May I once again begin on a
personal note. I really am most grateful for the thoughts and good wishes that I have
received from both drivers and staff since my return following my heart attack. In one
memorable moment, the Call Centre gave me a round of applause when I walked in to have a
look. I really had to pretend that I had some dirt in my eye after all, Chairmen
don’t cry, do they!
Incidentally, just to scotch a rumour apparently doing the rounds, I have no
other illnesses and am well on the way to a full recovery. Thank you once again for all
your kindness.
LIZ GOODWIN
As I returned from my sick bed, I heard the sad news that long-time CSR Liz
Goodwin had passed away following her terrible illness. I know only too well how
precarious and valuable life is and felt very, very sad when told about Liz.
My deepest sympathies to all her family and friends.
LITIGATION
I explained to you last month in my Chairman’s Report about the
application by me and my co-defendants( Aubrey Siteman,
Keith Cain, Tom Whitbread, Alastair Hill, Allen
Togwell and Alan Fisher) to have substantial parts of Mr Clegg’s claim against us
'struck out'. Our submission went before the court again on 13th July 1998. It
had been adjourned on the 2nd June at Mr Clegg’s request.
I am delighted to report to you that our application was completely
successful and Mr Justice Popplewell ordered Mr Clegg to pay our costs of the application
including the costs of the hearings on 18th May, 2nd June and the 13th
July. As you can appreciate these costs are substantial.
The practical result of the application has reduced Mr Clegg’s Statement
of Claim from some twenty eight pages to eight pages. His
claim against us for intimidation has been struck out in
its entirety and in essence, the only parts of the case against us that remain
outstanding, and of course which will be defended by us with the utmost vigour, are as
follows:-
1. That allegations were made against Mr Clegg, which he claims were
slanderous, at the Board of Management meeting that took place on 5th December
1997.
2. That the circular to members dated 13th November 1997 and
our letter to the membership of 7th January 1998 contained certain passages
which Mr Clegg claims were defamatory of him.
I regret that as the litigation still remains, it is not possible for me to
comment further or be more specific about the actual allegations involved.
As most of the claim against us was struck out by Mr Justice Popplewell on 13th
July, he instructed Mr Clegg to serve a 'recast' Statement of Claim on or before 3rd
August 1998.
You can rest assured that your Board will continue to keep you informed of
all future developments which they are advised are right and proper to disclose.
Brian Rice
