Happy New Year 2026 from the Gray Family Past and Present

 

Boxing Day walk 2025: Duton Hill, Essex circular 6.5 miles

Went for the traditional Boxing Day walk with Gill, starting at Duton Hill, Essex (near Dunmow), about 40 minutes from East London. Only when we arrived did we realise we’d already done this route earlier in the year (April 6), but it’s a lovely walk, soon passing the ruined remains of a 12th-century medieval abbey overlooked by its former gatehouse, now a church. 

The route offers plenty of other and more modern history too, with three historic and attractive churches along the way. In Little Easton, displays and stained glass windows commemorate the many American Air Force personnel stationed nearby during World War II who lost their lives on bombing raids against Nazi Germany. 

We also passed pillboxes and mortar positions, reminders that this area was once part of a defensive line in case of a Nazi invasion threatening London. 

The terrain was gently undulating, the weather was kind, though there was some noise from planes taking off from Stansted Airport. 

I finally figured out how to use the Ramblers.org site to download a GPS map and upload it to the OS site. I tracked steps and mileage using the Zepp app, which tends to overestimate distance—this walk is closer to 6.5 miles than the 7.81 recorded. For once, we didn’t get lost. 

Apart from the planes, it was peaceful, with only a few dog walkers, beautiful winter sunshine, and the vast East England skies. We spotted muntjac deer, a large herd of fallow deer, and red kites. Finished with a drink at the Three Horseshoes, where a roaring fire warmed the bar, though we sat outside enjoying the rear garden.

https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking/routes/eastons-and-tilty-essex (may need subscription to view?)

Thank you to everyone working over Christmas and New Year

 Hat tip @unisontheunion

Public service workers across the UK are working 365 days a year, seven days a week and 24 hours a day to keep us safe, healthy and warm.  

We just want to say a special 'thank you' to everyone working over Christmas and New Year  

Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda 2026!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026. Picture taken on Conwy's medieval town walls Easter 2025 while doing a self guided tour of Castle and town.  Well worth a visit. Click on picture to enjoy the views!

Register TUC Pension Conference 2026

(Graphic above is estimate of retirement living standards/pension income required for workers 2025. 

How many workers will struggle to get even a minimum to retire on? https://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/)

"Why attend? TUC Pensions Conference 2026

As the government's Pension Commission draws up proposals to reform the pension system, trade unions have a chance to shape policy for the benefit of workers.

This conference will explore the changes needed to ensure that our state and workplace pensions give everyone a decent standard of living in retirement.

This event is intended for trade union members and officials, pension fund trustees, and anyone with an interest in pensions policy.

Venue TUC Congress House

Register

https://tuc.zohobackstage.com/TUCPensionsConference2026#/?lang=en

UNISON Christmas Rewards! 🎄🛍️

 As a UNISON member you can save £££’s on discounted gift vouchers and shopping cards and get cashback from top retailers such as Argos, Currys, M&S, IKEA, Boots, and more.

http://unsn.uk/4f9DKgL

Blackheath & Greenwich Park Walk 2025

 

Off message but this photo college is from an amended 5 mile walk, Gill and I did on Sunday 30 November 25. 

It was a walk we have sort of done before but we started in the Isle of Dogs, then took the free foot tunnel to Greenwich (always an interesting experience) then walked up past the Cutty Sark and the old Royal Observatory, through the park and out of Blackheath Gate (see plaque to Cornish rebels defeated by Henry VII forces in 1497) and came back to do circuit of the park. 

Past the deer park (see plaque to former slave and the first black man known to vote in a British election, Ignatius Sancho) and returned to Greenwich by the Royal Naval College buildings for lunch. Afterward back to Island Gardens via the tunnel.

The weather was glorious. Cold but blue skies and plenty of sunshine. When the weather is so good, I don't believe you can have a better walk inside London. 

"On the Knocker" Newham Labour Xmas Street Surgeries

 

Today I joined Newham Labour Mayoral Candidate 2026, Forhad Hussain, local Councillors, activists and 2026 candidates, to carry out a series of street surgeries across Newham - Green Street (which I missed), West Ham, Canning Town and Little Ilford. 

There were also a number of other street surgeries elsewhere in Newham and tomorrow another full programme. 

In some of the surgeries, I led teams on the Labour Party doorstep app, while on others I knocked on doors and asked residents if they had any issues or problems with the Council that they wished to discuss with Forhad or our Labour teams. 

I only came across entirely local issues regarding parking, street cleaning and rubbish/waste collection and disposal. Resident were generally very pleased that we were there knocking on doors and asking for their views but many were also out Christmas shopping or away on holidays. 

There was blue skies and sunshine, a little cold but dry, you could not get better weather at this time of the year to go "On the Knocker". 

‘There can be no decent homes without tenant empowerment’ - Labour Housing Group

 "Join us in conversation with Stuart Hodkinson on Tuesday 6 January (7pm) for our first event of 2026!

Dr Stuart Hodkinson (University of Leeds) is an academic who has been working with tenants struggling for better housing conditions for nearly 20 years. He is the author of 'Safe as Houses: Private Greed, Political Negligence and Housing Safety After Grenfell' (Manchester University Press, 2019). He has recently been involved in the Manchester Social Housing Commission, which has put forward proposals for increasing the delivery of sustainable homes for social rent".

https://labourhousing.org/upcoming-events/next-event-there-can-be-no-decent-without-tenant-empowerment/

A thank you from Christina

 

Dear friends,

By now you’ll have heard the result. I didn’t win, and of course I’m disappointed, it’s not the outcome we hoped for.

But I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, who gave their time, energy and support during this campaign. And more than that, thank you for everything we have achieved together over many years.

UNISON has been my home for decades. Serving as your general secretary has been one of the greatest honours of my life, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve delivered together, through difficult times, big challenges and real moments of change.

Everything we’ve achieved has come from our members. UNISON is built by the people who show up, organise, support each other and believe in the power of collective action. When we work together, we make a real difference for each other and for the public services we defend.

I want to wish the new general secretary every success. The challenges facing our members and our public services are real, and the union’s strength and unity matter more than ever. I hope UNISON goes from strength to strength in the years ahead.

I remain deeply committed to the values of this union, to solidarity, fairness and justice at work and to our members. Thank you again, for everything.

Merry Christmas and my very best wishes to you and your loved ones.

In solidarity,

Christina

(and thank you Christina for all your hard work and service to the Union. I will post more on this. Safe to say don't believe what you may have read or heard about this result)

BREAKING: Labour's landmark Employment Rights Bill has PASSED both Houses of Parliament.

 

Fantastic News! Well done Labour Unions and the Labour Government!

"We did it: Labour’s landmark Employment Rights Bill has finally passed BOTH Houses of Parliament – meaning it is just inches away from becoming law.

The Bill is the first step in delivering the New Deal for Working People, the greatest uplift to workers’ rights in a generation. And it all starts with this Bill, which includes:

Guaranteed hours contracts – the right for everyone to have a contract that reflects the hours they actually work, cracking down on exploitative zero-hours contracts.

Repealing anti-union laws like the Tories’ draconian 2016 Trade Union Act.

Protections against fire and rehire - new protections making it harder for bad employers to fire you if you don’t accept cuts in pay or conditions.

Tougher enforcement of rights - a new watchdog to crack down on bad bosses and ensure all employers respect rights at work.

More say at work – stronger rights for unions to campaign and negotiate to win better pay and conditions for workers.

Share on Facebook, X/Twitter and Bluesky

But this wouldn’t have happened without people like you. At every step of the way, the Tories teamed up with bad bosses and Reform to try and stop the Bill. And when it got to the House of Lords, the Liberal Democrats sided with them until the last moment.

But thanks to everyone working to put working people first, inside and outside of Parliament, we kept the pressure on - and we won.

But the fight is not over yet. There are still so many details to be decided about how these new rights are going to work in practice. And we need to make sure the rest of what was promised in the New Deal is delivered, including equal pay, health and safety and more.

Millions of working people across the country deserve job security, fair pay, and dignity at work. The Employment Rights Bill is historic, and a step toward to delivering the New Deal for Working People – but our job is not done yet.

Add your name and celebrate the Employment Rights Bill passing Parliament. www.labourunions.org.uk/backthebill

Today is a historic day. The New Deal is the greatest increase in employment rights in a generation. This Bill was passed by the Labour Government, but it was written and delivered with the labour movement – and it's working people who will soon feel the benefit of these crucial new rights.

Today’s a day to celebrate – before the work continues!

In solidarity,

Helen Pearce,

Director, Labour Unions

Visit our Campaign Shop and follow us on Social Media:

Reproduced from an electronic communication sent by Helen Pearce on behalf of National TULO, 20 Rushworth Street, London SE1 0SS".

UNISONdirect opening hours during the Christmas period

 UNISON member and need help? Call UNISONDirect on 0800 0 857 857 Christmas hours

Newham Labour raise over £11,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians

 

Picture from last weeks Newham Labour fund raising event (11 December) for Medical Aid Palestinians. In a packed restaurant in Stratford, all our MPs and Labour Candidate for Mayor, Forhad Hussain, came and spoke in support. 

Our guest speaker was the Political Advisor to the Palestine Ambassador, Marwan Yaghi. His family is still in Gaza.

Many thanks to all the organisers.

How on earth can anyone say public finances are in a mess?

 

UNISON Winter essentials Grant: Applications open for 24 hours from 12 Noon on Wed 10 December

  Winter is tough enough. UNISON's Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. 

Open 24 hours on 10 Dec!  Check eligibility here https://unsn.uk/40CMVT7

Applicants must:  

• Be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks’ subscriptions as of 10 December 2025. Subscriptions must be up to date.
• Not have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 10 June
  2025, excluding the School Uniform Grant and Seasonal Food Fund.
• Must be responsible (or their partner, if applicable) for household fuel bills. Only one application per household will be considered.

And EITHER:

Be on a low income, meaning a net household income* of no more than £28,205/year (£2,350.42/month)**

OR:

Be in receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

** Where members either have no recourse to public funds and their household income is above £28,205/year an assessment will be undertaken to see whether they would be eligible for benefits if they did have recourse to public funds so that they are not disadvantaged.   

How do I apply?

All applications should be made online. Applications will open on this page for 24 hours from 12 noon on Wednesday 10 December. Eligible members will be chosen at random from the applicant pool and contacted to submit supporting documents.

Due to limited funds and in anticipation of high demand, we regret that we will not be able to help all members who apply.

If you are unable to complete the application due to a disability access need, please email: weg@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

Voting has closed: UNISON General Secretary elections result due 17 December

 

"I want to say how grateful I am to everyone who’s backed my campaign, from activists and branches to the thousands of members who took the time to vote and put their trust in me.

This campaign has never been about one person. It’s been about you, your pay, your conditions, your safety at work, and your belief in the work we’re doing together to build a stronger union for every member. Thank you"

Hat tip  https://x.com/Christina4GS/status/1993383596565074212?s=20 Results are announced on Wednesday 17 December.

Pleshey, Essex Walk

On last Sunday 16th Gill and I did a 5.5 mile circular walk around the ancient village of Pleshey. Home to a famous medieval castle (now long gone) mentioned in Shakespeare's "Richard II". We have walked in the area a number of times but used this time a route from Country Walking magazine.

We saw near a lake, a much smaller bird repeatedly appear to attack and drive off a much larger Red Kite. I assume competition over food/territory?  

Mostly easy going, flat countryside, with a very muddy/clay final stretch. The weather was dry but overcast but there was still plenty of big Essex skies. We stopped for lunch outside the Great Waltham Guildhall. The former home of Sir William Wade who at the Tower of London interrogated (tortured?) Guy Fawkes over the Gunpowder plot.

Great Waltham is also known as the home of Elizabeth Lowys who was executed as a supposed "Witch" in 1565.

On the "listening bench" we sat upon for lunch, next to the war memorial, there was a QR code that you could use to download personal accounts by local residents of life in the village during World War 2, with reminisces of German bombing raids, the arrival of American servicemen and singing Italian prisoners of war. 

We drove from East London in around 50 minutes but you can use public transport via train to Cheltenham then bus 48 or X10. We stopped off on the way home for a drink at the George and Dragon pub in Wanstead. 

Last Chance to Vote for Christina McAnea for UNISON General Secretary

 

Very last chance to vote for @Christina4GS

- to be sure. stick a 1st class stamp on the ballot SAE to make sure it gets there on time for close on this Tuesday 5PM 25/11/25. If you have lost SAE just post the ballot paper in a normal envelope with 1st class stamp to 

“Civica election services,London N81 1ER”

Fingers crossed!

Newham "ACTIVATE" training & out canvassing for Labour Mayoral Candidate - Forhad Hussain

I was very pleased to be selected again as a Labour Councillor candidate for West Ham ward in Newham. Today around 60 Newham fellow candidates, attended an all day training in Forest Gate run by the Labour Activate programme. This was the first time that we had met together. It was probably one of the best political organising training courses I have been on. 

There was a nice mix of presentations, Q&As and small group work. It was very clear that the presentation team were very experienced and competent. 

After lunch there was the inevitable Group photograph with us all and our new Labour Mayoral Candidate, Forhad Hussain, local MPs Sir Stephen Timms, James Asser, Uma Kumaran and Unmesh Desai AM. Photos - no doubt will follow. 

Then Forhad gave a short, well received speech outlining who he was, why he is in politics and what he is determined to achieve for Newham if elected. 

Next we were taken out in small groups with a tutor to actually go out and practice what we had learnt. Each of the Group took turns to brief the team, on what to do when out campaigning, then each lead us for 10 minutes "running the board" (leading and directing the team and inputting feedback online via their phone). 

It got very, very wet towards the end but despite the rain it did not "put a damper on" a really positive day.  Tomorrow we finish the course with an "online session". 

Top 10 reasons to be in UNISON

 

Hat tip @LincsPolUNISON

"With me, UNISON is in safe hands": Re-elect Christina McAnea for UNISON General Secretary

Not long to go but there is still time to fill out your UNISON ballot paper, vote for Christina and pop the envelope in a Royal Mail post box (no electronic voting allowed by law). 

Today I travelled from East London to Fenlands to help hold a lunch time union surgery for members in my employer's regional office. We had another Clarion rep, regional officer and local branch secretary to speak to members and staff about their issues and their concerns. 

We were talking about what our pay claim should be for the year, inadequate expenses, pending scary restructures, grading unfairness, proposed changes to working arrangements, resulting safety concerns, equalities, fairness and how to provide better service to our residents. 

These are the basic, bread and butter union issues, that Christina believes in, and wants the union to deliver on for members. 

If you have not got your Ballot paper then the Ballot helpline opens on 0800 0 857 857 Mon-Fri 6am – Midnight, Sat 9am-4pm BUT IT CLOSES AT NOON TOMORROW  19 November. 

The ballot closes next Tuesday 25 November at 5pm so to be on the safe side vote by 22 November at the very latest. 

The 107th Anniversary of the Armistice: East Ham Cenotaph 2025

A belated post from last Tuesday. Another special Armistice Service in Newham. Well done to the Newham Catholic Deanery Schools, The Royal British Legion and Newham schools for organising such a well attended event and involving local children in remembering the sacrifice of so many. 
 

Newham Full Council Meeting 10.11.25 - Motion on Housing

A photo collage of myself speaking against a Green motion on housing and in favour of an amendment by my ward colleague, John Whitworth. 

I was to the point that while I recognise that political debate can be rough, the sheer hypocrisy of the Newham Greens is simply breath taking. They very "angrily" criticise Newham for not building more homes but when I check their party record while they were in power in Brighton, in 7 years they only built 497 homes while in the last 7 (actually 4) years Newham has built 1662 homes (more of course are needed). 

More than 3x than they built when they were in power in a much richer council! Thankfully now the Greens have been kicked out of power in Brighton by voters due to their incompetence. 

Hat tip pics to yet another John.

Remembrance Sunday in Portsmouth 2025

 

Early on the Sunday morning I went to a Royal Navy service at the Memorial in Southsea remembering the 25,000 sailors killed during World War One and World War Two, who were buried at sea and had no known grave. My Taid (maternal Welsh Grandfather) Frederick Matthews, MC RNVR, served in the Royal Naval Division 1915-1918. It was a very moving service. 

Afterwards I finished off my visit to the historic dockyard in Portsmouth (see earlier post) during which I visited HMS Warrior (built in 1860 by East London Iron workers, who later formed what became West Ham FC). See the photo in bottom right of collage of the pay differentials between the Captain of the Warrior and ordinary seaman.  It was about 20x as much per day. 

Pretty shocking but certainly a lot less than the current West Ham FC football player gets today compared to average Newham residents wages nowadays. 

I then toured the bombardment ship HMS M33 (centre) which is one of only 3 British ships to survive from World War One. It first served in the Gallipoli campaign, which my Grandfather, also took part in and as I clambered over the ship, I wondered if at the time he had seen it or heard its guns in action. 

Next I visited the National Naval museum followed by another boat tour to the Submarine museum at Gosport and did a quick tour of the second world war sub HMS Alliance, the first ever British sub HMS Holland and the museum.  

I missed out on the Explosion and Firepower Museum and boat trip. Next time... 

Portsmouth and the Wayfarers' Walk

 

To try and prove that I have a hinterland outside politics, unions, housing and pensions, below is another countryside walking post. While away for the weekend, Gill and I did this 6.5 mile circular route, in the rolling Hampshire countryside. 

It was a blue walk ("modest length, likely to include some modest uphill walking") from Jarrold, Ordnance Survey, Pathfinder series: book 12 "Hampshire and the New Forest". The weather was very kind and it was a lovely quiet walk through fields, lanes, woods, streams and a Roman Road. Overlooking Portsdown Hill and the historic "Palmerston's folly" Fort Widley.  

There was also the largest "Solar panel" farm I have ever seen and we even walked past a "Wanstead Farm" (many, many miles away from Wanstead flats which starts across the road from us). 

Very good free parking, benches to change footwear and WC facilities at the start in the car park at Purbrook Heath. Nearest public transport Purbrook. 

Check out further photos on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=732243433&sk=grid

Portsmouth Historic Dockside 2025

Picture collage from my visit to the dockyard last Friday as part of a birthday weekend away. I started with a boat trip around the docks accompanied with a live, very entertaining  running commentary on modern Royal Navy and Civilian ships present and local history. 

Followed by a visit to HMS Victory which was covered in scaffolding due to a major refurbishment but was still fascinating. Due to the works there was an in person guided group tour which was also very good. Some of the party were visibly shocked at the cramped, smelly, dark, dangerous, living and working conditions that the sailors had to endure. 

Next was a visit to the remains of the Tudor warship, the Mary Rose. Which also seizes the imagination, especially the exhibits of personal belongings of the lost lost sailors. 

I finished that day with a visit to the Victory Gallery (museum) and returned on Sunday to see the other attractions. 

Vote Christina McAnea as UNISON General Secretary

 

My ballot paper came yesterday to my home address (you cannot vote online or by email). I have voted for Christina as did my branch, service group and our UNISON Parliament, the NEC. 

ALL unison members including the retired can vote. 

Just put a cross against the name (Christina please!), put the ballot paper in the free Stamped Address Envelope and pop into any Royal Mail letter box.

Take part in the most important UNISON election which is probably one of the biggest individual elections in UK. Some 1.3 million ballot papers have been issued. 

Labour Housing Group Newsletter - Renters' Rights are here!

 

A historic step forward for renters - late but well done for getting this across the line in face of significant opposition.

https://labourhousing.org/join/

Thundridge Walk

 

It’s been a while since I last shared a post about a walk, but today Gill and I drove to Thundridge, Hertfordshire (just 40 minutes by car from East London and 2 miles from the railway station in Ware) and enjoyed a beautiful 5.5-mile circular walk under big open skies, following a route from the OS website and Country Walking magazine.

The walk was gentle with a few ups and downs, mostly on good paths. Along the way, we spotted herds of deer, plenty of red kites, and lots of unseasonal ladybirds! There was a cafe at the start and a pub waiting for us at the end.

I’ll share more pictures on Facebook. Check link for route

Canning Town Street Surgery

 

This lunch time I joined my colleague Shaban and local activist Robbie to take part in a Street Surgery in Canning Town North ward. 

By coincidence the area chosen was one I had been to previously in 2022 and it was an estate owned by 2 housing associations, L&Q and Sovereign Network. Shaban's ward colleague, Rita had a work commitment and could not make it. 

The canvass was largely very positive and Shaban was well known in the estate as an active Councillor, and being born and bred in Canning Town and as a local shopkeeper. 

There was a refurbishment scheme going on which was causing problems and concerns to residents which generated a lot of case work. 

I am always interested in Housing communal notice boards and L&Q seemed better than Sovereign but I noticed that their estate inspections seemed over due, but at least they were publicised unlike Sovereign.  Sovereign was also criticised by residents for not responding to emails. Newham Housing has I admit very similar issues. 

As Labour Group Chair I am planning to visit all Newham wards in the next few months. 

Celebrating the Live of Osmond "Peter" Daley

 

Today was the funeral of long standing London UNISON activist Peter (as I knew him) Daley. Peter was also a member of the UNISON Housing Associations Branch committee for many years and a firm supporter of the forces of light and reason in the Region. 

When he was younger, Peter had also served his county as a infantry soldier in the British Army in a dangerous conflict zone.  In more recent times he had worked as a residents liaison officer in a housing estate I know well, which was going through a "very  difficult" emergency block decant. He was very much a supportive but no nonsense, housing professional.  

He will be sadly missed. I had hoped to go to his funeral but was not able to due to a clash. Yvonne Green, the London UNISON convenor and other union activists were there in Birmingham today and I was able to watch the Committal on line. 

His family have requested donations to Cancer Research and London UNISON have agreed to donate £150 in his memory. 

Rest in Peace Peter

National Rough Sleeping Count: Newham October 2025

 

On Tuesday evening at 11pm I went to the Newham Dockside headquarters with fellow volunteers and outreach workers for a briefing by Council officers on this years National Rough Sleeping Count in Newham. 

Every year there is a national count of people sleeping on our streets. I believe that at least 5 London Boroughs were holding their annual count on Tuesday/Wednesday morning. Newham Council however also does local counts every 2 months

After the briefing we were divided into several different groups and given maps and information sheets for a particular area in Newham to visit between 12 midnight and 3am. The aim was to simply count the number of people in that area who were bedded down and sleeping on the streets. If people were awake and wanted to engage, we would take their details and give an information sheet about a local drop in day centre where they can have hot food, shower and clean their clothes. Also we would arrange for outreach advice workers to visit them at their location from 5am onwards the following morning. 

I was a driver for one of these groups, there was a outreach team leader and two other volunteers from a local housing charity with me and we visited 7 locations in our designated area, which were known "hot spots" for people sleeping on the streets. The weather was dry and quite mild for the time of year. 

We found one young man sitting on the floor outside a community centre behind a wheelie bin who denied he was sleeping there but later he was seen sleeping on the floor. As we returned to my car another young man approached us and said he was homeless and asked if we could help. We took details and gave advice and arranged for him to see the early morning outreach team.

Next outside a public building, were two young men preparing to go to sleep near a very busy and noisy road but content to speak to us and we also made arrangements for them as well to speak to the outreach team and visit the day centre. 

All the other sites had no one visible. We returned to Newham Dockside and reported back. I was then able to get back home by 2am. 

I do not know what the final "count" was in Newham or elsewhere but I believe the figures are fed back to the Government to inform their policy on rough sleeping. I will post further on the results and any resulting action that will be taken to address this crisis.