VOL. 46 NO. 2 0 c for staff, family and retired staff FEBRUARY 1993

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A MASSIVE £4 million is to be invested in Manweb's 'High Street' operations over the next two years in a further demonstration of the Com­ pany's commitmtnt to provid­ ing a customer service that is second to none. The role of the shops will change as Manweb presses ahead with plans to alter the whole culture of its trading operation. The main thrust of the plan is to deliver the best possible customer ser­ vice.- Our traditional shops will be trans­ formed to modern, new style customer service centres. Improved 'state of the art' computer systems and a large invest­ ment in staff training will --~~~-By~~~~~ ness customers with the very form the basis of better best service.'. Customer service to our customers. research also confirmed that JACKIE UNSWORTH our customers value the per­ Apportioned sonal, local, easy access pro­ vided by our shops. This new concept has the best way forward for the er excellent customer service "The Board· has given its already been partly intro- company's retail operation. and an acceptable retail per- full commitment to this ,.<:luced iJ;J. th€ IJ~cently Jelocat­ These options were: · (om:iance. _ option and it is now down to ed Rhyl, Warrington and • Merging of Man web's DirectocT.rnding, Peter us"all in the l'Tading Division Oswestry shops, where trading activities with another Hopkins said: 'After several to deliver the plan." greater floor space Q.as been or several other companies, debates and a lot of hard apportioned for bank or as some of the other REC's work, it was considered that Wondering building society style cus­ have done. the 'Stand Alone' option was tomer service areas. The real • Pulling out of retail com- the best route to take. The announcement has thing will be seen for the first pletely. "In analysing the options ended months bf rumour and time when we relocate our • Standing alone, but with the Board recognised that the speculation amongst staff existing N orthwich shop in substantial investment to shops have a vital role to play about their future with the two months' time. bring the shops, staff and sys- in delivering the Company's Company. The Manweb Board had terns up to a standard that mission statement "It means we now have a considered three options on now concentrate our efforts will enable Manweb to deliv- 'Providing our utility busi- future to pursue and we can on the work in hand instead of wondering if we have a job at all," said Mr Hopkins, who stressed that it was not a case uf 'just more of the same' but that there would have to be a radical change in Trading Division's culture and the role of the shops. Trading has made a com­ AMONGST Manweb's many mitment to give the maxi­ shop staff there are some very By mum profitable returns on busy people, who, in addition to the business by 'leveraging their jobs do more than their bit Rob Skinner retail on the back of cus- for the local community. tomer service'. . These pillars of society include Rotaract is an international organi­ "The tremendous effort Mrs Willow Williams, a part-time sation supported by Rotary. All mem­ put into the retail side of the sales person at Wrexham shop. bers are aged between 18 .and 29, and business is beginning to pay Willow has fulfilled many community organise general fund-raising to help off," said Mr Hopkins. "As a roles, as well as her two-and-a-half the local community whenever possi­ result of improved purchas­ years as a Manweb employee. ble. ing, investment in RICS and Most recently, she became Deputy . Malcolm has organised many fund­ MERAS computer systems Mayor for Wrexham, in May 1992. raising activities, from car washing to and improved operational After the year-long term is up, she collecting for Children in Need. _efficiency, the retail business hopes it will lead on to ·her becoming The Manager at Warrington Shop, is now operating profitably. Mayor the year after. Ian McGregor, has membership of the Having turned the business local Chamber of Trade and also around. we now need to Willow has been a Councillor with strengthen profit perfor­ Wrexham Maelor Borough Council Sefton Council. He is also a Governor at St Andrew's Church, Maghull. mance as well as deliver for over ten years. In addition, she has excellence in utility business been Chairperson for the Housing and services." Health Committee at the Council Involved since 1990, and a member of For the past ten years, Corwen Options Gwersyllt Community Council. Manager, Em yr Jones has been a She said: "Working at the Manweb member and actively involved in the Mr Hopkins said: "The shop fits in well with my responsibili­ Corwen Community Council. He is whole issue of the future of ties at the Council, and it gives me a also a past chairman of the our shops has taken a long IN furtherance of our first hand chance to experience Community Council. time to decide and there was environmental policy Wrexham's bustling community." Sue Wilson, Norris Green Shop a huge amount of work by Contact has been print­ Malcolm Swords is acting Manager Manager fits in her rolt(s as group the management team. We ed on re-cycled stock: Wrexham Deputy Mayor, Mrs Willow at Manweb's Northwich Shop, and he leader of St Andrew's Church, came very close to alterna- Williams, fits in a part-time role at the is also Chairman of Rotaract (District Maghull, and P.T.A. committee mem­ Lakeside extra wove. Manweb Shop. (Picture by Mike Hall). 1050). ber. continued on page 2 Page 2 CONTACT - IN THE SHOPS A CONTACT SPECIAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN THE MANWEB SHOPS • continued from page 1 ti ve options which could us1ness have seen the demise of our retail business as we know it. "I therefore want to make MORE than 80 Manweb shop staff it quite c1ear to everyone that achieved credits and a further 67 were the objectives of the plan rewarded with distinctions when they got must be achieved. back to basics and took part in the "This means our customer 'Business Basics' training programme. service must be second to There was a pass rate of over 65 per cent over­ all, resulting in a total 177 staff receiving the none and our commitment to Man web Certified A ward of Retail Excellence delivering the necessary (CARE). profit must be total. We have All shop staff received at home a series of six not got a reprieve but a modules aimed at sharpening up their retail skills. Business Plan to deliver. Each module covered a different topic - "I am convinced this is the Customer Care, Selling Skills 1 & 2, Surecare, best route for us to take and I Creditcare, Selling for Profit and Energy am also delighted to know Efficiency. that the future of our busi­ Staff had to read the modules and then complete ness is now in our own Garston was the top shop for the quarter ended September and return a questionnaire. Those who fully com­ In a class of their own ... Some of the CARE 1992. Pictured with their shield are (l-r) Pam Dickson, Teresa pleted all six modules to the required standard hands." recipients with their certificates. Back row, Parrry, Nick Lowe, Manageress Pat Walsh and Jayne Young. received the CARE certificate. (l-r), Dave Kingston (Northwich), Steve Tonge He added: "I want every­ (Wallasey) and Lorraine Balmer) Frodsham). one to stop talking about the The results were as follows: Front row, (l-r), Lisa Drew (Old Swan), Sue uncertainties, and instead Wilson (Norris Green) and Carl Christian let's start talking about the PASS (West Kirby). positive things we can all do They're Bootle Shop: Eileen Maddocks; St John's: Tom Whitchurch: Doreen Kenny; Rhyl: Carol Bell, to deliver the best customer Roddick, Peter Reed, Pat Smith, Ingrid Hines; David Ogden; Ruthin: David Stevens; Prestatyn: service in the country. I am Prescot: Phyllis Watkinson; Huyton: Pat Ellison; Glenna Mayoh; Colwyn Bay: Beryl Williams; confident we have the staff Allerton: Rose King; Garston: Teresa Parry; St Llandudno: Nigel Gordon, Julie Thomas; Pwllheli: and commitment to achieve Helens: Jean Peel, Margaret Sowerby, Margaret Adrian Jones, Julia Griffiths, Myfanwy Hughes; top of Hannon; Neston: Kath Thatcher; Birkenhead: Ruth whatever we want. Let us Blaenau Ffestiniog: Lol Williams, Eirwen Jones; therefore show the Board Walton; West Kirby: Jacqui Eccles; Crewe: Pat Holyhead: Ann Desmond, Angela Williams; and our customers what we Benoy; Oswestry: Enid Thomas; Whitchurch: Barmouth: Sandra Williams; Aberystwyth: Terry can do." Molly Broadhurst; Rhyl: Carol Crankshaw; Butcher, Yvonne Williams; Tywyn: Chris Davies; the Retail Operations Manager Prestatyn: Ann Jones, Robert Lane; Newtown: Machynlleth: Elizabeth Roberts; Newtown: Paul Sharkey (right) presents Sheila Rogers. Robbie Haden; RSM Secretary, Region 1: Kath Northwich Shop Manager Tickle. Dave Kingston with the 'top CREDIT shops shop' trophy for the quarter Bootle: John Quick, Lyn Coombes; Norris DISTINCTION ended December 1992. Green: Sue Clarke, Ian Ashurst; Waterloo: Sharon Kissack; Wal ton Vale: Joe Anderson; Southport: Bootle: Margaret Wright, Margaret Bjork, Sue GARSTON and Northwich are Ltd awards marks based on Pauline Garner; St John's: Thelma Kitcher, David Johnson, Joan Kielty) Anne Lysaght; Norris top of the Manweb shops after sales technique, presentation, Lloyd; Old Swan: Lisa Drew, Alison Gumley, Pat Green: Sue Wilson, Jean Stalford; Waterloo: s uccessive quarterly wins in product knowledge, answering Montague; Allerton: Mark Marshall, Hilda Anson, Shelagh Whitby; Southport: John Pritchard, Joyce Trading Division's 'Mystery tariff enquiries, the account Wilson, Rita Hughes; Warrington: Ken Roberts, MANWEB staff worked in the Diane Henderson; Neston: Nick Lowe; Garston: Shopper' scheme. queueing system, telephone Jayne Young; St Helens: Mark Fowler, Jackie Maureen Booth, Elsie Martin, Ann Whitty, Jean teeth of a gale to restore power Both shops scored 515 points enquiry handling and the Barlow; St John's: Gloria Perkins; Huyton: Edie to thousands of homes across Picton, Barbara Gavin; Warrington: Dorothy under the scheme, set up to premises themselves .. Each shop Litherland, Barbara Barlow, Lesley Peet; Kenneth, Brigid Scott; Old Swan: Steve Bentley, the region as hurricane force assess the performance of staff receives two visits per quarter Margaret Hannah; St Helens: Ian Warlow, winds swept the country at the Warrington Superstore: Margaret Shrigley, Mark as part of the drive to provide a from a mystery shopper. Dorothy Rhoden, Sue Anders; Widnes: Shirley end of last month. Sherrington, Darren Taylor; Frodsham: Lorraine first class service for customers. This results in a 'top shop' Balmer, Lyn Wynne; Runcorn: Irene Barnes, Warlow, Gill Williams, Barbara Hanrahan; Gusts of up to 90 miles per Working on behalf of being named every quarter and hour were reported, and Betty Johnston, Bev Edwards; Widnes: Karen Knutsford: Marjorie Harris, June Curzon; Man web, London-based ultimately there is a 'shop of the Harvey, Irene Davies; Northwich: Kath Northwich: Dave Kingston, Wendy Hatton, Joy Manweb's overhead line net­ Business Efficiency Monitoring year'. work was affected by wind Wilkinson, Viv Azouz, Shelagh Madden; Chester: Bell; Chester: Paul Meacock, Sheila Banham, blown branches and other debris Lyn Edge, Barbara Moon, Marie Warrington; Anne Williams; Ellesmere Port: Ian Fitzsimmons, as well as by uprooted trees Chester Superstore: Mike Davies, Wayne Joan Hill, Sue Smethurst; Neston: Christine being blown onto power lines. Howson; Ellesmere Port: Barbara Sexton; Randall; Wrexham: Sheila Unsworth, Gary . Director, Network Services Wrexham: Julie Walsh, Willow Williams; Thomas, Gillian Jones, Marita Davies, Ann Howard Kirkham said: "The THE lucky winner of our super SEGA competition is David Johnstown: Sheila Marsden; Shotton: Chris Jones, Roberts, Diane Jones; Shotton: Pauline Roberts; weather was exceptionally Roberts, of Elfed Park, Buckley, Clwyd, who will receive a Joan Humphries, Barbara Ball; Birkenhead: Moreton: Sue Fitzsimmons, Chris Kaye; Crewe: severe, especially in rural dis­ fantastic SEGA Mega Drive plus 'Sonic' game, worth a Margaret Wales, Melanie Collings, Rita Richards; Julie Duffus; Nantwich: Sheila Gamble, Wendy tricts. Although this led to a total of £129.99. West Kirby: Carl Christian, Angela Smith; Dutton; Prestatyn: Julie Boardman; Llandudno: number of faults on the network, Second prize of a SEGA Master System worth £49.99 Moreton: Sue Davies; Wallasey: Steve Tonge, Gareth Hughes; Llanrwst: Marian Scott; staff worked long hours to get goes to Meter Reader B Marsh, of Widnes. Rosemary Hale; Crewe: Andrew Austin, Pat Caernarfon: Derfel Hughes, Jim Dennis, Susan customers back on supply. Very Their names were the first drawn from the scores of Reece, Jenny Simpson, Carol Looker, Geraldine Williams; Bangor: Philip Russell, Lesley few people were without power entries received. The answers to the competition are as fol­ Averill; Sandbach: Cheron Gregory; Nantwich: Bollington, Donna Horton; Aberystwyth: Bryn overnight, which is a tribute to lows: Patricia Rounthwaite; Flint: Glenys Davies, Vilma Richards, Carole Davies, Linda Ingram; the dedication of those con- L Game Gear; 2 Hedgehog; 3. Terminator; 4. 16 bits. Latham; Oswestry: Joy Brown, Sue Payne; Dolgellau: Linda Jones; Head Office: Roy Jones. cemed."'

TARIFFS is a subject which BY explained. strikes fear into the hearts of I Briefing Notes and a reader GRAEME Feedback Section go with the many Manweb staff, but that Tariff Maze booklet to make up a is set to change with the COOPER comprehensive training package launch of a new booklet, the which will prevent people from Tariff Maze, produced by lack of confidence about tariffs panicking when customers ask the Pricing Section. was common among staff who did about tariffs. Senior Product Development not use them as an everyday part Marie said: "It's important to Analyst Marie Myles developed of their job, and it was decided to show customers that our tariffs the booklet with Oraduate Trainee send a working draft of the Tariff give value for money, and if we (now Pool Development Analyst) Maze to a range of people don't explain this clearly to the Helen Barker. throughout Manweb to gauge its people who work for us that mes­ Explaining the thinking behind usefulness. sage isn't going to get across." the booklet Marie said: "Research Marie said: "We had very posi­ With totally free competition in in the shops showed that staff in tive feedback from the shops and electricity supply scheduled for the front line were not confident if the Company as a whole. We've 1998 customers are going to be customers asked them about tar- tried to keep the booklet light­ asking more and more questions iffs, although the subject was hearted to make what can be a about what they get for their often raised by the public. We very complicated subject more money, and if Manweb's staff can needed to present tariff informa- friendly." point the way through the Tariff tion in a way staff could find their Readers are guided through the Maze it can only be good for busi­ way around easily, and Helen Tariff Maze by an amiable charac­ ness. came up with the visual idea of ter named Econo Mick. En route If anyone is interested in receiv­ showing a way through the such thorny issues as energy costs, ing a copy of the Tariff Maze 'maze' of tariffs." transmission and distribution package please contact Pricing on Further research showed that a 'charges and fixed charges are Head Office extension 2805. Marie (right) and Helen are pictured with The Tariff Maze. CONTACT Page 3

THE number of complaints By Mr Roberts has written to about Manweb to the District Managers Terry Keenan Office of Electricity JACKIE and Mike Jones asking them to Regulation has continued forward his congratulations to to tumble, reaching an all­ UNSWORTH their staff for achieving such time low of just 25 in high standards of customer ser­ December. made direct to Manweb. Fewer Mersey and Oswestry - did vice. At the same time, pay­ customers are finding it neces­ particularly well during He said: "The performance of ments for failure to meet sary to take their complaints fur­ December, having to make NO these two Districts is outstand­ guaranteed standards are ther. Standards of Service Payments ing and deserves particular moving in the same direc­ Two districts - North for the third month running. praise." tion, falling to 36 in Energy December compared with 136 during September 1992. Congratulations

"These statistics show a tremendous all round perfor­ efficient mance," said Manweb's Chief Executive John Roberts, who has written to District Managers and Regional Managers asking them to pass on his congratula­ tions to all staff. "I am delighted with the solutions results we have achieved," added Mr Roberts, who urged all employees to "keep up the good work and make our perfor­ mance in 1993 even better". WEARING one of his other mously lodge their concerns hats as Chairman of the Complaints about Manweb to about barriers to providing Customer Focus Steering good customer service, and OFFER have been falling steadi­ Group, Manweb's Director these comments are passed on on show ly in recent months, from 97 in Network Services Howard to senior management to deal Awards September, 60 in October, 48 in MANWEB showed how electricity can provide solutions to Kirkham recently presented with. November and then 25 in the Company's Facilitators heating problems when Energy Marketing exhibited at the December. with their 'certificates of com­ Not all the Facilitators were Welsh Federation Housing Association's Symposium and This is largely due to pletion' for delivering the available to receive their cer­ Exhibition. improvements in the level of Achieving Extraordinary tificates from Mr Kirkham, follow Held at Llandudno's Aberconwy Centre, the symposium service we provide and also in Customer Relations pro­ and those not present at the was titled Housing Towards the Year 2000, and featured the way we handle complaints gramme. meeting were awarded them at speakers including Margaret Simey from the Liverpool A warded by Ka set a later date. Housing Trust, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International, the American Pictured at the presentation customer Wales Gwilym Jones, leading architect Bill Reed, the Most company that devised the are (back row, 1-r) Customer Reverend Alwyn Rice Jones, Bishop of St Asaph, and course for the whole Manweb Service Training Coordinator Housing for Wales Chief Executive Adam Peat. workforce, the certificates were Gary Williams, Mark The conference provided an opportunity for Manweb to A hit presented during a meeting to Hollowood, Jean Shaw, meet important housing providers, and outline the advan­ discuss various Customer Howard Kirkham, Anne Marie care tages of electrical systems. Focus initiatives taking place. McKenna, Bob Blair, Roy Manweb's stand was manned by Wales Energy Sales Mr Kirkham also discussed Jones and Angela Meredith. Account Managers chris Jones and Tony Owen and with the a number of issues raised by (Front row, 1-r) Glyn Jones, Manweb's involvement was organised by Energy employees during AECR Karen Martin, David Roberts, courses, via the 'car park' Martin Williams, Amanda course Marketing Engineer Roger Glover from Head Office. Roger said: "Housing associations face some major prob­ village facility. Staff are able to anony- Nelson and Pat Hunt. lems in providing low cost affordable accommodation for people who are often living on limited incomes. Electric space and water heating and ventilation systems can pro­ vide energy efficient low cost solutions to some of these people problems, and the symposium gave us an opportunity to New sound system further improve the good relationship we have with the Welsh Federation." Roger is pictured at the exhibition with WFHA NORTH Wirral Network Marketing Manager Sian Callaghan. Services staff worked long for all districts hours in bad weather to ensure everything was ready for Manweb to take over sup­ plying power to By Bromborough Pool Village GROUP TRUSTEES (see story, page 8). ROB SKINNER As well as updating 90 ser­ vice connections a new high SINCE October 1992, Manweb has been installing ELECT~D voltage supply had to be run into a new FM VHF Private Mobile Radio (PMR) sys­ the village's substation. tem for all Network Services district users. The Two· jointing teams worked PMR is now installed and working in five districts, IN the recent election of Group Trustees in the on the site. Under Foreman Bob North Mersey, Liverpool, Mid Mersey, Dee Valley Manweb section of the Electricity Supply Pension Wales were Jointer Brian and North Wirral. Gibson with Jointer's Mate Paul Scheme the following members were elected: Derek Graham, Engineer, Telecommunications one of the test mobiles available in the training Letts, and Jointer Derek Norman Network, is pictured (left) putting the new radio room. Industrial Employees and Mate Derry Cloney. As well into operation, in a North Mersey vehicle, the first So far there are over 500 users on the new sys­ as the cabling work security region to be changed over. He is joined by Tony Mr Roland S Sands (re-elected) tem. The other five Manweb districts are due for 'bubbles' needed fitting to the Brierly, band five craftsman. Mr David S Hughes meters, and this was carried out implementation over the next twelve months. District radio users are undergoing training which by Meter Fixer Gary Skulthorpe. Once the PMR is up and running throughout the coincides with the radio changeover in each district. Industrial Pensioner Both the high and low voltage Manweb region, users can expect many advantages Mr Frederick A Rose (re-elected) work were supervised by Each three hour course contains an introductory over the old one. For the first time they will have a Projects Engineer John Pickard. slide presentation, followed by a feedback session single communication device, through which they These three members· will hold office as Group Service Coordinator Duncan and video outlining the procedures behind making can contact any other user or Manweb District Trustees until December 311995. Jones ensured that everything at each call. The trainees then have a chance to put Office, and subsequently anybody on the British the office end ran smoothly. their newly acquired knowledge into practice on Telecom Network. Page 4 CONTACT SAFETY BRIAN'S AIMING FOR II BESt SAFETY RECORD MID Mersey District has Mersey currently has three-star Manchester College of Art. to think 'safety'." appointed a full-time Safety status. Brian has long had an interest Father-of-three Brian, 36, who Officer. Former Service Brian is pictured (left) receiv­ in health and safety matters, and lives in St Helens, joined Manweb Refurbishment Supervisor Brian ing his National General was safety representative for his in 1986 as a Contracting Waugh is now masterminding a Certificate in Occupational union, the EEPTU. He said: "It Electrician and after training programme of health and safety Safety and Health from is my intention to make sure became Statutory Inspector in the improvements for his col­ Manweb' s Chief Executive John Mid Mersey District has the best Commercial Department. A mem­ leagues. Roberts, after recently complet­ safety record in Manweb. We're ber of the Institute of His ultimate goal is to ing an Open Learning course at somewhere in the middle at the Occupational Safety and Health, achieve seven-star rating for the St Helens community College. moment, so there are some big Brian has also been Secretary of district under the International He is now studying for a improvements to make, but it the local Shop Stewards Safety Rating System. Mid Diploma in the same subject at can be done if I can get people Committee.

BY COLIN HERBERT Corporate Health and Safety Manager lbt RIGHT IN • CHILDREN aged 1 O years and under can win a special prize by colouring in the four pictures reproduced here from Understanding Electricity's 'Flashback' Leaflet. Once you have coloured them in, SAFETY SEARBH usin·g any medium, send them to: Colouring Competition, Contact, Room 5E1, Manweb MANY readers entered our Safety Search Competition in December and pie, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4LR, making I'm pleased to inform you that all the entries were correct. It meant the sure you include your name, age and final decision on the winner rested on the tiebreaker slogan. address. Prizes will be awarded to the winner and runner-up. There were some very interesting ideas, especially from some of our retired col­ leagues. But the outright winner was Mr K Jones, of Bangor, with the slogan: "Look and Plan, Be Safe With the Man", which the three of us in Corporate Health and Safety felt was in keeping with the Dee Valley, current Manweb slogan and also had a good safety mes­ sage. He wins a bottle of champagne and a personal stereo. Efforts

We were also very impressed with the efforts of one of our younger readers, I I-year-old Julie Astall, from Higher Whitley, Cheshire, whose slogan was: "Safety First Makes Everyone Last". For this excellent contribu­ tion we·are sending her a personal stereo.

r r Children's r Health & Safety experts at Dee Valley, (1-r), Chris Smith, Corwen Safety Rep, Peter Elphee, Foreman Committee Rep, Arthur Hughes, Health & Safety Coordinator, Malcolm Fowels, Garage Safety Rep, Derek Jackson, Corporate teach-in Health & Safety, Head Office, Fred Huxley, Safety Rep, Nigel Evans, Safety Rep, Geda Jones, LJCC Rep, Bob Norfolk, Safety Rep. FLASHBACK is the name of the new safety video for seven to l 1- year-olds. It was launched recent­ A SAFE work place is a healthy work place! That is the message from ly in London by Understanding Arthur Hughes, Dee Valley Health & Safety Coordinator, who is pioneer­ Electricity, part of the Electricity ing to improve the levels of Health & Safety in the District. Association. The film replaces Manweb has adopted the International Safety Rating System of audit, a measure 'Play Safe', which was made well used by many companies to give a framework of analysis of the standards of Health & over a decade ago and has been a Safety within the work place. truly remarkable film for young­ Dee Valley currently holds a four star rating, out of a maximum of ten.. which is sters on electrical safety. ) good in Man web terms, but there is plenty of scope for improvement. Dee .Valley is The new film is quite different not complacent and Arthur Hughes is working to achieve a five star rating. ' in its format. It contains no anima­ As Arthur explained: "With the help of the Head Office Health & Safety staff we tion as 'Play Safe' did, and is con­ have identified five main aspects that we as a District can work to improve. These are, siderably longer. The video's aims "'· '9 Leadership and Administration, Plan11.ed 'Inspections, Personal Protective Equipment, are to encourage a healthy respect Group Meetings, and General Promotibn' amongst children for the power of "In terms of general promotion, we took part in a recent European Health & Safety electricity without creating undue Week, to generate awareness of the need for Health & Safety in the work place." anxiety, to show the circum­ As part of this week, there was a meeting of the Health & Safety representatives stances in which the main types of from throughout Dee Valley, who were addressed by Colin Herbert and Derek accidents involving power supply Jackson. They outlined each person's equipment occur, how these can role, which is to ensure that accidents are be avoided and what action to take reported, and that all individual projects in an emergency. are completed. Also that week, John MacDonald, Discovery District Manager at Dee Valley made an entire tour of inspection of the districts in terms of Health & Safety. This included -. In line with the National Legacy and New Crane Street Depot.s,' Curriculum, it aims to teach some and spot checks on overhead lines at • basic points about the nature of Upton, Chester. electricity and the history of its On a lighter note, competitions. were discovery. run to bring people's attention to Health The video has support material and Safety. People were asked to spot - three posters, teachers' notes errors in working situations. Prizes were and a colouring in leaflet. It will given for the most correct answer. be on general release in the very The pioneering attitude of Dee Valley near future, but in the meantime HESAC members should ensure a safer anyone wishing to borrow a copy and brighter future for the District, who Dee Valley District Manager, John can do so from the Safety Video Library in the Corporate Health are set to come out on top in the field of MacDonald, on his line inspection tour Health & Safety. at Upton, Chester. and Safety Section at Head Office. CONTACT Page 5 SPEED AND EFFICIENCY THANKS TO NEW METER SYSTEM Prize By Rob Skinner treat From the meter ... The reading is keyed in to the hand held A NEW meter reading system has been fully installed throughout the terminal by Keith Eakins, Meter Reader, observed by cus­ Manweb region, and is set to speed up the billing process and reduce meter tomer Karen Critchlow of Woodchurch. reading errors to give an all round more efficient service. tor Manweb is one of four RECs to have adopted similar systems so far. The Mainframe to PC Meter Reading Communication system has now gone into operation in all of Manweb's ten Districts, Liverpool being the last to change. It has school replaced the old sheet system on all routine meter readings. Meter readers now use a hand held terminal to record their work and keying in the MANWEB cooked up a treat information at each customer's premises. Then, at the end of the day, all readings are for a Wrexham special school transferred directly to the mainframe, via the PC for customers to be billed. by donating a microwave oven. Ian Basford, Special Projects Manager, Network Services has coordinated the pro­ The microwave will be used ject with the help of Jim Stead and Leo Moylem. as a major prize in a forthcom­ ing fund-raising raffle being Advantages organised by Powys School in Dodd's Lane, Gwersyllt. Ian said: "Installation of the new system began in February/March 1992 and the first Powys School caters for chil­ district to be converted was Mid-Mersey. Since then, all Meter Reading staff in all dren and young people aged Manweb Districts have been trained to use the hand held terminal, and Network from two to 19 with severe learning or physical difficulties. Services foremen trained to transfer the information from hand held terminal onto the Head Teacher Jim Phillips is mainframe." To the main frame ... From the hand held terminal, the data is trans­ pictured (right) receiving the The system's advantages mean an overall more efficient service for the customer. It ferred to PC and then onto main frame by North Wirral Foreman, microwave from Gary Thomas, is much quicker than the sheet method, as each day the data collected can go straight Peter Morley. Assistant Manager at Manweb's Wrexham Shop. onto thethe billingmainframe system,. From making there the itwhole is transferred process quicker. straight r.;------~------~ The hand held terminals contain a 'reading range' facility that will detect if an error has been made on the reading, and in such cases will automatically request a second one to be carried out. This substantially reduces the possibility of Queensferry make it inaccurate readings. With the obvious advantages that the new system brings, By it looks set to be a sure sign of improvement. North Wirral DENNIS FRICKER District are currently experimenting at ways to make the whole process even quicker. On a trial basis, they are sup­ Quality Manager a double first plying · meter readers on location with Radio Modem Communication Links, which means that information can CONGRATULATIONS to be transferred to and from the meter reader immediately. the Meter Test Station at Queensferry in achieving Quality Approval to BS5750 Pt 2. This is the second time the Station has been awarded approval and on both occa­ sions it has been at the first attempt. This time Manweb has also been authorised by the Office of Electricity Regulation (OFFER) to carry out its own Certification and Sealing of sin­ gle phase meters subject only to sample monitoring by OFFER. George Vose, Quality Assistant and Dave Callister, Quality Foreman, have received OFFER status as Authorised Examiners to certify meters under the inde­ pendent control of the Quality Manager. In presenting the certificate Gwilym Evans, OFFER's Deputy Chief Meter Examiner, congratulated the team on their success and commitment to the Test Station. Manweb's efforts involved in creating and BS5750 Pt 2 from Gwilym quality which would now have Director, Network Services maintaining satisfactory qu~lity, Evans, watched by John Ebbs to be maintained. He also Howard Kirkham added his performance, job security and (2nd from left), the staff of the warned that OFFER would be congratulations to Workshop reduced costs. Meter Test Station, members of increasing its involvement in Engineer John Ebbs and hi s Howard Kirkham is pictured the OFFER assessment team SHOWTIME: the handling and installation of team. Mr Kirkham commented (centre right) receiving the and Manweb senior manage­ IN WALES meters after the meters had left that he was well aware of the Quality Approval Certificate ment. IT was Surprise, Surprise, for Linesman Fred Huxley, when he drove his van into the depot last month. MANWEB Aberystwyth time. Staff from Aberystwyth First came a surprise inspection of his van. Then District staff are pictured at the and other districts also helped surprise no.2 ... he was told he had won the Best Eisteddfod Genedlaethol run the Eisteddfod as well as Kept Van Award. Cymru, Ceredigion, Aberyst­ participating in events. FRED'S wyth. Left to right are Senior Energy Marketing Advertis­ Fred is the first to win this new competition organ­ Draughtsman John Phillips, ing and Publicity organised a ised for New Crane Street Depot by Section Manager, Planning Manager Emrys bilingual display, and Welsh Cliff James, involving the Depot's 45 vehicles. Hughes, Energy Sales Account brochures and company litera­ "It will take place about every three months, but the CLEAN Manager Tomas Davies, ture were to the fore, with some inspections will come without prior warning," said Brychan Davies from Plas English versions tucked away Cliff. Lluest (see below), Customer for non-Welsh speakers. "We are aiming to encourage drivers to keep their SWEEP Service Project Administrator The magnificent floral dis­ vans clean and tjdy in the interests of safety. We will Ursula Byrne (now a Facilitator play was by "A Cause for be looking for cleanliness, tidiness, and if components for Customer Service Training) Concern', Pl as Lluest, are correctly stored." WINS and Network Services Clerical Aberystwyth - a charitable A further surprise came Fred's way when he Assistant Shan Rees. home for people with a mental realised his win included a £30 donation to his nomi­ Manweb continued its tradi­ disability. Plas Lluest also has nated charity - Cancer Research. AWARD tion of supporting the the contract to service The picture shows Fred (right) with District Eisteddfod, sponsoring the Aberystwyth District Office's Manager John Macdonald. information point, as well as grounds, flower beds and indoor having its own stand for the first plants. Page 6 CONTACT

POST I II • BAG WILL COMPANY SMOKING POLICY BE REVISED? Dear Editor The Corporate Health and Safety place and whether this is planned to be Manager's article in last month's Contact revised? about the HSE's revised leaflet.giving As I understand it, non-smoking employ­ advice to employers on preventative mea­ ees are at present at the mercy or whim of sures regarding passive smoking, mentions smokers who can choose to comply or ignore that liability may be imposed where an the current voluntary code of practice. In any injured person can show injury was caused case, the current state of affairs means that by exposure to smoking by fellow smokers. any non-smoker wanting to use the drinks Could Mr Herbert inform readers of the vending machines must take a deep breath Company policy on smoking in the work- before entering the room and restrict the BY number of drinks being obtained to one before run­ ROB SKINNER Going green at ning out of breath! G Kenyon SINCE April 1992, the newly formed team has risen to meet less than 70mph Public Relations the fresh challenge of its Energy Sales objectives. The team Dear Editor covers Manweb's North Mersey and Liverpool districts. I recently came across some­ ously enforced, Britain would Corporate Health and All 18 staff, both Account Managers working from home and the office based thing that might be of interest to cut its road C02 emissions by 2.5 support team at Lister Drive, are dedicated to giving top quality customer se­ all your readers, especially the per cent; if a 60mph limit were Safety Manager Colin ones who would like to be imposed and enforced the reduc­ Herbert replies: rvice to the 800 largest industrial and commercial customers, plus major influ­ 'green' this winter. tion would be 4.6 per cent and at encers in the area. When you think of all the dri­ 5.0mph 5.8 per cent. Fuel con­ "Thank you for your very In balance with this customer service, Energy Sales utilises Manweb's supply net­ vers that are employed by sumption figures show a vastly interesting letter. You will be work, increasing electricity sales, whilst delving into other markets, such as gas, and Manweb, if only half take an better mpg at 56 than 75, which pleased to hear that the sub­ consultancy services. interest in the following article saves on oil (a finite resource), ject of a smoking policy for Their activities since April have generated an extra 18,000,000 kwh of electricity per from 'Milestones' (winter 1992), toxic pollutants and your money. the Company is being dis­ year, representing an additional turnover of approximately £1m. They have also clocked we can first save money and also Set your own 'green' limit, ide­ cussed at the Manweb Hesac. up sales of 4.5 million therms of Gas, giving a further £1.5m of profitable turnover. help the environment. ally not more than 60." The current position is that This impressive sale of gas demonstrates the team's success in what is a relatively The Energ; "Don't go up to 70: new market. Major customers such as National Museums and Galleries of Liverpool, Fagan, Jan the Trades Unions are Len Dorr, I A study for the Worldwide B Emberton putting a paper to the next Liverpool University, and the whole of the Owen Owen group have signeq Gas con­ Fund for Nature suggested that if Building Section tracts with Manweb Gas, through the 70mph speed limit was rigor- North Wirral meeting of the Committee and a policy will be formu­ their local Account Managers at lated forthwith for the whole Energy Sales Merseyside. Additionally, the {earn is striv­ of the Company. I will inform ing to build positive relationships No discount Contact readers of the out­ with possible future clients, such come of these discussions. " as the Merseyside Task Force, Dear Editor local authorities, The Housing I AM writing to you to air a little had moved from ·Manweb to Corporation, and other major grievance. I was employed by SWEB' s area. housing associations such as the Board for 26 years, time As they are now private com­ Merseyside Improved Houses, spent with the Engineering panies, this has cancelled the Liverpool Housing Trust and Section as a Driver and later concessions to the pensioners. Cooperative Development Servic­ years with the Meter Section as a There seems to be a motto SNAP es. Reader at Crane Street. here - 'If you want' to keep I have been retired 10 years. your staff discount, don't move Five years ago my wife and I from the area which employed Regeneration decided to move to Weston­ you'. super-Mare to be nearer to our Sorry to be a moaner. The regeneration of daughter. A few weeks ago my TOIT Merseyside has thankfully started, wife and I visited our local Mr C D Birtles and the Energy Sales team has SWEB showroom to make a pur­ 46 Lansdown Gardens adopted a positive outlook on chase and I asked for staff con­ Worle bringing new life into the area. cession, but this was refused as I Weston-super-Mare Dear Editor By working in partnership with I HAVE just received by copy organisations like the Housing of Contact. I will be brief and to Action Trust, the Department of Trade and The team has also been instrumental in the c< the point! No mention of the Industry, the local authorities and The Housing struction of student accommodation in Toxteth, Drying shame Contact Photographic Corporation, the team can help increase the pros­ Liverpool University, and in Kensington, for 1 Competition in recent issues. perity of Merseyside and its residents. John Moores University. Dear Editor Does this mean it is to be phased THANK YOU very much for the disabled person. I would certain­ out? City Challenge High Rise Accommodation Contact newspaper. I read it ly have valued a hot air fixture For years we looked forward from page to page for two rea­ when I was nursing my dear hus­ to the issues containing the win­ Some of the biggest initiatives set up to regener- With the vast number of high rise flats sons. Firstly, I am very interest­ band and needed to bath him. ning entries .. This often arrived ate the economy of Merseyside are the City Liverpool, this has become another major area ed -i-n- Manw~-work and social Possibly, Editor, you are for us on Christmas Eve, distrib­ Challenge projects. Both Liverpool City Challenge, regeneration. procedures. Secondly, and most young and will not know, suffi­ uted before we departed from and Bootle Maritime City Challenge have taken on Energy Sales Mersey,side is working hand­ of all, because I feel the pleasure ciently, how awkward it is to dry Lister Drive for the Christmas Manweb secondees, who are helping to bring a ·hand with the Liverpool Housing Action Tn of contact with my dear 'lost' oneself when hands have aching holidays. high level of investment into the area. their consultants, and tenants, to refurbish 67 to1 husband Frank Tomlinson. I joints and one's back has disc Maybe there is a reason for Part of the City Challenge programme is to refur- blocks over the next seven years, at a cost used to read the Contact items to trouble in the spinal column. I the lack of information. Is it cur­ bish student accommodation in Merseyside. Energy £130m. him. hope you are not personally tains for this event? Sales was active in providing designs for refurbish-·· As experts in designing insulation and heat A am writing now because I aware of such pains and aches. Ted Elcock (retired) ments at Monument Place and St Andrews Gardens. · systems, the team can ensure that tenants will en found myself considering, after a Well, I hope I have not wasted (The Bullring), specifically to house some of the more comfortable conditions, with affordable hi bath, that a hot air fixture would your time with this letter. In fact 32 Broughton Hall Road West Derby thousands of students, from the City's two universi- ing in the future. be a blessing. This thought I would be most pleased if such ties. Their other successes in this field of regenera1 occurred because I found it diffi­ an item as a warm air body dryer Liverpool cult to bend and dry my feet. I had never been made and L12 9JS am 71 1/2 years of age. Manweb was able to profit from Possibly there may be such an the idea. Editor's note: "It definitely isn't item on the market. If not, and I Until then, I wish you, all curtains for this popular event, know a warm air item for hand your fellow workers of Manweb, which has been running for drying is in current use, one to at Chester and Bridle Road par­ many years, and we hope to dry oneself after a bath or show­ ticularly, a happy, healthy and announce details of the 1993 er would be a blessing to an profitable New Year. competition in the next issue. As elderly or disabled person. Mrs Muriel Tomlinson with last year, we plan to It would make it so much eas­ Liverpool include a special section for ier for anyone having to dry a (full address supplied) Christmas photos. "

DO you have a view you'd like to share or an opinion you'd like to air? Then why not drop us a line? Write to: The Editor, Contact, Room 5E1, Manweb pie, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4LR, making sure you include your name and address or work location. All letters are dealt with in strict confidence and your name can, upon request, be withheld. There's a free Parker Rollerball pen for every letter published (offer A Manweb Energy Sales overview, with tlie Merseyside Area in Yellow. applies to staff, retired employees and their families only). CONTACT Page 7 POP'S ON SONG A NEW purch~se order system - Purchase Order Processing (better known as POP) - fizzes into operation on Monday, February 22 and will replace the existing systems known as GORD, GBUL, GRNS and GINV. A small project team drawing together experience from Finance, Network Services Purchasing and Trading Division has been set up, consisting of myself, Martin Hampstead (Purchasing), Graeme Jones (Finance), Lisa Darlington (Trading) and Hilary Davies (Purchasing). The team has been bubbling alone, refining, testing and preparing the order processing part of the system for implementation. . . In addition the existing invoice processing system_will be changing, and to this end Ian West, Creditors Payments Manager, assisted by Administrative Assistant Geoff Littler, has been involved in the implementation of the Purchase Ledger (PL) B~ ------.... side of the system. The system offers increased functionality over PAUL ROSENBERG, the present facilities and meets requirements of Project Manager, EC legislation. As part of the OLAS (On-Line Accounting Systems) suite it integrates with Purchase Order Processing Manweb's general ledger system, and a signifi­ cant advantage over the present ordering systems ment stage through to the completion of the work. will be the on-line updating of the ledger files. Liverpool District together with Human There will also be the facility to monitor purchas­ Resources and Public Relations at Head Office ing expenditure against budgets from the commit- have been piloting the system since late November last year, and this has provided live experience. · -...... User training, including the familiarisation of managers with the authorisation and enquiry process, is being carried out in Head Office and Districts. After main implementation the system will be maintained by an admin­ is tra ti v e unit which will be known as POP Admin. In addi­ tion to providing system users with a help and support facility it will also arrange for any enhancements/updates to be made to the system.

es Merseyside Team, contributing to the regeneration of Liverpool. From left to right, Mark \wers, Howard Keating, Jitu Barua, Ian Birch, Cliff Haviland, Alan Davidson, David Hayes, mainly donated by staff at Head Fitzgerald, Ian Cross, William Haspery, Stephen Lang, Pauline McGillis. WARPED Office and North Wirral. The toy run, which Julia, a KINDNESS motor cyclist herself, and a member of WARPED, helped to A big thank you was handed out organise, involved 170 of her to Man-Web staff recently by motor cycling colleagues. They Secretary Julia Kelly on behalf later rode around the area to CONGRATULATIONS to --~ of her WARPED friends. deliver this seasonal toy tonic to the following long serving Julia, of Pricing Section, was children in Arrowe Park Hospital Manweb staff who have delighted with the response to and ot1?-er hospitals in the area. clocked up 20, 30 or 40 years' her pre-Christmas call for toys "We are striving to make the service in recent months. for the annual toy run organised event a continuing success, and I 40 years: Oswestry - Elvet by WARPED (Wirral Associa­ am sure we can, especially with Woosnam, Driver (now retired). tion of· Riders, Pillions, the generosity shown by 30 years: Head Office - Extraterrestrials and Dwarfs). Manweb people," said Julia, who Norman Keith Brooks, 3rd "It was magnificent," said is pictured above (seated on Engineer, Graham Lewis, Julia. "We had a car load of toys, motorcycle). Foreman, Peter Owen, 1st Engineer; North Mersey - Vincent O'Sullivan, Craftsman Jointing; Liverpool - Ron Burgess, Planning Manager, Harry Roberton, 2nd Engineer; Dee Valley - Dave Molloy, Engineer; North Wirral - John Fitch, Craftsman Jointing. 20 years: Head Office - mclude a new heating system design for six blocks tion, they have supplied many of the Dock's all Malcolm William Fowles, )f flats at Sefton. The design was originally adrnin­ electricity restaurants, with specifically· designed Mechanical Fitter, Pamela stered by John Shead at Warrington, and has also heating systems. Powell, Clerical Assistant, ~reated £2.5m of work for Manweb Contracting The Skillion Centre, the new Dolby Hotel and Adrian Hendry, Principal Services. the Campanile Hotel are all now using popular, Assistant, David Buchanan, controllable electric heating systems, designed by Executive Officer, James -.. ~' Liverpool Waterfront the team. Schofield, Foreman, Sheila And it's not all electric! The Merseyside F,ennah, Data Prep Operator, :Nowhere on Merseyside is the symbol of Maritime Museum and the Liverpool Tate Robert Foulds, Admin ;egeneration more evident than on the Liverpool Gallery are now supplied with Gas, on a contract Assistant, Kathleen McHugh, signed through one of the local account man­ END OF LINE Waterfront, and the area Energy Sales team can Clerk, Geoff Ryan, 2nd Joast several successes along the River Mersey. agers. IT was the end of the line for Dee best wishes for the future during a Engineer; l\!Iid Mersey - At Wapping and Waterloo, two Barratt luxury Through the regeneration of Liverpool, Energy Valley Linesman George Brown joint retirement presentation. Also Dorothy Rhoden, Sales !lpartment developments ·are heated by electric Sales Merseyside has many opportunities to when he recently took early retire­ pictured are Mrs Carol Brown and Assistant, St Helens Shop; Dee )torage heaters, part of a system designed by the explore all aspects of Energy Sales in the Region, ment. George, 51, who was based Mrs Margaret Bowyer, who Valley - Val Noble, Clerical Energy Sales team. · while helping to create a better living and work­ at New Crane Street, had complet­ received flowers, and colleagues Assistant, John Evans, DRC At the Albert Dock Village, the team was ing environment. By boosting the region's pros­ ed 31 years' service in the electrici­ from Dee Valley District. · Attendant, Malcolm Griffiths, e-s.ponsible for the design and commissioning of perity, the new team can hope to increase the ty supply industry. * Three more Dee Valley staff Driver; Mid Cheshire - Geoff prosperity of Mariweb, its customers, employees (fig'bt-store boilers and Wet radiator systems for Also based at New Crane Street, took early retirement at the end of Willcoc~, Customer Service he new Collonade's luxury apartments. In addi- and shareholders. Enhanced Craftsman Colin Bowyer December, a fourth left at the end Executive, Jim Catterall, has taken early retirement from ofJanuary and a fifth is due to Mechanic, Norma Daniels, Manweb after completing 38 years' leave this month. Cleaner, Northwich ·Shop; Cliff Haviland service. Colin, 53, started his career Mrs Marion Jones, who had Clwyd - Glyn Jones, Flint Area Energy Sales Manager as an Apprentice Electrician and clocked up a total 29 years' service, Shop Manager, Ann Roberts, after qualifying was made an was a Typist in the Central Services Clerk; Gwynedd - Hefin Installation Inspector. · Section at Rhostyllen, while Mrs Thomas, Admin Assistant, Len Dorr Robert Steven/on DavidMcCann District Manager John Val Noble, who originally worked Charles Jones, Storekeeper; TSSU Manager Senior Aa:ounl Manager (Dol1/Com} Senior Account Manager (Ind) Macdonald is pic.tured (centre) for Midlands Electricity but trans­ Oswestry - Mike Norton, Philip Warren, Project Engineer Ian Cross, Account Manager Alan Davidson, Aa;ount Manager wishing Colin -Bowyer (to his left) ferred to Manweb in 1977, worked Engineer, Molly Broadhurst, and George Brown (to his right) in the Accounts Department at the Sales Assistant, Whitchurch Slephenl..ang Ian Birch, Project Engineer David Hayes, Aa;ount Manager District Office. She had completed Shop, Peter Corfield, Drawing Trade Uaisnn Manager 20 years' serviced. Office Supervisor; Howard Keating, Project Engineer William, Haspery, Account Manager Gareth Bowyer, a Chargehand Aberystwyth - Geraint Baby talk Howells, Network Services Mark Fagan, Project Engineer Jitu Bali.Ja, Atxount Manager Joiner in the Civil Department at CONGRATULATIONS to Dee Rhostyllen, had worked in the ESI Administration; Customer Information Centre Region 1 Pauline McGrellis, Project Assistant Paul Fitzgerald, Aa;ount Manager Valley District Manager John for 16 years, while Clerical Macdonald an.d his wife Assistant Ron Ball, who left on - Ruth Moore, Customer Jane Bowers, Project Assistant Catherine on the birth of their January 31, had completed 20 .Information Centre son James Simon on December years' service. Ron, who started out Representative; Customer Maxine Long, Clerical Assistant 211992. Mother, son and father in the Commercial .Work Control Information Centre Region 2 are all doing well! Unit at Rhostyllen, was transferred - Kevin Mawdsley, Regional Customer Accounts Manager. staff on secondment are Also celebrating are Elizabeth to New Crane Street Depot in 1980 Alan Fox and John Appleton Maddocks, a Clerk within the to provide clerical support for the * In a previous issue, long Services Section at Rhostyllen, 'meter readers. serving employee Doug Jones was wrongly described as and Dee Valley Linesman David anweb Energy Sales Liverpool. Linesman Conway Evans, who Principal Auditor; when his Andrew Jones (better known as retires on February 13 aged 65, correct title was 3rd Engineer 'Tosh'), who became engaged on joined the industry 38 years ago, atHoylake. Chris1mas Eve. starting out as a Labourer. BY ROB SKINNER

SIN CE April 1992, the newly formed team has risen to meet the fresh challenge of its Energy Sales objectives. The team covers Manweb's North Mersey and Liverpool districts. All 18 staff, both Account Managers working from home and the office based support team at Lister Drive, are dedicated to giving top quality customer se­ rvice to the 800 largest industrial and commercial customers, plus major influ­ encers in the area. In balance with this customer service, Energy Sales utilises Manweb's supply net­ work, increasing electricity sales, whilst delving into other markets, such as gas, and consultancy services. Their activities since April have generated an extra 18,000,000 kwh of electricity per year, representing an additional turnover of approximately £1m. They have also clocked up sales of 4.5 million therms of Gas, giving a further £1.5m of profitable turnover. This impressive sale of gas demonstrates the team's success in what is a relatively The Energy Sales Merseyside Team, contributing to the regeneration of Liverpool. From left to right, Mark new market. Major customers such as National Museums and Galleries of Liverpool, Fagan, Jane Bowers, Howard Keating, Jitu Barua, Ian Birch, Cliff Haviland, Alan Davidson, David Hayes, Liverpool University, and the whole of the Owen Owen group have signeq Gas con­ Len Dorr, Paul Fitzgerald, Ian Cross, William Haspery, Stephen Lang, Pauline McGillis. tracts with Manweb Gas, through their local Account Managers at Energy Sales Merseyside. Additionally, the (earn is striv­ ing to build positive relationships with possible future clients, such as the Merseyside Task Force, local authorities, The Housing Corporation, and other major housing associations such as Merseyside Improved Houses, Liverpool Housing Trust and Cooperative Development Servic­ es. Regeneration

The regeneration of Merseyside has thankfully started, and the Energy Sales team has adopted a positive outlook on bringing new life into the area. . By working in partnership with organisations like the Housing Action Trust, the Department of Trade and The team has also been instrumental in the con­ include a new heating system design for six blocks tion, they have supplied many of the Dock's all Industry, the local authorities and The Housing struction of student accommodation in Toxteth, for of flats at Sefton. The design was originally admin­ electricity restaurants, with specifically" designed Corporation, the team can help increas{( the pros­ Liverpool University, and in Kensington, for the istered by John Shead at Warrington, and has also heating systems. perity of Merseyside and its residents. John Moores University. created £2.5m of work for Manweb Contracting The Skillion Centre, the new Dolby Hotel and Services. the Campanile Hotel are all now using popular, City Challenge High Rise Accommodation controllable electric heating systems, designed by Liverpool Waterfront the team. Some of the biggest initiatives set up to regener­ With the vast number of high rise flats in And it's not all electric! The Merseyside ate the economy of Merseyside are the City Liverpool, this has become another major area of Nowhere on Merseyside is the symbol of Maritime Museum and the Liverpool Tate Challenge projects. Both Liverpool City Challenge, regeneration. regeneration more evident than on the Liverpool Gallery are now supplied with Gas, on a contract and Bootle Maritime City Challenge have taken on Energy Sales Merseyside is working hand-in- Waterfront, and the area Energy Sales team can signed through one of the local account man­ Manweb secondees, who are helping to bring a ·hand with the Liverpool Housing Action Trust, boast several successes along the River Mersey. agers. high level of investment into the area. their consultants, and tenants, to refurbish 67 tower At Wapping and Waterloo, two Barratt luxury Through the regeneration of Liverpool, Energy Part of the City Challenge programme is to refur­ blocks over the next seven years, at a cost of apartment developments ·are heated by electric Sales Merseyside has many opportunities to bish student accommodation in Merseyside. Energy £130m. sto.r:age heaters, part of a system designed by the explore all aspects of Energy Sales in the Region, Sales was active in providing designs for refurbish­ As experts in designing insulation and heating Energy Sales team. while helping to create a better living and work­ ments at Monument Place and St Andrews Gardens systems, the team can ensure that tenants will enjoy At the Albert Dock Village, the team was ing environmen.t. By boosting the region's pros­ (The Bullring), specifically to house some of the more comfortable conditions, with affordable heat­ ILes,ponsible for the design and commissioning of perity, the new team can hope to increase the thousands of students, from the City's two universi­ ing in the future. rtight-store boilers and Wet radiator systems for prosperity of M~web, its customers, employees ties. Their other successes in this field of regenerat:lo.n t.Qe new Collonade's luxury apartments. In addi- and shareholders.

Cliff Haviland Aroa Energy Sales Manager

Len Dorr Ro/Jeff Steven/on DavidMcCann TSSU Manager Senior Account Manager {Don/Com) Senior Account Manager (Ind)

Philip Wa1Tet1. Project Engineer Ian Cross, Account Manager Alan Davidson, Account Manager

Jan Birch, Project Engineer David Hayes, Aa:ount Manager (.._ __Ti_raoo_Slephen_Ua_ison_Lang_Manager __ ~ ) Howard Keating, Project Engineer William, Haspery, Account Manager

Marl< Fagan, Project Engineer Jitu Baliia. Aa:ount Manager

Pauline McGrellis, Project AssisfEnt Paul Fitzgerald, Account Manager

Jane Bowers. Project AssisfEnt

Maxine Long, Clerical AssistEnt

staff on secondment are Alan Fox and John Appleton

A Manweb Energy Sales overview, with tlie Merseyside Area in Yellow. Manweb Energy Sales Liverpool. Page 8 CONTACT

DISABLED young residents at a Clwyd home were left in a spin when their washing machine broke down ... until Manweb came to the rescue. MANWEB, UML and Merseyside Improved Houses are pic­ Merseyside Improved Houses - a housing association which owns The company ended their washday blues by donating a brand tured lighting up Bromborough Pool Village where 90 proper­ the village and surrounding land. new.appliance to 'Eithinog' Leonard Cheshire Home in Colwyn ties are now receiving Manweb mains electricity for the first Pictured with local children are Manweb Director, Power *Bay. time. Marketing Colin Leonard (holding switch, centre right), Manweb Manweb's Clwyd District Manager John Hampson is pictured LocalJy-based company UML had previously supplied power Project Assistants Pam Wild (3rd from right, back row), Karen (right) showing Chris Elliott and the Home's Fundraiser Rachel direct from its own station next to the village, and a special switch Lummis (6th from right, back row) and Area Energy Sales Denyer how to use the new washing machine. over event was arranged for Bromborough Pool's residents with Manager John Shead (2nd from right). OLD FOLKS CHEER

MANWEB HELPS Pam Bond, Co-ordinator of t,he CLWYD staff and retired colleagues played Santa to people less fortu­ PRIZE local charity Crossroads Care. nate than themselves when they helped deliver some Christmas cheer. Crossroads provides respite Festive goodies, such as Christmas puddings, chocolates and mince GIFT care to people who look after pies, were bought out of the District' s Benevolent Society funds, to WITH SCHOOLS' others with disabilities or care give to around 50 local folk. for their loved ones at home. The Retired Manweb staff volunteered their time to make up the food MID Cheshire Customer Service microwave will be used as a parcels, and many offered to deliver the packages. CONFERENCE Manager Alison Eakins (right) prize in a fund-raising raffle dur­ Pictured putting together the Christmas goodies at Rhyl are retired presents a microwave oven to ing the spring. trio (1-r) Joan Edwards, Jackie Espin and Denis Atkinson. MANWEB played host to 12 In addition, Corporate Health delegates from the National and Safety Manager Colin Schools Curriculum Conference Herbert and Clwyd County Housing scheme earns held recently in Chester. Council Education Inspector The conference was aimed at Eurwen Hulmston gave a pre­ Civic Shield Award teachers who use industry and sentation on the development of business as a model for econom­ the 'Power Pack' teaching aid ic understanding iri schools. The currently being used in Clwyd' s AREA Energy Sales The opening ceremony 12 educational professionals primary schools. Manager Bill Hatton is pic­ for the 12 new properties at who attended Manweb's session Nigel, who is pictured with tured (2nd from right) pre­ Maes yr Esgob, Llanrhaeadr were drawn from as far away as Angela Davies from Newtown senting a Civic Area Shield ym Mochnant, was conduct­ London and Brighton. High School, Powys, during the Award to Brian Thomas, ed by local MP Martyn Organised by Manweb's conference said: "I was delight­ Chairman of the Denbigh­ Jones, who is pictured Education Officer Nigel ed to be able to feature based Housing Association between the two men. On Charlton, the session comprised Manweb's work at the event anc Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd, for the right of the photo is workshops run by Pricing' s the feedback proves that teach­ the high standards of electric Manweb Technical Sales Marie Myles and Energy ers are interested in using thf heating and insulation at a Support Manager Fred Marketing's Graham Slatter and resources we are currently pro· new housing development. Houghton. Dr David Walker. ducing."

CHAMPAGNE corks were popping in early completion meant Aberystwyth staff Aberystwyth when staff celebrated the were able to celebrate shortly before launch of the DOJM Distribution Christmas. Operational Job Management system. District Manager John Brown, standin~ Aberystwyth is the last Manweb District fourth from the right, and his staff are pic­ to go live with DOJM, which provides a tured drinking a toast before tucking in to ~ fully integrated system for all Network special DOJM cake. Also pictured an Services work planning and management. District Implementor Glyn Rees (centre: Although they were originally programmed and, seated to his right, Distric1 to launch the new system in February 1993, Administrator Marion Thomson. CONTACT Page 9

A BRIGHTER RECEPTION AT OSWESTRY

A NEW look Customer Service Bureau has been opened in Oswestry District following a £120,000 facelift at the Maesbury Road premises. The Bureau, says Manweb Chief Executive, John Roberts, who was present at the opening, is part of a major drive to improve customer relations, and is comple­ mentary to a training programme for all Company staff. The money was spent mainly on a new reception area designed to put people at ease when dis­ cussing problems. The refurbished Bureau was opened by the Mayor of Oswestry Borough, Councillor Brian Case. A timely reminder of the open­ ing came in the form of a clock which had been assembled from a kit supplied by Manweb to help in occupational therapy at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Pictured at the official opening of the Oswestry District Customer Services Bureau are, Hospital. As a thank you to the (1-r), Manweb Chief Executive John Roberts, Mayor of Oswestry Borough Brian Chase, hospital for assembling the clock, Receiving a cheque for £100 for the Agnes Jones and Robert Hunt Hospital is Mayoress Helen Case, Oswestry District Manager Mike Jones, and Director Network Graham Smoot with (1-r), the Mayor and Mayoress; Derek Williams, also Services Howard Kirkham. Manweb also donated a £100 cheque. from the hospital, and John Roberts.

ComP-uter contract to imP-rove services MANWEB has awarded Ferranti International of Manchester a contract worth in excess of £4m to provide a state-of-the-art computer sys­ tem for managing the distrib­ John Parry (centre) and two other 'victims' after their mock motorway pile-up ordeal. ution of power within the Merseyside and North Wales region. Manweb is the second Regional Electricity Company to AssOciation's new Chairman place a contract with Ferranti for a distribution network manage­ ment system. This new business OSWESTRY and District Retired Staff tion of talks on a monthly basis on a variety of has been created as the newly Association recently held its Annual General subjects. In September Mr Derek Pratt gave a talk privatised companies invest in on 'What's in a Place Name?' and then ic October new equipment to improve effi­ WHAT should have been everywhere, simulating the Meeting, when a new chairman, Mr W 0 Jones, was elected. Mr Roger Cross talked about his 30 years' service ciency and increase flexibility in a routine day turned to chemical gases. There were in the Police Force in Birmingham. the supply and distribution of four fatalities and over 20 He proposed a vote of thanks for Mrs E Duffy, high drama for a Three more talks have already been arranged electrical power. casualties. It seems that the the retiring Chairperson. Mrs Duffy had been for 1993, starting with Mr Leslie Oppitz speaking In announcing the award of Man web Linesman lorry had blown a tyre and Secretary and Chairperson in the two years since about local railways, complete with sound effects. the contract to Ferranti when his transit van was spilled its chemicals. The dri­ the Association was formed and her help had been invaluable. On February 18 Mr Alf Strange will talk about Manweb' s Director, Network involved in a motorway ver had been killed and country characters in and around the Smithy, and Services Mr Howard Kirkham pile-up with a double­ John's transit and a bus The Secretary, Mrs J Griffiths, reported that the Association had had an interesting year with vari­ on March 18 Eric and Kath Crane will be enter­ said: "We are determined to packed with teenage passen­ decker bus and a lorry ous outings. The first was to Rheidol Power taining members with a talk about their teaching keep on improving our services gers were caught up in the carrying deadly sub­ Station, followed by lunch at Aberystwyth District adventures in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. They to all our customers. stances. accident. Office. give talks to raise money for the Christian Aid "This new management sys­ Water Project in Mali, West Africa. tem for the Manweb distribution And 'drama' was the The next outing was to Llandudno, followed by Lesson a trip to Caernarfon. Lunch was at the District An early summer holiday is also in the pipeline, network will significantly right word to describe it, Office, where the visitors enjoyed the lovely view depending on support from members, to Croyde improve our remote control capability and provide the infor­ for all the police, fire "It was a very interesting overlooking the river. Members then proceeded to Bay in North Devon. mation to improve the manage­ crews, ambulance staff day which taught the emer­ Porthmadog in time for a cup of tea before the New and old members are always welcome at ment of the network. return journey. the meetings and it is a chance to renew acquain­ and other emergency ser­ gency services many lessons "It will provide the basic The August outing was to Cheddar Gorge and tances. If you wish to join, the annual fee is £1.50 vices who raced to the in how to handle such a situ­ infrastructure to meet the Weston-super-Mare, which was very enjoyable, and this should be sent to the Treasurer, Mr H scene were acting out ation," said John. demands of our customers into These lessons were later and the final expedition of the year was a Gwilliam, 13 Croeswylan Crescent, Oswestry. reaction to a simulated Christmas shopping trip to Chester and lunch at th.e .next century and will keep discussed by the emergency Any suggestions for future outings and activities Head Office. us at the forefront of this new disaster. services at a special debrief­ would be most welcome as the Secretary is rapid­ A new venture during the year was the initia- ly running out of ideas. technology. We are delighted to ing session. be working with Ferranti on this Co-operation important project."

The mock event was organ­ ised by Merseyside Police to Director praises project presentations test the speed, skills, co-ordi­ Make nation and co-operation of the NETWORK Services graduate and critical audience including emergency services in dealing Insulating Oil', Jason Morgan; 'Outdoor Substation Bus Bar trainees cleared their final hurdle the Director and Chief Engineer with a serious accident. 'Extracting Management Inform­ Protection', Andrew Firth; 'Use in completing their engineering together with section managers. a date ation from the Geographic of Hand Held Computer Those involved had not training and moved into their first The presentation topics were Information Database', Ian Terminals for Improving A VARIED and entertaining pro­ been told what to expect, job. 'Protection for Small Hayes; 'The Effects of Customer Service in a Revised gramme of events is in the pipeline although they knew it would This was achieved by project Generators', Dave Kelly; 'The Connecting Small Generators to for members of the Manweb Service Alteration Procedure', be a major training exercise. presentations given to an invited Effect of Fibre Contamination in Long 1 lkV Lines', Eric Bell; (Chester and Head office) Retired It happened on an unopened Phil Baldwin. Staff Association during 1993. stretch of the M62 under con­ Following a visit to the Catalyst Speaking to the trainees, struction, near St Helens. Museum at Widnes and lunch at Director Network Services the Gateway to Wales Hotel on Linesman John P arry of Howard Kirkham said: "I was January 20, the next event North Mersey Region became impressed with the standard of planned is a guided tour of a 'victim' at the scene when Liverpool and afternoon tea at his District Manager, Terry presentations you made, it is not Thornton Hough WI Pavilion Keenan volunteered the ser­ easy to condense a long and February 17. involved project into a short rele­ On March 24, the group will vices of John and his vehicle head for Kendal, and their tour to help out. vant presentation and you all will include a visit to the 'K-Shoe' "I had to act as thougn my achieved that very well. I was Shop. Then, from April 15 to 19, transit was in collision with a particularly impressed that all the members will embark on a coach lorry carrying chemicals," projects were very relevant to the tour to the Netherlands, visiting the bulb fields. A small number of John explained. "It was so various technical issues we are vacancies for this trip exist, and realistic and convincing." Pictured (1-r) are Dave Kelly, Andrew Firth, Jason Morgan, Eric Bell, Phil Baldwin, Howard implementing at the moment in anyone interested should contact There were billows of smoke Kirkham, Ian Hayes, Chief Engineer John Turner and Purchasing and Services Manager Geoff Abel. the division." Mr or Mrs Austin on 0244 347762. Page JO CONTACT

By Geoff ·standring BRIGHT ideas earned a pair of Manweb employees some super prizes in a recent Contact competition aimed In 'Taking stock' this month we look at the 'ups' and 'downs' of Manweb at reducing our energy consumption. pie's share priced from October 1992 to early January 1993, and discuss Eric Clayton, a shift electrician at some of the factors that could have contributed to these trends. Warrington, won the first prize, a microwave The movement in the Ff-SE 100 index during this period is also shown. The graph shows oven, for his suggestion to use passive infra­ that the Ff-SE 100 index increased steadily over this period from 2557 to 2861, before falling red detectors to control the lights in corridors back towards the end. Since August 1992 the Ff-SE 100 index has risen from 2300 to 2861, an GREEN and washrooms. Energy savings of up to 50 increase of 24 per cent! This upsurge in the market is mainly a result of falling interest and per cent can be obtained from the use of this inflation rates, and the expectation of recovery type of lighting control. from the recent 'recession'. John Humphreys, who works in the DRC at Following the upward and downward trends on RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISSUES Clwyd District, came up with a similar sug­ the graph: gestion for infra-red detectors and was pre­ (a) Upward Trend Rise of 25 pence sented with a plug-in timer and some energy SHARE PRICES AND INTEREST RATES Following the recent decrease from 10 per cent to 9 efficient light bulbs. per cent on September 22, the base rate decreased Both Eric's and John's prizes should help again to 8 per cent on October 16, and there was Share prices tend to be inversely propor- them to be more energy efficient in their own encouraging news of the prospect of a further tional to interest rates. i.e. As interest rates homes. decrease. See separate note on relationship between fall, share prices tend to rise and vice share prices and interest rates. versa. (b) Downward Trend Fall of 19 pence This is because, given that a company's divi­ Some Brokers were predicting that lower inflation dend is usually reasonably predictable (by ana­ meant that the RECs level of dividend increase could lysts etc), then so the yield (dividend divided by not be sustained and that the year's forecast of a 13 share price) can be predicted: per cent increase was likely to be only 10 per cent. Other electricity stock watchers added that political eg if the share prize today of XYZ Limited is considerations would also overhang the rate of divi­ 500 pence, and the dividend expected in the dend increase with the RECs being put under pressure next 12 months is 20 pence (gross), then the to rein in the rise until the controversy over pit clo­ expected yield (gross dividend yield) on the sures blew over. shares of that company is 4 per cent (200/500 x (c) Upward Trend Rise of 65 pence 100 per cent). The share price rose sharply over this period. Ignoring any material effect on XYZ Ltd's Worries over dividend increases were short lived, profit and di vidend performance caused by the share price climbed steadily. A further interest rate interest rate movements and the numerous other cut was expected, and happened on November 13. factors that could affect the share price, then if The base rate was cut from 8 per cent to 7 per cent. interest rates fall, say from 7 per cent to 6 per The last time the base rate was below 7.5 per cent cent investors may switch from savings 'Bright Ideas' winner Eric Clayton (left) Bright spark John Humphreys (right) is pre­ was in 1977! accounts into shares of XYZ Limited. This in receives his microwave oven from Mid sented with his prize by Derek Roberts, The relatively high yield of the REC's shares was turn will cause XYZ Limited's share price to Mersey District Manager Barry Judd. Energy Sales Senior Account Manager, again attracting investors. rise, say to 570 pence, resulting in a lower Industrial. (d) Downward Trend Fall of 46 pence expected yield of 3.5 per cent (20/570 x 100 per Several factors influenced the downward trend dur­ cent). ing this period. The decision was announced by the RECs not to Dividend yields are usually always below 'float' the National Grid during 1993/94 (The RECs interest rates, because as well as the dividend between them own all the share capital in The income receivable from a share, there is usually John digs in at National Grid Company plc, and Manweb pie holds an expected 'capital' gain from a share, ie an 5.5 per cent of the shares). increase in the share price over time. DEE Valley District Manager Some of the increase .in the share price since the Dividend yields quoted in the press are his­ John Macdonald is pictured doing election had been attributed to the hopes of a floata­ torical, not predicted. a spot of spadework at a recent tion of NGC plc. 'Floating' NGC plc would create a At the time of writing the average gross tree planting ceremony to cele­ tree time similar shareholder profile to the RECs with many yield of the 100 companies in the Ff-SE 100 brate the 40th anniversary of the thousands of 'private shareholders' owning shares. index is 4.3 per cent. The average gross yield of Queen's accession to the throne. This would virtually have made certain that central the RECs is 5.3 per cent. The base rate is 7.0 government could not bring the National Grid back A total 40 trees paid for by per cent. Manweb were planted on the site into state ownership or 'control', with all the implica­ tions that this might have had for the RECs. The higher yield of the RECs compared to at Dodleston, during National the Ff-SE 100 index, reflects the perceived reg­ Tree Week. The project was car­ The share price also fell amid the unsettling influ­ ence created by the government's Select Committee ulatory and political risk associated with REC ried out in partnership with which made a suggestion that the RECs may have to shares, as with other regulated utilities. Cheshire County Council, bear the cost of supporting the coal industry in Britain, Another reason why share price movements Cheshire Parish Tree Warden if the generating companies are forced to take on high­ tend to be inversely proportional to interest Scheme, Dodleston Parish er volumes of British Coal in future. rates is that, for 'interest paying' companies, Council and the Tree Council. There was also a general move by investors out of lower interest rates should mean higher profits, Pictured helping John the Utility sector into 'recovery shares', ie shares that because interest charges are lower. Higher prof­ Macdonald .to plant one of the had fallen sharply during the recent recession and its should increase a company' s share price. young trees are Mr Phil Redican, were expected to show good increases upon a recov­ Deputy Head of Cloughwood ery from the recession. This also helped explain the School, Tree Warden Mrs Jeannie opposing rise in the Ff-SE 100 index (which is made up of several 'recovery stocks' ) during this period. Moorcroft and Cloughwood (e) Upward Trend Rise of 38 pence pupils Matthew Thurston and Manweb plc announced its 1992/93 half year results on December 9. The results were in line with expecta­ Robert Rolfe. tions and the share price hardly moved on the day. The shares went 'ex-div' on December 14 and, as would be expected, fell 6.5 pence. The interim dividend is 6.1 pence. (Side note: on December 15 Welsh Water plc sold its 14.9 per cent stake in South Wales Electricity plc which created quite a splash in the market. South Wales' share price was largely unaffected, falling 8 pence on the day. There were plenty of buyers.) It was rumoured that at last there was a deal between the generating companies and British Coal, together with possible long-term price agreement between the generators an9 the RECs. Meanwhile the Ff-SE 100 index was falling, among fears that the government may be forced into making unpopular tax changes, poor profit announcements from some large companies in the index, and the renewal of hostilities in the Gulf. REC prices rose as Investors looked for 'safe havens' in a falling market, and a shortage of Manweb stock contributed to a rise in its share price. If you have any further queries on these matters, your professional advisor, bank, tax office or building soci.­ ety will probably be best p"laced to help you.

Manweb pie "Fully Paid" Share Price Oct 92 to Jan 93

Manweb Chairman Bryan Weston is pictured (2nd from left) drawing one of the lucky tombola 2930 'High' 513 pence winners, with (to his left) EEIBA Secretary David Lucas, an Accountant in the Finance 520 :-- 290-0 Department at Head Office, and (1-r) EEIBA Committee Members Alan Davison, Tom Jones 510 '-- (Chairman of the Social Executive Committee), Jack Buck and Alan Munnerley. 28,0 MANWEB helped the Electrical in the Channel 4 soap 'Brookside', 500 - x 280-0 Q) and Electronics Industries for helping to auction a mountain -c Q) 490 - Benevolent Association raise over bike and present prizes. .!: LUNCH (..) 27'0 0 £2,000 during a fund-raising ~ 480 - ..-0 Christmas lunch at the Lord The EEIBA is a charitable foun- 2700 w 47 0 r- Daresbury Hotel, Warrington. dation set up over 80 years ago to a.. (/) 26,0 ~ SERVES "The grand tombola was the care for employees in the industry 460 '-- u. who require special care and sup­ main fund-raising attraction and a 260-0 special thanks goes to those com­ port. The local branch is driven by panies that donated a vast array of volunteers from companies in the 2'30 quality prizes," said Manweb area. During the past year funds OVER 2'00 Chairman Bryan Weston, who is have been raised through an 12-0ct 20-0ct 23-0ct 20·No'' 03·0.c 04·Jan 13·Jan also Chairman of the local EEIBA. Annual Ball, Grand National 'High' and 'Low' dates Thanks also went to TV star Draw, Golf Tournament and - Manweb pie share price-..-.- FT-SE 100 Index 2000 Vince Earle, who plays Ron Dixon through the Prize Draw Club Page 11 :h CONTACT Caravan - New 31', 6/7 berth, FOR SALE Tennis - Liverpool Electric Wedding Photography - all mains services. Gas, electricity Supply Tennis Club welcomes Capture the informal pictures of and colour tv included. 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PERSONAL Photographer - Professional 't HOLIDAYS Caravan - Towyn, near Rhyl, six Discounts for Manweb employees wedding and portrait. Let me cre­ berth, two bedrooms, shower, 0352 781443. and families. Connor - Karen and Bob would ate your wedding album, portfolios fridge, fully fitted. From £75 per like to thank everyone at Manweb or portraits. Reasonabl~ rates. Soulh West France - Ex-ESI week. Tel: 0978 362615/352653. Sega Master System - for their kind thoughts, get well Contact Matthew Harman on H.O. employee and his wife offer Pony Trekking - and farm holi­ Toomargoed, Rhyl - Take that (Often out of stock>. Two control cards, gifts and flowers after bob's int. ext 2777 or 0978 263448. secluded countryside guest days. Accompanied one hour to break you've been promising your­ pads, 9 games: Super, Kick Off, recent accident. We have been house, set in 3 acres near full-day treks for novices or experi­ self. 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B&B, HB, Private parties catered for. Further 3003. Cledwyn Hughes extras, everything throughout the from 250 Francs p.n.p.c. Write or Landscape contractor, driveways, day captured but no one embar­ details: Hwylfa Ddafydd Country Caravan - 6-berth Willerby on phone David and Jenny Boniface paths, patios in block paving, rassed too much! 20 per cent dis­ Farm Holidays, tel. Colwyn Bay Sailing Holidays - Artemis Greenacres Holiday Park, 3-miles - D'Astros, Le Pin, 82340, count for staff. Please ring if you 516965. Comet's 850 C28ft> bareboat char­ Porthmadog, 2-bedrooms with fit­ fencing, turfing, rockeries, Auvillar, France C010-33-63-95-95- would like to see examples - no ter , Moody 37, bareboat or skip­ ted wardrobes, shower room and stonework, planting etc. Member 20> of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. obligation - Gemini Videos, 051 pered charter. Corfu based. toilet, vanity unit, fully equipped 6451549. Algarve - privately-owned villa Tuition available. Full inventory. galley kitchen, site consists of Tel. 0745 826962. set in large gardens in the Uanberis - Foot of Snowdon. Contact H. J. Hargrove on 0270 swimming pool, club, pub, super­ Monichique Hills. Split level din­ Luxury flat in country house, 67556. market, hairdressers, launderette, Professional Female - To Crazy Caricatures - The ideal ing room, good kitchen facilities, sleeps 4-8. Also smaller flat for .2. bakery, fish and chip shop. share semi-detached house gift for any occasion, leaving par­ utility room, two good-sized bed­ directly opposite Head Office, £45 ties, retirements, etc. 10 per cent All mod cons, quiet, ample park­ Orlando - Florida. To let, luxu­ Absolute bargain, cost £7,200, for rooms, terraces with garden furni­ per week inclusive of bills. discount for Manweb staff. ing, short breaks up to Easter, ry holiday home on Buenaventura quick sale £3,500 o.n.o. Genuine ture. Panoramic views of the west Contact Mrs Bark on Chester Contact Sandra on 710 2332 brochure. Tel. 0286 871097. Lakes Golf and Country Club (15 reason for selling. Tel. Hazel at St coast 24kms away. Swimming 376078. CNorth Mersey int.>. mins from Disneyworld>. 3 beds, 2 John's Shop or 051 546 4816 pool, maid service food hamper Chome>. Greenacres Holiday Park - provided. Flights arranged. Tel: bathrooms, will accommodate up to 8 persons. Private swimming Locksmith - 5-lever mortice Artist - Portraits painted. No 6-8 berth luxury caravans, 2 swim­ 0352 86709 orfax: 0492 540457. locks fitted to all insurance speci­ pool. Use residents' golf club. Full Tow Bar - Suitable for Ford charge if customer is not satisfied. ming pools, family clubs/entertain­ fications. All types opened, management service on hand. For Orion Mk 1, £ 12. Tel. Andy Stubbs Tel. 0248 355592. ment, bowling green, golf and ten­ repaired and fitted. Locks fitted to nis, 2 mins from award-winning Port Grimaud - Six miles St further details ring 051 625 8202. on 0244 652357. aluminium doors. Tel. 051 498 Crystal Karaoke - Laser, for Black Rock Sands. All amenities Tropez. Four/six berth caravans 4603 or 051 220 9100. private parties, office parties, wed­ on site, competitively priced, all with electricity, hot and cold Lanzarote - Playa Blanca, 1 Tow Bar - For 1980 Ford water, shower, on three star hotel dings, etc., reasonable prices from dates available. Tel. 0352 741027 bed villa on small development Sierra, £25 o.n.o. Tel. Paul Dewar Treework and Landscaping site. Luxury coach travel from on HO int. ext. 3243. £45. Tel. 0352 770 429. after 6pm. with pool, bar, tennis court, luxury - Specialist, all aspects of tree­ most areas. Tel: 0670 712399. kitchen, lounge, private garden work undertaken, trees lopped, The Ferries - Manweb' s own with BBQ. Available May and Sofa Bed - Pale grey with pink Llandudno - Branstone Hotel, thinned, pruned and shaped. Dead trio are available for your Manweb November. Tel. 051 336 8678 orchid flowers, £135. Tel. 0244 privately owned and licensed. Porlllmadog - Holiday bunga­ or dangerous trees felled. Trees, function. Please contact P. 676132. Central, level position close to low, sleeps six. Black Rock Sands hedges and shrubs supplied and Keenan, Q'ferry internal 4216 if shops and promenade. Special five minutes' drive. Convenient Snowdonia - Bungalow near planted. Ponds and rockeries your require first class live enter­ offer £12 per person b&b until Ffestiniog Railway, Snowdonia Harlech with wide sea views, 3 Wedding Dress - white satin, designed and built. Turfing, fenc­ tainment. March 31 (evening meal available National Park. Contact C. Janes, double bedrooms with bunk/play­ full skirt, size 14. 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Free estimates, on 15-acre site overlooking North Wales - 376369. van to let, fully equipped, peaceful Clwyd int. ext. 770 2274, or 0745 tel. 0244 549375. Snowdonia. Touring caravans and 339354. South of France - Frejus, 6- tents welcome. Brochure avail­ countryside, 6 miles from Bala, Floor and Wall Tiiing, - con­ £10 per day. Tel: 049084 208. Installations and berth mobile home on 4-star site able, tel: 0248 713410. Plumbing - tact J. W. French on 0492 repairs. Quality bathroom suites with all facilities. Available May Ring 0437 731375. PROPERTY 583347 or Glyn Jones at Flint supplied and fitted, tiling if 1993 to September 1993. For Shop. Over 30 years' experience. required. Competitive rates. Tel. details tel. 0686 625355 Blackpool - Kenley Hotel. For Charter - Luxury 56ft steel Wallasey - 4 bedroom house in Small, friendly and licensed. G. Davies on 0244 372860. (evenings). ketch, Uisge Beatha. 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Good food and Tel. 0244 549449 or 0352 758793 CRuthin}. caravan on farm. Six berth, sepa­ 'Judith Mary' welcomes parties of after 5.30pm. 339354. rate double bedroom, shower, toi­ company in a relaxed atmosphere. up to 35. Cruise for 21 /2 to 3 let, TV etc. All season price £70 Also ideal for incentives/promo­ hours on the Shropshire Union Machynllelll - B&B self cater­ County Wills - Make a Will. rumoN per week. Tel: 0934 750 292. tions for staff and clients. Canal from Chester Basin Cby There is now a convenient method ing cottage situated outskirts of Brochure on request, including Telford's Warehouse}. Good food historic Mid Wales town. Sandy details of winter season in of making your Will. A consultant Driving Lessons - Robin at reasonable prices, with fully­ beaches of Aberdovey and Borth South of France - 6 berth visits your home at a time to suit Jones School of Motoring. Canaries. Telephone: Melford stocked bar , central heating, mobile home near to Monaco, you. Private and confidential, any­ Department of Transport approved easily accessible. Sleeps 5 + cot, Charters on 051 207 4069. taped music etc. Enjoy a relaxing Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, all facili­ where in the Manweb area. Get a driving instructor. Member of the from £130 - £160 p.w. Ring Mrs break in different surroundings. Powell on 0654 702206. ties on site, swimming pool, leaflet from your District Office or Institute of Advanced Motorists .Jersey - Channel Islands. Why not arrange a party outing? restaurant, bar, shop etc. Further contact County Wills, 0477 ROSPA Advanced Driving The Willows Hotel, Grand Vaux, St Ring Keith or Pat Sowden for details from Malcolm Williams, 33447. Certificate. Member of the Motor Saviour, Jersey JE2 4NB. New, details on 0244 383887. French Alps - Between Annecy Tel: 0544 267579. Schools of Great Britain. Special and La Clusaz. To let, a traditional purpose-built hotel, completed 10% Discount - To all Manweb discount for Manweb members. Alpine farmhouse set high in the May 1991. One and a half miles Fishing Trips - and pleasure staff. Suits 'U' and Juliano Italia, Beginners to advanced, motorway lovely Maningod Valley. Fully from St Helier, situated in the Dolgellau - Traditional farm­ cruises aboard the DTI vessel two shops within the Albert Dock, course, dual control Metro. Free modernised accommodation on lovely Grand Vaux Valley. All bed­ house cottage set in a seven acre 'Cerismar' out of Beaumaris, Liverpool. Suits 'U' (formerly pick-up service. For details tel. one level, three bedrooms, sleeps rooms en-suite, colour television, smallholding in Snowdonia Anglesey. Wreck, reef and general above 'L' for Leather) now at 5 0831 584643 (daytime} or 051 339 6-8. Large open plan kitchen, din­ radio, direct dial telephones, tea National Park. Sleeps seven plus fishing. Pleasure cruises to Puffin Brittania Pavilion, Albert Dock, 8135 (evenings>. ing and lounge area with balcony and coffee-making facilities. cot. Tastefully modernised, fully Island. Competitive prices from 051 707 0980. Juliano Italia, 14 and large verandah. New shower Economy 7 electric heating, hair fitted kitchen inc. dishwasher and £35. Full time skipper owner Brittania Pavilion, Albert Dock, Guitar Tuition - Howard Evans, room, separate toilet. Stunning driers and shaving points. Choice microwave. Storage heater and David Jones, 2nd Coxswain selling designer suits, jackets, B.Mus. - classical guitar tuition in views of the Aravis mountains. large inglenook fireplace. Ample of menu, also self catering apart­ Beaumaris Lifeboat and member shirts, etc. from Milan, Genoa and Ab~rystwyth area. Music reading Skiing, tobogganning, skating in ment. Ten per cent discount to parking and grounds. Kennel for of the National Federation of Naples. Fantastic styles, competi­ and all aspects of playing and per­ winter. Walking, sailing, swim­ Manweb staff and retired employ­ pet by arrangement. Easy access Charter Skippers. Contact D. A. tive prices. Both shops open 7 formance techniques. Associated ming, riding in summer. Call P ees, tel. 0534 36267. to mountains and sea. Beautiful Jones on 0248 810746. days a week, 10am to 6pm, free Board examinations. Contact W M Moray on HO ext 2311 or Mrs scenery and walks. Prices from parking. Evans, 0970 86755. Bennett on 051 342 7334 for avail­ £100 to £220 per week. Tel: 0341 Rulhin - B&B in converted barn. Sea Fishing - On board ability and photos. 423912. En-suite, private sitting room, Miranda out of Holyhead, excellent area for pony trekking, Anglesey. Deep sea, reef or wreck , Falaise - Normandy, 18th walking, fishing etc. Tel. 08242 fishing. Trips arranged for 4 to 12 llandudno - Rosaire Private 4047. PLEASE PRINT YOUR FREE AD. ON THIS COUPON OR ON Century farmhouse, large gar­ Hotel, family-run and situated in hours, licensed and insured for PLAIN PAPER dens, tastefully restored. Near his­ lovely garden area of town, yet parties of 12. Boat; hire from £50. toric market town, sleeps 4-6, close to all entertainment and Benalmadena - Costa Del Sol, Rods, tackle and bait available. from £100 pw. Tel. 0244 317820. studio apartment suitable for 2/3. Contact Kevin Wright, Miranda shops with no hills to climb. Free (BLOCK CAPS PLEASE) car park. Tea/coffee making facili­ Splendid pool and other ameni­ Sea Angling, Mon Elian, Moelfre, ties, some en-suite rooms avail­ ties. Tel. J. Flanagan on Chester Anglesey, Gwynedd. Tel. 0248 Pwllheli - North Wales, 341097. 88459. detached bungalow, sleeps 6. able, excellent home cooking, Superb views, fully equipped, served at separate tables. Tel: inclusive of linen and electricity, 0492 877677 or write for brochure Cornish Cottage - with gar­ Deep Sea Fishing - Pwllheli, convenient to all amenities. Tel. to Mr and Mrs G Evans, 2 St den. Gwinear, Hayle. Peaceful North Wales. Starlight offshore 27 Pwllheli 612353. Seiriols Road, Llandudno, countryside, convenient location, turbo, fully equipped. Tel. Mark Gwynedd LL30 2YY. sleeps 2/4. Tel. 0736 850389. Lewis: 0925 860269. I Colwyn Bay - Swiss style Llandudno - Hollybank Fly Fishery - Gweryd Lodge, Chalet, sleeps 6, electric heating. Anglesey - B&B/self catering Edwardian Hotel. Small, friendly, Llanarmon-yn-lal, Mold. Superb fly Bathroom, flush toilet, fridge, summer let. Secluded farmhouse non-smoking, elegant licensed fishing on a great 122-acre lake. colour TV, garden and parking. with panoramic views of the hotel. Central position and with Boats for hire. Contact John Situated in beautiful woodland dell Snowdonia range. Within 10 min­ own car park. Full central heating Stowell on 08243230. near Eirias Park and beach. utes of the main town Llangefni Name ...... and spotlessly clean. Spacious Weekly rates or weekend or mid­ and sandy beaches, idyllic for bird comfortable en-suite rooms with Walks and week breaks. Tel. 051 678 9854. watchers. Tel: Bodorgan (0407} Guided tours - Work place (or retired) ...... 840038. free colour TV and drinks facilities. talks. Discover more about the I Dinner optional - excellent cui­ Merseyside area in the company Tel: ...... : ...... Cumbria - Newly appointed cot­ sine. Nightly or weekly terms. of Brian King, a registered blue tage. ETB 4-key commended. Snowdon - Quiet valley, mod­ Reductions for OAPs and chil­ badge Mersey Guide. Find out Peacefully situated on small farm. ern flat with all facilities. Sleeps dren. SAE please for brochure to about its fascinating history, archi­ Send to: 'CONTACT' FREE ADS, MANWEB, Hadrian's Wall area. Sleeps four. four. Beautiful views, free fishing. Mrs. R. Antrobus, Hollybank, St. tecture, development and the Short breaks available, open all Contact Mrs A. Bohannon on David's Place, Llandudno LL30 famous people who made it all SEAL.AND ROAD, CHESTER CH1 4LR year. No pets. Tel: 0228 75650. 0286 85537. 2UG. Tel. 0492 878521. happen. Tel. 051-526 4032. Page 12 CONTACT

The winn~rs ... Allstars team pictured with their trophies, back row, l-r, Ian The runners-up ...Members of the Billing 8 with batsman Tim Millington are, Jones, Martin Jones, David Linton, Damian Hyland (captain), John Townend, back row, 1-r, Bernard Gorman, Doug Provan and Phil Summers. Front row, l-r, Ken Sudlow, Mike Metcalfe. Front row, kneeling, l-r, Richard Bromley and Alan Atherall, Mike Williams, Jez Lawes and Tim Hudson. Missing from the Pat Byrne. Three other members of the team - John Richards, Andy Kelsall picture is 9th man Simon Ryder. and Bill Bates - were not available for the photocall.

SPBNB By SPEND Damian SPEND Hyland ENJOY a shopping tdp with a difference! Leave your flexible friend behind! Give your Bank TEN teams battled it out to were joined by the previous Balance a rest! Let Ambassador 2000 take the strain. become the Manweb Head year's champions, Wangoes Batting: You could be one of our two lucky winners who will Office Sports and Social 8- Winners, and runners-up Power receive £250 worth of High Street vouchers to spend at a-side cricket champions. Procurement, to form the final league of four teams in stage 1. M Harman (Full Tossers), 89 runs not out your leisure. The tournament initially two. ( v Long Deep Third Leggers) Vouchers from which you can choose include: Olympus saw eight teams in two 2. D Linton (Allstars), 75 runs not out Sport; W. H. Smith; Our Price; Sheratt & Hughes; leagues of four competing in After some thrilling matches Waterstones; House of Fraser or EMI Record Tokens as well and more than the odd close fin­ ( v Long Deep Third Leggers) as all those usually available. 16 overs per side matches, ish, this year's champions were Why not use the vouchers to purchase your summer neces­ with the winners of each the Allstars. They played and sities. Alternatively treat yourself to a weekend break at one of league then going on to meet won six matches over both the many Trusthouse Forte Hotels either in England or abroad. the previous year's two final­ stages to receive this accolade. Bowling: The decision is yours! ists, both of these teams hav­ The runners-up spot went to the All you need to do to qualify for this prize is to enter a valid ing received a bye from stage other stage one qualifier, the lead between 2nd February and 12th March. Billing 8. 1. D Hyland (Allstars), 4 overs 0 mdns 4 runs 4 wkts (v Full one. Tossers) But remember.•• The two league winners from Best individual performances The more leads you enter stage one were the Billing 8 and of the tournament, with bat and 2. J Richards (Allstars), 4 overs 0 mdns 9 runs 4 wkts (v The more chance you have of winning the Allstars, and these teams ball, came from: Power Procurement) If you would like any more information, please contact Sharryn Tracey on Head Office 2811. EGGSTRA, EGGSTRA!! During this limited period, we are offering you the choice of Thorntons or Woolworths vouchers in addition to the usual selection. Peak performance Go on!! Be EGGSTRA VAGANT this Easter, splash out with Thorntons or Woolworths eggs. CONGRATULATIONS THE six Marks & Spencer luxury Christmas hampers were won by: from Manweb pair Tommy Winrow, Chargehand Meter Operative, Liverpool;Geoff Roylance, Network Services Shift IN tip top condition ... That's rather than running for the rest of Jeff said: "What won the race decided to pack it in, but by theu Electrician, North Wirral; Frank Baldwin, Service Electrician, Mid-Cheshire District the way, and I was in pain for a for us was a pair of soldiers in we had managed to build up ~ Mid-Cheshire; Dave Williams, Contracting Electrician, Manager Jeff Hunt and Head month afterwards," said Jeff. front who set the pace. They run­ very big lead and just kept going. Oswestry; Liz Evans, Clerical Assistant, General Services, Office Business Systems Not everyone was so lucky, ning well and look.ed very strong, "We also managed to get bad Clwyd; Donna Horton, Sales Assistant, Bangor Shop. Controller Brian Sheppard however, and the pair learned but we managed to '- keep up with to base before the pubs closed, who put their best feet for­ afterwards that one of the other them, leaving the others well which was a bonus!" added Jeff competitors had collapsed and behind. When we got to who hopes more Manweb stafi ward and competed in the died during the race. Ribbleshead they suddenly will take part in next year's race. Three Peaks Trek, staged recently in the Yorkshire Dales. Running as a team, the pair completed the course in six hours 29 minutes, each winning BRIAN PLUGS FOR a weekend for two in London complete with first class rail travel. The route included the three POWER CHALLENGE well known peaks, Ingleborough, A CHALLENGE.has been issued to Manweb Brian Sheppard, who took part in last year' s com­ Whemside and Pen-y-ghent - a staff to demonstrate just how fit they are. petition and who is organising Manweb's entry ir distance of 24 miles and an over­ Teams are needed to compete in the Power the 1993 event, said: "We want as many teams a~ all ascent of more than 7 ,000 possible from all over Manweb to enter this time. feet. Challenge '93, a gruelling test of stamina, Jeff said: "I've run this course teamwork and endurance. "If we have too many teams, we'll have a pla) a couple of times before, and six La~t year two Manweb teams took part in the off so that the best ones represent Manweb io thi~ hours 29 minutes is my best time event, finishing 20th and 25th in a field of 38, all very physically demanding contest." yet. Neither of us expected to representing the power industry. National Power's Those planning to take part will need to prepare win, and obviously we were very Ferrybridge _team romped into first place. themselves for the event, and Brian is hoping tc pleased with our achievement. The 1993 event will be held at Weston Park, organise fell running and canoeing sessions. Ead "It was raining quite a bit on near Shifnal, Shropshire, on June 12 and 13. The individual is also expected to raise at least £15C the· day, and peat bogs are a 17th century ancestral home of the Earls of through sponsorship. Last year's event brought ir problem. You can go in up to Bradford, this sprawling estate has over 1,000 over £60,000 for Operation Raleigh's Youtb Clwyd District Customer Service Manager Phil Starkey your neck if you aren't careful." ·acres of woods, lakes, hills and a testing adventure Development Programme. The Manweb pair completed congratulates Clerical Assistant Liz Evans on her success courst:. Further details from Brian Sheppard on HO int in winning one of the luxury Christmas hampers. the course safely although Jeff did manage to sprain his ankle Head Office Business Systems Co-ordinator ext. 2528. on the first peak. "I was hobbling