Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
NEXT week will see the beginning of the biggest rail strike in over 30 years. Predictably, the usual suspects have been out in force attempting to crush the spirit of the strikers and hoping to turn public opinion against us.
One of those is Mark Wallace — chief executive of Conservative Home — who wrote about the strikes in his column for the i newspaper.
He, like many others, claims the action is a demand “for more money and better perks.” This is an intentionally dishonest statement, used to stir up division within the working class.
A just transition to Great British Railways and a clean and safe railway for all is not only desirable but also necessary. MARYAM ESLAMDOUST explains
Our members face daily abuse, being spat at, sometimes even deadly assaults, and employers fail to take the issue seriously despite the increasing danger, writes RMT general secretary EDDIE DEMPSEY


