THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS WEBSITE.
HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO A NEW SITE CALLED
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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE
HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE
THEIR WORKING LIVES
CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO TAKE YOU
TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE
IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE
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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE
HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE
THEIR WORKING LIVES
THREE BRIDGES M.T.
1964 ~1968
Three Bridges locomotive shed was opened in July 1848 by the L.B.S.C.R. (Shed Code 3-B).
On 27 January 1964 the steam shed was closed and the steam depot became a Mixed Traction depot. The Mixed Traction depot was closed in April 1969 along with Eastbourne M.T. & Feltham depots
With the electrification arriving at Three Bridges in 1932, this created a new motorman’s depot at Three Bridges (E.M.U.T.) which opened in 1932, along with Reigate motormans depot.
The Three Bridges Branch of ASLEF was opened on 17th May 1913
W C Headsman 1926 – 1940, G Gilliland 1941 -1942, F Brett 1943 – 1944, Charlie Stokes 1945-63,
Jim Sayers 1964 - 1970, John Cook 1972 – 1973, Dave Shopland 1974 -1982, Derek Abrahams 1983,
Robin Baldock 1984, Roy Luxford 1985 -1994, Martin Gee-Wooley 1994 –, Alison Berry - 1998,
Charlie Osta 1999 - 2004, Ron Pegler 2005 - 2007, Alex Button 2008 - 2010, Paul Eden 2010 to date.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MAY 1962
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 110
The state of the branch assistance fund was discussed at some length. It was decided that the attention of more men should be drawn to the existence of this fund.
Out of the agenda of suggestions for the A.A.D. some discussion revolved around the All-Line Promotion items; the idea was touched upon that if a vacancy was to be advertised a second time, this should be done on an all-line basis.
District Council report was read and it was good to hear that in the district the number of nons is coming down.
L.D.C. items were dealt with next. (If more men would attend the meetings or even put their thoughts in writing, it would save a lot of argument!) under the new R.D. Argreement the R.D.R. No.3 Link was discussed, also the Sunday work for the additional link.
The question of filling the vacancies on the annual leave roster was discussed; this matter around a revised local agreement.
A.E. Hodgkinson
Branch Chairman
© KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
Icicles inside West Hoathly Tunnel during the Winter of 1963
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MAY 1963
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 99
The first meeting of the year had the usual attendance. Interesting and lengthy discussion took place on several important circulars. On the circular dealing with redundancy and resettlement, the money given to the older man was considered inadequate.
The Agenda of Suggestions for the A.A.D. was discussed with a view to forming amendments. In the list of delegates it was noted that four groups did not at stage have a delegate; this was considered deplorable, and about time all groups elected their delegates.
A number of local items were discussed including the low number of Passed Fireman at the depot, and a resolution was formed to be replaced before the management insisting that men eligible be passed. Also discussed were a number of minor link alterations.
A general discussion took placed at the end on the submitting of proposals to improve duties and other items dealing with economy, and it was noted that replies are rarely received from the management.
The next two branch meeting are 9 and 16 May.
Branch Chairman
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
Standard Tank 80151 running Light Engine returning back to Three Bridges Loco
approaching Compasses Crossing
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1964
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 38
For the last meeting of 1963 there was a good attendance.
In the election of officers, Bro. J. Sayers stood down from the Committee, on which he had been for many years; his place is filled by Bro. D. Barrett.
A lengthy discussion took place on “Retirement Presentations.” It was decided to hold them in the B.R.S.A., the organization to be independent of the “S.A.” Collection would be made for four to retire in the first half of 1964, and then there will be a group presentation.
Finally, L.D.C. items were raised; these included new rosters for the introduction of diesels. There will be a roster for Fireman separate from the Drivers embracing all turn. It was not possible to bring in one roster for Drivers due to there being four types of traction involved. Movement from rosters was raised; in one movement a man suffered a loss of earnings, but his main complaint was that he was not consulted. The matter was taken up with Shed Master the following day and it was agreed that a man must be consulted
Put your complaints and suggestions to the Branch meeting. There will eight during 1964 – dates to be posted in E.M.U.T. and M.T. depots.
Branch Chairman
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
Grange Road 22nd March 1964
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
APRIL 1964
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 86
The first meeting of the year was well attended. After a report on the subject of retirement presentation, it was suggested that those retiring be divided into two groups of four, the first social to be held in July. Individual collections will be made for each man.
Spare work from the E.M.U.T. depot is going to other E.M.U.T. depots; in a number of cases use of taxis is being made to carry men to and from other depots. An approach will be made will made to Management to see if greater use can be made of the relief link (M.T.).
The question of a continuing second manning was raised. It was pointed out that the matter was being discussed at Headquarters level.
The siting of Crawley Down Home was raised, also a warning light in a boiler-house, up side after Redhill. A final discussion dealt with whether the rates of pay Driver now receive are reasonable. With the different forms of traction a driver is expected to know, and the increase in single manning. It’s about time a move was made for substantial rise for responsibility.
The next Branch Meeting is 26 April.
Branch Chairman.
Three Bridges Loco Shed c1964
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JUNE 1964
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 126
Correspondence L.D.C. before the Branch in the main with second manning station limits, London to Brighton and Three Bridges depots; no one is yet support London Bridge. A second man now supplied at the other two depots.
On D.E.M.U. work for the depot, the management requires more economical diagrams. But it seem reason for no work is the fact the East Grinstead branch.
Retirement presentation raised again, and to prevent delay organisation it was suggested that as a pensioners’ social is being held in May the next presentation could be made then.
A point was raised in relation to a newspaper report on a serious accident in which two Brighton men were killed. In the report was a statement from a “Railway Spokesman” which contained a misstatement showing that the “Railway Spokesman” had very little knowledge of the locality. The “report” being sent to Head Office.
There is a Branch Meeting on 7 June.
Branch Chairman.
BEN WILSON COLLECTION
Three Bridges Railway Club committee meeting early 1960s
L-R Les Wilson, Peter Walls unknown guard, Doug Packham (guard), Roy Ansell,
Bob O'Donell, unknown 2 Charlie Stokes
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JULY 1964
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 146
An open meeting was called on 26 April to here an L.D.C. report on the closure of Horsham M.T. and the transfer of men and work to Three Bridges; also to hear and collect ideas on link structures and training required to make the new links workable.
The provisional figures for the depot will be 58 Drivers and 35 Firemen.
The depot will be allocated D.E.M.U. work on the Steyning and East Grinstead lines; but both these lines come into the closure plans.
When the L.D.C. met the Management they suggested a link structure which would have meant minimum displacement of men, also the minimum of extra training (E.M.U.T.). the Management would not agree, and now additional training will be requires creating disturbance of rosters.
There are a number of light duty men at Horsham and the Management suggested that they be accomoditated at Three Bridges. The meeting agreed that this could be done, providing they are placed at the bottom of the roster and are utilised as a last resort, not displacing any Firemen.
The L.D.C. must be complimented on giving a clear report.
Branch Chairman.
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
Dave Shopland (right) at Bognor September 1964
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
APRIL 1966
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 91
Out of the minutes of the previous meeting an explanation was given to clarify the reference of road learning to R.S.C. L215.
One letter in the correspondence involved a signal irregularity which occurred at Brighton. It was noted that the track circuits had been altered to prevent such occurrences.
Industrial action over the 40-hour week and the October 3 ½ % was discussed at some length and the meeting decided it could not support strike action.
In the L.D.C. Report further closures were brought to the notice of the meeting, in that management now proposed to close the from Hurst Green to Lewes (which would eliminate Tunbridge Wells West and create redundancy at Brighton), and a small unit at East Grinstead. The latter indication was doubted as it’s the management’s intention to create larger rather than open further small ones.
Productivity Agreement, Clause D: it was noted that completely revised second manning rosters would be drawn up to come in April; that there was still some dispute over whether the Fireman surplus is to be considered on Regional or on a depot basis. Management contend that the overall commitment must be considered are resettlement is allowed.
Branch Chairman
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
Dave Shopland (right) at Bognor September 1964
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
OCTOBER 1966
THREE BRIDGES
PAGE 241
At our meeting held on August 14, discussion took place on the A.A.D. report, with most emphasis on the part dealing with the review of the wages structure.
Dismay was expressed over the further delay in agreement on freight train bonus. It was thought that it was about time that there were less thoughts on pennies and shillings and more thought on pursuing a line which would give a Driver a salary eliminating the lower mileage 140, thereby eliminating also the animosity that builds up over mileage payments.
Various local matters were dealt with; these included Inter-Regional trains, N.F.P., route learning facilities, revision of rosters, 3rd stage N.F.P. in October.
Branch Chairman
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
NOVEMBER 1966
CORROSPONDENCE
PAGE 274
PLAW HATCH WEEKEND SCHOOL
Sir. –Through the medium of the “Locomotive Journal” I would like to express my thanks to Organising Secretary Don Pullen, and both No.1 & No.4 District Councils’ Secretaries for their fine efforts in making the Weekend School, held on 8th/ 9th October, a wonderful success and really worthwhile. I feel confident our London members must have gained some benefit from the weekend in the quiet countryside of Sussex, away from the environments of town.
I personally look forward to next Weekend School, and I feel sure that I voice the opinion of most of us who were in attendance.
Best wishes for the future schools.
J. Sayers
Secretary
Three Bridges Branch.
* Plaw Hatch is situated on road between Forest Row & West Hoathley stations on the edge of Ashdown forest.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1967
THREE BRIDGES
At our A.G.M. appreciation was expressed to Driver F. Marshall (retired) for services to the Branch;also a welcome was given to recent appointees to the depot from other Regions.
The November meeting dealt mainly with items for the 1967 A.A.D.; the principal item concerns the Driver’s rate on a salaried basis and consists of a formula which would give the E.C. room to manoeuvre in the light of negotiations.
It was submitted that Second Men should automatically receive a rise on passing a driving examination.
The A.G.M. consisted almost entirely of discussion on L.D.C.; D.C.; Form 1; Manning of Traction with hand operated D.S.D.; Continuous Duty; Rationalisation of E.M.U.T. and M.T. Depots, Central Division; Change of Booking-on Point; and the difficulties being created before the move takes place, through another Department taking over the Shed before the present occupants move out.
Branch Chairman.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1967
THREE BRIDGES
The meeting on January 13 agreed to the proposal that a presentation be made to Driver C. Stokes for services to the Branch.
The taking over the depot by the C.C.E. came in for further discussion. It was pointed out that the taking over of redundant depots with men still in them was taking place all over the country to the detriment of those men; so that as this was a national problem, a motion was adopted to go to H.O.
The averted non-cooperation was discussed at some length. It was notes that the redundancy safe-guards were reaffirmed, which was welcomed.
An investigation was asked for into the cause of two fires on electro-diesels – one involving a Three Bridges Driver. A motion was formulated and submitted to H.O.
Branch Secretary
Three Bridges
Brian “Slash" Prior (Three Bridges & Redhill) is seen on a Rail Tour Special, and giving up the staff at Fishbourne Crossing whilst on the return trip back from Lavant station in the late 1960s
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
MARCH 1967
THREE BRIDGES
The meeting on May 2 commenced with one minute’s silence for the Fireman B.A. Brown, killed in a accident on his way home from work, a great loss both to his parents and to the depot.
The bonus dispute was then discussed and a resolution was voted reaffirming the Branch’s previous resolution on manning and bonus, endorsing the E.C.’s decision to press for a flat-rate payment.
The rest of the meeting was turned to Mr. K. Perry, Staff Side Secretary, Sectional Council No.2, he talked on the closure of the Guildford and Heathfield (Cuckoo) branches.
There would be a loss of four turns ----- and one R.D.R. at Three Bridges – as there are vacancies the lost would be three Drivers surplus. Another item was the proposed amalgamation of E.M.U.T. and M.T. depots; this is interesting as it would eliminate the nuisance of relief ------ as they have served no useful purpose. The amalgamation proposals depend on the revision of R.S.N.T. L211.
Vote of thanks to Mr. Perry was passed.
Branch Secretary
Three Bridges
**Owing to the fold of journal in the binder, it was difficult to read the full report, this will be addresses shortly.
DEMOLITION OF WEST HOATHLY STATION JULY 1967
BY THREE BRIDGES ENGINEMEN
Dave Shopland, Ray Young, Bob Hickman & Eric Hodgkinson
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
OCTOBER 1968
DISTRICT ORGANISER REPORT
We had a good meeting recently at Three Bridges where Jimmy Sayers and his lads wanted to know the details of the pending closure of their depot. At Feltham, Eastbourne and other Southern Depots, too, our members anxiousy await the November vacancy lists which will give some idea of the moves in store.
Our Sectional council Representatives have had a few crosses to bear down through the years, but never on the Southern Region have they been confronted with wholesale redundancy before.
RAY COOPER COLLECTION
Class 33 training January 1969
Left to right, Dave Strudwick Norwood, Ray Cooper Hither Green, Biff Manvell Three Bridges/Redhill, Ted “the Colonel" Lynch (Instructor) & Graham Pink Eastleigh.
VACANCIES FOR FOOTPLATE STAFF LIST No. 112
28th NOVEMBER 1968
REFERRING TO THE NOTICE ISSUED ON THE 6th NOVEMBER 1968, THE FOLLOWING ARE THE SENIOR APPLICANTS FOR THESE VACANCIES AND THE DATE OF APPOINTMENT WILL BE 2nd DECEMBER 1968 FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSES
SPECIAL NOTICE
REDUNDANT STAFF AT CLOSING ALLOCATED TO VACANCIES SHOWN ON THIS RESULT SHEET ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY WITHIN FOURTEEN DAYS OF THE POSTING OF THIS LIST IF THEY WISH TO NOMINATE A SUBSTITUTE DEPOT FOR THEIR CLOSING DEPOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CLAUSE 21, AND GOVERNED BY THE PRINCIPLES OF CLAUSE 16 OF THE P.T. & R. ARRANGEMENTS FOR FOOTPLATE STAFF.
PRO-FORM FOR THIS PURPOSE WILL BE ISSUED TO EACH MAN CONCERNED.
THREE BRIDGES M.T. REDUNDANT FOOTPLATEMEN
NAME GRADE SENIORITY MOVED TO GRADE
WALLS G.G. DRIVER 21.06.37 REDHILL MT DRIVER
SLIGHT T.G. DRIVER 29.01.40 REDHILL MT DRIVER
GREEN E.D. DRIVER 21.02.44 R’HILL EMUT DRIVER
HODKINSON A.E. DRIVER 04.11.46 REDHILL MT DRIVER
HOLLOWAY R.A. DRIVER 05.02.47 REDHILL MT DRIVER
STEVENS F. DRIVER 08.03.48 R’HILL EMUT DRIVER
ROOKE T.S. DRIVER 01.03.49 COULSDON N DRIVER
MILES P.G. DRIVER 07.03.49 CHARING X DRIVER
KING D. DRIVER 12.06.50 REDHILL MT DRIVER
ANSELL R.C. DRIVER 04.09.50 COULSDON N DRIVER
RIDLEY R.D. DRIVER 30.10.50 REDHILL MT DRIVER
HALLAM G. DRIVER 10.12.51 T.W.W. DRIVER
ROBERTS C.W. DRIVER 20.05.52 REDHILL MT DRIVER
POCKINGTON L.G. DRIVER 17.11.52 REDHILL MT DRIVER
CHAPMAN K. DRIVER 21.09.53 REDHILL MT DRIVER
BALDOCK R. DRIVER 29.03.54 REDHILL MT DRIVER
PATTENDEN C.E. DRIVER 08.04.54 REDHILL MT DRIVER
BAPTISTE A.W. DRIVER 27.07.54 REDHILL MT DRIVER
BROWN J. DRIVER 12.09.55 T.W.W. DRIVER
PRYOR B.D. DRVIER 28.12.55 REDHILL MT DRIVER
BENNET S.J. DRIVER 04.06.56 CATERHAM DRIVER
VIGAR J. DRIVER 18.06.56 T.W.W. DRIVER
DIDCOCK G. DRIVER 01.10.56 W. CROYDON DRIVER
BUTLER F.M. DRIVER 31.12.56 CATERHAM DRIVER
McQUEEN I.A. DRIVER 22.07.57 W. CROYDON DRIVER
BROWN B.F. DRIVER 10.08.59 SELHURST DRIVER
CLARK R.T. DRIVER 14.09.59 NORWOOD DRIVER
MacKENZIE W.E.J. DRIVER 20.11.59 NORWOOD DRIVER
STONER E. DRIVER 25.07.60 W.CROYDON DRIVER
MANVELL B. FIREMAN 02.01.61 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
BREEDS I.C. DRIVER 06.02.61 T.W.W. DRIVER
MUSSELWHITE P. DRIVER 04.10.61 T.W.W. DRIVER
MAYNARD J.G. DRIVER 05.03.62 W. CROYDON DRIVER
THAYRE P. FIREMAN 07.01.63 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
HALL P.C. DRIVER 21.01.63 DOVER DRIVER
BOUSTON J.M. FIREMAN 23.01.63 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
GOYMER D.C. FIREMAN 29.04.63 FRATTON FIREMAN
PATON W. FIREMAN 26.05.66 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
MAHONY J.P. PSD F.M. 29.08.66 ADDISCOMBE DRIVER *
JONES W. FIREMAN 31.10.66 ADDISCOMBE DRIVER*
DARRAGH J. FIREMAN 30.01.67 B’TON MT FIREMAN
HIGGINSON D.J. FIREMAN 21.08.67 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
BALDOCK B.A. FIREMAN 27.11.67 REDHILL MT FIREMAN
* PROMOTION MOVE TO DRIVER
THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS WEBSITE.
HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO A NEW SITE CALLED
IGNITING THE FLAMING OF UNITY
PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW
TO TRANSFER TO THIS NEW SITE
CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO TAKE YOU
TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE
IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE
https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/
THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F., THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS
& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES
WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE
HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE
THEIR WORKING LIVES
