THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS WEBSITE.
HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO A NEW SITE CALLED
IGNITING THE FLAMING OF UNITY
https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/
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
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
LITTLEHAMPTON
E.M.U.T.
1955 A.S.L.E.F STRIKE
Bognor & Littlehampton branch members
Photo taken outside Littlehampton Railway Station, back of the Co-Op in Albert Road.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
LITTLEHAMPTON
JUNE 1958
PAGE 219
A Social evening was held at the Globe Inn, Littlehampton, on 21st February, and was attended by members of the
Littlehampton and Bogor Regis branches of the A. S. L. E. & F. and their wives. The occasion was the retirement of
our Branch Chairman, Bro. Sid Easton.
Sid has been a real good Trade Unionist, and was at one time secretary of the New Cross branch.
A musical evening followed with Mrs. Miller at the piano - a social function enjoyed by all. Bro. Miller (Chairman)
made the presentation there was also a present for Mrs Easton.
To all those who kindly assisted in the special efforts for the widow and children of Motorman Johnston we thank
you. The amount presented to Mrs. Johnston was £157 - 15s - 0d. the branch tanks everyone for their support.
FRANK MILLER
PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN
Construction of Littlehampton Carriage Sheds
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1959
page 58
MOTORMAN’S TICKET
SIR, - As I write we about to the latest “office boys’ brain child” trust upon us. The designer of this monstrosity can
have little or no practical knowledge of a Motorman’s duties. Firstly, only one column for departure and arrival
stations. It would therefore seem that one will need two tickets at least for most duties (twenty minutes).
Then there is the twenty dollar question, actual departure times. How is a Motorman to record this whilst the train is
in motion, with only one hand free, a notebook (if he is lucky), no writing desk, no light after dark, and no watch. We
have just left a year with some unfortunate accidents, yet some irresponsible people are allowed to bring forth
something that can only cause a distraction to a Motorman when engaged in his proper duty.
GORDON KNIGHT
MOTORMAN
LITTLEHAMPTON
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
LITTLEHAMPTON
MAY 1960
PAGE 191
The quarterly meeting was held March 24 and 27. This branch now holds an evening meeting in addition to normal
Sunday meeting each quarter. The success of this venture was apparent in that 80 per cent of available members
attend the evening meetings. Good work, chaps! Remember, the life-blood of the Branch officers is the support of the
members. No resolution on the Guillebaud Report was made, but its findings were discussed in some detail.
The liveliest discussions came during the submitting of items for the L.D.C. The main cause of complaint was the issue
of uniform clothing, which year by year bears no likeness to an organized issue.
Another very sore point under discussion was the lack of messroom facilities at Barnham.
On the question of messrooms a letter from Brighton L.D.C. was read, which gave rise to some scathing remarks
regarding the wooden lean-to shack which passes as a messroom at Brighton. It has since been rumoured, however,
that a certain amount of progress is being made in providing more suitable temporary accommodation.
G.J. Knight,
Branch Reporter.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
AUGUST 1960
LITTLEHAMPTON
PAGE 258
The quarterly meeting of Littlehampton Branch took place on June 30 and July 3. The Chairman extended a welcome
on behalf of all, to Bro. R. Tizard, who after two years away from the depot has now passed fit to take up his duties
again at this depot. Good luck, Reg, and may you spend many happy years with us in the future.
The report on the wages award was read, and this was received with certain doubts and disappointments.
We at this branch now take pride in having 100 per cent A.S.L.E.&F. membership: the application for membership
was received, and accepted, of the one and only “non” at this depot.
G.J. Knight
Branch Reporter.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
FEBRUARY 1961
LITTLEHAMPTON
PAGE 57
As the year 1960 draws to a close it gives one cause for reflection on the past year’s work of the branch. It as been a
year with which the members can be justly pleased, as we have achieved solidarity second to none, and satisfaction
and understanding from the management on many of our problems.
The passing of the year, however has and meaning for this branch being to the retirement from the chair Bro. Frank
Miller, who shortly retire from railway service. Bro. Frank at the time of writing, is unfortunately in hospital. His
loyal a dedicated service to this branch in years even when not in good health himself, has been a shinning example to
us.
Congratulations to Bro. D.K. Pullen for his lively and humorous article in December Journal. Whilst enjoying his
humour in this matter, it is to hoped that seriousness of underlying implications is not overlooked.
G.J. Knight
Branch Reporter
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1961
LITTLE HAMPTON
The Branch met on October 19, with the usual good attendance. Unlike many branches, we have no worries as
regards attendance at our meetings: perhaps this is because our branch business is not carried on as a dull routine,
but with an earnest view to altering our conditions, where ever man is made conscious of his own part in the machine,
without fear that he will belittled by his comrades for saying his piece.
Or maybe it is because members are allowed to bring their “pint” from the bar into the meeting. This may be a rather
unorthodox way of running a meeting, but under the able chairmanship of Bro. Jack Everson it works with much
success. Other branches may do well to give it a try.
Our 10 per cent wage claim has now been turned down. This could have been expected in view of Government
pressure on employers. Yet, alas! There are still a few of our fraternity so blind as to think that politics have nothing to
do with the trade union branch room.
With the new arrangements for staff representation coming into force this and the Bognor Regis Branch have decided
to apply for a joint L.D.C.
G.J. Knight
Branch Report
LITTLEHAMPTON MOTORMEN'S ROOM
LEFT - RIGHT TONY SQUIRES & BILL LOCKE
|
TONY SQUIRES COLLECTION
Fred Janaway, Littlehampton ASLEF Branch Secretary.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JUNE 1991
I wish to thank Robin Thompson and Partners for al their efforts in bringing my claim to a successful conclusion, and
I enclose a donation of £30 to the A.S.L.E.F. Orphans’ Fund
J. Sanders
PHIL MITCHELL COLLECTION
Les Fulcher & Ken Michell
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
DECEMBER 1991
Many congratulations to Len Warboys on a very enjoyable weekend school at Southsea.
The choice of speakers was excellent. Getting Sir Bob Reid as a speaker was certainly a coup on Le’s part.
The General Secretary gave an informative talk on restricting and was as usual on top form.
Sara Leslie from the union’s solicitors spoke most interestingly on points of law and the latest Trade Union Acts.
It was good to see members of Sectional council among the ranks and their secretary Ron Lifford closed the weekend session.
A good time shared with friends and colleagues. I look forward to the next one, Len.
R. White
L.D.C. Secretary
Littlehampton
Left ~ Right Alec Lovell & Sean Morris 29.08.1986
The photo was taken by Bob Dorkings
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
JANUARY 1993
Littlehampton Branch 1982 - 1992 tenth anniversary strike badges have been ordered and by the time this letter
appears you should be receiving same.
it was necessary to collect money before going ahead as some £700 was needed. You will appreciate that this is
difficult to find from your own pocket.
This was not a Branch funded venture but a personal one; we do not have those kind of funds in our Branch.
If anyone else would like a badge I will still take orders but it will be necessary to clear 250 to be able to get them as
cheap. They cost £3 each.
May I wish all our readers a Merry Xmas and the best wishes for 1993. We have some hard times ahead. Let’s fight
them together, not divided.
Bob Dorkings
Littlehampton Branch
"Wheels grind to a halt for four train drivers”
Retiring Littlehampton drivers in February 1994
Arthur Budden, Derek Fullick (G.S), Nigel Tippen, Jack Sanders, Bob Dorkings, Fred Janaway & Roy Turner
|
Motorman Fred Hutchings One of Littlehampton's first motormen, when the depot opened in 1938. To read his story from click on the link highlighted below
RAILWAY STORY |
Ron Chivers (Bognor, Vic 'C' & Fratton), Ron Smith (Ebne) & Gordon Rooke
Left ~ Right: Todd Slaughter & Nigel Tipen
Todd started his footplate career at Bognor Regis Loco Shed in c1950. Todd was to become the last footplateman to
be taken on at Bognor Regis. With the closure of Bognor Regis Loco shed in November 1961, saw the work (4 turns)
at Bognor being moved to Horsham and Brighton. Todd transfered to Brighton as a passed fireman and later moved to
Littlehampton E.M.U.T.
Trains on time
Gordon Knight
Gordon Knight's father was a driver at Three Bridges many years ago although I did fire to him once on loan from Horsham, he was my mothers brother, my uncle so Gordon was my cousin, he was known as "Captain birds eye" I think because he had a boat, but that's a story for another day!!!
Informatiom courtsey of Rodney Burstow
Gordon was the motorman who featured in the orignal fast run between Victoria to Brighton
Gordon's grandson is a driver at Barnham Ashley Squires
Gordon Rooke
Back row Left ~ Right: Bob Maxim & Chris Chewter (L'hm Guard)
Middle Jim Cameron (W. Worthing), Ken Pursley (W. Worthing), Ken Skilton, Bill Locke & Jim Parkes
(W. Worthing).
Front Ian Munro (W. Worthing) & Tony Squires (L’hm Guard).
Ken Skilton, Bill Locke & Vernon Cowdell (S. R. First Aid Chief Officer)
Peter Judge
Above Left ~ Right: Littlehampton Drivers Ted Sylvester, Ernie Dimer & Non Railway Left Ted Sylvester |
BOB DORKINGS COLLECTION
TOD SLAUGHTER & STEVE BRAITHWAITE
Alec Lovell |
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL JULY 2009 LITTLEHAMPTON LOSES DRIVERS LOVELL AND MORGAN It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of two Littlehampton retired drivers. Alec Lovell, a former Nine Elm’s footplate man, moved to Littlehampton to become a motorman, passed away on 20 March after a short illness. Alec was always a dedicated Chelsea fan. His funeral took place on 3 April at Findon Crematorium in Worthing. It was well attended by family and former workmates of all grades. I did hear that Alec could be seen riding his bicycle around town until recently, but a year or so ago he took to an electric 3mph machine. The funeral of Bob Morgan took place at the same venue on 7 April. Again it was very well attended by family, former workmates of all grades and the landlord of Bob’s ‘local’ on the Isle of Wight. Bob suffered a tragic accident on the River Medina when he was moving from his dingy to his new 40 ft boat. ASLEF was well represented including President Alan Donnelly and General Secretary Keith Norman, who said some comforting words on Bob’s behalf at the services.Fifty years had elapsed since Bob’s start on British Rail at Brighton as a loco cleaner on 23 April 1959. Moving through the grades he went to Addiscombe in 1966 and a year later to Bognor. Littlehampton was his next port of call in 1988. When he was made redundant there he moved to Barnham in 1995. Later he took the position of shed shunt driver at Littlehampton and retired little under a year ago. Ian Munro – Retired Driver |
NINE ELMS REUNION
2012
Left - Right Unknown 1, Unknown 2 & Todd Slaughter
Left to Right standing Mick Nott, Terry "Barney Rubble" Edwards, Mick Gillam, Alec Lovell, John Sanders. Knelling is Jim Blyth.
The photo was taken at Littlehampton station en-route the way to the Nine Elms Reunion c2005.
LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL
APRIL 2016
JOHN ‘MICK’ GILLAM
NEVER LEFT THE RAILWAY
I am sad to report the death on Christmas Eve of my oldest and dearest friend, John Gillam, known as Mick. He was
71. He started cleaning, then firing, at Brighton, got his driving job at Coulsdon, and then moved to Littlehampton.
His wife Sue became very ill and he took a traction inspector’s job so he could look after her, and retired early when
she needed full-time care. But, like many of us, he never left the railway. He was at every reunion and get together
because he loved the friendship and the banter between locomen. We shared a pushchair as two-year-olds, we started
school, left school, and started work together. He had a sharp wit and a great sense of humour. We played golf
together and often said, whilst walking the course, that we wouldn’t change anything in our lives. But I would love the
chance to play another game with him. John leaves two sons, John and Glenn, and his partner Pam.
Spike Jones,
Brighton RMS
The photos below are taken from the Brighton Train Crew Fund Social of
1991.
The video was filmed Eddie Fordham to commemorate the centenary of
the Brighton Branch of A.S.L.E.F.
Jackie Sanders |
Arthur Budden |
|
Todd Slaughter |
Littlehampton Railway Social Functions
The Annual Oscar night, held in the Barnham Hotel during 1969
In the centre of photo
Left - Right: Arthur Shelley (Bog Guard (behind Charlie Fredericks) Charlie Fredericks (Dvr. Bognor Loco),
Peter Warren, Ted Sylvester & Reg Hooker
Frank Humphries (L'ham Guard) Tim Turner & Ted Sylvester
Can anyone name the other people featured in this photo.
Wendy Hooker, Reg Hooker, Ted Sylvester & Mary Squires
|
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