over to see my pen pal Iris and we have been writing since 1978.

Love the Train ad campaign scoops award A UNIQUE Arriva Trains Wales marketing campaign aimed at winning more people over to train travel has been recognised by a high-profile award. The Love the Train campaign, created in-house by the marketing team, scooped the Excellence in Marketing Award presented by the South Wales Chamber of Commerce. Competing against the likes

ASPECT Winter 2010

of Gocompare.com and Donate Wales at a prestigious awards ceremony, the campaign was praised for its attempt to grow passenger sales through effective communication with customers.

● Pictured left to right at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, are: James Robinson, of Zeffa Ltd, Cheryl O’Brien, Arriva Train Wales Engineering and Planning Officer, Katrina Tzannis, Arriva Trains Wales PR

and Advertising Manager, Mike Bagshaw, Arriva Trains Wales Commercial Director, Teleri Jones, Arriva Trains Wales E-Marketing Co-ordinator and Mai Davies, BBC Wales presenter and awards host.

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Love of God is vital ingredient this Christmas By Railway Mission Chaplain REVEREND RON KEEN Pictured after the Armistice Day unveiling of the memorial plaques at Cardiff Central station are, left to right, Railway Mission Chaplain Reverend Ron Keen, Network Rail Area General Manager Wales Mark Langman and Cardiff Central Station Manager Wayne Cresswell.

Plaques honour

fallen heroes

HREE memorial plaques have been unveiled in the main concourse of Cardiff Central station commemorating the sacrifice of railway employees killed or injured during the First World War. They were unveiled at a special Armistice Day service held at 11am by Railway Mission Chaplain Ron Keen. An embossed central plaque explains in Welsh and English their significance with more than 30 servicemen named. Speaking at the service, attended by staff and passengers, Reverend Keen said: ”Previously

there was no record of a memorial plaque being placed in Cardiff Central station, so the process was put into place to correct the matter. “Great Western records revealed a list of staff members, once based in the Cardiff area, who had lost their lives serving ‘King & Country’ during the Great War of 1914-1918. No other records have, as yet, come to light relating to second world war – however searches are still being made.” If more names come to light, another plaque will be added.

Tribute to station adopter with great love of trains IT is with sadness that we announce the death of Don Southgate, the station adopter of Tywyn Station on the Cambrian Line. Don was an enthusiastic supporter of the station, had a great love of trains and was a life long member of the local Talyllyn Steam Railway. His support in organising this year’s Cambrian Adopter’s Conference was greatly appreciated and helped make the event a great success. Don – pictured with an award he received recognising his outstanding contribution as a station adopter – passed away peacefully on 23 October. Our thoughts are with his wife Doris and his family.

DURING the last couple of months I have been gathering together recipes from various members of the rail industry, as well as from friends and family in Wales, with the intention of producing a recipe book to raise funds for our Railway Mission. The response and support has been excellent, and the book is now available, entitled 101 Off The Rail Recipes. The work has been another way of connecting with many staff members I normally see irregularly, and has, I hope, built better understanding of how our charity operates. We often hear staff talking about their “railway family” working together, supporting and caring for one another, and that is much the way we want our own families to be – with the addition of lots of love! At Christmas time we celebrate what is perhaps the greatest gift of love ever given, the best offer of support and care that we could imagine. It’s the reminder of the time God sent His Son into this world with the one intention, and that was to offer everyone His forgiveness and love – if we would only believe it and receive it this Christmas the love of God may be the missing ingredient that is needed to make many “family recipes” even more successful. It is available to all – freely. May I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. ASPECT Winter 2010

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Richard puts M3 to the

Richard Newbrook in his M3 takes the famous Karussell corner on the old North Loop track at Nürburgring.

test A

S far as Richard Newbrook is concerned, BMW cars are quick, reliable and tough. He should know – he has tested his pride and joy on one of the toughest race tracks in the world. The Shrewsbury Driver has put his BMW M3 through its paces on the old North Loop track at the Nürburgring in Germany.

The circuit was rated by many as the toughest in the world when it was used for Grand Prix races before being replaced with a new track built alongside in 1983. “There’s nothing else like it anywhere,” said Richard.“Every

corner is a big one and you see graffiti on the track or little shrines indicating where people have had serious accidents.”

Richard has converted his M3 for racing use, and he uses one of his other BMWs when he wants to go driving on normal roads.“I’m a big-time fan of the marque,” he added. “Taking one to the Nürburgring is something I always wanted to do and I recently completed my best time, 8 minutes 58 seconds.”

Traditional dancing to ‘honour’ station A GROUP of Morris Dancers which is keeping alive a centuries-old tradition has created a dance about an Arriva Trains Wales station. The Widders Border Morris Dancers, based in Chepstow, were specially invited by ATW to demonstrate their new sequence at Severn Tunnel Junction station. The group chose the station for a subject because they want to continue the Widders’ tradition of writing dances about working people and the places where they carried out their trades. Dressed in their signature coloured rags and black nets, with top hats, sticks and blackened faces, the 15-strong troupe performed the new dance in front of fascinated passengers and a number of schoolchildren. The dynamic moves followed the singing of a specially written verse called Railway Man: Railway man he works hard, Shunting in the Bristol yard, Severn Tunnel never fails, Keep the engines on the rails. Mike Lewis, Foreman of the Widders, who at one time worked on the Severn Tunnel

ASPECT Winter 2010

The Widders Border Morris Dance pictured after performing the dance at Severn Tunnel Junction station. Junction yard as a shunter, said: “It was an honour to perform the new dance at the station, and great to think that even today Arriva Trains Wales appreciates the way we are continuing to create dances about working people and their workplaces.” Frank Slater, Station Manager for Newport and East Wales, said: “The performance on the station was very enjoyable and we were pleased to support dancers in their latest project.“

New system is a UK first ARRIVA Trains Wales became the first train operator in the UK to operate passenger services under European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) – the new groundbreaking hi-tech signalling system on the Cambrian lines. ERTMS is the new European standard way of controlling trains and will gradually replace older signalling systems with a computer

display inside the train cab, allowing every train to be driven at the optimum speed. The system will not only potentially improve train performance, but will also make better use of track capacity on routes where that is scarce. It incorporates full automatic train protection, so that trains will be stopped automatically if a driver fails to respond to warnings.

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Students’ station murals

Pictured holding the community art certificate at Swansea station are Revenue Protection Assistant Lynne Jenkins and Course Tutor at Swansea Metropolitan University Duncan McLaren.

SCOOP ACCOLADE A

PROJECT to improve the appearance of the approaches to Swansea High Street station has scooped an accolade. Eight students in their final year on a General Illustration course at Swansea Metropolitan University created murals reflecting iconic scenes from around the rail network. The public art assignment, which gave the students valuable work experience, was awarded a Certificate of Excellence in the 2010 Association of Community Rail Partnership Awards. Visitors to the station have been impressed by the colourful murals which highlight

locations such as Pontypridd, Wrexham, Llandudno, Mumbles and Llandrindod. Course Tutor Duncan McLaren said: “It is a pre-requisite of the General Illustration degree course that final-year students engage with industry. This assignment funded by Arriva Trains Wales offered eight students valuable experience in working to a

tight deadline with a client, while satisfying both technical and aesthetic constraints.” Geraint Morgan, Community Affairs Manager, said: “The accolade is credit for the students’ hard work in helping us to improve the appearance of this part of the station and we’re delighted that the project has been recognised nationally.”

M&S voucher with our £50 N I W Caption Competition

EUROPEAN team captain Colin Montgomerie is pictured in the heavy rain that affected the early stages of this year’s Ryder Cup – but he later had plenty to celebrate as Europe secured a dramatic win against the USA at the Celtic Manor, Newport. We're looking for the most amusing caption, so to win a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher, please send in your entries no later than January 31 2011. The competition is open to Arriva Trains The Wales employees only. winner of the Simply write your caption on a piece of paper and £50 M&S voucher send it with your name, address and phone number to: for last issue’s word Geraint Morgan, Community Affairs Manager, search competition is Arriva Trains Wales, St Mary’s House, Chester Driver John Haynes 47 Penarth Road, Cardiff CF10 5DJ. ASPECT Winter 2010

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Hill runs are ideal training A THREE-MILE long hill situated close by his house in Trevaughan comes in useful for Carmarthen Driver Simon Biggs. He regularly runs up it to train for endurance and running competitions. Simon’s latest feats include the Cardiff Half Marathon, in which he clocked up a personal best time, and a triathlon in Lydney. He plans to train through the winter months, cycling, swimming and running in the hills around Carmarthen, to be ready for a half Ironman triathlon next year. Simon, who has raised money for charity over the years, said:“I’ve always enjoyed taking part in a variety of sports events.”

! W PO International kickboxer Jason Landa with some of the medals he has won representing Wales.

r o f s m i a r e x o Kickb s e l t i t p o t e e thr B

LACK belt Jason Landa represents Wales at international level in kickboxing tournaments. A former Welsh amateur boxing champion, he has never looked back since he changed sports to take up kickboxing at the age of 15. Jason, a Revenue Protection Assistant at Newport, has just won two fights representing Wales in a semi-contact tournament in Aylesbury. He is now planning a crack at three belts – the Welsh Area Title, the British Title and the Celtic Title. The fitness fanatic trains three times a week

ASPECT Winter 2010

after work, concentrating on stretching, cardiovascular work, running and kick-boxing techniques. He belongs to Victoria Kickboxing Club, the Cardiff club where he was taught by former world champion Denzil Lawrence and the Welsh Muay Thai Centre. Jason, aged 37, said: “I prefer kickboxing to boxing because it has a better fitness training regime. “I am proud to represent Wales at the sport. It keeps me fit, gives me discipline, and is a useful self-defence technique.”

Impressive time in lake race LEE Williams has only been running for six months – but he is already clocked up an impressive time in a half marathon around Lake Vyrnwy near Welshpool. “It was a difficult challenge and the last two miles were agony,” said Steve, a Shrewsbury Driver.“But I came 429 out of 1,800 with a time of 1 hour 49 minutes.” Lee, who lives in Oswestry, said: “Running keeps up fitness levels and it’s a worthwhile goal to aim for.”

Have you got news for us? IF you have a story for the staff magazine Aspect please contact Community Affairs Manager Geraint Morgan on 02920-720521. You can also contact him via email: geraint.morgan@ arrivatw.co.uk