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In this issue

A Burning Issue 2
Festival Reborn? 4
Martin Rowson 5
Good Neighbours 5
News in Brief 6
The Hasidim 8
Straight to the Point 11
Fluid Federation 12
George Alagiah 13
Girls Go Shopping 14
Old Kids 16
Christmas Treats 17
Council Sketch 20
Stokey, My Stokey 20
Gourmet Guide 22
Festive Gigging 24
Christmas Quiz 27
Auld Shillelagh 28
Pretty Ironic 29
Scrooge 29
Surfing N16 30
Winter Herbs 33
Bublicious 35
Garden Presents 36
North Bank 37
Crossword 38

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they were determined not to settle for   
less than they ­ and many others  
­ believe they are worth  

p3

They all voted for the strike, have no regrets and are satisfied with the way their union has conducted the campaign. Tony explains that when he joined the fire service 22 years ago, the wages were sufficient but now he has had to take a second job and his wife works as a learning support assistant in a school. Without the extra income he says they couldn't make ends meet. Daniel has an honours degree in anthropology and political science and decided to become a firefighter because he wanted to do 'something useful and productive' rather than work in an office.

They talk in detail about the requirements of the job, which are increasingly technical, in particular the danger from chemicals. In the past, a typical incident was in a factory or from a spillage. Now they have to be expert in dealing with anthrax and other potential terrorist attacks. The station has recently received an operational note alerting them to the possibility of mass decontamination in connection with potential hostilities over Iraq.

All of them are opposed to compulsory pre-arranged overtime ­ especially to cover any job losses ­ and ask how this fits in with the government's proclaimed 'family friendly' policies. They have no time for Tony Blair ­ all three voted Labour last time ­ and feel badly let down by John Prescott, an ex-seaman and union activist. Their anger turns to good humour when they discuss the overwhelming public support for their action. They talk of local businesses and restaurants bringing them food and money and particularly mention the various ethnic groups who have given generously.

When we spoke, the union and employers were trying to arrange further talks. For Tony, Daniel and John the strike was financially difficult but they were determined not to settle for less than they ­ and many others ­ believe they are worth.

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