RMT's New Year's message in advance of next phase of action on Northern and South West Railway

IN a New Year's message in advance of the next phase of action, due to take place in January 2019, on both the Northern and South West Railway, the RMT's Mick Cash says the Union will step up fight for publicly owned, safe and accessible transport services, throughout 2019.

The RMT's General Secretary, Mick Cash said:- "Throughout 2018 RMT members have fought for the principles of a publicly owned, safe and accessible transport network for all. In 2019 we will be stepping up that campaign as the Tory Government teeters on the brink and the prospect of sweeping away years of private greed and austerity ‎grows by the day. I want to pay particular tribute to RMT members, on both the Northern and South Western Railway who will be striking again this weekend ‎and on New Year's Eve in a long running battle to put public safety before private profit. They are a credit to the entire trade union movement. We have major pay campaigns looming large on our agenda early in the New Year, notably on Network Rail and London Underground, and the union has made it absolutely clear that we will not accept any attempt to undermine our members' standard of living and that we will fight to ensure that those standards are both protected and enhanced. From the railways to the offshore and shipping industry and through to the buses and road transport RMT has fought against a tide of cuts, privatisation and for the principles of workplace justice for all. That fight will ratchet up as we head into the New Year."

Letter to the Editor:- "Queen's Christmas Day Broadcast"

"1 of my annual festive highlights, the Queen's Christmas Day Broadcast, was totally ruined for me this year by the widespread advance publication of its contents. Leaking details of the broadcast was once virtually a hanging offence, but it seems that this is now actually a duty of the Palace officials. Next year, it would be nice for Her Majesty's remarks to come as a total surprise." John Eoin Douglas.

Make a start, look after your heart, make your heart a priority in 2019

IT'S the time of year that we all feel under pressure to make a fresh start. Whether it's losing weight, taking on a new challenge or finding a new hobby, there's no better time to do something new with our lives.

With modern life being so hectic, it's not always easy to stick to your new year's health resolutions. 1 way to ensure you stay committed is to sign up for a Heart Research UK challenge or event. This gives you a goal to aim for, people to support and sponsor you and the chance to enjoy a new experience in life, improve your health and help raise money for Heart Research UK's pioneering medical research.

Heart Research UK has a whole host of exciting challenges for 2019 that are perfect to help you make your heart a priority, such as the iconic Great North Run, adrenaline packed skydives or intrepid global challenges such as trekking the mighty Great Wall of China or cycling from London to Paris.

Leon Ancliffe, who took on the London Marathon for Heart Research UK said:- "Signing up is the 1st step. I couldn't run around the common when I decided to do the marathon for Heart Research UK, but boy did I get fit in the process. When I crossed the finish line in under 5 hours I couldn't believe it, it was the best thing I've ever done!"

Closer to home, take on the My Run, My Way challenge, perfect for people who want to complete a running challenge on their own terms. Take on your own 5k, 10k, ½ or full marathon and do it your way. Choose a date, time, route, distance and people to run with if you'd like or do a solo challenge. Fancy a dip? Give our Swim the Channel challenge a go, where you can conquer the English Channel, all from the comfort of your local swimming pool.

These challenges are perfect for people of all ages and abilities and can be completed wherever and whenever it suits. Pat Bingham, who completed Heart Research UK's Swim the Channel challenge and even met her partner during the challenge, said:- "Age is no excuse, I was in my seventies when I took on the Swim the Channel challenge. I did it in my local pool and loved every minute of it. I even met a special friend along the way!"

To get involved with a Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Challenge, just get in touch, sign up for an event and you will receive your FREE fundraising pack along with support from our friendly team and supporters.

Don't put it off, set off in the right direction in 2019 and sign up today at:- HeartResearch.Org.UK/Events, call:- 0113 2347474 or send them a email.