Steam trams

Jack Gordon and Nigel Walker sent me these pictures of the steam tram engine being moved from the Exhibition Hall to theworkshop on Saturday.

Oporto 273

These pictures were taken after Kath and I had attended the appeals Panel meeting. What a way to spend a Friday afternoon!
I could have been working in the Library and the Panel members could have found better uses for their time.

Life, the universe and everything

Yesterday afternoon Kath and I met the Appeals Panel. I presented my case and think the Panel was surprised by some of the difficulties I had encountered. I gave the Panel a written copy of the presentation and 11 supporting documents. The Panel will now study these documents and indicated that they would need to arrange some interviews and all of this will take time.
I have agreed to provide any further information and to touch base with them on a weekly basis. My disappointment was that the Panel was unable to agree to me doing some limited work in the Library in the meantime.

Mainly London United 159

1. When I arrived 159 had its north end staircases in position.

2. Mick Smith wiring Leeds 180's track brakes.

3. A couple of hours later and 159's staircases had been removed.

4. 159's ceiling from the north end.

Yesterday's trams

1. Blackpool 40

2. Liverpool 869

3. MET 331

4. Chesterfield 7, Oporto 273, Southampton 45 and LCC 106.
I will publish some workshop pictures tomorrow. My next visit to Crich will be on Friday afternoon for my appeal against unfair dismissal from the Library. Wish me luck!

Liverpool 869

I went for a ride on 869 this morning. John Marsh was driving and Mike Conroy-Hargreaves was the conductor. Mike introduced himself to me and I promised that he would see himself this evening. It was quite a well loaded trip and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Edwardian Weekend - Saturday trams

I hasten to add that Liverpool 869 was not in service but returning to the depot having been washed.

Titanic

Klargester House was the venue for a small exhibition about the famous Edwardian ship, the Titanic. The Red Lion was also selling beers from the Titanic brewery in Stoke on Trent.

Sheffield 15

1. Changing ends with a horse car was quite a complicated procedure.
2. 15 setting off on a service journey as far as the Depot Crossover.
3. The return journey.
4. Sheffield 15's last journey - see window posters.

Edwardian Weekend - people

1. Andy Bailey and Gillian Davies.
2. Peter the Mop.
3. Charlie Watson.
4. Andrew Willis.

New Computer

My computer died whilst I was at Crich on Wednesday so this my first post on my new computer.

The picture show Outside Works staff cleaning the path to the sub-station at Wakebridge.

Kath and I plan to visit the Museum tomorrow pm to get some pictures of the Edwardian Weekend and hopefully a couple beers from the real ale bar.

Mostly London United 159

Unfair dismissal appeal

I have agreed to meet the Appeals Panel in the afternoon of Friday 17th July. I have asked for copies of various minutes for my benefit in preparing my statement. I have also asked for two third party statements which I hope will help both the Panel and me understand what happened and why.
Despite everything, I am still hoping that justice will prevail and that from now on the Society's disciplinary codes will be applied to employees and volunteers alike.

10th July
I asked for the following documents:

1. A statement from the Curator explaining exactly what I have done wrong with dates and times of each incident and the reasons why he considers this to be gross misconduct that could not be remedied in any way other than by instant dismissal.

2. A statement from the Collections Management Committee as to why they didn't explain the obscure membership rules for this committee and have taken no interest in my work and simply refused to consider my application to join.

3. Minutes of the Collections Management Committee from April 2006 to March 2009.
Here is the Panel's response:
Your list of documents does not appear to be of direct relevance to the five grounds that form the basis of your appeal. The Panel is not in a position to seek documentation not relevant to the grounds of the appeal.

What next?

Today's trams

Not a particularly busy day with a three tram service and Berlin 3006.
1. Blackpool 40.
2. London Transport 1622.
3. Leeds 399 in the distance.

4. London and Berlin at Town End.

TMS Election

I have received an e-mail from a well-wisher telling me that his voting paper has arrived and assuring me of his vote. Thanks!
We will be returning to the UK on Saturday evening and I will visit Crich on Sunday afternoon all being well. I want to meet members, find out their concerns and then ask them to vote for me.
Richard