poa gatelodge august 2009

The POA Members’ MagazineThe professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers

August 2009

POA launch ‘Prisons are not for Profit’ campaign at TUC sponsored

Tolpuddle Festival

PRISONS ARE NOT

FOR PROFIT

01 cover.indd 1 28/7/09 12:22:31

For a copy of this book, please write to:-William McKane

Unpretentious Valourc/o 18 Mowhan Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh, N.Ireland, BT60 1RQ

Price is £9.99 (p&p paid for by the author)

ForewardI often wondered what the last day would be like. I walked out through the Tally Lodge at the main gate, past the army guard force watchtower to the car park. After being checked by the squaddies on duty at the extern gate, I drove my car out of the Maze for the last time. It was all over! I had served more than 24 years as a prison offi cer in Northern Ireland’s Maze prison. But more than that, my total service in the Ulster Security forces now spans over 43 years.

For some time I thought that when I retired I would write a personal memoir of my life, events, incidents and experiences. This is my story. It is not in any sense a chronological history of what became known as ‘the troubles’. It is a story designed to revive the public interest in the bravery of the men and women of the Northern Ireland security forces, who have borne unremitting dangers and diffi culties with commendable steadfastness-and to pay tribute to the unpretentious valour of some of those who died, and whose very memory became an embarrassment to the government they served.

This is a story of faith: faith in God, faith in myself and faith in my friends and colleagues. It is a love story about a young boy from a small village in County Down and a young girl from South Armagh who were brought together as the result of a brutal, sectarian, terrorist campaign. But most of all, this is a story about service, loyal service to my Queen, my country, and the British Crown.

UNPRETENTIOUS VALOUR - an Autobiography

2 August 2009 Gatelodge

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Introduction

Gatelodge August 2009 3

What’s inside…Gatelodge is published every other month by the Prison Offi cers Association. It is circulated free to all members of the Association and is available on general subscription. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the National Executive Committee. The Association does not accept responsibility for any statements made or opinions expressed in any of the articles, papers, correspondence or reports published in the magazine.

Subscription Rates: Non-members £15.00 Overseas £20.00

Editor: Glyn Travis

Editorial Board: Colin Moses, Glyn Travis, Steve Gillan

Editorial Offi ce: POA HQ, Cronin House, 245 Church Street, London N9 9HWTel: 0208 803 0255 Fax: 0208 803 1761Email: [email protected]

Editorial: Contributors to the magazine are requested to send material for the October issue by 3rd September 2009.

AdvertisingBusiness Development ManagerJuliet Goss 01778 391067e-mail: [email protected]

Production Co-ordinator Sue Woodgates 01778 392062e-mail: [email protected]

Advertising Design Development Design

PublishingPublishers & Printers Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, PE10 9PH. Tel: 01778 393313 Fax: 01778 394748

Development PublisherSimon Moody

Editorial DesignViv Lane

Contents

Welcome to the August issue of Gatelodge. We are more than half way through the POA’s 70th Anniversary and just approaching the 1st September 2009, a date that may bring about changes to service not seen since the acceptance of Fresh Start in 1987.

On the 27th April Jack Straw made his statement in the House of Commons in respect of prisons and probation, and Robin Wilkinson wrote to the POA outlining proposals for change.

Workforce Modernisation (WfM) by the back door.Many of these changes may or may not aff ect your terms and

conditions, health and safety and the security of your prison and all are subject to challenges.

These are some of the issues:• Will the PO rank be closed off ?• Will the new Offi cer Grade be introduced?• Will there be a new Job Evaluation Scheme?• Will reserved pension rights be under attack for “Non Operational” staff ?• What is a Non Operational role?

On the back of these proposals, we are also facing Market Testing, C lustering and budget cuts year on year. So are things getting better or worse? Are we being set up for privatisation or not?

The Gatelodge can and should be used by branches and members to voice their concerns on the proposals and impact it may have on you or your branch. Remember the Gatelodge is read by politicians, your employer and other key organisations, so don’t lose the opportunity to have your say.

I am pleased that each issue of Gatelodge and a number of back issues are on the website and can be viewed at www.poauk.org.uk

Finally, I would like to thank Carol for all her eff orts in administrating the production of Gatelodge, Neil Culank and his team for the work on the website and to you the readers.

Yours sincerely

Editor’s Comments

Champions

Tolpuddle 2009

Glyn TravisEditor

■ National Chairman 4■ General Secretary 5■ General Matters 6■ Tolpuddle 2009 11■ Branch News 18■ Healthcare Matters 27■ Strictly Private 28■ Sportscene 30■ ULF 32■ Obituaries 34■ Levy & McRae 36■ North of the Border 38■ Postbag 40

03 eds letter.indd 3 28/7/09 09:18:53

National Chairman

Champions‘Prisons not for Profi t’, let us

champion this cause across the political framework. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder to protect the Public Sector, our pensions and our living standards. Do not be reliant on those that fi nd it morally repugnant whilst they are in opposition. Let us not rely on those to champion our cause who will be easily swayed by the inducements of the Private Sector and bullied by ‘here today gone tomorrow’ politicians.

Visits since April 2009Ashwell, Edinburgh, Carstairs, Isle of Wight, Wellingborough, Birmingham, Brixton, Liverpool, Manchester, Hewell, Eastwood Park, Wymott, Bullingdon, Frankland, Dorchester, Wandsworth, Buckley Hall, Tolpuddle.


COLIN MOSES National Chairman

Since taking up offi ce in June 2007, the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw, in numerous meetings with the POA has stated that the Government seeks a level playing fi eld, in the area of competition, in regard to the Privatisation of Public Sector entities. The evidence that we have seen since that time is one that wishes to drive down the standards of Public Sector Prisons and continued attacks on the Pension and living standards of Public Sector workers and Jack continues to tell us that we have nothing to fear from competition. We are seeing on a daily basis announcements from New Labour that the Public Sector must be leaner and fi tter whilst they pour billions of tax payers money to bail out a mismanaged Private Sector banking system. These bail-outs include the continuation of massive bonus payments to under performing banking executives. The Ministry of Justice has declared we have nothing to fear from Market Testing and that the NOMS Board, the same Board under diff erence guises that has sought to devalue prison staff pensions year on year, will champion us through this process. A champion is one who should defend the most needy, the only champion that Prison Service personnel have is the POA.

From its very inception, NOMS has been the vehicle to carry forward mass Privatisation of the Public Sector. We have seen under the regime of NOMS the majority of Private Sector Prisons be level 2 performers in their own rating system, yet none have been put up for Market Testing. In the lifetime of NOMS, we have seen numerous damning Chief Inspectorate Reports into privately run prisons, which have been met with total inaction from the NOMS Board. The Ministry of Justice has faced calls for the dismantling of NOMS from numerous independent penal reformers. Jack has ignored these calls and has instead taken the decision to make this ill thought out bureaucratic organisation the champion of the Public Sector.

We have a situation where senior civil servants on massive salaries will do anything to keep their ministerial bosses happy, including handing over Public Sector prisons to private multi nationals as long as it safeguards their own positions.

We must join with other Public Sector trade unionists and Politicians and Penal Reform Groups to form an alliance to stop Market Testing. We must champion the idea that prisons should not be for profi t. We must never forget the immortal words of Jack Straw, that Private Sector prisons were morally repugnant. “What has changed Jack?”

The Ministry of Justice continues to tell us that re-off ending and rehabilitation fi gures must improve, yet they fail to off er evidence that private prisons have any higher re-off ending fi gures than the Public Sector. What we have in fact is the dogma of deceit championed by those that know on their retirement they will be off ered cosy, cushy well-paid directorships in private companies. There was a time when the Labour Party was the champion of the Public Sector and Public Sector workers, that is the same Labour Party that Jack Straw and others joined before they re-branded it New Labour and made the word ‘socialist’ one that should never be mentioned. Those in 1997 made promises to end the privatisation of the penal estate now totally embrace multi-nationals making profi t of the incarceration of some of the most mentally ill in our society should hang their heads in shame. Those on the NOMS Board that for many years preached that they were Public Sector through and through now wish to hand over a large percentage of Public Sector prisons to their new found friends in the Private Sector should resign.

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Signpost

PB August 2009 Gatelodge

General Secretary

So who is the beauty and who is the beast?.Since Annual Conference 2009 it is clear

that the Union has been left some what confused and disappointed. The NEC have been left hog-tied and distracted.

It is now time to put this all back in order.

Market TestingThe POA remains totally opposed to Market Testing.

PrivatisationThe POA remains totally opposed to privatisation of prisons and all public services.

‘Prisons are not for Profi t’Our Campaign is now launched, we will take our message to the heart of Government, to all other trade unions and to the TUC. We will not bow our heads to Government or the Private Sector. Our fi ght now begins in ernest. We are all part of that fi ght.

Our ballot will take place will take place between the 10th – 21st August 2009. All branches will be visited by the NEC. We will not allow any public or private company to run prisons for profi t. We will fi ght for every private prison to be returned to the Public Sector and support our members to do this.

Full Staffi ngThe POA’s policy is that workplaces where our members work, be it in the NHS or prisons throughout the United Kingdom, should be fully staff ed to levels agreed between the Union and the employer.

Trade Union RightsThe POA believes that Prison Offi cers should have full rights no diff erent then any other worker. Further, the current trade union laws in the UK should be removed and replaced with trade union freedom, consistent with international law.

PayThe POA believes that all workers pay should be determined through ‘free collective bargaining’ and no pay rise should be imposed by the employer.

Prison RegimesThe POA believes that prison regimes should be consistent in ensuring that the act of imprisonment punishes the off ender and more importantly, provides

fair opportunity for all off enders to be rehabilitated. No regime should be promised where it is not aff ordable and should always be consistently provided.

Provision of Mental Health CareThe POA believes that no off ender with mental health needs should be held in prison unless the threat that the individual presents is such as to debar them from being treated within the NHS. Where individuals of this nature are held in prison then this should be only for as long as this remains justifi able when examined by a panel of independent experts.

Use of ImprisonmentThe POA are committed as public servants to holding those sent to prison by the courts. The POA believes that imprisonment should be reserved for those off enders, whose criminal activity is such that anyone within a civil society would be put at risk should any of these individuals be allowed their freedom during the prison sentence.

So judge for yourself the Union is not the beast, we are the voice of common sense, reason and human rights.

This Government, the NOMS Board and the Prison Service Management are not the beauty!!

Their commitment is to promise to deliver everything - not to give resource - then to blame Prison Offi cers and their Union as being responsible for the failures of the Prison System.

I would like to thank the Wymott Branch during my recent visit with the National Chairman for putting forward, forcefully their views. The POA needs as a Union to respond to pressure not by being pushed over. We need to start to push back even harder as individuals and collectively as a Union.

Don’t just wait to be told but take the initiative at branch level. Visit your MP’s surgery both in your home area and within the constituency that your prison is in. All members need to show your unity and strength.

For those members who seek to breach our policies they need to understand that where they continue they will be dealt with harshly, consistently, fairly for sure, but disciplined for the good of the Union and all of its membership.

Our Rules belong to the Union and its members, not the courts. It is for the Union to decide what ‘music’ and which ‘dance’ – not the Government lackies.

We cannot aff ord to be a Cinderella organisation, only to run away when the chimes sound.

The NEC will lead. We will enact your policies. We can only lead where you will follow!!

The Tolpuddle Festival showed the POA as a united fi ghting Union. The launch of our Prisons not for Profi t Campaign was the biggest focus of the festival. I would place on record my thanks to all POA members who attended and particular thanks to the 65 members of our Union, other trade unions and members of the general public who completed the hike for rights. My thanks also go to the Northern Ireland Pipe Band and to Finlay Spratt for organising the attendance of the band, who were the focal point of the banner parade through the village of Tolpuddle.

The POA membership has never been held in higher regard within the Trade Union and Labour movement. Help us to maintain and improve that position.

Let us all support each other, together we will win through.

Brian CatonGeneral Secretary

Beauty and the beast?


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General Matters


Additional hoursThe use and repayment of additional hours is a major issue for the Union, it’s members and of course the employer.

Following the introduction of Fresh Start in 1987, Offi cers, SOs and POs have been required to work additional hours in certain circumstances if asked to do so by their employer. The working and repayment of additional hours has always been the subject of interpretation by management. In 1994 Ian Boon the then head of Pay and Industrial Relations Group put his interpretation out following direction from the NEC of the day to its members. Recently, the National Chairman has been in correspondence with the Chief Operating Offi cer Michael Spurr, who has again put his interpretation on the use and repayment of TOIL. Whilst management believe staff should be fl exible and work additional hours to support the regime, the Union believe that those hours should be repaid within fi ve weeks and if they are not, a potential breach of contract may arise. It is right that local committees can enter into agreements to establish protocols in respect of additional hours, but why should they? Clearly local management and senior management only want agreements that suit their needs and not that of the member. Paragraph 23 of Bulletin 8, (Agreed Principles) clearly states that Group Managers should ensure that individual members of staff do not work high levels of additional hours without being compensated by TOIL. No more than fi ve hours should be accumulated in any week and accumulated TOIL will be granted as soon as possible and within a maximum period of fi ve weeks. Now does your manager comply with these contractual terms? If not you should demand your TOIL, if this is not acceded too then seek legal advice.

As you know following the introduction of the Operational Support Grade in 1997, OSGs have also had the option of working additional hours for pay or TOIL. The same principles for the repayment of TOIL apply; however, it is up to the OSG whether they receive pay or TOIL. The employer cannot force an OSG to work additional hours for TOIL. OSGs are an overtime grade and whilst the current rate is not appropriate managers should not try and force, bully, intimidate or persuade OSGs to work additional hours for TOIL. If any OSG is being forced to work additional hours for TOIL, they must raise a grievance and speak to the local POA Committee, on this matter. We accept that some OSGs want to work

additional hours for TOIL and that is a matter of choice. But, do not be fooled into thinking you have to work for no pay because the Governor has no money in the budget, that is not your problem.

I have raised these issues because in my opinion the goodwill of members is being abused by the employer. Staff are currently owed around £6 million in TOIL. The staff shortages across the service are not being addressed and ultimately when things go wrong, the lowest grade will always be held accountable.

Do not be used as a scapegoat, stand up for your rights, demand full staffi ng and follow POA policies.

Steve GillanFinance Offi cer

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General Matters


The POA has re-launched its ‘Prisons are not for Profit’ campaign and the launch was extremely successful and received maximum publicity. It was fitting that the campaign started at the Tolpuddle festival 17th-19th July 2009. There is great support for our campaign not only from the Trade Union movement but also the general public.

With the campaign now re-launched we must build on the momentum at every level of the POA. ‘Prisons are not for Profit’ was first launched prior to the Wolds becoming the United Kingdoms first private prison.

The attacks on public services and the threats of privatisation has been around since the 1980s under the Conservative Government but be under no illusion. New Labour has continued the trend of privatisation during it’s term of office with attacks on a variety of public services including prisons, NHS, The Royal Mail, and education to name but a few.

The POA have always led the way in the opposition to Market Testing and Privatisation. We are a forward thinking and campaigning union whom have been described by the TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber “as a Union who punches above its weight”.

I am a great believer in Unity and common cause. I believe the TUC affiliated unions will only realise their strength when the campaigns

are co-ordinated between us instead of being fragmented. Individually the campaigns are good but I believe success will only come when the Trade Union movement stand together collectively and oppose privatisation and its other aims and objectives such as employment rights and trade union rights.

We are still learning as a Trade Union and we don’t always get things right and we need to learn from our mistakes; however we are right to oppose and campaign hard against privatisation.

• Has privatisation worked in prisons?

In my opinion no, I have not seen any statistics or reports which demonstrate private prisons are better than public prisons. In fact quite the opposite is evidenced. The Chief Inspector of Prisons has been critical of private prisons, the prisons board has had to intervene in the past and there is no evidence to support the principle that privatisation works. It is used as a weapon to drive down terms and conditions.

• Is the recession being used as an excuse for privatisation?

Without a doubt the UK and the world is in financial meltdown and it is accepted that the POA need to adapt to major issues and be ready to protect and

promote our membership with constructive dialogue and visions for the future. What it should not mean is that we accept second best and allow Government and employers using the recession to drive through change which is detrimental to our terms and conditions. There are too many employers using the recession as an excuse to shed staff and alter terms and conditions whilst at the same time accepting large bonuses and using consultants when there is no need. During the boom years the privateers made millions for shareholders.

The POA do not believe, nor will ever believe that profit should be made from incarceration. That is why we have relaunched ‘Prisons are not for Profit’. At a time when the Government are nationalising banks, how can it be right to privatise prisons or for that matter any public services?

The POA needs to influence politicians of all parties on how we can best influence change and we need to look at what is best for the POA as a Union and of course most importantly the membership and their families.

Support the POA, support the Campaign the POA are involved in and let us work to keep public services public.

Steve GillanFinance Officer

Prisons are not for Profit

PRISONSPRISONS

ARE NOT FOR PROFITARE NOT FOR PROFIT06-15 general matters.indd 7 28/7/09 10:00:55

General Matters


The fl yer below advertises the Women Chainmakers Festival, which takes place on Saturday 12th September 2009. The POA have donated monies to this festival and we are hoping that members will attend to enjoy the festival and the atmosphere.

Last year the POA were represented by members from Birmingham and the NEC. This year we are hoping for more to take the POA banner on the procession through the streets of the museum, don’t forget it is a ‘living museum’. Next year is the 100th celebration and Honorary Life Member of the POA, Tony Benn is headlining the proceedings.

Let me give you a small introduction to the festival and what it celebrates:

In 1910 the Women Chainmakers of Cradley Heath focussed the world’s attention on the plight of Britain’s low paid women workers. In their backyard forges, hundreds of women laid down their tools to strike for a living wage.

Led by the charismatic union organiser Mary Macarthur, the women’s struggle became a national and international cause celebre. After

9 Saturday 12 September 2009 10am to 5pm

The Black Country Living Museum, in association withthe Midlands TUC and affiliated trade unions, present:

Keynote Speaker: Christine Blower NUT General SecretaryHeadline Act: Robb and the Irregulars

Women Chainmakers Festival 2009

Photograph reproduced by kind permission of M. Hessey and the Black Country Living Museum


General Matters


Women Chainmakers Festival 2009

ten long weeks they won the dispute and increased their earnings from as little as 5 shillings (25p) to 11 shillings (55p) a week. Their victory helped to make the principle of a national minimum wage a reality.

During the strike a strike fund was opened and donations fl ooded in from all areas. It was reported that 20 people were working day and night responding to letters, gifts and donations received. Mary Macarthur had hoped that the strike fund would reach £1,000, yet by October nearly £4,000 had been collected.

When the strike was won there was still £1,500 in the fund, Mary Macarthur proposed this surplus money should be used to build a ‘centre of social and industrial activity in the district’. Thousands turned up for the opening of The Cradley Heath Workers Institute on the 10th June 1912.

Today the very same building that was in Cradley Heath remains located at the Black Country Living Museum and this is thanks to a heritage grant from the national lottery of over £1.5 million. The museum moved the building brick by brick to avoid demolition to make way for a by-pass. This is the last physical reminder of the women’s 1910 strike – saved and

preserved for many generations to come. I have also had the pleasure of attending Midland TUC meetings there.

As you can see by the fl yer many people attended in period dress, this is of course optional.

If you wish to attend do not hesitate to contact me via the North Regional Offi ce or the Birmingham POA offi ce where we will be more than happy to assist wherever we can. On occasion some complimentary tickets are available and these would be on a fi rst come fi rst served basis. I am also in possession of a few copies of a very good brochure produced by the Black Country Living Museum called ‘Women Chainmakers be Anvil or Hammer’ which covers a full history. Again please contact the North Regional Offi ce and I will try and send you a copy.

Here is hoping you can attend and enjoy a great day celebrating the occasion and going back in time.

STEVE BOSTOCKNational Executive Committee

Photograph reproduced by kind permission of the Black Country Living Museum


General Matters General Matters

Gatelodge August 2009 1110 August 2009 Gatelodge

For those not ‘in the know’, The Tolpuddle Martyrs are known as the forefathers of Trade Unionism. They were six farm labourers living on 9 bob a week and living in desperate poverty. Their leader, George Loveless decided to set up a union to gain them some bargaining strength. They were framed on a trumped up charge of administering an unlawful oath and deported to Australia.

The POA does a ‘hike for your rights’ every year from Dorchester jail to Tolpuddle to commemorate The Martyrs walk in chains prior to their deportation. We call this our march for trade union rights and it has grown in strength tremendously over the past few years. This year we walked approximately eight miles accompanied by 66 people from numerous Unions and three dogs.

Tolpuddle Martyrs 175 years celebration and thePOA 70th year celebration

Andy Ratcliffe


This is followed by the banner parade through the streets of Tolpuddle Village with an eclectic mix of musical bands all strategically spaced out. Many trade unions are represented in this march and we take great pride in carrying the Birmingham POA banner along with the General Secretary and National Chairman carrying the POA national banner aloft.

We arrived on the Friday afternoon expecting rain but just suffering with strong wind! This loses all its comedic pleasure when you are trying to put up a tent that wants to turn inside out. However, we managed to put the thing up and then the serious business of discussing trade unionism began. Our camp consisted of about 20 people.

Saturday was a day for looking around all the trade union stalls, meeting and greeting and generally relaxing as the POA launched the ‘Prisons not for Profit’ with balloons and T-shirts.

Sunday and we were on the road outside the camp at 8am, or as Brian Clarke described it – stupid o’clock – to catch a bus that never arrived. This was sorted in true Trade Union fashion by all of us mucking in and ferrying everyone in our cars. The Dorchester Committee were fantastic and supplied donuts, muffins, tea, coffee and a sturdy and most welcoming flushing toilet (don’t forget we were all camping!!). The Northern Ireland POA Pipe Band supplied rousing accompaniment outside the wall of Dorchester jail. I just hope none of those poor prisoners were having a lie in! Then off we went on a walk through some of the beautiful rolling Dorset countryside. As we entered the outskirts of Tolpuddle, the pipe and drums were waiting to march us in, the effect was electric and we were cheered and clapped on our way by hundreds of people.

This was followed by a short break before the banner parade. We were then treated to speeches from the political legend ‘Wedgey’ Ben and music by stalwarts of the Trade Union movement, such as Billy Bragg. FANTASTIC.

We then had to say goodbye to quite a few friends who had to get back for work on the Monday. The remaining hardcore had a bevy or two to ease the aching bones and blisters.

Quotes of the weekend…. 1) Brian Traynor “What was the name of the ship in the film Mutiny

on the Bounty?” 2) Aidy Watts “I was chatting to a freelance photographer on the

parade” Brian Clarke, “Oh yeah, who does he work for?” The weekend was enjoyed by all, it is a family event and it would

be great to see more POA members there next year. We are all looked after to the highest standards by ‘Toddy’ and ‘Cookie’ from Swaleside . These two Tolpuddle veterans kept us all fed and watered for the entire weekend. We thank you heartily. See you next year?



On the morning of Sunday 19th July, I was proud to take part and complete the eight mile walk from Dorchester Prison to the Tolpuddle Festival with around 60 POA members and fellow Trade Unionists of all ages.

As the leader of the POA I was privileged to carry the Unions banner in the ‘Hike for Rights’ walk through the village of Tolpuddle, with many other unions, trade unionists and supporters, to commemorate ‘The Martyrs Walk’ in chains prior to their deportation, some 175 years ago.

The POA launched its campaign “Prisons not for Profit” during the festival and I have to say, we got off on a sound footing. As always the POA officials and their families did the Union proud during the festival. The local officials from Dorchester had worked very hard in co-ordinating the event with the General Secretary Brian Caton, Finance Officer Steve Gillan and Deputy General Secretary Mark Freeman, but everyone who attended played their part in making this year a great success.

The weather was kind to those brave members who slept under canvas and the solidarity of our Union was plain to see.

The Tolpuddle Festival is an opportunity for Unions to raise awareness of the problems they face and the CWU were active in lobbying everyone to sign their petition to help keep postal services public.

I hope that the POA’s presence at the festival grows year on year and that we have a huge presence when we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Tolpuddle Martyrs in 25 years time.

Finally, I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the POA at this years Tolpuddle Festival.

Colin MosesNational Chairman

TUC sponsored Tolpuddle Festival 17th-19th July 2009






On the 3rd June, I met with Anne Owers Chief Inspector of Prisons, at her offi ces in London with Colin Moses and Glyn Travis. The meeting had been requested by Colin following the announcement of Birmingham and Wellingborough for Market Testing.

It is clear that Jack Straw and others had politicised Anne’s reports in an attempt to justify the selection of Wellingborough and we believe this brings into question the independence of the inspectorate.

As you would expect, Anne defended the independence of the inspectorate, but accepted that her reports were being used politically, although there was nothing she could do to prevent this from happening.

As a Vice Chairman, I will take every opportunity to raise issues with those in authority or anyone who can infl uence change to further the POA and our policies.

If we are to move forward, we need to engage and raise the issues of the Union with anyone who will listen. The Chief Inspector of Prisons is an avenue to progress our concerns and we all need to engage with them and not be sceptical of them.

At this meeting we took the opportunity to raise the issue of smoking in prisons. It was pleasing to listen to Anne’s views and her commitment to discuss this with her teams. Therefore, if you have a visit from the inspectorate, don’t miss the opportunity to outline the changes you want to see in your prison in respect of smoking. Maybe Anne’s report will infl uence those in authority to treat us as equals with other workers.

We raised the issue appertaining to the Emergency Motion on the reduction of C&R in our prisons. Anne made it clear that the inspectorate did not want to see any reduction in the number of staff trained in C&R, in fact they would like to see an increase. However, they were concerned at the level of use of non-planned C&R and this is something that we all need to assess and challenge with our managers. The inspectorate will look at comparator prisons and alternative ways the use of C&R can be recorded, to give a more accurate and fair refl ection of C&R use.

The issue of needle exchange and Conference Emergency Motion on this subject was debated and I have to say that although the inspectorate have not taken a view on the issue, I think we are singing from the same song sheet. Let’s hope that we never have to challenge or react to the imposition of needle exchange in any prison.

The level of violence in our workplaces is of concern to the inspectorate, especially the increase on a Monday following the introduction of the new Core Day last year. Hopefully, those in authority will listen to them on this issue and introduce change.

I doubt it will happen because this will cost money and you are all expendable in the eyes of those in authority. It is clear that

the inspectorate can only evaluate change once change has been

implemented for a considerably time.

The inspectorate has concerns over the year on

year effi ciency savings and will monitor and report on the eff ects this has on each workplace. It is up to us to raise these issues with the IMB, your local

MP and of course the management. For your information the inspectorate works closely with the IMB in respect of monitoring change.

We raised the issue of management and the fact that a bad inspectorate report is as a result of bad management and not bad staff .

We raised concerns over the problems some prisons face in trying not to be too good, because the only way is down. It was interesting to hear that IR was not a real issue for the inspectorate considering some of the reports in recent time. However, in respect of private contracts and the penalty clauses which apparently exist, this may be a hurdle when looking for private prisons or contracts to be brought back into public ownership, irrespective of performance.

So do we have a level playing fi eld? I don’t think so.

Don WoodNational Vice Chairman

Chief inspector of prisons






these exercises. The bonus is that they take just three minutes to do. A few weeks later, we asked POA Branch Chairman at HMP Blundeston Paul Ash how he’d got on.

“I’ve already seen some benefits. Three minutes to take time out is useful. It’s good to find a quiet place and let it all out. I was reasonably competent in doing the exercises and working to my own limitations – given my age! (51) You have to make the effort to give yourself down time because the job is so stressful and I find a bit of deep breathing gets rid of that stress. Everybody’s different and people are masters of their own destiny but these exercises worked for me.

“The hardest thing is finding a quiet place for yourself in prison even for three minutes. We’ve just lost our rest room here to office space so probably the best place is the wing office during lunch-time (although that is still a time when there is plenty of activity.) It’s a difficult one. If it’s a fine day though you can go outside the jail and find a quiet place.”

POA Branch Secretary at HMP Norwich Robert Howes tried out the exercises on his week off with his son during half term and in the meantime, “got the leaflet copied into everyone’s payslip...” (…a nice little dividend!)

So here goes:1. Find a chair and sit up straight, relaxing

your face, shoulders, your lower back and belly. Sit still for a few moments and bring your attention to your breath and breathe naturally. Breathing in and out through the nose is best because the nose warms, moistens and filters the air and helps speed up your circulation while pacifying the nerves. A weak back strengthens rapidly when you practise sitting up straight.

2. Continuing the steady inhalations and exhalations through the nose, ease the stiffness in your upper spine, and ache in the lumbar spine by twisting round to the left. Stay there, relax and breathe for three breaths before slowly twisting to the right. Squeezing the discs of the spine in a twist means that afterwards pressure is relieved in the back area and the entire nervous system can feed more efficiently on fresh nutrients.

3. Still sitting with your feet flat on the floor, inhale and exhale relaxing the upper body forwards, letting your head, neck and arms drop, keeping your attention on your breathing. This lengthens, eases and stretches the muscles of your back and, since the heart is lower than the spine, invigorates and rejuvenates the entire nervous system. Stay for three to six breaths.

4. Now stand up, soften the knees and tuck under the tailbone to protect the lower back in readiness for a simple backbend. With your attention on your breathing, interlace the fingers behind you and open the chest, this strengthens the intraspinatus muscles between the upper spine and the shoulder blades. If you feel well balanced on your feet, arch backwards to the point of comfort for three breaths. Backbends strengthen the muscles controlling the spine, helping prevent a slipped disc and other back conditions.

5. Bad knees are a common cause of back pain because they can throw out your posture and place undue pressure in the wrong places. Still standing, breathe calmly, focus the eyes on a spot in front of you and bring the chin level (not up). Raise one foot off the floor until your thigh is horizontal, hold for a second or two then lower it to just above the ground. Repeat 10 times on one leg and then one the other. This strengthens the quadricep muscles on the thighs which protect the knees and reinforces correct posture and stamina.

6. To stretch hamstrings of the thighs and release your spine (if your back condition permits it) while standing slowly relax forward keeping your attention on your breathing and try to free off the neck by dropping the head and arms. Care must be taken not to force the back and then with patience, even the most rigid back develops flexibility. If your back feels fragile, bend your knees in this position.At first this sequence might take you a

bit longer than three minutes but when you limber up and get to know these moves like your pin number, you’ll find they’ll take no time at all. So go on! Put your back into it!

Back-breaking work?By Jo and Sandy

The first thing to go when you are feeling stressed is exercise – then your back! It is one of the reasons that back ache is common in prison – constant stress and neglecting to take beneficial exercise. The trouble is that this often turns into a vicious circle – leaving you with a niggling pain during the entire shift. So below are some easy movements which can bring fast relief and if practised regularly, keep back pain at bay.

Lots of delegates at the Southport POA conference took leaflets describing


UN

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D29th AUGUST 2007

The POA have re-launched the campaign “Prisons Are Not For Profi t”

The POA will vigorously promote their campaign throughout the summer

The campaign will prevent the profi teers from distorting our Criminal Justice System

Stop private prisons and have a justice system that we can all be proud of!

THE POA – WORKING WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

FOR AN AFFORDABLE BUT FAIR AND JUST SOCIETY

16 prisons not for profit.indd 1 23/7/09 15:49:18


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Psychiatric Workers

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p17_gataug09.indd 17 28/7/09 10:33:33

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NORTH WESTKENNET

The ballot box has demonstrated just how divisive market testing and clustering is to POA members. It’s no wonder those who found themselves in the ‘direct firing line’ voted to engage rather than potentially risk their jobs by not engaging. As with anything in life there are no guarantees how things will pan out.

This year’s Annual Conference was different to previous Conferences we have attended and again demonstrates the ‘no win’ position the NEC is in at present.

Their arguments in years past were robust, based on common sense and argued with great passion. This year their arguments didn’t seem as strong, but then when you are negotiating with a gun against your head you don’t generally operate at your best!!

Jack Straw (Does the ‘Right Honourable’ still apply?) again graced us with his presence at Conference. Jack stated ‘he could now see the advantages of private prisons’. This is interesting even using the Government’s own league tables, private prisons generally wallow at the bottom of them. In the numerous Chief Inspector of Prisons reports on private prisons, there is usually a concern about the lack of visible staff on wings and the experience of those staff buried somewhere in it.

The retort of Brian Caton to Jack Straw was outstanding, following Jack telling Conference that his father was a former prisoner. Brian responded ‘Well you have told me something I didn’t know, what would your father have thought about someone making a profit out of his crimes?’ At least Jack had the decency to look slightly embarrassed. Also that was a master stroke handing your Labour Party membership card of 40 years back to him on stage.

As I predicted in the December 2008 issue of Gatelodge, public sector workers will have to bear

the brunt of the mismanagement of the economy during the boom years. Gently, gently we are being prepared/conditioned for the culling; one in ten of us soon won’t be working for the public sector!

Will all those ‘nonsense jobs’ that have been created/championed by poor managers still have the same weight? Thought not…

Anyway some light hearted matters:Speaking at Conference takes

bottle (standing in front of 400 people) Jackie Bates was ‘shaking like the proverbial excrementing dog’ as she took the podium. Jackie did the people of Buckley Hall proud with her passionate speech about getting involved in market testing. ( Jackie I won’t mention the sausage incident).

Panda cars have been the subject of much debate; Justine Clayson thought that the saying came from the small Fiat cars of the eighties. Can you imagine three burly coppers and a villain (sorry an offender) crammed in to the said Panda car?

Howard Baker still sports a ‘Flat Top’ hair style (yes you can still buy those combs with the spirit levels on top on eBay – not cheap at £19.99 but at least the postage is free…) Howard doesn’t need one of these as his car only goes two speeds; stationary and flat out, hence the hair do…

When Kennet opened, management wanted staff to have the ‘can do’ attitude. It is difficult to measure if this has been achieved but we think we have the evidence in the form of Phil Adams’ Magnum boots. Phil has somehow managed to wear the soles of his boots totally smooth, surely a first in the history of the Prison Officer!

Few people go into this career for the love of the job, but we can say Brian Cockayne does. He apparently has a £1million worth of guitars at home; or to now give Brian his full title: Brian Walter ‘Real Thing’ Mitty Cockayne.

With so much negativity around, it’s no wonder staff are ‘browned off ’, which brings us nicely on to Helen Holland who has ‘invested’ in a spray tanning machine, so if you want that all year tan, speak to Helen.

The date of the new ‘In Vision’ or ‘Chuckle Vision’ (as it was known at Swinfen Hall) roster tool

keeps getting delayed. Will this be the next white elephant?

Finally, as most pro-active union reps will testify you can’t get it right every time. It appears that my April contribution caused offence to Paul Salmon, so it’s only right to apologise.

Ian Prescott

NORTH EASTDURHAM

Message from Durham. It appears our jottings have already ended up two months behind so I will try and catch up with the news that is going on. Well we now know what the department has done ref. WfM. Impose it and be damned, I know it is difficult to understand what all parties are doing but in simple terms the department is trying to shaft you and unfortunately the NEC is using the limitless powers we have to stop it. The big problem is that some staff either walk around with their heads in the clouds or they are in the ‘I don’t care’ brigade. Let’s get this clear, I might be one of the lucky ones – six years to go to retirement, that’s if I wish to, I reiterate MIGHT be one of the lucky ones as if you cannot see it coming, your jobs are under threat either with privatisation or unsafe working practices, if you can’t see it, open your eyes or ask colleagues in other establishments. What happens in one establishment will happen in another to the detriment of your jobs, if you don’t believe me carry on in your own little world but don’t cry when it is too late, it will have happened.

Back to local matters, the famous Benidorm Budgees have finished a third tour of duty and as these jottings are late we have already booked for next year. Don’t these flights come out early now? Anyway, we are going for five days next year due to Easyjet’s pricing policy. I can’t print what the wife’s words were exactly. These hardy band of staff are a credit to Durham and should have been given some recognition in the bicentennial, however this wasn’t forthcoming but it didn’t dishearten us as we still carried on as normal. Some awards should be given out for this hardy band, the observation award goes to Graham Curry; after

three days this fine man announced that he could see the sea from our apartment. We had been sitting on the balcony for three days already, what was he looking at? Further to this we found Graham needed dancing lessons. This took place at Café Benidorm, there is a video of this somewhere but co-ordination is not one of his strong points. When we asked him to demonstrate the next day he did it backwards, were you looking through a mirror when we showed you?

The secretary formally known as Shaggy, now known as Russ, wins the international and elderly award for his endeavors to interact with the Spanish and the elderly in the Black Chicken. Congratulations, a tremendous display. Please feel free to ask him all about it, he will love to tell you!

Andy Holcroft gets the technical award for his use of computers and Bluetooth. You must learn to press the right buttons in the right places. “Russ” will never be able to go in the Queens again. Next year’s dates are 18th February for five days, some can’t wait for this festival of fun to take place again, fancy dress is not optional just what we wear is up for discussion.

Good old Andy Holcroft, it is with great pride I mention this as it brings the proverbial lump to my throat. Andy was called at home to do a bedwatch (when it was legal), the orderly officer was told by his mother that he had gone to a riot down south. This is true dedication – that he went on his own, the only member of staff from Durham to attend. Truly amazing, we the Budgees will commemorate this in style in Feb next year. On a serious matter I hope all the staff involved went home safely and don’t have any problems over the RIOT!!!!

It’s great being late as I can give the results of the Peter Quinn memorial golf tournament held at South Moor. The course was in excellent condition although the turnout was down on what it has been in the past. The Texas Scramble, was played in the morning. This is the chance to blow my own trumpet and this doesn’t happen very often on the golf course, but Dave and Kevin you were excellent company and we did deserve to win the morning tournament, and if that chip had

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gone in from me at the seventh you would have had something to tell the grandkids. Why do they put those sticks in the hole is beyond me, don’t they know it stops the ball from rolling in the hole from 100 yards, or was it longer? The winner of the main trophy was Tony Lawler, with what can only be described as a tremendous performance. With 45 points your playing partners were in awe of your putting, well done! PS. I played with Tony last year so Dave and Kevin you might as well get the polish out now.

The Gary Smith will be played on the 2nd July, this is always well attended and is eagerly awaited, the normal bandits will be waiting in hiding to pounce on some unsuspecting soul.

There have been some changes at the helm at Durham. Allen Tallentire is acting Area Manager, his dep. Tim Allen is acting Governor, good luck to you both with the changes anticipated for all those concerned. I am only surprised the prison service has not brought out its own Oscars, there is that much acting going on, or is it just me? On a further note, a vote of no confidence was passed in the new Governor for not adhering to the local agreements. I have spoken with the Governor since so no hard feelings, but these things sometimes need to be done when people like myself feel they are being abused, and while we are on the subject, if you want to wear a suit buy one, don’t wait for the prison service to give you one as you will wait some time. And don’t believe everything you hear, it’s not always right, sometimes challenging those with authority may gain you more respect.

Congratulations must go to several staff, and as we are late with these jottings we can add Joanne Williamson and Lee Oliver to the happy ranks of would be parents. This is getting out of hand, what are they feeding you lot on or is it the air up here? Best wishes to all and hope you and your children are healthy, good luck.

PS. Lee you can use paternity leave to go with the Budgees, there are plenty of kid’s clothes shops! To those staff who are sick, get well soon and make sure you are fully fit before you return, you know you work for a caring firm. Two staff in

particular, Bob Stobbart has been diagnosed with a debilitating disease and Chris Mcdonald has been sick for some time awaiting results from hospital, I hope you can carry on with the humour that you both possess and don’t forget the tour is in February.

Dangerous Dave McDonald from A Wing has a serious problem with transport. In the past he has had lifts off several people to and from work, one of the more memorable ones was when he was getting a lift from Ronnie. Christie asked to stop at a newsagents and Dave went and got his paper and jumped into a waiting taxi, both driver and Dave were shocked! Ronnie promised not to tell a soul, well not till he got past the gate.

Well Dave has had another problem recently with a bike, the story goes Dave goes to the local shop using a pedal bike, states he has not been on one since he was 14 years of age, and a Jack Russell took a fancy to Dave’s bike more like a magnet to Dave’s front wheel, Dave states it came out of nowhere it just appeared. Well Dave couldn’t help it and crashed into the poor animal, all 6ft 6ins and 17 stone. It appears the Jack Russell was not too pleased to be used as a door mat. Dave went to comfort the poor animal and it attacked him! Well that will teach you not to walk. The dog’s name was Brian I am reliably informed from Kidder Dickinson, but was told he had his name on his back, he was called Goodyear.

I will come to an end now but I have to mention two staff, firstly Andy Smith one of the original Budgees failed to attend the function this year, due to having glandular fever, what measures some people go to astounds me, I can assure you, you were not as disappointed as some of us were. However those plans will stay dry till next year. And finally it wouldn’t be fitting not to finish off without a mention to our hero Andy Holcroft he decided to text me, big mistake after several drinks. I was sure I had seen him on Britain’s Got Talent, what a drag artist, he still hasn’t denied it of course. Remember Andy this is what happens when you stay on your own in foreign climes.

Any news to RED ROBBO on D Wing

NORTH EASTFRANKLAND

Did you hear about the SO who thought it was the new fashion to wear his jumper inside out, he called into several shops (to the amusement of his girlfriend, an SO herself ) and was not informed until two hours later!

Congratulations to Officer Leckenby who whilst sitting on the wall outside the prison eating a sandwich…managed to fall off the wall, and as the professional gannet that he is, managed not to drop the sandwich. Scope for a few Humpty Dumpty jokes we think.

A Guide To Early ReliefsIf you’re a tad selfish and only think about yourself, then it’s best if you allow your colleague time to get onto the wing first, send out the OSG whilst you stand at the Chapel Gate to let them out, by doing this, you are leaving the full roll check to your colleague whilst you slowly take the OSG to the gate and by the time you get back onto the wing you can watch your colleague then take the officer to the gate as well!

Whilst your colleague (yes the one you have just sh*t on) is taking the night officer back to the gate, then you can sign the ACCT documents and the handover to ensure that it looks as if you have done something, well the ADMIN side of the centre anyway. Now, who does this a lot we ask ourselves? Answers on the back of one of those old seaside postcards that has a slogan which reads, “I only have two minutes in the job!”

Following on from the last jottings we have another conversation between Officer A and Officer B.Officer A: I hope you’re not doing anymore PP, your name will be sh*t for the rest of your career.Officer B: Okay, I will take your advice seeing as you have a month more experience in the job than me.Officer A: Good, just make sure you do that or else I will tell you off

because that’s my style you see.A week later Officer A was

caught sneaking in to the hospital to do a 12 hour constant watch for PP. This can be confirmed by the “Double Standards Police”, who enquired about her about turn, “well I didn’t say I wasn’t going to do anymore PP, I just thought that if I put others off doing it then I can grab all the PP myself.”

WATCH OUT! THAT PP THIEF IS STILL ABOUT!

Congratulations to Paul McCormack (ECR) who managed to sleep in for a LATE SHIFT! How does that happen then?

SOs on a certain wing recently were brought to their knees by one of their own staff who UNvolunteerd to a lunch patrol. Yes, that member of staff had volunteered the day before to do a lunch time patrol but when he found that he was being sent to another job that his wing covered anyway, he was none too pleased. “Right I will show them! I won’t do that patrol now!” He was met with a chorus of approval from his own landing with statements like, “but our clique will be broken, what shall we do?”, “can somebody else not cover it even though our wing covers that job anyway?”

After an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle Show, it was found that the SOs had done nothing wrong as they were under the impression that they could detail their own staff to cover tasks that they cover on a daily basis anyway.

The Race To Do The Wing DetailAnd the winning SO is…

You can just imagine it if the SOs were to detail world leaders their jobs for the day. Barrack Obama would complain that he was running Sweden all day yesterday instead of his home country of America. Gordon Brown has done South Africa three days on the trot and because President Medvedev was given TOIL last minute then there was no one to run Russia!

It seems like MI5 aren’t the only ones to cock up and leave highly sensitive documents lying around in train carriages. It was reported recently that a certain wing’s details were found on the No.63 bus from the prison to Framwellgate Moor!

There is rumour that the Prison

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Service college’s daily syllabus will change to accommodate the wide range of subjects that need to be taught in an ever changing service. As there are only eight hours in the day to cover subjects, they have decided that once the first 7.5 hours are over, (covering diversity, equal opportunities, sexual harassment and race relations) then the last half an hour will cover the more menial and less important tasks such as:• Security (i.e. the basic counting

of prisoners on leaving the gym to help the PEIs and Oscar out and also learning to hand your IC radio, keys and alarm to another landing officer instead of leaving them lying around on a chair if you have to pop off the wing somewhere)

• Basic common sense• A basic understanding that

when you join the job that once you are aware that you work unsociable hours/shifts you can then demand every school holiday off and just say your husband/wife has a business that needs running as well and you need to help them

• An understanding of when you are a patrol i.e. learning how to look at your diary once you get up in the morning instead of it being left to the last minute for the SO to ask, “who are the patrols?” This would save you looking stupid and saying “duhhhh I didn’t know I was a patrol”

• The ability of trying not to think you know everything and trying not to think that you have known the prisoners for hundreds of years and giving the impression you are their best friends.Not all new staff are like this

though, there are some good decent staff out there and you know who you are, yes you are the ones who are prepared to learn and not question everything.

Chicken George“I could keep a chicken, I could even keep a hen, but I couldn’t keep a ‘man chicken’” says Officer Mark Gibson. So if anyone wants to inform him that a ‘manchicken’ is actually a cockerel, he ‘works’ on C Wing and the extension

for his landing is 3345. If anyone would like to ring him immediately once these jottings have been read!

As Frankland has ran out of money to install more cameras outside the cells then it has been deemed cost effective to have the Google Car drive around the wings instead.

Congratulations to Officer Pauline Johnson who managed to concertina her dinner on the roof of her convertible. On the 3rd of June 2009 Pauline purchased her dinner from the mess as usual, carried it all the way out the prison through many gates to get to the car park without spilling a drop of gravy. She then placed her dinner on the roof of her car (as you do), got in the car, and levered the roof back hence squashing all of her mashed potatoes, peas, gravy and sausage all over the place!

It seems Frankland has set the precedence for claims when an officer recently was attacked by an inmate’s budgie. The officer received £100 vouchers to spend in a Pets At Home store of his choice!

Congratulations to Paul Brady who thought an inmate was being “electrocuted” only because another officer was playing with the dimmer switch in the centre.

On hearing of his start date of July 5th on J wing, Officer Keith Dance as heard saying, “Oh that’s Independence Day”.

The “Hang Back” club.A guide to certain staff, if you are on searching and you don’t want to get a job at the portal, you will find that if you hang back then all the jobs will be allocated. This ensures that you get out of even more jobs hence making you even lazier. Really, no one will call you for this.

Frankland will soon be piloting a new scheme where new staff can go into a futuristic booth and have an argument with a virtual prisoner. This will once again enable certain new staff (not all) to experience a taste of real prison life. This will help you to take your mind off moaning about the detail and also to help you out of your protective bubble i.e. your landing.

WEST MIDLANDSBIRMINGHAM

I guess that brothers and sisters around the estate are looking closely for contributions, from not only Birmingham, but all other Branches under threat of privatisation, or other prisons with SLAs to re-negotiate: Its definitely not comfortable sitting here with a gun to your head, a noose around your neck and a knife to your throat And that’s what it is, the triple threat of executive cuts, comparators and bench-marking and the insidious contestability process. Your well wishes, your calls offering support are much appreciated. Its good to know that each and every one of you stand by us … as we stand at our gate in the mornings, work to audit standards and work to our LSS and the NSF. To those of you who aren’t standing with us … think again brother, think again sister.

It’s hard to find news of comings and goings with the moratorium on recruitment and transfers. However, congratulations are due to Natalie Logan, Victoria Mullis, Stu Jessup, Pat Taylor and Jim Slater all of whom are promoted to Senior Officer. I’m sorry to say that I missed out when you were celebrating the occasion … Or was I simply not invited? My reputation precedes me!

We had our first case of Swine ‘Flu three weeks ago. The poor soul was segregated, escorted to the Health Care Centre where he was swabbed, tested and barrier nursed until cured. Amazingly, I have just walked in from the prison where three different wing managers are complaining about Swine ‘Flu cases being dumped onto them with a demand for single cells! From highly contagious, we are now treating it like the common cold. I’ll ask the question here … If staff absent themselves with Swine ‘Flu, will it count towards their sick/attendance record? Will

they possibly face level five referrals to ATOS or CAPITA, capability hearings? Just joking employer … we know that you value us and will look after us. (Fingers crossed.)

It was good to see Rob Lee (Victorian Dad) mentioned and recognised for ending a hostage situation. His manner and tone in this situation might have raised a question about his professionalism at any other time. However, he was the right man in the right place at the right time. Rob also was commended for his excellence as a cleaning officer … hardly a surprise to his friends whom he berates for their slovenly appearance and unkempt uniforms! The certificates are proudly placed on the inside of the outside lavvy door. Well done Rob! There’s another small celebration that I missed! Maybe next time huh?

Congratulations to John Starling and Gary Biddle for detaining a would-be burglar. This potential Raffles was seen with a brick in his hand by Gary, breaking the glass in the doors to the Officer’s Mess. With due concern for Health and Safety, the vertically challenged Gary called to the large framed and frequent visitor to the gym, John Starling. The burglar was duly detained and advised about the tactic of committing crime while three hundred Prison Officers were on their way to work. Well done lads!

Keep the faith brothers and sisters … Keep believing.

WALES & WESTCHANNINGS WOOD

Hello to everyone from Channings Wood down in the English Riviera. It’s been quite some time since we have submitted any news from our branch, so I want to start on what I would call a high point.

Whoever the unknown female officer at HMP Manchester is that provided the basis of this story, please come forward as you have made our week. Last week, Officer

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Tony Rowe was on an escort to Manchester and received training on the fingerprint scanner. Upon arrival at Manchester, Tony was informed that as it is a high security prison, they have more stringent measures in place for the staff and he would need to have his finger prints scanned. Tony agreed to this, and unsurprisingly, it wouldn’t work. He was then informed that as it didn’t work, he would have to have his toe scanned. Tony was then seen with his shoes and socks off, and his foot up on the counter! If you ever decide to pursue a life of crime Tony, make sure to keep your shoes on as the police now have your prints on file.

A big welcome to all staff that have transferred in since our last submission and farewell to those who have left. Since starting these jottings, the only new addition is Governor Gill Sharp who is currently with us on detached duty. So all the best to her, and hopefully she will enjoy her stay.

A big mention goes out to Mike Reed, Darren Dunridge, Mike Wagstaff and Paul Langmaid. They went for what turned out to be an eye-opening long weekend at the Le-Mans 24 race. As usual, Mike Reed said “Don’t worry about the camp site, I’ll sort it out.” It was only when they arrived, that they found out that he had booked them onto what you might call a specialist camp site. Without going into too many details, I’ll just say that the camp bar was called “The Chocolate Starfish Bar,” and had a sign saying “This bar is powered by fairy dust.” Needless to say, the lads had a fantastic time and have made a lot of new friends.

Bad luck to Kev Riley. By the time of this publication, Kev will hopefully be back at work recovered from his recent motorcycle crash. It was touch and go whether the damage was permanent, and his wife Mandy

had several sleepless nights worrying if everything would still work okay. But I’m pleased to say that his bike is now back on the road… apparently, Kev was hurt as well!!!

In another biking related story, Colin Brewer was unfortunately caught speeding a short while ago and ended up having to plead his case down in Cornwall, where he received a hefty fine and a few penalty points. The police are seeking the rider of a second bike

also pictured in the GATSO footage whose number plate was obscured by Colin’s substantial frame. For reference, it was the same make, model and colour as my bike, and the athletically proportioned rider appeared to be wearing the same leathers and helmet as I have. No further leads are available at present, but if you can help, please contact me and I will pass the details on.

In our gatehouse, we have a series of photographs showing all of the SMT for the prison, and PO Tim Dunne thought that it would be a good idea if we reproduced a similar sort of thing showing all of the seg unit staff, and put it on the adjudication room wall. As we aren’t necessarily the most visually pleasing bunch of chaps, we weren’t too keen on the idea of having our mug shots on display. But as this was an instruction from a senior rank, we decided to give it due consideration and produce the aforementioned article as soon as possible. What Tim hadn’t mentioned, was that he wanted sensible photographs. What he got, as you can imagine, was me in a compromising position with Kylie Minogue at Madame Tussauds, Wynn Thomas dressed as a teddy bear, Dave Cory disguised as Basildon Bond and other similar shots. The only real photograph we used was the one of Tim, although if you look closely, it does look remarkably like Verne Troyer (Mini Me).

On a more sensible note, I think that I speak on behalf of everyone at Channings Wood when I say well done to Craig and Caroline Spence. After a year of hard training, they managed to complete the Plymouth half marathon, and in doing so raised a respectable amount of money for the “Help the Heroes” charity. They’ve now got the bug, and are already in training for the next one, and for a quicker time. Good luck to them both.

Congratulations also to Officer Christine Lewis who received the Butler Trust Award from Princess Anne. By all accounts, she had a lovely day out at the palace and can quite rightly feel very proud of herself. Well done Chris.

So on that note, goodbye from the south west and more again next issue.

Simmo

WALES & WESTERLESTOKE

Greetings from Erlestoke.It is clear from the June jottings

that there is a great deal of strong feelings out there, and rightly so given the persistent drive by J Straw to reintroduce 18th century values to Industrial Relations.

The economic disaster, that will forever be synonymous with the failed Labour Government of the current period, turns its attentions to public sector prisons by way of mitigating losses and by way of showing how responsible it is regarding use of public monies! Reminds me a little of the classic remake of HG Wells “War of the Worlds” where envious eyes turned their attention to the resources of earth having stripped the assets of countless other worlds, you know, industry and such like!

We are now to face the brunt of our own failing management’s handling of the prison service by the use of Market Testing, which is solely designed to squeeze as much out of staff as possible whilst holding a revolver to the heads of those staff whose establishments have been identified as having been ‘mismanaged’ and by their estimating, underperforming!

Consider: - if managers have failed, why not remove the managers? There are plenty more in offices just waiting for… oh no, wait a minute, they’ve been culled haven’t they? Oh well, up the proletariat and a pox on the bourgeoisie!

Most uniformed wearing staff arguably come to work, perform their duties, accept their responsibilities, often doing over and above their contractual obligations (remembering that it’s the capacity to work ‘the man’ pays for, not you! Loyalty costs extra thank you very much!).

I’ve never been invited to a strategic planning meeting, I sit on no management decision making committee, I have no budget control, and I think a lot of us will identify with this scenario. So why should we be asked to save the bacon of those who have squandered these precious resources by making still more sacrifices from amongst our ranks, creating unsafe conditions for all staff and prisoners etc?

Time to change the record, we have now formed our committee

at Erlestoke from some of the finest table thumpers, backstabbers, hornswogglers and assassins money can buy! I am grateful to ‘the nation of violence’ for coming forward and volunteering their services, can I please have my cat back now?

Many congratulations to Terri Duddy and her recent success in winning an award presented for going to Leeds… oh wait a mo! It was presented at Leeds for her work in the area of decency at the Prison Officer of the Year Award ceremony. Did that tight wad Dep Gov of ours buy you a drink? Rumour has it he was sat at the same table as a certain Mr Wheatley, and was terrified of boring him to death with his ‘Tales of the river bank.”

The gym staff here at Erlestoke recently organised a charity 24 hour bike ride in aid of funds for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance appeal, there’s two words you don’t often hear in the same sentence, gym and organised!

Well done to all those who took part, especially those forced to ride with Mat Vanstone, thank the good lord for defib!

By all accounts the few days afterwards also attracted many a John Wayne walk impersonation, many of the participants hadn’t been on the bike ride but joined in anyway. The winner was Phil Stansfield, although he was quick to point out that it was a hip replacement and wished everyone would just leave him alone!

Thanks branch for your continued support.

SOUTH CENTRALFORD

Welcome to the sunny south coast, that is HMP Ford.

It is with great sadness that I must start these jottings with the sad news of the deaths Officer Mark Lewendon, retired Officer James ( Jim) Heason, and OSG Eddie Reilly who all have died recently (see obituaries).

It’s also a year since Officer Lee Gatland passed away, since his passing,

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a bench has been dedicated in his honour within the grounds of the prison opposite the cricket pitch, one of his favourite pastimes. A tree is also planned to be planted behind the bench. Pam, Lee’s wife, and his daughter attended along with a lot of staff to see the unveiling of the bench, poems were read by Lee’s family and flowers laid. Lee is still missed by his work colleges and family

If there is anyone who doesn’t know the effects of a dry powder fire going off in a room, just ask our fire officer who had one go off in his face and wondered why he had a bad stomach and diarrhoea. He was later told by an ex-fire officer that the powder used is a laxative. That would explain it! came the reply...Didn’t laugh too loud, HONEST!

We welcome our new No 1 Governor, Sharon Williams, she has come in with all guns blazing “aiming to turn FORD round” It’s nice to see things getting done at last!

A note to our NEC, there is fresh blood on your table now, who helped the membership vote out WfM and got you out of a big hole. As one speaker at special delegate’s conference said “DON”T get caught with your pants down again” Listen to them they have just left the shop floor!!!

PS. To those who don’t like how I write my jottings, please feel free to submit some instead or to be included in mine, I wont be offended, PROMISE!!

Any bits of gossip please pass it on, just remember it’s a jungle out there, take care!

Caffeine man

SOUTH CENTRALWINCHESTER

Greetings colleagues, from the Hampshire County Goal and House of Correction, Winchester.

Well the summer seems to have crept up on us and it is nice to have

some sunshine. Is the figurative sun going to remain shining on the service for much longer though? By the time these jottings are published we should know a little more about our futures.

A very sad thing that is at the forefront of everyone’s mind is the total disregard Jack Straw has for this great service. You know he so reminds me of ‘Arnie’ in Terminator and that famous saying “I’ll be back”. After the WfM debacle he certainly did come back with his bully boy tactics and threats. Just bear in mind that how many of the public services would be better off if (alleged) dodgy expense claims had not been put in by Jack’s Parliamentary pals.

Well he certainly wants to terminate that great old Gaol and House of Correction ‘Winson Green’ and with it Wellingborough.

This all because we had the nerve to carry out a democratic vote and duly rejected WfM.

OH NO, just had a horrible vision, Jack walking into Winson Green flexing his muscles (????) and saying “I want your clothes and your motorcycle……I mean your GAOL and your Contracts of Employment” what a horrible thought especially if he was naked at the time (remember Terminator 2, the public bar scene).

Now to our arrival and departure lounge, firstly a farewell to our Governor Claudia Sturt. Claudia is to take up the post of Regional Custodial Manager for this area.

Although Claudia was only with us for a very short while, the short time she served here was, I am happy to say, very positive and productive. There were absolutely no industrial relations issues whatsoever other than positive and a high level of mutual respect.

I was made aware that there may have been some issues at another establishment, however we have seen none of this and are sorry Claudia is moving on.

We wish you well and please remember your time at Winchester. I am more than happy to place you on our list of Governors we, as a branch, can and have worked with.

To Conference, and what an interesting time and some very emotional speeches with regard to some very important subjects.

But how proud we were when our previous secretary Steve Merrett was awarded the Cronin Clasp. Steve was a master at the job, he was always calm, always had the answers and the ability to negotiate in any situation. I was pleased to have nominated him with the support of the Branch.

As was said in the conference hall, if it were not for Steve Merrett, Pete Chapple would not be where his is now, nor would he have the neither FAME nor CELEBRITY status he currently enjoys. For anyone who is interested, please ask Pete why he is so famous and such a celebrity, trust me it is an enjoyable story!

But what I most miss about Steve is his ‘Chicken Boy’ look. Dear old Steve was also know as ‘Comb Over Boy’ yes you’ve got it Steve (and this information is strictly on a need to know basis) had a wide parting, yes he is follicly challenged and yes he combs over.

But best of all is on a windy day when Steve stands side on and his hair blows up and he looks just like the old Rooster on the front of a Kellogg’s cornflakes packet.

No seriously well done mate, and we wish you had stayed here as Secretary instead of going to do the NVQ assessing.

I recently went to Cronin House and there had the privilege of meeting David Evans and was able to spend some time talking about past times and people that we knew.

David is a real gentleman and a fountain of information, and many thanks David for signing copies of your book for both Jon Watts and me.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a BIG well done to Officers Gina Urwin, Matt Edmonstone, Frances Bradrick, Paul Garrett and Linda Page on passing their NVQ 3 and probation.

To Lucy Naylor and Jackie Gray on their 10 year service, to Des House for 20 years (of true dedication and devotion to the service?)

To Chris Keeper, Dave Crossland, Mark Watts and Dave Richards on receiving their 25 year pins. Also a BIG MENTION to Mark Reynolds for no particular reason other than he gets the Diamond Geezer of the week award and the fact he earned

this prestigious award as he was crying in C&R training the other day because he has not yet had his name in lights or rather a mention in the Gatelodge magazine. WELL DONE Mark for just being YOU.

A real serious thanks and WELL DONE must go to Principle Officer Malcolm Cox who has recently stood down as our most longstanding and experienced C&R instructor.

Malc has been keeping the staff here at Winchester instructed and ‘In Date’ for over 20 years. This in it’s self must be considered an achievement. We will all miss Malcolm’s superb way of instilling knowledge, confidence and ability which was second to none. Thanks again Malcolm.

To all those currently away from work feeling under the weather for whatever reason we are thinking of you and here is to your speedy recovery and return to work. You are greatly missed and surely needed.

I give a special mention to Wendy Sykes, thinking of you and special wishes from us all.

On a final note, we still are celebrating our 70th anniversary, let us hope and pray that in 70 years time whoever is writing the Winchester jottings can do so as a Prison Officer that is employed as a Public Servant.

CENTRALBULLWOOD HALL

Welcome to the jottings from HMP Bullwood Hall. Firstly we say goodbye to our No.1 Governor Paul Wailen and wish him a long and happy retirement. We await the new appointment of a new No.1 so until then, Paul Reeve takes temporary charge. We would like to thank to all of the detached staff from Norwich that have been working here over the last few weeks, especially Officer Huggins who has actually worked more shifts here than a lot of our permanent staff.

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We welcome new POELT Laura Stoneman, Officer Sweeney returns from maternity leave and Officer Chesterman arrives from Chelmsford. Congratulations to Darren ‘Jimmy’ Somerville on completing his PEI course and to Officers Jo and Kev Haslen on announcement of Jo’s pregnancy. We also wish Kath Pearson and ‘Grandad’ Rich Tutty good luck at the good ship Chelmsford. We also say goodbye to Officer Bayly. Good luck to any that have left or joined since writing and going to print. Congratulations to Andy and Vikki Gittings who had a baby boy.

NewsThe Bullwood gym is starting to be popular at lunchtime again with many Officers making use of the facilities. The gym staff give up their own lunch hour to let staff use the facilities and we all thank them for this but we hear that not all Officers are attending the gym to train. There is talk that a female Officer is attending gym just to watch another Officer train. Don’t worry Miss Bass your secret is safe with us.

Some news reaches us here that our very own Disability Liaison Officer has been trying to abuse her position. It appears that the Officer in question has been parking in disabled bays and has now received a parking ticket. The fact that you do good work as DLO unfortunately does not entitle you to disabled parking, £60 turns out to be an expensive two minutes in the shop.

Rich Tutty has now left us, not for the retirement that he had hoped for, but to join his ‘better half ’ at Chelmsford. ‘Grandad’ will be missed by the staff on D Wing and especially ‘Uncle Albert’ Hatley who will now have to find someone else to moan with at lunchtime and talk with about ‘the good old days’. Good luck Tuts.

The new Officers here at Bullwood are slowly getting through their NVQ in Custodial Care and hopefully there will be no more casualties. On this note, congratulations to Dan Cox who has received his certificate and this will take pride of place next to his 25m breaststroke certificate from school. Well done Coxy.

Awards were also given to members of staff with long service. Well done to everyone who received

recognition, special mention to Governor Ged Pattison who received his 25 years award and to Officer Ware-Lane who received one for 20 years service. Everyone is hoping this will stop Mr Ware-Lane moaning about how nobody appreciates how long he has served. Although, sadly, we doubt it will stop him moaning. Congratulations.

Any news for the next jottings should be sent to ‘The Massive’

The Massive

CENTRALCHELMSFORD

Hello again campers. Well things at Chelmsford are

pretty much the same but unlike other Chelmsford jottings this one will be of memories, laughs and highlights from past and present.

I make no apologies if serving members of the establishment don’t recall or know people mentioned but I do know that past serving officers read the Gatelodge, as do others that have escaped to other establishments.

Well eyes down, look in.Principal Officer Esra Sari is

presiding at her first adjudication at Chelmsford prison. Location of incident - MDT holding room.Governor to Officer B: How did you know that the faeces behind the radiator was fresh?Officer B: Cos I did a dip and sniff test, Governor.Governor: You did that with what?Bring on exhibit A, a blue spoon Governor: What happened next Officer B? Well it was warm and runny so it was him who did it Governor.Governor to prisoner: Would you like to ask the Officer any questions? Prisoner: Why did he threaten to knock my f-ing head off?

Needless to say the adjudication did not run well with lots of coughing and smirking with Esra

wondering what the hell she had moved to.

By the way, the prisoner was found guilty pending a DNA test on the spoon.

Officer to Governor. My wife’s pregnant Governor, can have time off to take her to the hospital? Governor replies; I don’t believe your wife is pregnant.

Thud – then test this! Officer then proceeded to slam his wife’s urine sample on the Governor’s desk. That desk is still stained to this day.

Long ago in visits you had to have had a minimum of six years in before you progressed to the dizzy heights of sitting in the bell end chair, and to see Dave Oliver try and vault the small swing door and fall flat on his face in front of 50 visitors. It could have been worse, it could have been Sue Oliver.

Another pastime was blowing fag smoke into the fire sensors just to see the orderly officer have a fit and knowing that the comms officer would be at about 1500 feet.

Patrolling the dog walk around the prison, Dave Fairly threw a twig at Barry Duffield who proceeded to pick up an old bucket and place it on Fairly’s head …said bucket was full of dried dog poo. That’s in the days when you could laugh without fear of someone taking offence. By the way, Dave still loves the smell of hairspray.

How many people remember “Instant Anger Danny Broderick” and his soft Irish tones? Danny was the only person I know who could have a hissy fit at anything.

Then we have Paul Reeve now Governor Reeve. I bet you he asks to be shown a sick certificate now if you go sick. A clue to this little incident would be the person married to Marlene in ‘Only Fools and Horses’. Bullwood Hall please ask him about this one. A question bantered about for years in the establishment is where’s Kenny Ruin?

Barry Duffield, on returning from an escort from Aylesbury after buying an Aylesbury duck commented to the gate, one on from Aylesbury, hence roll incorrect, command suite opened and Essex put on Death Con Three and the home guard called out. Oh the good old days.

Remember Pete Cannon

handcuffed to the flag pole starker’s on his stag night? It was all recorded on the security cameras! Who remembers the chair in the Whitehouse club and what was it called? We also had our own toy workshop run by Owen Jones long before quality control. What about Chelmsford prison summer fete with Denis Bent stalking the Governor for having Dirty Den as the guest of honour. ASK HIM WHY.

Who, on his last working day in the prison stripped off his uniform and put it down the key shute and walked out of the prison for the last time in just his boxer shorts? Classic.

Who remembers when Mark Wilby drove up the ramp and into the back of a Pickford’s van! Ask him to explain why. He loves to tell the story.

What about Chalky going home at dinner time only to see all his worldly goods and his wife in a Pickford’s van going down the road never to be seen again.

And Steve Gillan and Dave Hicky sat peacefully in C3 landing office censoring the Sunday papers whilst the office was on fire and filling up with smoke around them – they remained un-flappable.

If you work with Brian Russell when he’s in, never, ever let him answer a cell bell and then tell you that it’s you that the prisoner wants to talk to. You’ll do a bed watch trust me.

Martin Alderson who swore blind that he hadn’t dyed his hair. When we were all outside on strike it only started to rain and he had to run home to change his shirt because of all the dye on it.

Then we had Steve Ellis who was so laid back he was vertical. Steve had two speeds slow and stop. Steve would do anything for you and as long as you didn’t want it done fast you were okay. We’ve also lost some great friends and colleagues over the years Graham Bradfield, Chunky Jamison and Bob Brant are a few of a growing list and are always in our thoughts, especially when screws get together and the sand bags start to swing and the inevitable phrase of ‘do you remember when…?’ pops up.

Well, I will close soon and let people ponder on the short stories I have just mentioned.

Before I go, I would like to say

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hello to everyone who was at Chelmsford and has left, whether they have been transferred or retired. I know some of our older contingent still receive the Gatelodge, some as far away as Cyprus and some as near as Tesco’s and B&Q in Colchester.

One final story…Picture the scene, four screws

car sharing and being picked up by Ralph Moluneaux.

It’s a cold winters foggy night and you are going down the A12 towards Colchester when the car comes to a halt behind the fog lights of an articulated lorry. After 30mins one of the passengers plucked up the courage to ask Ralph why he’d stopped. The reply was because the lorry in front had stopped. Yes Ralph but that’s because they are in a lay-by!

I know its not the usual jottings but I make no excuse. It’s nice to remember some good times because it certainly doesn’t look like we’ll have many in the future. So with that in mind it’ll be back to normal next time with death, doom and despondency and more back stabbing, slashing, sleaze and slander so I leave you with the words of the master slander monger John Lehay ANYTHING.

Mickey B

CENTRALLITTLEHEY

Roger Williamson I am sad to report the death of Roger Williamson who passed away on the 25th June 2009, he had been battling cancer for some time but lost that battle at the age of 54. We are told that he passed away peacefully. I would like to send our condolences to Roger’s family, he was a very quiet inoffensive man who served for many years as a Prison Pfficer at the Scrubs and

Littlehey. His funeral is taking place the day after I send these jottings off and we are hoping for a good staff turnout, it always seems to hit home that much harder when an officer dies whilst still in service and so close to retirement. Goodbye Roger and sleep tight.

Us We were expecting a ballot on industrial action, I’m sure we weren’t the only ones, so we were shocked to see the ballot slips about Market Testing and Clustering. It took us about 48 hours to confirm the message from the NEC, thank you to Don Wood for helping us with that, the recommendation was a NO vote, so that’s the message the membership was given at Littlehey. Of course they were concerned about what would happen if Market Testing came to our jail but we explained, we think rightly, that the NEC needed a NO vote so as to fight privatisation nationally, then if we are threatened with Market Testing locally we ballot as to whether or not we get involved. This resulted in just under 86% voting ‘no’ at Littlehey and for that we cannot thank our membership enough, of course there is an element of hypocrisy in the ballot but we carried out the NEC recommendations so that they could fight the Government from a solid footing. Unfortunately, we feel that the ballot itself, the mixed messages received just prior to the ballot and the mess that surrounded Payment Plus, and whether or not to do bed watches has done nothing for the NEC’s reputation. More importantly we feel these events have done enormous damage to the level of confidence that the membership have in the NEC, I sincerely hope that by the time this goes to print I am made to eat my words, I hope the NEC come out fighting and go some way to righting the wrongs that have lead us to the mess we find ourselves in as a Union.

On another note, we have recently had a tannoy protocol placed on the Wings, this very nicely tells us how to call prisoners to the office and also how to notify prisoners that it is time for exercise etc. We are even given examples of what we should say, in the case of individuals we should call

any individual Mr or by their first name, if we find we cannot do this then we should go and get them ourselves. In our opinion the decency protocol that is already in place is more than adequate and the NEC agrees, they have asked for and received, a copy of the tannoy protocol and we look forward to their reply.

I now need to put right a serious wrong, in June I returned to do the jottings after a long lay off, I tried to say all the hellos and goodbyes that had happened since I’d not been writing, I know of one omission that was unforgivable, that was Dave Dines Jnr. As most of you know at Littlehey Dave Jnr left us after being diagnosed with arthritis, I recently had a conversation with SO Dines Snr and thought afterwards thank God I remembered to put him in the jottings. To my horror on checking I hadn’t! No excuses, I’m sorry. I saw Dave Jnr recently and I have to say he looked really well, he has a woman, he was with friends and was chasing jobs, good luck Dave.

Another special mention, poor old Stu Morris, caught by the boys in blue travelling at the speed of light on his ‘Suzuki Catch Me If You Can Fast B*!#&?D’ in a zone that is strictly only for travelling at the speed of sound. He tried to outrun the three special pursuit cars but was finally trapped at Buckden Roundabout, it took seven policemen to get him in the back of the van, as this was happening good old Bill Brownlie pulled alongside, wound down his window and shouted “Shall I tell them you’re going to be late in Stu?”, but Stu was too busy shouting “You’ll never take me alive Copper”. Anyway, 3 points and a £60 pound fine, sounds fair but is nothing compared to the stick at work, then a couple of months later this little mention drags it all up again, ave it!

NEWSFLASH - I have just heard that Laura Mountford and Gary Hudson have a new addition to the family, another little boy, well not so little, over 11lbs, the stork that delivered their latest gift has apparently resigned his post!! Congratulations to both of you and well done Laura!!! Them Here are some more facts and figures for you geeks out there, not only do our MP’s get paid more than £60,000 a year, many of them have other

jobs. A recent paper by the Deputy Leader of the Commons found that 66% of the Tories, 37% of the Liberal democrats and 19% of Labour MPs hold other posts. However in the majority of cases the second jobs in question don’t involve any actual work, often an MP is made director on a board of a large company, often having the status of a sleeping partner, it’s a hard life!!!

Now MEPs, they receive over 90,000 Euros a year, plus over 50,000 Euros to maintain an office (which many don’t), plus 298 Euros a day for every day that they attend the Parliament, oh and travelling expenses. Then, bless them, 70% of the Euro MPs voted in March 09 to keep all this information secret, although some British, Dutch and Nordic parties said they would publish all expenses.

It was interesting to hear Tory MP Kenneth Clark recently during an interview, he said that if the Conservatives won the next election they would be looking to opt out of European employment laws, they’ve got my vote!

Nick Griffin recently made the statement that union reps were parasites, oh, now who do I vote for, so difficult to decide. Both Labour and the Conservatives are jockeying for position as we count down to an election, we can either have 10% cuts in the public sector (except the NHS ) or 7% cuts. Erm, excuse me, me at the back, what about increasing public spending? Giving people the services they deserve. Don’t talk to me about the cost, we all know where the money is wasted, where greed has prevailed and we’re talking billions, lots of billions. IF NOTHING CHANGES, NOTHING CHANGES!!!!!!

International warning - do not read this if you are not interested in international issues. Although fewer union activists were killed last year, (deaths fell from 91 in 2007), the number of killings in Colombia - the most dangerous place on earth to be a union member - reached 49, an increase of 10 on the previous year. Deaths in Colombia this year have gone up from 13 since the last time you received Gatelodge to 19. Elsewhere, nine trade unionists were murdered in Guatemala, four were killed in the Philippines and in

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Venezuela, three in Honduras, two in Nepal and one each in Iraq, Nigeria, Panama, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. In a number of cases, governments were either directly or indirectly involved in the killings. During the year governments in nine countries - Burma, Burundi, China, Cuba, Iran, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey and Zimbabwe - threw trade union activists in prison because of their work to win better rights for working people.

At a time of global economic downturn, when employers are shedding jobs and putting pressure on workers to accept less pay, employees need a union more than ever to stand up for them. Yet in some parts of the world, simply becoming a union member and fighting for a better deal for colleagues, can be enough to see individuals thrown into prison, beaten up and at worst, murdered. The point being when you next see you union rep give them a great big HUG.

An Invitation I am aware that my views are not shared by everyone, therefore I would like to say that if anybody wants to write Littlehey’s jottings from a different perspective I am more than happy to include them with mine (untampered with by me of course), see the end of the jottings for the e-mail address. As always I will include a quote, this one best sums up why I bother with the quotes in the first place, this time from Michel de Montagne - ‘I QUOTE OTHERS ONLY THE BETTER TO EXPRESS MYSELF’, and as a special treat I am going to leave you with a section from the Socialist poem ‘We Only Want the Earth’ by Irishman James Connolly.

“Some men, faint-hearted, ever seek our programme to retouch, and will insist, whene’er they speak that we demand too much. Tis passing strange, yet I declare such statements give me mirth, for our demands most moderate are, we only want the earth.”

For those of you not used to this sort of thing don’t be scared it’s called ‘Culture’. Wow, all this and culture too!!! Anybody that wants to contact me to send gossip, articles or comments (no criticism, I can’t handle it) about the jottings can do so at [email protected]. Until next time take care, keep smiling, and remember you deserve better, fight for it.

El Militante.

CENTRALWHITEMOOR

The Visit First, I will set the scene for the event of the year.

You are in deepest, darkest Fenland, all that can be heard is the noise from a few lost seagulls, the screech of brakes as staff race to get to work on time, a couple of tractors ploughing in the fields and a wind turbine that has to be switched off if it’s interfering with the prisoners enjoyment of life behind bars at sunny Whitemoor.

The flag poles are being cleaned, grass being cut, seg unit being painted, gate windows being cleaned, even the guttering on the wings being divested of all the weeds and trees that have been allowed to grow in them over the years, what’s the occasion? You may well ask.

The occasion was the visit of none other than Jack Straw, MP, and the Justice Secretary. With the anticipation of such an important visitor, staff were looking forward to a full staff meeting, so we could all be allowed to enjoy his visit; sadly this was not to happen.

The visit was so carefully choreographed to the extent that most of us never knew he was in the prison. The next time we have such a high profile visitor it would be nice if we could all enjoy the occasion and not just the chosen few, after all the staff at Whitemoor are always being told to work as a team and so should we not have the rewards as a team.

For the younger members of staff who do not realise who Jack Straw is, he was the Home Secretary. When the Home Secretaries were in charge of prisons, he was also part of the Labour Government who falsely promised to restore our rights to industrial action once they got back in power, has this happened yet? NO.

David Gray David has been an instructor at Whitemoor for a long time, he was taken ill suddenly, and we wish you well David, in your long battle back to fitness. While you are off who’s going to give all the free advice every time we screw a computer up?

Dave GodfreyDave Godfrey - Gate OSG has retired (AGAIN). Dave has at long last hung his boots up, he promises this is the last time; he worked here many years ago but managed to sneak back in when no one was looking, for a second helping. He only needs one more retirement gift from staff and he will have a full set of feathered birds to add to his collection. He will always be remembered for his persistent cuddling of people, the ‘woooooping’ noises, his ‘owl’ noises, the ‘bless yous’ the dirty laugh and not forgetting his persistent confused state!!!! Which I think he has managed to pass on to most of us.

Dave gave a brilliant quote just before he left - ‘ it’s not what you do, but how you get out of doing it!

A huge thank you to all staff who contributed to his collection, the response was overwhelming and we managed to collect enough money for Dave to buy himself a bird (of prey)!

Uniform Police AlertYes folks this character is now on the move again at Whitemoor. It seems you can work short staffed with insufficient kit to do the job, no one notices or appears to care but do not wear your tie when you have a sleeveless jumper on (in the 70s known as a Tank Top) when in summer dress as it is now a capital offence.

A question comes to mind after the following is explained. When walking into work (early, ashamed to say, to catch up on a backlog of work) a male officer without a tie on but with a sleeveless jumper on was harassed by the said character (whose chest was puffed out like a pigeon just feeding on a handful of corn), to put his tie on, just what is the crime? It was also pointed out by the male officer concerned that he was walking beside a female member of staff who was dressed exactly the same, she was not wearing her hosiery (entitlement

during summer dress) and was not challenged, both appeared well groomed and tidy so I guess the only crime committed by the said officer was being a male member of staff, because that was the only difference in their appearance. Yes, it’s that old chestnut again, in the present political climate and the land of equal opportunities, can some one just tell me why, as male members of staff we have to wear a tie and female members of staff do not? If you can answer that question you will be the first person who can and we would like to meet you.

Confirmation of Distribution ListFurther to an article in June’s Gatelodge, I can now confirm that TV and newspapers are on the Gatelodge distribution list, so be careful what you want to go to print, there are nearly as many non-members receiving the magazine as members.

Recent event on D WingYes folks D Wing is in the news, yet again. Because of the amount of medication given out on D Wing, night meds and sleeping drafts were late in going out and yes you’ve guessed it, some prisoners had to be woken up to be given the sleeping drafts (what’s that all about). This I have now been told is a regular occurrence.

Staff ProfilingIf you have another name for staff profiling apart from staff cuts, answers please, on a postcard to The Profile Team care of HMP Whitemoor.

Staff SearchingAs well as the normal routine searching at the gate we are sometimes subjected to a more intense search by DST, along with the dog section. Before you moan about this, say to yourself, why am I being subjected to this? If you cannot find the answer I will tell you why. Unfortunately, some people have gone down the wrong road of dishonesty and trafficking; if it was not for these people then this would not be happening. So next time you are asked to walk past a dog, no matter how many times, just do it, don’t moan or refuse or this could be misconstrued as you have something

18-24 branch news.indd 25 23/7/09 12:00:59

Signpost

Gatelodge August 2009 PB

Branch News


to hide, this goes for anyone one, whatever the rank. After all, we should all be compliant when requested to do things, you and your colleagues Health and Safety is at risk by being non-compliant.

Starting EarlyJust remember when you go to work, start early but don’t injure yourself, under Health & Safety Rules and Regulations you will not be covered because you should not be there before your start time.

Governor Viv Le FortCongratulations to Governor Le Fort on her recent stroll up Mount Kilimanjaro. Many people have died during this exhausting climb but she made it to the top and back down. Lucky for us, as that would have meant getting two F grades and a PO to replace here, as per the norm at Whitemoor when we need to save money. Also there’s not enough space on the gate mugshot photo gallery for that many more managers!

JC or Cleo to her friends Cleo is not in the best of health, bless her, but you never hear her complain. Recently even she surprised us with her efforts to get to an appointment on time. JC won’t mind me telling you this when I tell you she had to attend a memory clinic but guess what happened folks, she couldn’t remember when or where it was.

The Dinosaur

LONDON & KENTWANDSWORTH

The Committee and Branch have had a change of Chairman here. Jim Shaw, after many years, decided to

step down as Chair but remain on the Committee and concentrate on Health & Safety. Jim was a very active Chairman both locally and outside the Branch and we welcome Gina Selmes as the new Branch Chair.

By way of departures, the Governor, Ian Mulholland has left us for a post in Wales. His time here at Wandsworth had led to a number of disagreements over the use of the Code of Discipline but most other work was generally dealt with constructively. It was good that as Governor he served a very full term of office, bringing in positive change in many areas and seeing them to fruition. The recent HMCIP visit and their positive remarks made him very proud of the staff here and he went on record with that.

The prison recently was part of the London Gardens Weekend, with visitors being granted access to the grounds to see the gardens inside. The weather was excellent and well done to the gardens team under Dave Jones for the excellent work done.

CIPs abound with a mixture of budget cuts and other changes. Budget changes can be difficult to rebut as there are few here that regularly attend budget meetings. So far though, no staff are being threatened with job losses.

Stewart McLaughlinBranch Secretary

��

p47_gatjun09.indd 26 28/7/09 10:09:2018-24 branch news.indd 26 28/7/09 10:10:30

Annual Conference was a refl ection of the concerns felt by everyone involved in off ender health. Liverpool brought forward a motion to maintain and reintroduce the role of health care offi cer rank as part of a multi disciplinary team approach and skill mix. The motion truly refl ects the aim of the POA health care team and was reinforced by Conference in accepting the motion comprehensively. The debate was lengthy and Conference were fully supportive of the skills and experience brought by health care offi cers.

Conference further supported motions to maintain a promotion structure and specialist training for prison offi cers who wish to work in the health care setting. I urge all interested parties to seek to read the verbatim report of the debate, your branch secretary will provide a copy for you. It has to be said, however, that in line with the general attitude, both of Government and the Service in general, towards specialist grades we have indeed an ongoing and uphill struggle.

The PCT input into prison health has sometimes proved to be a barrier but where a healthy relationship has built up with governors through local partnership boards we get better results.

Once again using this column the Health Care Committee strongly urge all branch secretaries to insist that the POA are included as part of the local Health Care Partnership Board.

Once again we remind colleagues to

resist any attempt to utilise inappropriate grades to do prison offi cer tasks. All security and control work inside prisons must be done by prison offi cers, this of course includes health care. No clinical or dispensing task is appropriate for prison offi cers at any time unless they have the proper qualifi cation.

This is a mammoth task but one worth our time and eff ort. It was good to know that, far from being forgotten, health care offi cers are appreciated by colleagues in general. It is just a great pity that there are many in power who seem not to look to the future nor to recognise the multi skills at their disposal.Shame on them!!Good health to you all.

Tom RobsonVice Chair

Health Care Matters

Healthcare Matters


Health Care Matters

Tom Robson Chairman 0113 242 8833Duncan Keys Secretary 0113 242 8833Steve Bostock NEC 0113 242 8833Steve Baines NEC 0113 242 8833Brian Traynor NEC 0208 803 0255

Mark Curtis HMP Canterbury 01277 862800 x2871George Bernard HMP Frankland 0191 332 3130Terry Hobin HMP Liverpool 0151 530 4000 x4619Carrie Sheppard HMP Manchester 0161 817 5600Stephen Wood HMP Swaleside 01795 804109Jeff Clements HMP Grendon 01296 443000

Nursing and health care offi cers consultative committee members

resist any attempt to utilise inappropriate grades to do prison offi cer tasks. All security and control work inside prisons must be done by prison offi cers, this of course includes health care. No clinical or dispensing task is appropriate for prison offi cers at any time unless they have the proper qualifi cation.

This is a mammoth task but one worth our time and eff ort. It was good to know that, far from being forgotten, health care offi cers are appreciated by colleagues in general. It is just a great pity that there are many in power who seem not to look to the future nor to recognise the multi

27 Healthcare.indd 27 28/7/09 10:12:37

Strictly Private


PRIVATE SECTOR COMMITTEE

Tom Robson Chairman0113 242 8833

Duncan Keys Secretary0113 242 8833

Steve Baines NEC0208 802 0255

Pete Chapple NEC0113 242 8833

Joe Simpson NEC0113 242 8833

John Speed SNC0131 443 8105

Phil Thomas SNC0131 443 8105

Steve Lewis Research Offi cer0113 242 8833

Building relationships through trainingIn the last ‘Strictly Private’ article (June 2009) Alan Hunt the Branch Chairman at Harmondsworth gave a personal account of POA training he had participated in. This training was the fi rst in a new era of Private Sector training which has been put together by the Private Sector Committee, tailor made and fi t for purpose. These short modular courses are TUC accredited and can be adapted to suit the nature of the site and the requirement of the Committees being trained.

The driving forces behind upgrading the quality of our training have been mainly Pete Chapple and Joe Simpson who, in partnership with the City of Sunderland TUC, did the groundwork, my thanks to them.

That the fi rst course was successful and interesting was certainly evidenced by Mr Hunts’ letter. Once the course has been completed a certifi cate is presented, recognised by the TUC and acknowledged by the employer. Hopefully this new momentum and high priority towards training will encourage more members in the sector to take a more active role in Trade Union aff airs. Since the Harmondsworth training

package was delivered we have had only positive feedback. We can now report that a new and enthusiastic committee are up and running at Brook House in Gatwick. Training has been completed with the fi ve person committee and we thank G4S for facilitating the training and providing a venue on site. This is good evidence that the recognition and procedural agreement signed recently between the POA and G4S in respect of the Off ender Management and Immigration Centre Brook House is up and running. Those fi ve accredited offi cials will hopefully now take industrial relations forward on behalf of the POA in a professional way. We know that the company will both recognise and respect their roles in the future.

The Private Sector membership continues to hold steady in the face of the most diffi cult economic climate. This, we hope, reinforces the good sense of belonging to the appropriate Trade Union for our business. We will maintain our support to those who assist us by becoming active members; we will continue to review our training programmes to ensure our ‘fi t for purpose’ strategy.

Best wishes to you all.

TOM ROBSONNational Vice ChairmanChairman Private Sector Committee

28 strictly private.indd 28 23/7/09 12:03:36

29 firefighters page.indd 29 23/7/09 13:33:37

Sports Scene


The oasis in the middle of Dundee known as Downfield Golf Club, was the venue for the 2009 international match between Scotland and England, and a true oasis it is too, being surrounded by the war zone that is downtown Dundee. It could be believed that someone had lifted a couple of acres of the Home Counties and dropped it into the middle of Baghdad, though sensibly, with a very strong wire fence to keep the local miscreants out and visiting parties in. Shangri-La and Eldorado, inspired similar journeys of discovery through inhospitable lands, populated by murderous and cannibalistic tribes, crocodile infested rivers and perilous mountain passes, to eventually stand before their holy grail, and this golfers’ holy grail is definitely worth the journey.

It is said that there are over a hundred different species of tree on the course, which is entirely possible as it is certainly heavily populated with all manner of size, shape and colour, though when hit squarely with a well struck golf ball, they all sound exactly the same!

Thinking it better to travel to this land with strength in numbers, the English team arrived in a large minibus specially hired for the event. Ten of the twelve players had been picked up en-route, with only two travelling separately. They were surprised to see “vans for special needs” emblazoned on the side. There was never a more appropriate statement!

Nevertheless, this was Wednesday and traditionally practise day for both teams, though this year a change was instituted with the idea of holding an 18 hole competition to determine the British scratch champion, and presenting them with the rather grandly named “Hudspith/Abernethy” trophy. It is named after both Davids who have both equally graced, and humiliated, the international match for almost 40 years combined. Indeed having their names engraved on the trophy as co-sponsors is the closest either will get to actually winning it these days. Hudspith, in fact, by his own admission was “swinging like a toilet door on a prawn trawler”, and expecting nothing better than propping the rest of the field up, which he managed admirably.

In recent years, had there been a British championship, there would have been no surprise to find the trophy being contested mainly by Scottish players, with a couple of the English sneaking into the top ten. This year however saw a complete reversal of the expected leader board, with six of the top seven coming from the English team, and only Norrie Dyce, reigning Scots champion, breaking up an otherwise English domination. Norrie finished in fourth place just behind Tony Inman and Tony

Clements, who finished tied second, a shot behind England debutant Andy Lockwood, who has the honour of being the inaugural British scratch champion.

On this first day the weather was surprisingly pleasant, blue skies and fresh wind from the sea, just enough to add to the test without being too punishing. On day one of the match, conditions remained very similar, the wind perhaps just slightly stronger, though the skies remained blue and clear, perfect for photo opportunities which were taken with both teams resplendent in their team shirts. As is tradition, the away team had the honour on the first tee, and possibly as a sign of things to come, never really lost it, winning the first three of the opening six matches. Although Scotland rallied by winning the next two quite easily, a good win for Paul Sutton and Dave Potter meant the opening series of games went England’s way, 4-2.

The afternoon’s matches followed a format of greensomes as opposed to fourballs, and these proved to be much tighter. Scotland’s top half won two out of the opening three matches, with good wins for Norrie Dyce and Gordon Lyons and Graham Gillick and Ewan Cunningham, with only Dave Hough and Chris Naylor battling out a tight win over David Abernethy and John McLaren. Two halved matches followed, and then probably the most influential game of the week, being won by England’s Kev Vardy and Dave Potter, over Sandy Douglas and Ian Boyd. The importance of this meant England retained a two point lead going into the final day, rather than being “all square”.

There was a definite hint of rain in the air as the teams arrived at the course for the final day’s play. Another session of fourballs, followed by 12 singles games, would determine the outcome of the match and if they were to be played in the rain, a long miserable day would be had by all. The rain duly arrived though only for a couple of hours before strong winds blew it away, with the only memorable thing to come from the session being the revelation that England’s Rob Moore will not wear waterproofs regardless of the severity of the weather. Rob gained his first international point in tandem with Dave Hudspith over Ken McGuckin and Mike Smith, and brought the quote from legendary golfer Walter Hagan to life, “give me a man with big hands, big feet and no brain and I will make a golfer out of him”. The difference being Rob has neither big hands nor big feet!

And so the singles arrived. Hopes were that it would stay dry for the rest of the day, shame! Rain and wind of biblical proportions blew

over the course from the moment the golfers headed to the first tee. To put the weather into perspective, the local sea birds hadn’t only taken cover on land, but were seen with sandwich boards declaring “the end is nigh”. It was only when Noah was seen gathering pairs of animals that the decision was made to call the players in. When it later became clear that no further play was going to be possible, decisions had to be taken on the result of the match. Luckily all arguments and discussions were made redundant with the arrival at the club of Bill Abernethy, who had been involved with the matches from the beginning 30 years ago. Bill remembered an occasion some 20 years previous when exactly the same situation had occurred. On that occasion the team leading after the last full session played, were deemed the winners. Scotland had benefited from the ruling then, but it was England this time who were declared winners with the score standing at 10 – 8. An unsatisfactory way to win, and even more so when losing, however, when it is five years since your last win and 12 years since the last victory on Scottish soil, precious little encouragement was needed to celebrate.

A very civilised presentation took place with Tom Robertson picking up Scottish player of the week honours on his debut. John Southward won the English equivalent, and then it was up to Scottish captain Sandy Douglas to reluctantly hand over the “Scrimgeour” cup to English captain Ron Bradley, who’s dementia behaved itself long enough for him to say a few words of thanks. Despite the weather a terrific week was had by all, everyone hoping to qualify for the match to be held in England in 2010.

International Match 2009Downfield GC Dundee

England 2009

Scotland 2009

30-31 sports scene.indd 30 23/7/09 12:22:37

IF YOU ARE A CUSTODY OFFICER WORKING IN THE

PRIVATE SECTOR THEN YOU MUST READ THIS!

• ARE YOU SUPPORTED IN THE WORKPLACE?

• HAVE YOU GOT A PROFESSIONAL TRADES UNION IN YOUR CORNER?

Over 36,000 prison offi cers, penal workers, correctional and secure psychiatric workers ARE MEMBERS OF THE POA.

The Union has an ever growing membership within private prisons, secure units and escorting contracts. Our infl uence and expertise within penal affairs has been recognised since the Union formed in 1939.

The POA is an Independent Trades Union affi liated to the Trades Union Congress. Legislation determines that a British worker can belong to the trades union of his or her choice.

MAKE YOUR CHOICE THE POAJoin the professional trades union for prison, correctional and secure psychiatric workers.

For more information and membership application:Telephone the membership hotline: 0208 884 5687 between 09.00-16.45. Please quote: PSN1

Sports Scene


This year’s national handicap event was held at Horsely Lodge Hotel and Golf Club, Derby, on possibly the brightest and hottest day of the year so far. It was so unusually hot for the time of the year, that your usual pasty faced anaemic looking prison staff were transformed into freshly prepared lobsters by the end of play.

Players taking part arrived from all over the UK, including Acklington in the north, Coldingly in the south, Prescoed in Wales, and the fi rst of what we hope will be many female players, although we may have to revise our prizes to refl ect the ladies attendance – fewer bottles of malt whisky, and perhaps the occasional bottle of martini!

The course itself was in magnifi cent condition and looked a treat, which, with the weather as it was and the format for the day (full handicap stableford with a maximum of 18) promised good scoring. The only complaints heard were of the occasional “blind” tee shot, which listening to some were the cause of many catastrophes and prevented half the fi eld winning the top prize! This didn’t aff ect the nearest the pin prizes, as all the greens were perfectly visible from the tees, allowing the following to claim well earned bottles: Ron Bradley (retired), Dave Hudspith (wishes he was retired), Tony Inman (hobbit), and Paul Law (Welsh!). The longest drive prize went to virtually the slightest player in the fi eld, Sam Armadass (Broadmoor), which just goes to show if an errant gust of wind blows at an opportune moment, anyone can hit it long!

Length however is not always the priority in 18 hole competitions, scoring consistently is, and Sam managed both, coming in with a very creditable 35 points to fi nish fi fth overall, though only in a count back, as three players fi nished on the same score. Sam was pipped to fourth place by Dave Doyle (Rampton)

leaving Duncan Ross (Wetherby) as the unlucky one to miss out on a prize.

Steve Kay (toothy grin) ground out 36 points to fi nish alone in third place, which is the best place for him, alone, as his playing partners attested to.

First and second places came from the fi rst and last groups out on the course and again both had the same score – John Southward (Acklington) had been sat on the veranda with iced drinks for almost an hour and a half by the time Mick Taylor (Rampton) came steaming and sweating up the last, to sink a put for a tying 39 points. This time a count back over the last 6 holes was required to separate them, with John coming out on top and taking the fi rst prize all the way home to the North Pole! John actually comes originally from Scotland, which is just south of the North Pole, though almost as cold and miserable. John also plays off a handicap of three, which makes winning a Stableford competition a particularly impressive and downright surprising achievement.

Ultimately a great day was had by all, due in no small part to the weather, although with the excellent prizes, partly fi nanced by the PSSA, the course and the good company, a good day would have resulted whatever the weather. We can only hope for a similarly successful day in the autumn for our national pairs, date to be arranged.

National Spring Handicap 2009Horsely Lodge GC 20th April, 2009

Winner John Southward and Treasurer Steve Kay

30-31 sports scene.indd 31 28/7/09 10:14:00

ULF

The first ever Learning at Work Day was held at HMP Rochester on 5th May 2009 funded by Union Learn. Over a hundred staff attended throughout the day taking advantage of the various activities going on, the free lunch which was provided and the free goodie bags.

The theme of the event was ‘money matters’, due to the ongoing financial crisis. There was representation from the debt advice network, information from the BBC Raw Money campaign and also about family Tax Credits. Several staff confidentially made appointments, to be seen by the debt counsellors outside of work.

There were visitors from the local college who gave out information on

local adult education courses at Mid Kent College and lots of interest in the stand from Open University, run by Nigel Gibson.

Very popular was Lesley Nowell from Foot Workshop who had booked appointments for foot massage, manicures and foot care all day. There were also very happy staff after they’d had back and shoulder massages by Lorraine Miller, whose job is an Outreach worker, and very relaxed staff after Lloyd Morgans Indian head massages. Lloyd’s usual job is on the IDTS team. Body MoTs were being done by PEI Barry Ash, who were giving away pedometers and water bottles to everyone who had the full MoT.

During the day, forty-four staff signed up for the IT course starting at Rochester which is being supported by a TUC tutor from Lewisham College, twenty of those have since started the training. This hopefully will be the start of many courses for staff to be run at Rochester, with plans to start sign language, Tia Chi and Spanish in the near future.

Overall the day was a great success, with staff already asking when the next one will be. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped out and especially to Lesley, Lorraine, Lloyd and Barry who didn’t stop all day.

Clare HatfullHMP Rochester

Learning at Work Day5th May 2009


Having an Indian head massage

32-33 ulf.indd 32 23/7/09 12:20:02

HMP Bullingdon has officially opened a brand new facility which offers flexible learning opportunities for its staff and their families.

Adjacent to the staff mess, the Union Learning Centre is a dedicated learning environment which has varied approaches to obtaining new skills or enhancing existing ones.

There are both tutor led courses and self-teach packages which provide a wide range of qualifications or certification, among these are IT courses at all levels and Vocational Qualifications. There are also Distance Learning packages leading to accreditation in some of the more diverse skills required in a custodial setting. Local Union Learning Representatives have volunteered to pioneer the centre and it’s initiatives, including the popular ‘internet cafe’ that has evolved at lunchtime.

The Learning Centre is the 11th Centre to be opened in England & Wales; it is supported by the POA in partnership with the HMP Bullingdon management and funded by the Union Learning Fund. The POA aim to have a learning environment or learning link for all establishments.

Visitors were welcomed to the official opening by Steve Wrighton, Chairman of the Bullingdon POA, Colin Moses, National Chairman of the POA, and Andy Lattimore, Governor of HMP Bullingdon.

Governor Lattimore said he had no reservations in supporting the project when it was first brought to him, he said the centre is a huge benefit for the staff.

Colin Moses remarked on how industrial relations thrive on partnership working and that POA Learning

centres were ‘centres of excellence’ demonstrating that partnership works.

Keith Mitchell, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council unveiled a plaque to officially open the centre. He reflected on how when HMP Bullingdon opened the Oxford Jail was handed back to the Council and that the boundaries of the old jail have now been opened up to provide a thriving heritage and leisure facility for Oxford. He said the Learning Centre was a fantastic facility for Bullingdon.

ULF


New Learning Centre for HMP Bullingdon

32-33 ulf.indd 33 23/7/09 12:20:40

Obituaries


FRED MASSEY 1947-2009

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Officer Fred Massey.Fred passed away on the 6th June, a few weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.Fred Joined the Prison Service in 1972 and after initially joining at HMP Preston

he was posted to HMP Reading, eventually returning to HMP Preston.Fred spent many years serving on the POA committee at Preston including a

spell as Secretary and did a tremendous amount of welfare work for staff as well as charity work which was a cause close to his heart.

The funeral service was held on the 15th June and as a testament to Fred’s popularity, the church was packed with staff both unified and civilian and many who are retired. Tom Robson gave the eulogy and summed Fred up rightly, in saying “Once you met Fred you knew you’d met a friend” Certainly the staff at Preston have lost a good friend and a fine officer.

Jim StarkieBranch Chairman, HMP PRESTON

OFFICER JAMES (JIM) HEASON (RETIRED) 13th MARCH 1938 - 25th FEBRUARY 2009

Jim joined the prison service in 1967, serving his entire career at HMP Ford, he retired in 1998.

Jim was married to Gill and had four children Sally, Paul (deceased 1975) Michael and Vicki. On his retirement he moved to Marske-by-the-Sea in 1998, then to Alicante Spain in 2002, returning to Marske in November 2007 to be near to his daughter Vicki.

In 2000 Jim had a heart bypass and died of heart failure on 25th February 2009 aged 70.

Despite moving away he still had a lot of friends at Ford, many who stayed in touch and attended the funeral. Jim’s ashes will be laid to rest at Clymping Church with his late son Paul.

Even with Jim and Gill divorcing in 2002 they remained very close, always keeping in touch. Gill attended the funeral and was deeply saddened. He will be hugely missed by his children, grandchildren and friends. Describing him as lovely, generous kind of man, who will be missed forever.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Kevin JephsonBranch Secretary, HMP FORD

MERV SMITH

It is my sad duty to report the death of one of our retired staff, Principal Officer Merv Smith. Merv served here at Winchester and also Camphill, he went about his duties in a quiet and gentlemanly way. Our thoughts are with the family.

Another gone, but not forgotten.

Winchester POA

OFFICER MARK LEWENDON

It is with much sorrow that 1 have to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague Mark Lewendon, who was only 58 years old. Mark passed away on the evening of 14th June from cancer.

Mark joined the Prison Service in July 1990. After his training at Newbold he joined HMP Ford in September 1990. Mark did not take long to settle as a Residential Officer. He made many friends and was known not only for his comradeship but for his kindness and his support to others.

Mark was a great fan of cricket and also supported Portsmouth Football Club (well, someone had to) and kept himself fit by using the gym regularly. He also had a passion for walking, cycling and caravanning.

Whilst ill with cancer he was always eager to hear news about his colleagues and the prison. He remained positive and would not give in to his illness. Mark was very concerned about the effect his passing would have on his family, showing his unselfish nature we all knew and loved.

Mark was extremely popular and will be greatly missed by all of us. The world has lost a true gentleman. Our thoughts go to Christine, his wife and sons Gary, Mark and Paul.

Stuart Kennard POA HMP FORD

PAUL MCPARLIN 1957-2009

Paul commenced his service at Moss Side Hospital, Merseyside, Maghull in April 1981 and commenced his RMNH training later that same year, successfully finishing in 1984.

He became Staff Nurse at Moss Side, working his way up to his promotion as Charge Nurse at the same hospital. During his time he constantly updated his skills and qualifications, successfully completing his RGN training at Walton and Fazackerly hospitals between 1987 to 1989.

Paul continued to develop himself by applying for and gaining the position of Clinical Security Liaison in the newly merged Ashworth Hospital in 2000, whilst working in this important role he again updated his skills by successfully gaining his RMN qualification in 2005.

To continue with his personal development Paul successfully applied for the role of Duty Manager in Ashworth Hospital and was promoted in 2007.

Paul was as loyal and conscientious member of staff to the hospital service with a great sense of humour and he also maintained a full life outside of his work environment being a member of the TA. His hobbies included scuba diving, micro flight flying, his love of motorbikes and keeping fit.

34-35 obits.indd 34 23/7/09 12:19:00

EDDIE REILLY (OSG)

Eddie died on 17th March 2009, at the age of just 51. He was one of those rare breeds that worked permanent night shift.

Before joining HMP Ford on 20th September 2004, Eddie ran a successful karaoke bar in Tenerife and was an excellent singer himself. He was a very popular, considerate, committed member of the OSG night time, with a good sense of humour. He was a valued member of staff and will be sadly missed by all his family and staff alike.

The funeral was held on Friday 27th March 2009, this being well attended by relatives, colleagues and friends.

Our thoughts are with Eddie’s family and friends at this sad time.

Kevin JephsonBranch Secretary HMP FORD

Obituaries


DAVE ‘BASSINDER’ BASS

It is with great sadness that we here at Hatfield have to announce the untimely death of Officer Dave ‘Bassinder’ Bass aged 59.

Dave died on the evening of 15th July 2009 in a tragic motor cycle accident whilst enjoying one of his many interests.

Dave started work at Doncaster prison in 1994 before joining the prison service in 1996 working at Moorland Closed, after several years Dave then transferred to Moorland Open.

Dave was a valued member of staff and a proud member of the POA and never shy to voice his opinion on matters concerning the Union and the welfare of his fellow colleagues, these strong beliefs came from Dave’s former employment as a coal miner and the mining community he was born and bred in.

Dave leaves behind a son Gavin and a daughter Hayley, and our thoughts are with them at this sad time.Rest in peace Bass

John LindleyBranch SecretaryHatfield

34-35 obits.indd 35 23/7/09 12:19:21

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36-37 levy & mcrae.indd 36 23/7/09 12:18:25

Levy & McRae


LEVY & McRAE:First Assist Insurers and what we can do for youAs a member of the SPOA you subscribe for a legal expenses insurance policy with First Assist Legal Protection.

With the stresses and strains of a busy life, it may be the case that you have not read through your Legal Protection Policy thoroughly.

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The First Assist Legal Protection PolicyYour Policy sets out several important issues. It tells you who can receive legal advice, the circumstances where you are entitled to legal cover and the circumstances where you are not covered.

The policy is on our website, www.lemac.co.uk, to access, click on resources, then indemnified clients and finally on insurable events post 1 June 2008. Alternatively, use the link below; http://www.lemac.co.uk/resources/publication_files/POASwordingNEW.pdf

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step children, adopted children and foster children.

• The parents and grandparents of the Insured or the Insured’s spouse or partner

• For insurance purposes, the Insured’s partner will normally live with the Insured at their permanent private address (the spouse, children, parent and grandparents are only insured if they are resident with the insured. Also cover is not provided for spouses, children, parents and grandparents for section 1(b), 5 and 7 of the policy being certain criminal (see policy) disciplinary offences and FAI’s)What are the circumstances where you will

be covered by the Policy and are there any exceptions?

• Criminal Prosecution DefenceCriminal behaviour includes anti-social behaviour, fraud, assault, the use or possession of illegal substances and the more serious assaults. Legal Expenses will be met by the Insurer.

• Personal Injury A personal injury can include, for example, an injury at work or in a traffic accident, an injury received as a result of faulty goods or services, an injury sustained by tripping over paving stones, an injury caused by errors in hospital treatment or one sustained by a victim in the course of a crime. An injury can be physical and/or psychological. Legal expenses incurred whilst recovering damages or compensation following an event causing death or bodily injury will be met by the Insurer.

• Consumer ProtectionConsumer Protection applies when a contract is entered into by the Insured and a third party. Examples of such contracts are; buying goods through internet auction sites from either private sellers or traders, consumer services including unsatisfactory services, cancelling services, distance selling, buying on credit and mobile phone service providers, contracts, charges and bills. Legal expenses are met by the Insurer when the claim exceeds more than £250.

It is worth noting that you will not be able to rely on your First Assist Legal cover where any contractual dispute you may have with a third party relates to motor vehicles, their parts and accessories.

• Employment DisputesAny dispute arising from a contract of employment will be covered under the Policy with the legal expenses of any Disciplinary Hearing being met by the Insurer

• Fatal Accident InquiriesA fatal accident inquiry is mandatory is a public inquiry into the circumstances of a death. Legal expenses will be awarded if the Insured died in the course of employment, or where the person died in custody or in the care of the Insured. The inquiry must relate directly to the Insured’s duties.

You will not be protected if the accident did not occur (i) during the course of the Insured’s employment or (ii) the person in custody was not in the car of the Insured.

Will First Assist Legal Protection always pay my legal expenses no matter what?The answer to that is quite simply, no. The bullet points below indicate some of the areas that the Insurers will not cover you. For a full list, consult your policy. The following is merely a summary;

• The insurers will not pay out any legal expenses incurred prior to their written acceptance of the claim.

• The Insurers will not pay out if you fail to give proper instructions in due time to your legal representative.

• The insurers will not pay out if the Insured’s claim results from deliberate or intentional wrong doing

• The insurer will not provide cover if the Insured person has a claim against the Insurer

What can Levy & McRae do for you?As your legal advisors, Levy & McRae are equipped to deal with any legal problems that you may have. It is important that you follow the First Assist Guidelines to ensure a smooth and effective dealing.

The services of Levy & McRae are not just limited to the First Assist Policy. We offer great incentives to Prison Officers.

What else does Levy & McRae offer to Prison Officers?

Do you have a Will?Levy & McRae offer Scottish Prison Officers a free Will drafting service. Having a Will ensures that your final wishes and requests are carried out so why not take advantage of this free service.

Do you have any concerns regarding Family Law?Levy & McRae can offer Scottish Prison Officers discounted rates for advice in relation to any Family Law matter, for example, what to do when a relationship breaks down or how to gain contact with your children. Whether it is just general advice or whether you need to raise divorce proceedings, you should get in touch with Levy & McRae as soon as possible.

Is there anything else?No matter what your query relates to as Scottish Prison Officers you are entitled to one free /phone call /meeting with Levy & McRae. This meeting can be about any legal problem that you may have.

When can you get this advice?Best of all, remember, if you have a problem or need some advice, please ensure that you call Levy & McRae no matter how trivial the requirement might be.

36-37 levy & mcrae.indd 37 29/7/09 10:14:43

North of the Border


It was a great honour to be given the opportunity to represent the POA in Scotland at the Spirit of Fire Awards 2009 that was held at the very impressive Bobby Moore suite, at the even more impressive new Wembley Stadium. I suppose I should mention at this point that should the Home Internationals ever be re-introduced then in my opinion the Tartan Army could have a great time there.

The POA nationally have forged a relationship with The Fire Fighters Charity which has resulted in many of our membership attending the Jubilee rehab centre in Penrith. The initiative has been through a pilot period which has resulted in the POA signing a long term deal with them that allows members to continue attending there for treatment.

I am pleased to say that this idea originated in Scotland and it is something I, for one, am proud to have been involved in from the beginning, along with many others including our former Vice Chair Kenny Cassels, who raised the initial concept during an SNC meeting, of off ering more support to our members when they may most needed it. This is clearly a benefi t that has already, and no doubt will in the future, provide much needed support and assistance when it is needed to our members.

Returning to the event at Wembley Stadium, to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, nervously wearing my slightly ill fi tting and rarely used dinner suit, complete with dicky bow and shiny shoes, I approached the arena. I stood for a while to observe the statue of the great Bobby Moore and then went into the conference suite that was named after him. I was off ered a glass of complementary wine and was met by Andrew Waterfi eld who manages the facility at Penrith, it was then I noticed the view we had onto the playing surface which was fl oodlit, and then realised I should have brought my camera.

As I looked around the function suite it became apparent that there were a number of familiar faces, some of whose names I couldn’t remember, but that was down to a number of reasons, including my amazing ability to remember faces but not names, (a reason why I thought the introduction of name badges in the SPS was a good idea) and also, as I was later to discover, because I have never been an avid watcher of programs such as Big Brother or Eastenders amongst others.

There were, however, many well known faces in attendance including former footballer (and Manchester City star), Rodney Marsh; all round entertainer, the brilliant Bruce Forsyth; 80s pop star Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet; glamour girl Nicola McLean; Loose Women TV presenter Carol McGiffi n; Sun columnist, Jane Moore; Eastenders Soap star John Partridge (who plays Ian Beale’s brother-in-law Christian Clarke); Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton; Ski Sunday’s Graham Bell; athlete, Darren Campbell; top comedian Barry Cryer; Match of the Day commentator Simon

Brotherton; Thaila Zucchi (the fake Australian housemate from big Brother 8); singer Ben Adams: paralympians Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis and last, but my no means least Falkland’s War veteran and Welsh Guard Simon Weston. The event was hosted by BBC Newsreader Nicholas Owen.

As you can see by the impressive list of celebrities who were in attendance, The Fire Fighters Charity are a well thought of and supported organisation and to be able to have forged this relationship with them will be a huge benefi t to Prison Offi cers throughout the United Kingdom.

The event itself was not just about eating and drinking or about rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, it was about honoring the bravery and

the very best of the fi re services, and on behalf of the POA I would like to congratulate all those who received awards on the evening.

On a personal note I had a fabulous time and I was well treated and also well wined and dined and I would like to thank those I met at the event, non more so than Andrew Waterfi eld and Kevin Biles from The Fire Fighters Charity, who have both since attended the National POA Conference in Southport and with whom the POA have forged an excellent relationship.

Also on a personal note a special thanks to Simon Weston and paralympians Sascha and Nyree who were a great inspiration to us all as were those fi re fi ghters who were honoured.

Spirit of Fire Awards ceremony 2009

Kevin Biles (Fire Fighters Charity Sales Manager) and John Speed (POA Scottish National Committee) with Simon Weston and Paralympians Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis at the 2009 Spirit of Fire Awards.

38-39 NOTB.indd 38 23/7/09 12:17:09

North of the Border


This years Stevie Bell Memorial Rugby Tournament took place on Saturday 9th May 2009 in Rosyth. Stevie’s old team Fife Southern Sharks were the hosts, and a team from the Royal Navy and Prison Service made up the competitors. The Prison Service team was made up of an amalgamation of The Scottish Prison Service National Team, Falkirk Rugby Club and some staff from Edinburgh Prison.

I have to pay huge thanks to the National Team, without whom it would be a two team tourney. Also to Kevin Bye who brought several players from Falkirk who scored our tries, and to former offi cer Ruari Pearson who turned up as usual with some help. The Edinburgh players were Andy Moran, Ross Leitch, Duncan Mathieson and myself who all played tremendously, even though Duncan and I had our forwards

places taken by regular players and were forced onto the wings! I fear the furrows we ploughed in the pitch may never be repaired. The weather was atrocious, rain and wind hampering any silky wing play, and when the gazebo ended up on the roof we knew we were in for a hard time. Prison played Fife in the fi rst game after the minute silence, and with ex-catering manager John Buchan as referee, Kevin Bye took the ceremonial kick-off – his knackered knee stopping him from taking part.

Our Falkirk ringers and some solid play overall helped us to a two try victory, and a rest in our sodden strips while the rain got heavier. Yes, we won a game!! Years of trying and we eventually achieved a victory. No more third place, second at least was guaranteed. An even bigger Quaich to fi ll with whisky! The Navy beat

Fife to set up a freezing fi nale, as the rain and wind got a bit heavier. Our old jail strips soaked up most of the water, and the fi nal was mutually cut short due to the continued deluge. Ross Leitch had a few drives, our Falkirk ringers came close, even I got in on the act, held up just short by the entire Navy team! The second half brought a lucky try for the Navy, and despite a fi fty yard last gasp drive the whistle blew and we were beaten.

The showers were freezing but the clubhouse warm and the usual hospitality from Fife Southern even warmer. The sun came out just in time for the lift home and promises to return for next year. A great day overall and very successful for the prison team. Just the way Stevie would have liked it.

Tam Boyle, HMP Edinburgh

Stevie Bell Memorial Rugby Tournament 2009

38-39 NOTB.indd 39 23/7/09 12:17:49

Postbag

Thank you

Dear Mr. Caton, On behalf of all members at the Harmondsworth branch, we would like to forward our thanks to yourself and Pete Chapple for your attendance at our recent meeting, along with Anthony Marriott from Lees Lloyd Whitley.

The legal advice provided by Mr. Marriott and the solidarity and support shown by yourself and Pete had a very positive impact on those members who attended and demonstrates the POA’s commitment to their members working in the private sector in these turbulent economic times.Yours sincerely,

Alan HuntBranch Chair

Thanks for the advice

Dear Mr. Marriott, On behalf of all members at the Harmondsworth Branch, we would like to forward our thanks for the advice you provided to members regarding our upcoming TUPE transfer during your recent visit. Feedback from members who attended has been very positive and your advice served to reassure many members who were understandably concerned.

As you highlighted, it is likely that there will be a lot more questions once the actual transfer has taken place and we appreciate your off er of a return visit after that date.Yours sincerely,

Alan HuntBranch Chair

Honorary Life Member

Dear Brian,I am writing to thank you for your letter informing me of the Union’s Conference decision to award me Honorary Life Membership of the POA.

I wish to express my thanks to the Association for aff ording me this honour. I am extremely proud of this generous gesture by the Association.

I would be grateful if you would convey my thanks to the members of the Association and assure them that I will continue to work hard in the interest of POA members and to demonstrate the justifi cation for the award of this honour.

Best wishesJohn McDonnell MP

Referees wantedThe PSSA are looking for football referees of all levels, for inter establishment matches, festival of football, sports day and national matches. All expenses are paid and accommodation provided when necessary.

National matches include fi xtures against the Armed Forces, Fire Service and Scottish and Irish Prison Service. You will also have the opportunity to travel abroad with the National Squad to the Euro and World Games.

If anyone is interested in helping the PSSA and National Football Association please contact PEI Nigel Masters at North Sea Camp on 01205 769363.

To Mr Brian Caton, General Secretary, POA Dear Brian, How are you, it is a long time since we spoke.I visited my mother yesterday and she happened to have a June issue of the Gatelodge magazine and wanted to show me the articles written about the Special Hospitals, as you may remember my father was the Branch Secretary at Moss Side many years ago.

In the article about Ashworth I was pleasantly surprised at the acknowledgement and recognition of our eff orts in days gone by and would be grateful if you would pass on my appreciation to the author of the article. Despite extremely diffi cult times for the Association, both locally and nationally, it is quite gratifying that our eff orts were appreciated.

On a personal note, I sold our newsagents shop two years ago after a period of ten years and have been retired since.

I would also take this opportunity to thank you again for the massive input and infl uence you had on us all through those times and wish you and all your colleagues within the association the very best for the future.

Ron LawtonFormer Branch SecretaryMoss Side Hospital (Ashworth)

Thank YouI am writing this brief note to say thank you to the POA for all that they did for my wife Jean during her recent suspension.

Special thanks goes to Steve Bostock NEC, Wendy Price and Ken Barrett (both Drake Hall), who represented and supported Jean throughout a lengthy and very stressful investigation and subsequent hearing. Jean fi nally returned to work on Monday 22nd June 09 after a seven month suspension. During the seven months the above mentioned POA reps and others worked tirelessly on Jean’s behalf to secure her successful return to work.

During Jean’s suspension we have both been overwhelmed by the level of support that we have both received, especially from colleagues at Drake Hall, Staff ord and Werrington. It is re-assuring to know that genuinely caring people are still employed by the Prison Service.

In closing, I would like to repeat our heartfelt thanks to all that have supported us and to all of you out there, keep supporting the POA, you never know when YOU will need them.

Yours gratefully,Offi cers Neil & Jean Hammond

Leeds to Liverpool sponsored walk 200929th June 2009Staff at HMP Liverpool have completed a sponsored walk along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, covering 128 miles in just over 5 days.

They are the fi rst to complete the new branch section at the Pier Head in Liverpool.

They walked in memory of Jim Bainbridge a former colleague who passed away last year. They are pictured here handing over a cheque to The Royal British Legion in his name.


40-42 postbag.indd 40 23/7/09 12:10:54

Postbag

Queenscourt Hospice Charity WalkStar Trek 111 – 2009This letter is to confirm that the sponsored charity walk was completed by me (and over 1,000 other females) in Southport. This charity event was called Star Trek 111 as it started after 10.30pm and finished in the early hours.

I have to thank all the POA delegates and friends who sponsored me to the total of £200.All this will be put towards providing care and support through the Queenscourt Hospice in Southport.

Thanks again for all your support.Ruth Preece

Officer Rod Solomon HMP Isle of Wight, Albany

On the 4th May 2009 Rod Solomon and some colleagues from Albany and Parkhurst had a holiday touring the Normandy beaches in France on their motorbikes. Rod was involved in a head on collision with a car and received multiple injuries, a broken pelvis, broken femur, both shins in multiple places and a shattered shoulder. Unknown and undetected for three weeks Rod also had two separate bleeds on the brain. Rod was put in the critical list and was not expected to survive the next 24-48 hours. His sister dashed from Cornwall to France to be with her brother. Rod had normal EHIC health insurance but not travel insurance, he was in a coma, critically ill in France. Immediately his colleagues on the Isle of Wight started a fund raising campaign to raise money to airlift him to Cornwall so he could be near his family at this important time. Rod’s condition which was already critical got worse and his kidneys stopped working and due to the internal injuries to his pelvis and femur he required 21 units of blood to stabilise his decreasing blood pressure.

Rod did survive the 48 hours but remained in a coma for three weeks. He was then airlifted to Cornwall intensive care unit. His condition was still so serious that they could not operate on his pelvis or shoulder as he was still so unstable. A further three weeks in and Rod started to recover, he was still on dialysis and still required regular blood transfusions but his level of consciousness did slowly improve. Today, at the time of writing Rod has an operation due on the 2nd July to fix his pelvis, he is now conscious and waiting to start physio.

Rod had also worked at Wymott and was for a short period of time with the national dog training unit. Collectively over £4,500 has been raised towards Rod’s airlift and some treatment in France that was not covered by the EHIC card. Rod and his family have asked me to pass on their thanks, appreciation and admiration to the POA specifically but also the various prison officers throughout the country who have responded so positively to the appeal.

Rod is looking forward to starting physio, returning to the Isle of Wight and in time returning to work with his many colleagues and friends.

Thank you all so much for your support to a colleague and his family when in need. Mr Dion Mabey Head of Offender Management UnitHMP Isle of Wight (Parkhurst), ext [email protected]


Dear SirI belong to the Retired Members Branch of the POA and as a consequence continue to receive my regular copy of the Gatelodge. It was with great interest that I read the article on the Broadmoor Branch contained in the June 2009 edition.

I served at Broadmoor for 22 years and for four years I served on the Branch Committee. I am able to remember with great clarity the 50th Anniversary celebrations we held in 1989.

That evening we received a souvenir badge and key-ring plus a pen and diary from Colonial Mutual who were our financial partners at the time.

Guests of honour were John Bartell, NEC Chairman and none other than Brian Caton (yes Brian you have been around that long!) We, as a branch, presented them with a cheque for £250 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

They in turn presented our past Branch Chairman Mr Tom Rowley with a set of POA cufflinks and an engraved hip flask.

Earlier that day myself and the then chairman George Temple presented Tom with his Cronin Clasp Shield at his home on the Broadmoor Estate a photograph was taken by the Crowthorne Times in Tom’s back garden.

Tom was our only Cronin Clasp holder at Broadmoor having been awarded it in 1989. Tom served at Broadmoor for 32 years and for 22 years he served on the Branch Committee. He also served as the Chairman of the staff of the old Whitley Council for the Special Hospital Service.

Tom was a superb trade unionist in every sense of the word. His loyalty to our beloved POA never wavered and his friendship to me has never ceased although sadly he passed over the River Jordon in 1993.

In celebrating and commemorating 70 years continuous existence of the POA we must never forget the building blocks of the Union, the branches and their committees.

They are made up of individuals like Tom Rowley, quiet, unassuming and caring but with the determination to protect the rights of themselves and their fellow workers.

People, I suspect, like those reading this edition of the Gatelodge. Best wishes and take care.

Ted GearyRetired Broadmoor Hospital Staff 1975-1997

40-42 postbag.indd 41 23/7/09 12:11:02

Postbag


If the POA wants support from the Trade Union movement, it must demonstrate it’s support for others, and show an interest in the wider work-place issues, social issues and political issues. That’s what I believe, that’s what my conscience says, and that’s what my heart says.

At Trades Council Meetings and the Executive meetings before them, I find myself discussing (often listening more than discussing!), issues of EC policy, Colombian workers, Ghanaian banana growers. What have these issues to do with OUR Union and prisons? Well, they raise our awareness of struggles greater than our own, they teach us that Unity is indeed Strength, they teach us that we must always stand as people who care about right over wrong. To this end, I recommend the story of Wolverhampton and Bilston Trades Councils recent campaigning against the BNP.

Our campaign in Wolverhampton helped to stop the Fascist BNP getting their first member of the European Parliament in the West Midlands. The BNP’s biggest ever campaign was countered by the biggest ever anti-fascist campaign, run by Searchlight/Hope Not Hate, Unite against Fascism and the Love Music Hate Racism groups.

Searchlight supporters alone distributed over three million Hope Not Hate papers and leaflets. However, by standing in each of the twelve National regions and producing enough leaflets, the fascists had their election flyers posted through the doors of up to 29 million homes in Britain … free by the Royal Mail! Individual protests by Union Members of the CWU (postal workers’ union), resulted in some leaflets being not delivered, but most were.

The POA encourages branches to get involved in the work done by local groups. Wolverhampton and Bilston Trades Union Council have now run thirteen successful ANTI-BNP campaigns. Every time the BNP stand locally, anti-fascists and Trade Unionist’s campaign against them. The power of the local union movement and anti- fascist groups has proved stronger, so far!

Our Trade Council is affiliated to both Searchlight and Unite Against Fascism. The West Midlands was an area that Searchlight targeted because of the potential for BNP success. The assistance of their full-time worker was a great help throughout the campaign. Searchlight aim to build or assist local campaigns in mass door-to-door leaflet drops combined with a huge on-line campaign, they are always willing to help.

The BNP failed in the West Midlands this time, but we need more people to sign up to our campaign. Labour won in Wolverhampton and Sandwell with their highest ever votes in the West Midlands. Both areas where concerted efforts were made by anti-fascists and Trade Union groups. Despite the hard work, 5,146 people in Wolverhampton voted for the fascist BNP, more than for the Liberal Democrats. If we are to avoid the fate of voters in the North West and Yorkshire/Humberside, we all must work harder. Trade Unionists there are now represented by fascists, an ex-National Front member, a convicted Holocaust denier and another, former member of the British Hitler Youth. Our taxes are now paying in MEP wages and allowances, £800,000 per year to the BNP. There could be another £1million per year if they join up with other European groups and possibly get funding for a fascist-bloc in Parliament.

Perhaps even the thought of paying for the cleaning of MP’s moats, their duck ponds and duck-houses would seem money well spent in comparison! Maybe not. Money invested in education and health care, may be in safe prisons would be preferable!

In Wolverhampton, we had 70 volunteers delivering over 29,000 leaflets and newspapers in 119 leafleting sessions. We distributed to homes, workplaces, churches, gudwaras, mosques and community groups. We identified the areas of highest BME populations in Wolverhampton, leafleting those areas and estates in particular. The reasoning was that many of those areas (though not all), had low turnouts and (we assumed), relatively low support for the BNP. This Euro election campaign was our biggest and best mobilisation ever. Thank you to all of the volunteers, a magnificent effort

If you want to be involved in future campaigning, e-mail [email protected] or if you are not local, please contact, www.hopenothate.org.uk

Brian Clarke. Birmingham POA. Delegate to Wolverhampton, Bilston & District Trades Council

The POA joins Wolverhampton’s STOP THE BNP campaign

Thank You, it was an Honour

I would like to say a huge thank you to Finlay and the Irish Pipe Band for attending the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival on Sunday 19th July.

Tired and aching we turned the corner, the campsite in view! On we walked, the end in sight after a seven and a half mile freedom hike. As we neared the festival area, the Irish Pipe Band made our arrival known, leading all 63 participants and three dogs into Tolpuddle. We were met by waves and cheers from onlookers, an arrival that generally goes unnoticed.

During the Martyrs festival march, the band led the way through Tolpuddle, playing to rounds of applause from both spectators and other Trade Union members.

If anyone there didn’t know who the POA were, they do now!

In our 70th year and at the re-launch of the “Prisons are not for Profit” campaign, I have never felt so proud to be a member of the POA and a trade unionist.

Gents, you are a credit to the POA. Thank you.

Jackie MarshallBranch ChairHMYOI Stoke Heath

40-42 postbag.indd 42 23/7/09 12:11:15

Postbag


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Gatelodge_AUGUST.indd 1 13/7/09 12:03:47

I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the General Secretary’s e-mail, circulated to all Branch e-mail addresses on 12th June 2009, as I believe we need to clarify the Manchester branches request to have the said ballot on Market Testing and Clustering suspended.

It was not and never was in any way intended to mislead any branch, in fact we fi rmly believe that this has not been the case, far from it. If you read the fi rst paragraph of the conclusion in the (un-dated) document ‘A Guide to Employment Rights on The Transfer of an Undertaking’ it says:

“Privatisation can only take place if a private company is willing to tender for the establishment and succeeds in its bid. However, if privatisation is a real threat at your establishment we would recommend that the branch committee become actively involved in negotiations, to try to ensure the best outcome for your members.”

This paragraph is quite clear in our opinion, if any branch committee unfortunately gets to be actively involved in negotiations, to try and get the best outcome for their members as quoted above It’s TOO LATE their establishment and members will have already been privatised. (Market Tested and lost).

We fi rmly believe at Manchester in being actively involved in any negotiations that ensure the best outcome of our members, and that is to keep every last one of them in the PUBLIC SECTOR.

We here never want to be in a position to even have to think about being a private prison and having to negotiate TUPE, we have kept Manchester in the public sector twice now, and have every intention of keeping it in the public sector for a third time if we have to.

I would like to think that this clarifi es this matter, and can I remind you that we have always been opposed to Market Testing and privatisation, of any Public Sector Prison, and believe all private prisons should be placed back into the public sector, but we believe you have to be fully involved to win any bid, and get the best for the membership, as they are the one’s that count.

This letter was written prior to the result of the ballot on Market Testing and Clustering being announced, but was sent to the Gatelodge after the outcome of the result was known.

RegardsGlen Birchall

Re e-mail correspondence, 12th June 2009

Highly CommendedDear SirThis is the second time I have written to Gatelodge since 1967. The fi rst occasion was to voice my opposition to Fresh Start, this time it is to commend the book “The Everlasting Staircase” by David Evans and Sheila Cohen. This is a fi rst class, very readable history of the Prison Offi cers Association, its ongoing struggle to represent it’s members and it’s never ending battle for survival, which is by no means secured.

This book should be mandatory reading for all POA members, because if they ever needed a reminder of where their future and their loyalties lie there will be no doubt after reading the book.

“Unity is Strength” is the POA slogan and never was it more true than today. We can only ever rely on ourselves and the POA.

In the years to come and within the structure of the POA’s history, I believe this will prove to be very important publication, it could only have been written by somebody who is and always has been a dedicated servant to the POA. Not for the fi rst time the POA and the membership are indebted to David Evans for his time and eff ort.

Yours sincerelyBrian Poynton (Retired Member)

40-43 postbag.indd 43 28/7/09 10:19:39

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VM44688_A4_Gatelodge.indd 1 19/3/09 15:36:03p44_gataug09.indd 1 28/7/09 10:23:36

poa gatelodge august 2009

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