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COMMUNIQUÉ SPRING 2018 1

IN THIS ISSUE

P3 THE ’87 BT STRIKE P3 A NEW PROJECT FOR WALES P4 LEARNING FOR ALL

P5 BSL CHANGING LIVES P6 RHYME FOR RIGHTS P12 LEARNING SAVES LIVES

P12 DISCOVERING LOCAL HISTORY P16 WORKING TOGETHER P18 BREAD & ROSES AWARDS

COMMUNIQUÉ THE MAGAZINE OF THE EDUCATION & TRAINING DEPARTMENT SPRING 2018

WHOSE STREETS? OUR STREETS!

The Evolution Of May Day

2 COMMUNIQUÉ SPRING 2018

IN THIS ISSUE

CWU 150 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1RX T: 020 8971 7200 E: [email protected] www.cwu.org

@CWUnews General Secretary Dave Ward

Dave Ward CWU

@DaveWardGS Editor Paul Dovey E: [email protected] Contributors ULRs & LPWs of the CWU CWU Education & Training Department 150 The Broadway Wimbledon SW19 1RX T: 020 8971 7340 E: [email protected] www.cwueducation.org

@cwueducation

CONTACT US

Looking at this issue of Communiqué we again see the broad diversity of activities that our ULRs engage in every day.

From providing British Sign Language courses to enable hearing-impaired members to communicate with their comrades, to cancer awareness sessions, to explaining the importance of trade unions to young people just joining the workforce, the stories in this issue show that union learning provides concrete benefits to our members every day.

I was also delighted to see the really strong response to the Bread & Roses Song and Spoken Word Award. Culture is a lens through which we interpret and hold conversations about the world. We allow it to be dominated by the upper classes at our peril. We also need to recognise the wider benefit of hearing from a more diverse range of voices - not just in culture but everything.

Giving working people the opportunity to learn and the confidence to share what they have learned is vital to building a better and fairer society. Just one of the things we will be marching for in London on 12th May. I hope to see you all there.

Song and Spoken Word Award. Culture is a lens through which we interpret and hold conversations about the world. We allow it to be dominated by the upper classes at our peril. We also need to recognise the wider benefit of hearing from a more diverse range of voices – not just in culture but everything.

Giving working people the opportunity to learn and the confidence to share what they have learned is vital to building a better and fairer society. Just one of the things we will be marching for in London on 12th May. I hope to see you all there.

Dave Ward

As old projects come to an end and new ones begin it is great to see that once again our ULRs have effectively delivered learning to our members across the UK. The blunt tool of payment by results and "priority" and "non-priority" learners have not undermined our delivery. Indeed learning goes from strength to strength. This is in no small part down to those ULRs who refuse to give up; who refuse to be down-hearted when government cuts or local circumstances thwart their plans – but instead say, "OK, that hasn't worked! Let's try something else!"

It is always inspiring to see what different ULRs have achieved. These stories come from

It is always inspiring to see what different ULRs have achieved. These stories come from around the UK and show that our reps are well versed in making the most of the very different opportunities available in the different nations. What is particularly interesting is the growing tendency of ULRs to contact each other, share their ideas and support each other. Educators would describe these as Communities Of Practice or Personal Learning Networks – as trade unionists we recognise them as examples of practical solidarity and our natural way of doing things.

So read and be inspired by the stories contained within this issue of

things.

So read and be inspired by the stories contained within this issue of Communiqué – and if you see ideas that you would like to replicate contact the ULR or branch in question and find out more.

Trish Lavelle

BUILDING A BETTER AND

FAIRER SOCIETY

PRACTICAL SOLIDARITY


NEWS

As part of our View From The Floor area on CWU Left Click we are collecting memories from activists and members who were part of the British Telecom strike in 1987.

Mel Gorrie from Scotland No 1 branch has instigated and is leading the research for this project.

If you have personal memories, photos, leaflets etc. – or if your branch has records of the time please contact Mel via email at [email protected] or the CWU Education & Training Dept at learn@cwu

If you have personal memories, photos, leaflets etc. – or if your branch has records of the time please contact Mel via email at [email protected] or the CWU Education & Training Dept at [email protected].

In the cold winter of ’87 the strike made headline news.

WHO REMEMBERS

’87?

The CWU in Wales has again been successful with its application to the Wales Union Learning Fund. This gives the Branches in Wales funding for members to up-skill and improve their employability whether this is for their current role, promotion or a new career.

This project is called learning Together 2 and will last for 1 year only, from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019. Unlike previous projects

Together 2 and will last for 1 year only, from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019. Unlike previous projects Welsh Government have included 4 mandatory, measured targets in this WULF round and they are: accredited qualifications; non-accredited learning; learning progression and Essential Skills. To these the CWU added Welsh Language, which is fundamental to Welsh identity and culture, as well as Health and Well-being, which can impact positively or negatively on the learning experience. These courses were both

Learning Together 2

A View From The Floor is the section of Left Click

dedicated to labour history – particularly the

lessons we can learn from those reps who

preceded us.

being, which can impact positively or negatively on the learning experience. These courses were both highlighted by learners and ULRs as courses that should form part of the CWU project.

We look forward to supporting CWU learners in Wales throughout the coming year and having yet another successful WULF project!


NEWS

Jan James, Lead ULR for South Wales Branch has been helping learners in the local community.

Diane had been in the same job for 20 years without any progression. Her employer was going through difficulties and Diane didn’t have any written qualifications for the

job she was currently working in. With Jan’s support Diane completed a raft of CPD (Continuing Personal Development) courses which led to a City and Guilds accreditation.

The feeling of self-worth from her achievements gave Diane the encouragement to apply for a senior positon in a GP practice.

Diane said, “Thanks to the CWU I was able to complete the course, which gave me the confidence to apply for and achieve a new role as a senior administration position in a new workplace.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

GDPR Legislation: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) replaces the Data Protection Act in May 2018. It is vital the CWU complies with this. One of the key aspects of this is the transfer of learner information to the OLS database. If you are a ULR who has not yet started using the OLS please contact Paul Dovey to arrange this as a matter of urgency.

Disability Awareness: The E&T Dept have been working closely with the Equalities Dept to develop a new Disability Awareness course. It has just been piloted to make final adjustments. We plan to roll it out into the regions ASAP.

Sustainability Fund: We have again been successful in gaining ULF funding for England – so once again there is funding available to set up or enhance learning centres. Please contact Paul Dovey for more details.

Photography Competition: The E&T Dept’s Digital Photography Competition will once again be running throughout the summer. Full details are on the back page of this issue.

LEARNING FOR ALL IN WALES

understands the benefits WULF funding can offer members. I have no doubt he will succeed in making a success of his new role.”

Craig Kinsey is the new ULR for Gwent Amal Branch. He is looking to work closely with David James, Lead ULR South East Wales Amal branch, to hold Learning Events both in Cardiff and Newport as well as visiting all the Delivery Offices within Gwent. James Clarke Secretary of the WNLC says, “Craig is keen to get involved quickly. He understands the benefits that WULF funding can bring to members with regards to up-skilling or changing

WNLC WELCOMES CRAIG


BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE

For a number of years Bilal Akmal, OPG for Royal Mail, has been coping with his disability (deafness in both ears) trying to communicate with both colleagues and managers by writing messages on bits of paper, and more recently through text messaging.

As you can no doubt imagine this was becoming tedious and very frustrating, especially for Bilal.

This is when Mo Miah decided to approach Royal Mail management, with regards to making things easier and more inclusive for Bilal and decided to speak

Mail management, with regards to making things easier and more inclusive for Bilal and decided to speak with Andrew Colclough.

Together they approached David James (Lead ULR), their

Together they approached David James (Lead ULR), their mission was to improve the communication methods between Bilal and his colleagues by providing a British Sign Language course. David, as Lead ULR undertook the organisation and arrangements for this crucial, much needed course, with the uptake of learners being extremely good. It was brilliant to see so many of Bilal's closest colleagues looking to attend the course.

The course was provided by Aspyre Training and funded by the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF). It was great to see Bilal and colleagues coming together each week and see how their communication and interaction improved.

Today we see the benefits of this course, where colleagues are able to communicate with Bilal in a more inclusive and meaningful manner and vice versa. It has also raised awareness amongst the wider workforce with regards to inclusion, especially deaf awareness. To see the transformation in Bilal today is something that we can all be proud of.

COME TOGETHER

It was great to see Bilal and

colleagues coming together each

week and see how their

communication and interaction

improved.

Solidarity and a British Sign Language course transforms the workplace for Bilal


RHYME FOR RIGHTS

Creative Writing breaks down barriers and builds confidence. It is a form of self-expression and creativity that requires only a pencil and a sheet of paper. The CWU Education & Training Dept were delighted to take part in the first Rhyme For Rights workshop with popular spoken word artist Potent Whisper.

The venue for our first workshop was The Winch youth centre in North Camden, and area that is extremely diverse but also suffers from significant deprivation and inequality. One in three children in the area grow up in poverty – which increases the risk of poor health, lower earnings and shorter lives.

When the Old Winchester Arms pub closed in 1969 it was squatted by a group of local community activists. Since then they have worked with thousands of children, young people and their

Since then they have worked with thousands of children, young people and their families to improve their life chances, supporting them from childhood to career. The CWU was delighted to work with them to deliver a free workshop to explore language, self-expression and the world of work.

“There are times when this is the best job in the world,” said Paul Dovey of the CWU Education & Training Dept. “It was a great night and we were made to feel really welcome. Everyone threw themselves into the activities and debate with great enthusiasm. They were a really switched-on bunch, asking some really sensible questions and making some sharply observed comments. The future is in good hands.”

said Paul Dovey of the CWU Education & Training Dept. “It was a great night and we were made to feel really welcome. Everyone threw themselves into the activities and debate with great enthusiasm. They were a really switched-on bunch, asking some really sensible questions and making some sharply observed comments. The future is in good hands.”

During the course of the workshop Potent Whisper led participants through various breathing techniques, principles of poetry, and how to identify and describe feelings about our lives.

Paul then led a discussion around rights at work. The group had many of the same issues experienced by many young workers; short term or zero hours contracts, low and performance-related pay, unreasonable and conflicting targets and non-existent health and safety precautions. we then created a group poem around the theme of workers’ rights. You can see the results here. Quote from PW

RHYME FOR RIGHTS!

The CWU Education & Training Dept were delighted to take part in the first Rhyme For Rights workshop with popular spoken word

artist Potent Whisper.

Potent Whisper talks voice projection.


RHYME FOR RIGHTS

performance-related pay, unreasonable and conflicting targets and non-existent health & safety precautions.

Potent Whisper than facilitated the creation of a group poem around the theme of workers’ rights. You can see the results here

“We experience a lot of different workshops at The Winch and this was a real stand out from the rest!” enthused Anna Braybrooke, “The tone for the young people was spot on and it was engaging, creative, fun and very relevant. A few of the young people who came are often quite withdrawn in workshops and it really brought them out of their shell.”

Potent Whisper was similarly enthusiastic, "It indicates a strong desire among young people for access to information on their rights at work. I anticipate similar response to future workshops." Quote from PW

Potent Whisper and the participants of our first workshop at The Winch.

Collective Poem by The Winch

I just joined a union cos together we’re stronger, My employer think they got me by the collar, But I am the wonga – I make their dollar, So they best treat me right so I can stay longer,

They’re trying to pay me a store wage (naaaahhh!), But I’m not on that, I’m trying to get more pay, Trying to get me out now, boot me through the doorway, But I know the procedure and this ain’t on your page,

We know our rights and believe me we’ll fight, We’ll organise first and, if we have to, we’ll strike, There’s power in numbers, that’s why we unite, And we’ll keep it moving until we reach those higher heights,

Up the builders, up the nurses, Up the cleaners, up the workers!

Do It Yourself!

Working with acclaimed West Midlands poet, Steve Pottinger, the CWU E&T Dept

have developed a Creative Writing Workshop that Union Learning Reps can run in

their workplaces. Why not get involved today? The materials are available to

download in the ULR Essentials section of Left Click

To see an example of Steve’s work, No One Likes An Angry Poet, watch here:


MAY DAY

May Day has ancient origins. The earliest recorded spring festival was the Ancient Egyptian Festival of Shamo which represented the beginning of creation. It included fertility rites and celebrated the importance of agriculture (the first industry) to Egyptian civilisation. In Ancient Rome, the coming of May saw the festival of Florialia, named after Flora, the goddess of flowers and springtime and celebrated with flowers and dancing around a sacred tree. The Celtic festival of Beltane was held on 30th April into 1st May and celebrated the return of the sun while people danced around great fires to promote purification and fertility.

Springtime. It was celebrated with flowers and dancing around a sacred tree. The Celtic festival of Beltane was held on 30th April and celebrated the return of the sun while people danced around great fires to promote purification and fertility.

These festivals could be an area of tension and even conflict between the People, the Church and the State. In many ways it was an opportunity for the people to assert themselves. They would often elect a Queen of the May – and sometimes a King. These were sometimes referred to as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The cutting of the maypole was a way of establishing the right to cut wood freely from the forest. A villager disguised as Jack-in-the-Green would dance through the streets surrounded by his followers demanding money from passers-by to pay for the evening feast.

An attempt to ban May Day celebrations during the reign

many ways it was an opportunity for the people to assert themselves. They would often elect a Queen of the May – and sometimes a King. These were sometimes referred to as Robin Hood and Maid Marian. The cutting of the maypole was a way of establishing the right to cut wood freely from the forest. A villager disguised as Jack-in-the-Green would dance through the streets surrounded by his followers demanding money from passers-by to pay for the evening feast.

An attempt to ban May Day celebrations during the reign of Henry VIII resulted in riots with 14 rioters being hanged – although a further 400 were pardoned. The celebrations also challenged the morality and patriarchy of the Church. Greenwood Marriages would see women and men running off to spend the night together in the woods, returning the following morning with flowers and garlands to decorate the village. One Puritan complained, “I have hearde of tenne maidens whiche went to set May, and nine of them came home with childe,” and May Day was one of the many festivals banned during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell – allowing Charles II to make political capital out of its reinstatement during the Restoration.challenged the morality and patriarchy of the

Paul Dovey considers the development of May Day as a workers’ holiday and sees both the continuity and evolution to the

holiday we celebrate today.

WHOSE STREETS? OUR STREETS!


MAY DAY

II to make political capital out of its reinstatement during the Restoration.

Morris Dancing might be an early example of Black African culture influencing Europe. It is suggested that the word Morris might derive from Moorish, the name given by Europeans to the Berbers of North Africa – but since the word was expanded to also cover both Middle Eastern Arabs and pagans it remains uncertain. In Munich in 1480 a set of 16 Moriskentänzer dancing figures were created, wearing costumes and bells. They included figures who were African in appearance. A report from Shrewsbury in 1680 records payments of 10 shillings to Ye Bedlam Morris and 2 shillings for Ye King of Morocco.

Morris Dancers also wore disguises; sometimes masks but more often by applying charcoal to their faces. Out of work labourers would adopt a disguise dance through the streets asking for money. This was part of a wider pattern of disguising where festivals often intermingled with insurrection. During the enclosure riots of 1450–51 a group of more than 100 men charcoaled their faces and, calling themselves servants of the Queen of the Fairies, poaching – some even dressed as the Queen of the Fairies herself. In East Anglia, Molly Dances saw local

staged organised mass poaching – some even dressed as the Queen of the Fairies herself. In East Anglia, Molly Dances saw local farm-hands don costume and charcoal disguises to drive a plough around the local villages. If the requested payment, beer or food was not forthcoming, they ploughed across the householder’s lawn.

The charcoal disguise was so well established that in 1723 Waltham Black Act made it a capital offence to appear "in disguise, either by mask or by blackened face." But the practice of workers disguising themselves and conducting mass acts of disobedience persisted into the 19th Century with the likes of Captain Swing and the Daughters Of Rebecca. So when workers decided to use

Century with the likes of Captain Swing and the Daughters Of Rebecca. So when workers decided to use the 1st of May as a focus for their campaign to reduce the working day they were building on centuries of tradition.

A diverse troupe of German Moriskentänzer figures.

The Rebecca Riots (Punch 1843).


MAY DAY

The eight hour day campaign gathered momentum through the 19th Century. Robert Owen was an early proponent and it featured in campaigns across Europe, Australia and the USA. At its national convention in Chicago in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions proclaimed, “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.” This marked the start of a campaign which often explicitly linked the traditionally insurrectional nature of May Day with the demand for workers’ rights.

A growing spirit of militancy spread through the USA. Where previously the average number of strikes was less than 500, involving about 150,000 workers a year, in 1885 this increased to 700 strikes involving 250,000 workers – and in 1886 there were 1,572 strikes involving 600,000 workers. On 1st May 1886 there were walkouts in across the country. More and more workers joined the strike, many low-skilled and previously unorganized.

The McCormick Works in Chicago had a notorious reputation for using armed Pinkerton agents and the police to attack strikers. On 3rd May the police attacked them with clubs. Whenand when the strikers responded with rocks the police opened fire with guns, killing 6

them with clubs. When the strikers defended themselves the police opened fire with guns, killing 6 and wounding many more.

The Haymarket Martyrs.

A public meeting was called for 4th May in Haymarket Square to discuss police brutality. The meeting included families with children and the mayor of Chicago, who later testified that the crowd remained orderly. But as he left the meeting the police attacked the crowd. A bomb was thrown and police opened fire. 1 officer died on the scene and another 7 died of their injuries. 8 strikers were killed and 40 wounded. Later evidence suggested that only one police casualty could be attributed to the bomb and that the other police fatalities were attributable to their own gun fire. The bomb thrower was never identified leading to speculation that it was thrown by an agent

gun fire. The bomb thrower was never identified leading to speculation that it was thrown by an agent provocateur.

The bombing gave the state an excuse to round up hundreds of activists. Despite them all having solid alibis 8 organisers were arrested The court went through nearly one thousand potential jurors, dismissing anyone who was a trade union member or sympathiser. On November 11th, 1887, Albert Parsons, August Spies, George Engel and Adolph Fisher were hung. Louis Lingg took his own life in the cells. Samuel Fielden, Oscar Neebe and Michael Schwab, were later pardoned by Governor Altgeld, who called them victims of "hysteria, packed juries, and a biased judge." He also criticised the city for failing to hold Pinkerton guards responsible for repeated use of lethal violence against striking workers. Often forgotten in the aftermath of the Haymarket Incident is that the strike was a huge success. It is estimated that 50% of the workers who joined the strike successfully gained an 8-hour day. Many more still achieved significant reductions.

In 1889, the Second International called for worldwide the proposal by Raymond Lavigne that called for international demonstrations on the 1890


MAY DAY

worldwide demonstrations on the 1890 to honour anniversary of the Chicago protests. Over 300,000 people protested at a May Day rally in London. It became an annual international event for, "the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace."

Today, May Day is an official holiday in 66 countries around the world and unofficially celebrated in many more. It was an important rallying point for the Russian revolution, the Portuguese uprising against Salazar and the ANCs fight against apartheid. It did not become a public holiday in the UK until the Callaghan Government of 1978. The Conservatives have joined right-wingers across the world in opposing May Day. As early as 1894 US President Grover Cleveland moved Labor Day to September, deliberately cutting ties with internationalism. In 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower tried to reinvent May Day as “Law Day”. Hitler rejected internationalism and sought to make May Day a National

Law Day. Hitler declared May Day a National Workers’ Holiday and banned displays of internationalism. Franco and Mussolini also banned it. The Tories recently considered scrapping the May Day bank holiday, either replacing it with United Kingdom Day to celebrate the Act of Union in 1707 or move it to October as Trafalgar Day. But this misses the point. May Day has always transcended nations and built on cultural interaction – and has always been an opportunity for the people to assert their rights in the face of the ruling class.The Tories have recently been reported to be considering scrapping the May Day bank holiday and replacing it either with a bank holiday in October to celebrate Trafalgar Day or renaming May Day as "United Kingdom Day" to celebrate the Act of Union in 1707. But this misses the point that May Day has always been an international celebration, built on cultural interaction – and has always been an opportunity for the people to assert their rights in the face of the ruling class.

the face of the ruling class.

In the 21st Century trade unionist marches mix with anti-capitalism protests which mix with environmentalists which mix with pagans – and the roots of May Day join them all. As a member of Hunters Moon Morris puts it, "You are grounding yourself, partaking of yourself as a member of the human race, and partaking of the ground you're dancing on." Or as a member of Wolfshead & Vixen puts it, “It's a form of ritual theatre, a magical space embracing both dancers and audience… It’s a way of resisting the complacent nostalgia of Englishness founded on the detritus of imperialism, racism and xenophobia.” That’s probably something we could do with right now.

May Day At Rochester Sweeps Festival.

May Day rally in London.


LEARNING SAVES LIVES!

For several years now Tyne & Wear Clerical branch ULRs have been delivering informal learning sessions in the workplace on various health topics. Raising awareness about the importance of good hydration, hand hygiene, mental health and discussing issues such as hidden sugar in foods and drinks, men’s health, cancer, alcohol, stop smoking, shisha pipe use, risk of stroke etc. has proven popular with colleagues across the BT sites in the branch.ment we have always worked in. For the bulk of our history we have been fighting against the prevailing ideology on limited resources – and look at what we've achieved; well over 100 learning centres, providing learning to over 600 people a month; well over 7,000 every year. Making a real difference to every one of those lives.

We could achieve more with

mental health and discussing issues such as hidden sugar in foods and drinks, men’s health, cancer, alcohol, stop smoking, shisha pipe use, risk of stroke etc. has proven popular with colleagues across the BT sites in the branch.

The workplace is considered to be one of the most effective methods of engaging colleagues in learning about health issues. It is hoped that information gained is shared with family members and within social networks to enhance the impact on the wider community health and wellbeing. As a result the branch is aware of 2 cases where information gained at these events has resulted in members seeking professional health advice to be informed that their early intervention was critical in ensuring that their diagnosis was treatable. The NHS prosthetic models of breast and testicles were instrumental in both these cases to help members realise that their symptoms were a cause for concern and prompted them to seek immediate medical help. Both cases have been successfully managed with members grateful for the information gained in the workplace as their outcome

Talking bollocks could save your life

Christine Carruthers, lead ULR at Tyne & Wear Clerical Branch, reports on how ULRs

have been delivering informal learning sessions in health & wellbeing that have

proven to be exceptionally popular.


Hand Hygiene.



Both cases have been successfully managed with members grateful for the information gained in the workplace as their outcome could have, in time, been completely different.

Similarly, information given about the use of Shisha pipes was received by colleagues astonished at the potential health risks they were exposing themselves to. Many admitted that they found the pipes to be socially acceptable but were unaware of the dangers associated with them and as a result of the workplace session intended to change their lifestyle.

Many NHS trusts have libraries that will loan health models to health advocates and ULRs to help reinforce the message being delivered. Whether it’s a jar of tar, blocked artery, beer goggles, displays about diabetes or lung cancer etc, these interactive aids are visual prompts to engage colleagues into conversation about the subject.

Food can also be used as visual prompts. Cherry tomatoes, cherries and Maltesers were used to engage colleagues with the men’s health info, sugar lumps were used to highlight the hidden sugars in food and drinks, Lion Bars, Maltesers and chocolate

lumps were used to highlight the hidden sugars in food and drinks, Lion Bars, Maltesers and chocolate raisins have been used to stimulate conversation about bowel cancer.

ULRs aren’t expected to give health advice just offer information to members to help them decide how to change their lifestyle and so improve health and wellbeing. Feedback from colleagues and managers confirms the positive effect that learning about health has had throughout the workplace regarding attendance, morale and perceptions about unions.

ULRs aren’t expected to give health advice just offer information

to help members decide how to

improve their health and wellbeing.

Trying to toe the line isn’t so easy with Beer Goggles..

Shisha Pipe.


EXETER’S UNDERGROUND PASSAGES

Going down!.

Deep In The Heart Of Exeter

The underground passages beneath the streets of Exeter were built in the early 1400's. They were used to transport fresh spring water in lead pipes from nearby springs just outside of the Old Roman City.

The Cathedral was the first to get fresh running water in the City, and later expanded to the top of Fore Street at the cross roads outside Snappy Snaps North Street where a public fountain was built to enable everyone to have fresh water on tap.

The passages were built by a dig and cover method, where a deep trench was dug and a Heavitree stone arch built over it and then backfilled. Over the years the land around the passages built up, and now they are over 5 meters deep in places.

up, and now they are over 5 meters deep in places.

The lead pipes were joined by using animal fat from sheep and cows, which were often chewed by the plague of rats running through the passages, the smell underground was not pleasant at all and the lighting for the plumbers who had to fix the pipes was extremely poor.health risks they were exposing themselves to. Many admitted that they found the pipes to be socially acceptable but were unaware of the dangers associated with them and as a result of the workplace session intended to change their lifestyle.

Many NHS trusts have libraries that will loan health models to health advocates and ULRs to help reinforce the message being delivered.

pleasant at all and the lighting for the plumbers who had to fix the pipes was extremely poor.

During the civil war in 1600's, parts of the lead pipe was recovered and some of the underground passages were blocked off to stop advancing troops entering the City underground. The lead was used to make round bullets.

Later after the civil war, the pipes were replace with Iron which brought water back into the City once again.

The passages were also used during the Exeter Blitz for people avoiding the bombs which reshaped Exeter. It was very damp and crowded, but at least safe from exploding bombs.

Adrian Chamberlain took members of South Devon & Cornwall branch back in

time and underground for a very unusual learning experience.


EXETER’S UNDERGROUND PASSAGES

The passages became unused due to technology changing throughout history, and they were forgotten for many years until in 1933 explorers started to open them up again, and the start of the Underground Passages Tours began from then right the way to now.

My personal memory of the passages was when I was about 10-11 years old and the entrance was located alongside Boots leading up to Rougemont Gardens. Often the passages were closed due to flooding, but now there are more passages open to explore and the learning centre at the start of the tour has much more information and interactive themes to choose from. It was great to be able to take our youngest son William aged 13-14.

It was great to have arranged the weekend tour for our CWU members.

And I look forward to arranging other tours elsewhere in the near future for everyone to enjoy and learn.

Remember, you are never too old or young to learn, as every day is a learning day.

Thanks to all who made it over this two day event, and I look forward to the next Learning session.

Bringing the past back to life.

Get ahead, get a hat.


WORKING TOGETHER

When I took over as Branch ULR, I wanted to find a way of raising both the profile of the Branch and of Union Learning. I took a couple of ideas to the committee, one of which was running courses in CPR and opening up the courses to members, non-members and management alike. The idea being that we would have a captive audience and we could not only teach them a worthwhile skill but we could also introduce them to how the union could assist them whilst promoting what Union Learning had to offer.

When I took this to the committee, I was immediately supported by Ian Hart who is the Branch Union Safety Rep and a qualified First Aid and CPR trainer. Ian championed the idea of CPR training with

Union Safety Rep and a qualified First Aid and CPR trainer. Ian championed the idea of CPR training with the management in Chester and North Wales and we soon had an agreement that the courses could be run in work time, on work premises and a guarantee that paid release would be granted for anyone wishing to undertake the courses. Ian organised courses from Chester up to Bangor, in North Wales and he even held courses past midnight for our through the Night workers.

Ian has championed Union Learning from the start and he recently organised a Health and Wellbeing day in Chester (under the Union Learning Banner) and the event was supported by MacMillan Cancer Trust, English and Welsh Blood Service, mental health

event was supported by MacMillan Cancer Trust, English and Welsh Blood Service, mental health charities and health and wellbeing experts, all of whom came together to make it a really great event and again it raised the profile of the CWU and Union Learning.

Ian continues to Champion Union Learning through his Union Safety work and is planning to offer the CPR courses to Openreach as an add-on when they have team briefs. His initial contact has proved positive and it is hoped we will be able to roll out further training very soon.

Both Sarah Currie and Hannah Williams are Branch reps in North Wales and Chester Combined Branch. Hanna took on the role of Young Workers Officer as well as Women’s Officer, whilst Sarah took on the Clerical Rep’s role as well as taking on

WORKING TOGETHER

When Wayne Callaghan took over as Branch ULR, he wanted to find a way of

raising both the profile of the Branch and of Union Learning. The solution was in Branch Reps supporting each other and

working as one.


WORKING TOGETHER

Officer as well as Women’s Officer, whilst Sarah took on the Clerical Rep’s role as well as taking on championing a new role as our ambassador for new manpower recruits. Separately they have championed Union Learning and have encouraged young and new members to become more involved with the union as a whole. Sarah has pulled out all the stops with the ‘Close The Gap’ campaign and garnered support from members and MP’s alike, whilst working with Ian Hart to promote the CPR courses. Hanna has worked closely with young members offering support and assistance whilst championing Union Learning as a way for members to learn new skills and to broaden their learning horizons.

Because of the brilliant work they have done for the branch individually, we recently asked them to work together, combining their strengths, and to think about how they could encompass their work and that of Union Learning to further support members and again shine a light on what we do as a Union apart from our industrial role. They have both met the challenge with enthusiasm and gusto.

.

role. They have both met the challenge with enthusiasm and gusto. There current campaign is Woman at Work: They have put together (menopause) comfort bags that sit at the end of every bank of desks in Bangor and Chester. They are emblazoned with the CWU Logo and Union Learning/Union Safety. They contain, heat pads, cold pads, a blanket, skin balm, spritz spray, as well as leaflets on the menopause. They are also working on a campaign to highlight and improve the sanitary needs of female engineers at work. They are both a tour de force and we are very fortunate to have them both in our branch.

When Rob Roberts and I took on the Branch Secretary and Chair roles, we wanted each individual Branch Officer and Rep to offer support to each other. Whilst an individual has the steer on a role, we wanted them to be supported by other lead roles. So whilst we have a Lead Union Learning Rep, they are supported and Union learning is championed by all the branch, from the Financial Officer to the Union Safety Reps. Likewise Union safety is supported by the ULR and the Woman’s officer. The Branch works as one to assist and support everyone.


BREAD & ROSES AWARDS

The Bread and Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award was launched jointly by the CWU and Culture Matters. It was open to all, regardless of trade union membership.

“I welcome this new partnership with Culture Matters,” said Dave Ward, CWU General Secretary, on launching the award, “The arts and culture generally are vital to the labour movement, and working class communities across the country. We are sponsoring this Award because we want to encourage our members in

the country. We are sponsoring this Award because we want to encourage our members in the CWU, and working people everywhere, to express themselves creatively on themes that matter to them as workers.”

We are very pleased at the success of the Award, which received over 100 high quality submissions, from both well-established performers as well as people who might not otherwise enter competitions.

The entries were judged by a panel of Chris Webb (CWU), Boff Whalley (songwriter, fellrunner and formerly of Chumbawamba) and Chris Guiton (Culture Matters).

“I was taken aback by the quality of all of the entries,” enthused Chris Webb, “The level of understanding of the issues of our time mixed with the ability to turn this into the

high quality submissions, from both well-established performers as well as people who might not otherwise enter competitions.

The entries were judged by a panel of Chris Webb (CWU), Boff Whalley (songwriter, fellrunner and formerly of Chumbawamba ) and Chris Guiton (Culture Matters).

“I was taken aback by the quality of all of the entries,” enthused Chris Webb, “The level of understanding of the issues of our time mixed with the ability to turn this into the written word or song was inspirational. Music and creativity has a huge role in changing society and particularly engaging young people – its brilliant to witness it alive and kicking.”

express themselves creatively on themes that matter to them as workers.”

We are very pleased at the success of the award, which received over 100 high quality submissions, from both well-established performers as well as people who might not otherwise enter competitions.

The entries were judged by

The high quality of the Bread & Roses Song & Spoken Word Award shows the vitality in a scene that has a

great part to play in changing society.

ALIVE & KICKING!

THE WINNERS ARE

Warlord Baker Escape

Maddy Carty Crying At the News (Justice For Grenfell)

Maria Ogundele Scallops with Terry and Stan

Seonaid Stevenson Funeral For A Socialist & School Pride

Jamie Thrasivoulou & Bloque Capitals That Pebbledash Finish

https://youtu.be/N0F1darlRGY

https://youtu.be/rher_4CrsQc

https://youtu.be/pyUP-wQlu0o

https://youtu.be/KewABdcJVI4

https://youtu.be/bv0HZZH0eck

https://youtu.be/3QoRHjIJY1I


BREAD & ROSES AWARDS

changing society and particularly engaging young people – its brilliant to witness it alive and kicking.”.

Boff agreed, “There’s so much going on in the world that it was inevitable that many artists would sing and speak predominantly about the bad stuff. But there’s also hope, pride and optimism out there. I was really encouraged that almost all the entries sounded like they were proper regional working class voices, and not just middle class writers/singers voicing working class concerns. There’s some brilliant stuff out there being sung and played and rapped and spoken.”

sounded like they were proper regional working class voices, and not just middle class writers/singers voicing working class concerns. There’s some brilliant stuff out there being sung and played and rapped and spoken.”

Chris Guiton was keen to thank everyone involved, “Culture Matters is very grateful to CWU for sponsoring the Award; to the judges, for all their hard work; but, most of all, to the songwriters and spoken word performers who sent in such wonderful entries.”

If you want to hear the winners you can click on the links or visit the website www.culturematters.org.uk

We are looking into the possibilities of releasing a CD featuring the winners and many of the runners up so you can enjoy even more of the entries.

Warlord Baker.

Maria Ogundele.

Maddy Carty.

Jamie Thrasivoulou.

If you want to hear the winning entries click on

the links or visit

culturematters.org.uk


THANKS RAY!

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