Pete Bevis. Barnsley NUT Division Secretary - Stepping down -

 The time has come!   I began working as a Primary teacher in Athersley in September 1975. I have always been involved with the Barnsley NUT. Previously I was a School Representative and Health and Safety Rep and also local Barnsley President. In 1989, following the departure of the previous Secretary. I was elected as Barnsley Division Secretary and have been re-elected every year since then.. Now after 21 years in that post and 35 years working in Barnsley I feel it is the right time to step down and will be doing so from August 31st this year. I am certain that those NUT colleagues who will in future undertake the duties and role which I have for many years are well equipped and able to take forward the interests of the Union and its members. I am equally sure that Barnsley NUT members will give their new NUT officers their full support.  The NUT remains the biggest teachers' organisation in Barnsley and nationally but also, in my view, the best. I do wish that other teacher organisations would consider unity in a single Union representing all teachers, as the NUT has pledged on many occasions,  but their unwillingness means the NUT will continue alone to represent all those who are qualified teachers or who are on a course leading to QTS. The NUT is proud to maintain its policy that only qualified teachers or those seeking QTS should teach whole classes. Others who disagree betray the profession. I want to thank all those who, over the past 21 years, in particular, have played a enhanced role in their Union locally be they School Representatives, members of the Management Committee and/or Local Officers. This commitment has been crucial in the development, success and strength of the NUT in this area. I also want to thank all members of the NUT in Barnsley for their good sense in belonging to the teachers' union in Barnsley.  As I leave my position as Division Secretary I will look back with fond memories of the many lasting friendships that have been established during the last 21 years and reflect on the bravery and strength of those members in various workplaces who have stood up for justice in some of the campaigns and struggles we have been involved with.  I applaud those members who when necessary have faced up to situations, often not of their own making, and have demonstrated that a collective response can be so effective. Strike action or a willingness to take strike action is always a difficult choice (and a last resort) but when faced with devious or bullying managements (and they know who they are,) NUT members in Barnsley have on occasions shown a collective solidarity that has led to successful outcomes in some very hostile, challenging and difficult disputes. The actions of these members are an example to us all. It has been a privilege to be associated with and supportive of such members.     I wish all Barnsley NUT members well in the times ahead which are likely to be very challenging indeed and will demonstrate even more strongly the need to be in the NUT. I hope all Kernel readers will encourage others to join the NUT. I will be continuing in my role as the recently re-elected NUT National Executive Committee member representing members in South Yorkshire so will not be disappearing from the scene altogether just yet.  

Christine Blower was a very welcome guest at Barnsley NUT's AGM.

Here, Pam can be seen reciving her badge of office from retiring Barnsley NUT Presiden, Roy Bowser.

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