Factfile the £12 Million Scheme Is a “First” Use of Specialist Vehicles.” ● Recycling Overhead Line Insulator Strings Has Been Difficult Until Now

GridLineNational Grid Transco Newsletter for National Grid Transco electricity grantors Spring 2004 All systems go – but gently ATIONAL Grid Transco and its N contractors are pulling out all the stops to protect sensitive farmland in South Wales during a major refurbishment project. They are using vehicles that minimise disturbance to the land, including a new Transcat road-legal vehicle with rubber tracks. Work began in November to replace the earthwire and all insulators, fittings and spacers along 180 spans of the 400kV overhead line between the Swansea North and Cilfynydd substations in Pontypridd. The 60- kilometre route passes through the Vale of Glamorgan and up the Rhondda Valley. The work is being undertaken by two contractors, Eve Transmission and Balfour Beatty Power Networks and supervised by National Grid Transco project engineer Andrew From left: Paul McKenna, project delivery; Richard Biggs, wayleave officer; Steve Askew of Eve McKenzie and engineering services Transmission and Robbie Griggs, project delivery project delivery engineer Robbie year on pasture land, our priority as Griggs — and is on target for always has been to do all we can to completion this spring. protect the environment — hence the Factfile The £12 million scheme is a “first” use of specialist vehicles.” ● Recycling overhead line insulator strings has been difficult until now. The components for the company in that the old fittings Graham Ducker, National Grid include a porcelain or glass bell with a centre are being recycled. Transco’s Environmental Business pin of high tensile steel and a top cap of “We are pleased that recycling is now Partner (Network Strategy) said: pearlitic malleable cast iron. About 5,000 a priority,” said Andrew. “In the past, “Andrew and the contractors involved tonnes of insulators are expected to be the old fittings would have ended up in in this scheme are being very pro- recycled. landfill. Now they will make a useful active with regards to recycling on this contribution. We are also doing our project. Porcelain and timber are two ● At the end of last year, CF Booth Ltd, the best to recycle everything associated of the three major waste streams contracted waste carriers for both with the project — right down to bits of identified as a priority for recycling by contractors, demonstrated a facility for wood, paper and even teabags.” National Grid Transco’s Safety and crushing and shredding the insulators in a Wayleave staff, including Richard Environment Team. single pass using a 2,500hp shredder. Biggs on his first major assignment, “Hopefully this is just the start of ● Ceramic materials are now being screened are liaising with more than 140 reusing porcelain in this way and the to three output sizes for use as aggregate grantors involved. process can be expanded to include replacement and the steel and iron shreds He said: “With much of the work old insulation removed from substation are being separated out for melting. being carried out at this time of the projects.” 2 NEWS NEWS 3 James’ rare turkeys

The Bonga inches its way under the bond wires are a breed apart between the two towers BACK in the early 1930s, farmer Frank The joke used to be that once you plucked Peele saved the Norfolk black turkey from one, you had to hit it with a wooden mallet extinction in this country by launching a to fit it into the oven.” breeding programme at his farm near As a result, Norfolk blacks are more Norwich. expensive than other faster growing Working closely with an expert from an varieties, but James believes they are well agricultural research station, he scoured worth it. the country to locate non-related birds so “The taste is more along the line of he could establish a healthy breeding pheasant and there is a thin layer of fat stock unaffected by interbreeding. under the breast,” he said. “When you His efforts paid off. Frank saved the rare carve it, it has a very tight grain, so you black turkey and today, more than 70 can cut it very thin, like a wafer, and it years later, his 37-year-old grandson, never crumbles. grantor James Graham, continues his “We don’t waste the feathers either — work at Rookery Farm, Thuxton. last Christmas we sold about half a tonne Frank died in 1980 and James took over of them to a dealer in Kent who uses them the farm in 1989 after leaving agricultural to make native American headdresses for college. Today, he is the only farmer in the customers in the United States!” country to breed the Norfolk black turkey James works closely with The Rare on a major scale and last Christmas Breeds Survival Trust. Last Christmas, he fattened 3,500 birds, supplying the also fattened some rare bourbon red London food emporium Fortnum & Mason, turkeys for the festive season and a number of leading London butchers and maintains a small breeding flock of rare several butchers in Norfolk itself. slate turkeys. James hopes that the “My grandfather bought Rookery Farm Norfolk black turkey will be included in in the early 1930s and as he came from a schemes to safeguard endangered long line of poultry keepers, he was rather livestock, and will become as famous and expected to raise poultry!” said James. trendy as creatures like the Gloucester old “He realised black turkeys were rapidly spot pig. becoming extinct in the UK, and the few ● Peele’s Norfolk black turkeys are left in Europe had become smaller and produced mainly for Christmas, although a smaller because of interbreeding.” few are raised for Easter. Rookery Farm is The Norfolk black became rare partly crossed by the Walpole-Norwich 400kV MAJOR partnership operation ensured due to its slow-maturation time, and a overhead line, and together with Lent Farm Athat The Bonga, the UK’s biggest preference by producers for the faster- covers about 380 acres, 200 of which are ocean-going vessel, made a safe passage Ship’s safe passage is a growing, larger-breasted bronze varieties. arable. The Grahams also have a small down the River Tyne following a £300 million refit at Wallsend, near Newcastle. “My turkeys take twice as long to mature herd of beef shorthorn cattle. and grow to table weight as the usual For more information, contact James at A team from National Grid Transco’s commercially-reared turkeys,” said James. Peele’s Norfolk Black Turkeys, Rookery Network Strategy and Engineering Services towering achievement “They have to be hand-plucked and they Farm, Thuxton, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 worked closely with Shell, its contractors have a higher and more pointed breast. 4QJ. Tel: 01362 850237. AMEC, the Port of Tyne harbourmaster and many other authorities and with the port authority it could be removed thousands of local people who gathered to organisations during the complex exercise for access given reasonable notice. watch The Bonga set sail with an extra that involved reconfiguring the grid to allow However,The Bonga is the only vessel to 22,000 tonnes of new equipment. overhead high-voltage power lines to be have made it necessary.” “It was a fantastic sight,” said Paul. “It’s moved out of The Bonga’s way. The Port of Tyne approached National hard to imagine the sheer size of the The huge floating oil production and Grid three years ago about the problems vessel unless you see it edging its way storage vessel arrived on the Tyne from that would be faced when the 300-metre along the river, dwarfing the tiny South Korea in November 2002. Then it fitted long vessel arrived. Dave’s team, headed tugboats. The enormous flare stack easily under the six pairs of conductors and by project engineer Paul Bell, got to work cleared the conductors with several an earthwire that span the Tyne 500 yards to plan a solution. metres to spare and there was a from the AMEC site at Wallsend. However, Much preparatory work was needed to ripple of applause and a cheer from leaving for its base offshore of Nigeria was a protect local supplies so the bulk of power the people standing by.” different matter as a newly-built flare stack could be re-routed ensuring no loss of With The Bonga safely on its was taller than the power lines. supply to customers. journey to Africa, a month-long Two of the men who helped overcome The operation to remove the wires began operation got under way to replace the problem were senior project manager last September — special winches and the wires and restore the circuits to Dave Mercer and wayleaves officer Wilson pulley blocks on each side of the river their normal configuration. Holmes. “The Tyne crossing is one of a removed the conductors one by one. The number of power routes carrying electricity bond wires were then hauled up to the top of NGT project engineer Paul Bell, generated in Scotland and the North East the towers, well out of the way of the vessel, right, and Balfour Beatty project of England on to the grid,” explained Dave. ready to pull new wires back into position. manager Andrew Rigby survey the “When it was built in the 1960s, we agreed The engineering team was among cable-winching procedure James Graham with his flock of Norfolk black turkeys 4 NEWS NEWS 5 There’s light at the end of the tunnels… London project takes major step

ATIONAL Grid Transco’s new cable Park, Canons Corner, Colindale, Steady as she goes… the transformer reaches Ntunnel from Hertfordshire to North Cricklewood, Kilburn and St John’s Wood St John’s Wood substation London has reached a major milestone. for maintenance and ventilation. Tunnel vision… represents a major investment by NGT to Just before Christmas, all five new The monorail, although in operation in the view from reinforce the network. At a cost of £200 transformers reached the 400kV other countries, is the first of its kind in the the inside at million, the circuit will be feeding electricity substations being built at Elstree and St UK. It can travel at 2.5m per second, roughly Dartford to London. The tunnel has been designed John’s Wood. five mph, and inspects the cabling by remote to accommodate a second circuit in years control. Should maintenance work be The monorail safety and maintenance to come to meet future demand.” system has been tested and installed in the needed, staff can also use the monorail to North London wayleaves officer Brian tunnel and cable installation is due to start this transport themselves and equipment. Mead has been liaising closely with grantors A brush with toothpaste spring. The scheme, known as The London Cable installation will commence shortly along the route of the tunnel throughout the Connection, was started in March 2000 and and will be one of the longest 400kV circuits project. KBR was appointed as NGT’s is expected to be completed in 2005. to be installed in Europe. Using cross-linked technical consultant and site representative. Elstree substation buildings are now polyethylene insulation technology, this type ABB is undertaking the St John’s Wood complete, and switchgear installation is of cable requires minimal maintenance. under the Thames substation and cable manufacturing and expected to be finished by the middle of By constructing a tunnel, most of the installation contract. The Elstree substation ORK is progressing well on the new the year. works have been carried out underground, contract was awarded to Siemens. JMS W2.4km Dartford 400kV cable tunnel. It At St John’s Wood, the substation has were invisible and inaudible at ground level built the tunnel and is in the process of forms part of a two-year, multi-million been built and switchgear installed, and all and minimised traffic disruption. completing the head houses. The £60 pound scheme to remove two 275kV works are due for completion by 2005. Jim Street, project manager for National million XLPE cable and switchgear contract circuits beneath the road deck of the west The three-metre diameter tunnel, Grid Transco, said: “This cable tunnel has been awarded to ABB. Dartford road tunnel, and install construction of which was replacement 400kV circuits in a new tunnel. completed within a year, will Once up and running, it will allow future house a 400kV electricity maintenance without affecting traffic flow on transmission cable circuit London’s orbital motorway network. feeding London. Civil engineering contractor AMEC Running at an average brought in a specialist tunnel boring machine depth of about 27 metres, the (TBM), for the drive beneath the Thames. tunnel has been constructed The 85-tonne machine, measuring 3.5 to allow for a second 400kV metres diameter by eight metres long, went circuit when demand for into the ground at Littlebrook in Dartford, electricity increases further. Kent, in August and, at full capacity, The TBM goes into the ground at Littlebrook All the buildings have been advanced towards Thurrock in Essex at begin and final commissioning is scheduled natural water, became a toothpaste-like designed to integrate in style more than 200 metres a week. for April 2005. material — you can imagine the difficulties with the local environment or Both access shafts are now constructed “A main feature of the project is the we had in dealing and disposing of this. It to complement existing and the tunnel drive was completed in geology,” said Jim. “Being so close to the was stockpiled on site at Littlebrook and buildings in the vicinity, and February. The tunnel has an internal River Thames, the tunnel was constructed transferred daily by sealed wagons to a National Grid Transco has diameter of three metres and is 30-35 well below the level of the local water table local registered tip in Essex able to taken into consideration metres below ground level — 15 to 20 — so the whole construction operation had accommodate the high moisture content.” comments from planning metres below the river bed. to be watertight as the ground water AMEC’s tunnel construction contract is officers, local residents and National Grid Transco project manager tried to force a path into the TBM and the worth £16 million while the £10 million cable businesses. Jim Street said construction of both shaft tunnel. and switchgear contract has been awarded Along the 20km route, there headhouses and the installation of “Secondly, we had to tunnel through to ABB. Babtie is NGT’s technical are tunnel shaft access mechanical and electrical services will take ground that was all chalk. The chalk when consultant and site representative. Franklin buildings in Elstree, Centennial The transformer goes in through the gates watched by its police escort until July. After that, cable installation will cut by the TBM and mixed with all the and Andrews are cost consultants. 6 FEATURES FEATURES 7 Crops with a difference give farmers a whole new outlook on life… Workers still leaving the Hemp comes in industry ANOTHER 17,200 farmers and farm workers left the agricultural industry from the cold in England in the 12 months to June 2003, despite improvements in farm income and the fight by producers to HERE can’t be many of our stay in business. grantors who have received an T The total job losses — revealed by unexpected visit from the drugs the Department for Environment, squad. Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) — But it happened to the West represented a fall of 4.6 per cent in family of Hillcroft Farm near the workforce. Battle when they introduced a new crop to join the wheat, The National Farmers Union said oilseed rape and peas grown on the figures demonstrated just how their 240-hectare farm. incredibly tough it has been for the industry and that the future is still The crop they planted was hemp, precarious. a very misunderstood member of the vegetable kingdom that for years Many farmers have recently Simon Tunnard on his plantation caused a raging debate over the broadened their horizons and looked with a handful of ginseng root distinction between industrial hemp beyond the fields for additional and marijuana. ventures to earn a living wage. Hemp is actually cannabis grown The NFU says that more than 150 specifically for industrial use and thus non-farming occupations are carried contains very low levels of out by farmers. They include tourism, cannabinoids (THC). In other words, on-site production of dairy produce, G for ginseng – and gold provision of IT and conference it has a virtually zero drug content — it has been said that you would have facilities, and even leisure activities RANTOR Simon Tunnard was intrigued ginseng plants take four years to reach processed into capsules, ointment and to smoke at least a field of the stuff such as llama trekking. Gwhen he read an article about ginseng in maturity, so there would be no income until other products like shampoo and body even to get a smile! If YOU are a National Grid Transco The Economist more than 10 years ago. the first roots could be harvested. lotion. “You can’t blame the police,” said grantor who has diversified “It reported that ginseng, the plant As the plant’s natural environment is “The finished product is returned to me so Bob. “They had just had a major Bob West in front of a consignment of hemp. Inset: at the growing successfully, why not share your commonly used in Chinese medicine, was forest, Simon initially erected a seven-foot that I can sell it by mail order direct to my drugs raid in Hastings and when stage experiences with others. Write to worth more than its weight in gold,” he said. canopy to represent the shade cover of customers,” said Simon. “I couldn’t do the someone took a sample of hemp from our field for more than 10 years, has a factory in Essex Gridline, Papers Publishing, Stirling “That, of course, was something of an forest leaves and used straw mulch to take processing myself… just the machine into the local police station, they had to which processes the whole hemp plant and House, College Road, Cheltenham, exaggeration — but there was a glimmer of the place of leaf litter. Since then, he has needed to dry the ginseng root costs investigate. Hemp does look very similar to separates the stem into fibre and core. This core Glos GL53 7HY or e-mail truth in it.” planted hybrid poplar trees to mimic the £100,000. Together we can supply demand, cannabis!” or pith produces Hemcore horse bedding and [email protected] ideal growing conditions. but independently we are able to treat Simon, who runs Stratton Farm at Bob, 35, farms alongside his brother Steve, the fibre is sold into Europe’s paper, automotive customers as individuals.” Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, remained As part of Euro Ginseng — which includes 30, and father Will, 60, and the farm has been a and insulation industries. There’s more interested in the subject and nine years ago, growers from Holland, Germany and Ginseng root can live for literally hundreds family business since it was bought in 1948 by “Strange to think that some of our hemp ends attended a conference in Vancouver on Switzerland — Simon sends the raw of years, and the older it is, the more potent Will’s father. Their land is crossed by the up in car door panels!” said Bob. to farming than ginseng production. material in a transit van to Holland where it is it becomes. Simon harvests after four years, Dungeness-Ninfield 400kV overhead Today, he is the only commercial and a continuous seed planting line. About ginseng operation ensures future supplies. “Last About hemp growing food UK producer of ginseng and a Hemp prohibition in Britain was ● Hemp is one of the most useful plants known — it is ● The genus name of ginseng “Panax” is derived from year was dismal,” he said. “The lack of member of Euro Ginseng, a lifted in 1993, and the Wests began used to make paper, textiles, building materials, food, A NEW National Non-Food Crops the Greek pan (all) akos (cure), meaning cure-all. This rain meant that everything got too dry. collaboration of European growers production in 2001 when it became medicine, paint, detergent, varnish, oil, ink and fuel. Centre (NNFCC) has been opened to who collectively can supply the alone tells you a lot about this herb — no single herb can But the roots survived and will produce raise awareness among industry, more profitable to grow than flax, ● Hemp uses the sun more efficiently than virtually any largest companies. be considered a panacea but ginseng comes close to it. a crop this year.” scientists and farmers of the under the subsidies available through other plant and can be grown in nearly any climate and ● It is the most famous Chinese herb, and has been used Growing ginseng not only requires developing opportunities of non-food Stratton Farm has been in the Integrated Administration and soil. Simon’s family since the 1940s and for 7,000 years to boost energy, sharpen the mind, considerable patience, it’s also hard Control System (IACS). uses of crops. reduce stress, treat impotence and extend life. Other work — Simon’s two and half acres of ● The earliest known woven fabric was apparently of originally supplied vegetables for “We had a real disaster with our It will be a centre of excellence traditional uses include: to enhance the immune system, ginseng all has to be hand-weeded. hemp, which began to be worked between 8,000-7,000 the family’s stall at Covent Garden. first crop,” said Bob. “It was that for the first time unites all the control blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, But while there may not be gold in BC. Today, the 250-acre farm — which harvested in the wrong way and was work on non-food crops taking place strengthen the cardiovascular system and alleviate them thar fields, he said, the ginseng ● The word canvas is derived from cannabis. In the is crossed by the Cottam- ruined. We had better luck the across the UK. symptoms of the menopause. proved itself to be a useful source to Middle Ages in England, thousands of acres were grown Wymondley 400kV overhead line following year, and a good year in The York-based centre will also ● Ginseng is native to deciduous woodland in the supplement the farm’s income — to produce the fibre for all the sails and rigging of the — grows combinable crops such 2003, when we grew about 140 play an important role in helping to mountainous area of north eastern China, Korea and far despite all the waiting and the effort. sailing fleet. It took 200 acres to fit out one ship. as wheat, barley and beans. acres. It’s an amazingly quick- tackle climate change through the eastern regions of Russia. Vast acreages are also under ● Hemp seed is far more nutritious than even soya bean. “Years ago, the writing was on FOOTNOTE: In case you are growing crop. We plant at the use of developing energy crops and cultivation in North America and Canada. ● the wall that a farm this size simply wondering…. yes, Simon and his wife beginning of May and cut it during Hemp grows well without herbicides, fungicides or renewable products. wasn’t a viable proposition,” said ● The ginseng plant grows only two to three inches in the do both take ginseng themselves, and the last week of July when it’s about pesticides. Non-food crops from hemp to Simon. “I realised we had to first year, finally reaching up to two feet by the fourth year. their two children have used ginseng 12 feet tall.” ● It produces more pulp per acre than timber and can be oilseed rape can be used to make ● used for every quality of paper. It can also be recycled diversify so, nine years ago, I Korean and American ginseng are different in that ointment which can help alleviate skin The West family sell their hemp to car parts, lubricants, beauty creams, more times. Until 1883, more than 75 per cent of the decided to give two and half acres Korean is hotter and more associated with extra energy. conditions. Hemcore, the UK’s largest grower green fuel and starch-based plastics. world’s paper was made from hemp fibre. Hemp paper over to ginseng production.” The American variety is more cooling and therefore more ● For more information, visit and processor of hemp. The • For more information, visit more than 1,500 years old has been found, It was a brave decision — appropriate for stress and high blood pressure. www.euroginseng.co.uk company, which has been trading www.nnfcc.co.uk 8 9

North East Administrators Your wayleave team Wilson Holmes (North) senior wayleave Sharon Naylor officer 07836 543539 Field wayleave Julie Smith Scott Stephenson manager wayleave officer 07836 543541 Alan Naylor North West 0113 2908248 Mark Thomas wayleave officer 07887 825073 North East (South) Martin Bretherton Mike Rockett wayleave warden wayleave officer 07786 021086 07836 364634

Janet Clarke wayleave warden 07770 645599 North West (South) Alan Whitmore wayleave officer 07836 629530 East Midlands

Bob Tute Robin O’Brien wayleave warden wayleave officer 07836 668504 07836 293137 Simon Booth wayleave warden 07786 021088 West Midlands Richard Evans wayleave officer 07776 225888 East Anglia Barry Cullimore Paul Ganley wayleave officer wayleave warden 07836 217478 07836 549748 Amy Jones wayleave warden 07836 200761 South Wales Simon Gronow senior field wayleave South East (North London) officer 07836 207262 Brian Mead Sandra Stevens wayleave officer wayleave warden 07836 217520 07776 161429 Phil Burgess wayleave warden 07836 222051 South West South East (South London) Richard Biggs Paul Sage Administrators Wayleaves payments wayleave officer wayleave officer 07785 716961 07836 638823 (South) Call Helen Metcalfe, Martyn Blakeley Jane Bishop Alison Williams Mary Lawson and Dawn Ingham on 0800 389 5113 wayleave warden wayleave warden 07771 864528 07788 568678 Maureen Bright 10 NEWS NEWS 11 P UVYR N RHTCSDSGIGTEPROJECTS THE DESIGNING ARCHITECTS AND SURVEYORS Skelton’s grand opening OF COURTESY ICTURE

ONSERVATIONIST and G RAY champion of the C H environment David Bellamy has OLMES launched a new state-of-the-art & J

environmental education centre AMES

at Skelton Grange, Leeds. , H CHARTERED THE The £600,000 development — kickstarted by National Grid Transco funding — Artist’s impression of the centre building planned for Canterbury secures Skelton Grange’s role as a focal point for sustainable development education both for children and adults in West Network spending boost Yorkshire. “You don’t know how lucky ATIONAL Grid Transco plans to invest enbrief, the NGT replaced with ones that meet the latest you are,” David told guests at N£5 million over the next three years environmental thermal performance standards and there the official opening. “This developing its environmental centre centre network will be a new glazed porch to provide a should act as a spawning education network. newsletter, has covered area. An outside demonstration ground for a new generation Almost half of that will be used on new been relaunched area will also be developed. of Magnus Pykes and David building or refurbishment projects that will to keep readers Rainwater will be collected for toilet Attenboroughs, and is a allow the centres to meet the rising up-to-date with flushing and improved accessible toilet fantastic opportunity for demand for the highest standards in developments. If and shower facilities will be provided. children in this area. David Bellamy with education in environmental and you would like to Work is expected to last four months. young visitors at the receive future “I’ve opened many of these sustainable development. West Boldon: Developments will allow launch of the centre issues of enbrief, centres up and down the Here is where the money is going: the centre team to move from a building call Joan Dunstan country and they just keep ● £580,000 will be spent on a new centre Portakabin into the National Grid Transco getting better and better.” on 01242 260046, building for Canterbury fax 01242 584425 site office and workshop. Refurbishment Skelton Grange, one of ● £220,000 will fund the refurbishment of or email joan@ will provide two classrooms, a library and building that is a showcase for by Queen’s Award-winning a workshop. There is also a National Grid Transco’s 12- Ninfield paperspublishing. resource room, a foyer and display area, strong network of sustainable development, architects Leeds pond-themed conservatory cloakrooms and toilets, staff offices and ● £100,000 will go on new co.uk environmental education featuring the best in eco- Environmental Design area that helps bring the rest room. accommodation for West Boldon centres, is managed by the friendly design and technology. Associates, and its “green” outside environment inside recycled from North Sea gas pipes, and a Bramley Frith: Work is due to start this ● £120,000 will be spent on new facilities UK’s largest conservation When the need for a new features include sun- the building. recycled steel deck to overcome flooding risks. year to install new toilets, a staff shower, at Bramley Frith charity BTCV and is supported building was identified, converting photo-voltaic National Grid Transco’s The centre will incorporate a secure store for bags and coats, a by Leeds City Council. National Grid Transco energy cells on the roof, a group corporate affairs ● £150,000 will pay for new facilities at Iver environmentally-friendly features, covered boot washing and storage area This summer it welcomed provided £140,000 towards wind turbine, a heat pump director Ruth Thompson said ● A further £1 million is earmarked for including natural ventilation and lighting. and a sheltered walkway to the centre. its 50,000th visitor and the project and the initial capturing heat from a nearby that the new centre provided development of other centres. Additional energy and resource-saving Rainwater will be collected for use in the reinforced its reputation as a feasibility study. 275kV underground power a wonderful chance for Canterbury: Construction of the new measures will be included, such as centre garden, and infra-red sensor- leading centre for excellence The project later attracted cable, rainwater for the toilets children to explore building is planned to start this year and daylight sensor control of artificial lighting, controlled taps and toilet flushing will and innovation with children £290,000 of Lottery funding, and floor and roof insulation environmental issues. will take approximately six months. It will rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing and reduce water consumption. made from grass-cuttings. and career training. and there was further financial “It also shows what can be provide 2/3 classrooms, a viewing area, a infra-red sensor-controlled taps. Iver: Iver is also to have new toilet Previously housed in a backing from WREN, The centre — which gained achieved when business and foyer, a library, a resource room, offices Ninfield: The refurbishment scheme facilities including infra-red sensors. An portable building close to Clearskies, The Energy Saving coveted Eco-centre status in charities work in partnership and toilets on a lakeside site. will include two new classrooms. The extension to the centre building will Skelton Grange substation, the Trust and Yorkshire Water. 2002 — has two classrooms, together,” she told The building will be timber-framed and building will meet all school building include a meeting room. Work is centre is now operating in a The building was designed four office/meeting rooms and guests. timber-clad, and elevated on steel tube piles regulations.Windows and doors are being expected to start in the spring. John and Simon take top honours MORE than 27,000 visitors flocked to championship and reversible a Canadian quayside after the world event. for England at the 2004 World Ploughing the 53rd British National Ploughing ploughing championship respectively. John’s victory puts him back on track Contest in Northern Ireland. It will be championships at Brougham near Simon was keeping success in the for the World Conventional quite an occasion — the last time a Witty Penrith in Cumbria to see the country’s family — his brother James won the championship title that has so far and a Hill ploughed for England was leading ploughmen in action. 2002 British reversible championships eluded him. A former triple world 1993 when John and Simon’s father Once again, National Grid Transco and went on to take the World reversible ploughing champion, John Graeme ploughed in Sweden. was a main sponsor of the event where Reversible Ploughing Championship returned to conventional ploughing only Visit www.ploughmen.co.uk for the the quality of the ploughing matched title in Canada last August. Now Simon last year and had not ploughed in that full results. the glorious weather. has the opportunity of becoming the class for 12 years. His success at ● DIARY NOTE: This year’s British More than 160 competitors fought third world champ in his family, Brougham was his 11th national title. National championships will be held at Thomas Cochrane from for top honours and these went to two following James and their father John, who runs a mixed dairy and South Stoke, near Reading, Berkshire, Coleraine won the Yorkshiremen — 46-year-old farmer Graeme. arable 280-acre farm at Hoylandswaine on October 9 and 10. The 51st World National Grid Transco John Hill, left, and Simon John Hill and Simon Witty, a 27-year- James, 24, had to withdraw from the near Sheffield, and Simon, who helps to Ploughing Contest is on September 3 award in the reversible Witty with their trophies old freelance agricultural mechanic British championships because a run the family farm of 650 arable acres at and 4 at Ballykelly, Limavady, Co ploughing who won the conventional ploughing docker’s strike left his plough stranded on East Lutton, near Malton, will now plough Londonderry, Northern Ireland. 12 NEWS NEWS 13 We say hello… and farewell… Two fresh Travel time for Mike IKE FORD’S colleagues got used to ash disposal and landscape schemes at He and his wife Liz, who live near M him turning up for work at the NGT power stations. Harrogate and have a son, daughter and offices at Northallerton along with baskets of In 1986, Mike was back in wayleaves, grandson, plan to visit their caravan over faces in the pigeons. Mike, 60, who retired recently after working on new overhead line projects in the border in Dumfries and Galloway, and nearly 39 years service, most of them in Lincolnshire and east Yorkshire, along with look forward to having more time for wayleaves, was helping out an elderly neigh- major refurbishment schemes in Cheshire walking and travelling. bour by releasing his 18 pigeons for him. and Lancashire. Mike collects books — among other The old chap could no longer drive, so his For the past four years, he has been things — and is interested in anything to do South West with shipping — particularly 19th century son would drop off the pigeons at my house involved with the construction of the HE LAND and Development Somerset, she has close links with at 7am just before I left for the 40 miles drive northern section of the second Yorkshire coastal trading ships that were used extensively by the farming fraternity to Group has welcomed two new the rural community and is to the office at Northallerton,” he explained. line linking Teesside with York. T “I’d leave the birds in the car until 9am when transport crops. field staff to represent wayleaves enjoying the challenge of building Mike has a keen interest in everything to do I’d pop out to the car park to release them — in the South West. strong business relationships with with agriculture and forestry and is anxious to He is also a frequent passenger on the much to the amusement of my colleagues. Wayleave officer Richard Biggs grantors. “stay in touch”. When he’s not doing that, he Waverley, the world’s last sea-going paddle During the season, I would be out there with and wayleave warden Jane She lives in the village of has plenty of other plans for the future. steam cruiser. pigeons four mornings a week!” Bishop cover an area stretching Bicknoller at the foot of the from St Austell in Cornwall to Quantock Hills and her favourite Mike was born and bred in Yorkshire and Southampton in Hampshire and pastime is riding her two horses. joined CEGB after leaving Askham Bryan Iron Acton in Gloucestershire. Agricultural College in York in 1965. He Jane, 33, left school to take a began his career as an assistant wayleave They are based in Taunton, diploma in business and financial Somerset. officer in the North East, based at Leeds, administration at Taunton College. moving over to the Estates Section in ● Richard has amassed a wide She joined design and quotes with 1971. For the next 15 years, he worked on variety of experience since leaving Transco in 1997. This later became school and has already spent 15 Transco Connections and more years with National Grid. recently Fulcrum Connections. “I have always enjoyed the great Fulcrum Connections provides Roger rises outdoors and meeting people, so gas connection services to the Above: new it is great to have the opportunity national pipeline infrastructure on field staff in the to combine these interests in the behalf of National Grid Transco, South West… to new wayleave function,” he said. undertaking some 200,000 new Jane Bishop Richard was born and brought connections and alterations a year and Richard up in Dorset. He joined National for domestic and industrial Biggs, with challenge Grid as a craft attendant at customers. Jane’s horse MEANWHILE… the Group’s Melksham substation, and was As non-domestic site surveyor, Lily, at consents and acquisitions later seconded to the commercial Jane’s role with Fulcrum involved Bicknoller surveyor Roger Rose has retired department as a stores stock dealing with daily enquiries. controller in Andover. and moved to a new challenge in As a wayleave warden, she is the North West. He moved to Bristol in a similar still able to enjoy customer Roger, 53, served the electricity role before joining business contact. “But it’s even more industry for almost 30 years, but is services as a contract rewarding now as I am dealing now broadening his horizons by administrator in 1994. He later with individual landowners and setting up his own independent became a business services farmers, rather than big company of chartered surveyors, assistant until 2001 when he corporations,” she said. “Hopefully Left: Julie valuers and property moved to National Grid’s HQ at a lifetime of rural links will stand Smith at her consultants. Coventry to take up a planning me in good stead for the future.” desk and performance role with the “I have thoroughly enjoyed my Above: Mike Ford with grantor John Calvert, a dairy farmer at company’s United Kingdom time with the company, and my Crathorne near Northallerton, North Yorks. Inset left: Roger Rose Electricity Services (UKES) working relationship with on the golf course department. … and Julie joins north team wayleave, engineering and other “I gained a good grounding in THE wayleave team in the north has welcomed a Julie hails from Surrey and joined Burymead staff. But I still have plenty of years graduated and wayleaves officer based in Birmingham, the engineering side of the new member to the fold, administrator Julie House as a clerical assistant in the facilities left to make good use of the skills with a BA in later moving to Manchester as head of business, so it’s rewarding to take Smith. department. She met Ashley, a civil engineer, and acquired over the years and I look Planning and estate management. forward to setting up my own that knowledge out into the field,” Julie has worked in the electricity supply in 1991 the couple wed after moving to Urban In 1989, Roger transferred to the National business,” he said. said Richard. industry for about 15 years, and met her husband Hookstone Park in Harrogate. Studies, and Grid Company as regional surveyor for the Richard and his wife Heather Ashley when they were both working for the Julie worked in the drawing office there, until Roger’s role involved acquiring later became a North of England, based at the Roseneath live at Gastard in Wiltshire and Central Electricity Generating Board at Burymead transferring to Thorpe Park in Leeds. land for network reinforcement, Fellow of the offices in Stockport, Cheshire. Five years easements for overseas have teenage twin girls and a House in Guildford. Drawing management later became part of Royal later he moved to National Grid’s Coventry interconnections, advice on operational young son. When busy family life She is delighted to join the wayleave team and asset strategy and the function was moved to Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and a HQ as senior estates surveyor in the property matters as well as negotiations for allows, he enjoys DIY and walking said: “I had been seconded to various Coventry. Julie’s family commitments — the Fellow of the Institute of Revenues Rating Planning and Environment Department. permanent easements relating to the dog. departments for a while so I was really pleased to couple have a seven-year-old son and a four- and Valuation. Roger is married to Elizabeth and in underground cables and overhead lines. ● Jane is a country girl through get a permanent post here . It’s the department I year-old daughter — made it impossible for her to He joined the Central Electricity his spare time, enjoys golf and horse and through. Born and bred in would have picked above all others.” go, and that’s when she went on secondment. Birmingham born and bred, Roger Generating Board in 1975 as area estates riding. 14 15 FEATURES FEATURES

ENERGY auditing and brokering, energy efficiency planning and product testing and evaluation are Latest electric motors just some of the many activities covered by the Farm Energy Centre (FEC). are more efficient It is the UK’s leading source of information on the application of energy-based techniques in farming THINKING about replacing an cost in just 40 days of and horticulture and the FEC works with farmers, electric motor, or buying a new continuous operation, this small utilities — including National Grid Transco — one?… then specify an energy- percentage can be significant. research institutes and manufacturers providing efficient motor, advises the FEC. “For example, an 11kW motor expertise on energy applications and efficiency. Electric motors account for costing £500 can consume For more information about the work of the FEC, Cleaning air vents and fans restores the efficiency of electrical equipment over 65 per cent of the energy £50,000 of electricity in its useful visit www.farmenergy.com. If you would like to used in industry, but we seldom life. Saving three per cent of this know more about any of the issues featured on Clean up to cut the bills question whether they have gives a £1,500 lifetime saving.” these pages, contact the FEC at Stoneleigh Park, been chosen with energy However, said Andrew, it’s A SPOT of spring cleaning could save air handling efficiency and increases Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LS. Tel: 024 7669 efficiency in mind. rarely worth throwing away you money. the load on the motor, resulting in 6512 or e-mail: [email protected] “In fact, they are generally perfectly good motors just to In the long run, it can be cheaper to replace motors than overhaul them overheating and reduced motor life. Use the same numbers to obtain a list of FEC Dirt can play havoc with the quite efficient, converting about upgrade to an energy-efficient Where fan outlets are fitted with replacing rather than rewinding publications, including technical guides, and effectiveness of energy-using 85-95 per cent of electricity design — the payback would guards, these soon clog up with dirt start to look good. technical notes. equipment, so cleaning refrigeration input into useful power,” said not be quick enough. The coils, light fittings and fans is a cost- reducing the effectiveness of a the FEC’s Andrew Kneeshaw. important thing is to specify an “Take an 11kW motor running effective way of cutting energy use. ventilation system. “However, there are differences energy-efficient motor when a 4,000 hours a year, and where Watt ● Here’s some advice: Dirt can cling to light bulbs and in efficiencies between designs motor has to be replaced, or a the difference in rewind and Safety fittings. While dust can be blown off, and manufacturers have started new one is required. Get good ● Good airflow is important for replacement costs is £115. A says… ingrained dirt might need a detergent to focus on improving this. refrigeration heat exchangers and He added: “The decision to 3.5 per cent difference in solution. But remember — the “The latest high-efficiency rewind or replace a motor is also efficiency would pay for the advice ventilation systems. Dirt build-up in electricity supply to the equipment refrigeration coils inhibits the heat motors are little more expensive affected. Even with the best extra cost of a new motor in FARMERS are frequently should be isolated and only switched dispersion characteristics of the fins than standard ones. rewind, the efficiency of a motor about a year.” Don’t horrified by electricity back on when the equipment is and condensing efficiency is reduced Improvements of 2-3 per cent in will fall by 0.5 -1 per cent. And as ● If you would like more supply quotations from thoroughly dry. Avoid letting water — so clean them! efficiency do not look dramatic the rewind will cost 75 per cent information about energy generate electricity companies. enter enclosed areas where electric on paper; however, when a of the cost of a replacement efficient motors, contact ● Similarly, dirt on fan blades lowers Fortunately, sound terminations are found. motor can consume its capital motor, the economics of Andrew at the FEC. advice is at hand. danger “Time after time we have A CABLE jointer almost lost helped grantors drive his life recently because of down the cost of new or Shedding new light on saving energy the careless connection of upgraded electricity a standby generator on a supplies,” said Andrew farm. Kneeshaw of FEC. NCREASINGLY people are recognising the ONE of the many services offered by the FEC very subjective.” importance of lighting to provide a good working So please remember, if “Electricity companies I is computerised lighting design and the supply Some factors in designing a lighting scheme are: environment and are reaping the benefits of you are going to use a often don’t understand the of high-quality light fittings for agriculture. Here ● What lighting level is required? installing lighting that can run efficiently over the standby generator, it MUST customer’s needs and we cast some light on the subject… ● How even does the light distribution have to be? lifetime of the building. be fitted with an approved simply oversize.” applications. ● Is the colour appearance under the lamps changeover switch. “However,” says Stephen Bettany from the FEC, Andrew highlighted important? “many agricultural buildings suffer from poor “The level of lighting should take into Points to consider with typical examples: ● How dusty and damp is the location? lighting in terms of low lighting levels (typically consideration safety, so that hazards are visible, standby generators are: ● ● Where are the fittings going to be installed? a potato store in the around 20 lux), inappropriate light fittings and the work that has to be carried out and the effect ● use a competent ● What colour are the surfaces? Light-coloured Cotswolds from a village installations that are expensive to run and are on the contents of the building, particularly where electrician to specify and fit surfaces reflect light which can reduce the number Sodium lamps are cheaper to run than tungsten halogen supply — costs started at difficult to maintain.” animals are housed,” said Stephen. the required generator, £25,000, but the FEC got of fittings required. One of the reasons we put up with poor lighting, “When we design lighting schemes we need a uniformity of the design. changeover and safety these down to £6,500. ● What is the shape and size of the building and he says, is the eye’s ability to adapt. lot of information from the client before we can Choosing the right lamp and fitting is important equipment ● a redeveloped pig farm advise on the most cost effective solution. The list any internal obstructions? ● don’t connect small Lighting illuminance levels are measured in lux in terms of energy efficiency and the longevity of near Rugby — the first below highlights just some of the factors that need This information enables the FEC to choose portable generators and table 1 shows the huge variance in lighting the lamps and fittings. The example in table 2 quote of £10,612 was consideration. While we can advise on many of appropriate lamps and fittings and with the aid of a designed for independent levels that the eye can adapt to. shows the difference in costs between buying a reduced to £4,929. sophisticated computer programme advisers can these factors a lot boils down to personal cheap high-energy-use fitting and a more robust use to your mains wiring ● produce a contour graph that shows the a large new crop Table 1 Lux preference including the level of lighting, which is energy-efficient fitting. The 100W high pressure ● ensure that the flexible storage complex near connection cable from a Bright sunlight 80,000 Lighting sodium fitting will give about the same light output Oxford — the electricity as the 500W tungsten halogen. tractor-mounted generator company specified a Overcast day, outdoors 5,000 levels… the The FEC can advise on most aspects of lighting. is in good repair and is 500kVA ground mounted FEC can ‘Bad light stops play’ 1,000 Simple lighting designs are free while more fitted with a “female” plug substation for “starting give advice Modern office or factory 500 complex/larger schemes are charged for on a time for connection to the fixed current reasons”. This was on cost and wiring Side road lighting 5 design basis. Email [email protected] for more reduced to a 200kVA pole ● maintain fixed and mount, saving £13,000. Moonlight 0.2 Costs over five years, operating for a total of 12,500hrs tractor-mounted generators Costs for the FEC Clear starlit night 0.02 regularly, running them on- electricity supply, planning Table 2 500W tungsten 100W high pressure load at least once a month and negotiation service are halogen fitting sodium fitting to ensure they will operate reasonable and the initial The practical problem is to decide how much light is required to perform a task easily and in Capital cost £5.00 £50.00 when required. assessment is free. For If you are in any doubt more information, call comfort. Historically lighting levels in agricultural Running costs at 5p/kWh £312.50 £62.50 buildings have been very low, and even today the about any electrical safety Andrew on 024 7669 Lamp replacement cost £6.50 £0.00 issues contact your local 6512. published recommendations are considerably lower than for many commercial and industrial Total 5 year cost £323.50 £112.50 distribution company. 16 NEWS Contacts Easing the way for overheads… For further information contact your local wayleave teams on: GRANTORS do not need to easements and acquisitions deed, we will pay the North: 0113 2908236 be out of pocket by having manager, said: “NGT is grantor’s reasonable agents South: 01245 592028 to pay a fee to the agents committed to ensuring that costs — these fees will be Your wayleave teams and their acting for them on the the compensation paid to paid to the grantors to allow contact mobile phone numbers granting of a permanent grantors is not reduced by them to settle the account North East easement for the any fees they may incur in directly. Wilson Holmes 07836 543539 overhead line crossing on reaching an easement “This arrangement is Scott Stephenson their property. agreement. accepted by the vast majority 07836 543541 Paul Roberts, NGT’s “On completion of the legal of professional advisers.” North West Mark Thomas 07887 825073 Martin Bretherton 07786 021086 North East (South) Mike Rockett 07836 364634 Janet Clarke 07770 645599 North West (South) Alan Whitmore 07836 629530 Bob Tute 07836 668504 East Midlands Robin O’Brien 07836 293137 Simon Booth 07786 021088 West Midlands Richard Evans 07776 225888 Paul Ganley 07836 549748 East Anglia Open day at Amersham Field Centre, where grantors are invited to have a look round Barry Cullimore 07836 217478 Amy Jones 07836 200761 South East (North London) It’s show time! Brian Mead 07836 217520 E look forward to meeting grantors around The venues: Phil Burgess Wthe country when this year’s agricultural Devon County Show, Exeter, May 20-22 07836 222051 relations programme gets under way. South East (South London) It kicks off at the Devon Show on May 20-22 South of England Show, Ardingly, June 10-12 Paul Sage and our final outing will be at the 54th British 07836 638823 Cereals 2004, Leadenham, near Sleaford, Alison Williams National Ploughing Championships at Goring, Lincolnshire, June 16-17 near Reading in Berkshire on October 9 07788 568678 Cheshire Show, Knutsford, June 22-23 South Wales and 10. Simon Gronow National Grid Transco is once again a main Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, near 07836 207262 sponsor of this important event in the Edinburgh, June 24-27 Sandra Stevens agricultural calendar. Competition will be fierce 07776 161429 Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate, July 13-15 as ploughmen and women fight for the South West Royal Lancashire Show, Chorley, July 27-29 Richard Biggs supreme honour of taking the British National 07785 716961 titles and representing their country in the 2005 Pembroke Show, Haverfordwest, Jane Bishop World Ploughing Contest in the Czech August 17-19 07771 864528 Republic. Dorset Show, Dorchester, September 4-5 Wayleave payments As a departure from our normal programme, ▼ For information on we are this year inviting grantors to visit us at Amersham Environmental Centre, wayleave payments Buckinghamshire, September 14-15 telephone the payments Amersham Field Centre — one of our 12 helpline on 0800 389 5113. environmental education centres. Our guests Ploughing Championships, near Goring, Emergencies will have an opportunity to explore the work October 9-10 ▼ Emergency calls to report undertaken there, and visit the substation. pylon damage to National We will be sending out lunch invitations to Grid Transco can be made on 0800 404090. Make a note of the various shows — including free show Safety first advice passes — to some of our grantors. the tower’s number — found BE SURE you know who is working on your Unfortunately, we can’t extend this invitation to just below the property plate land. That is the advice of wayleave staff to — to help crews locate it. all 20,000 grantors, but if you are a member of grantors. the Grantors’ Club, please wear your swing Electric and magnetic fields All National Grid Transco personnel and ▼ For information on electric badge when you visit a show and enjoy free their contractors carry identification. Ask to and magnetic fields, ring the refreshments (not available between 12- see it if you are unsure about people visiting EMF information line 08457 2.30pm) in our hospitality facility. We’ll be 023270 (local call rate). your site or farm. delighted to see you!

GridLine: Published by National Grid Transco, NGT House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick CV34 6DA; written and produced by Papers Publishing, Stirling House, College Road, Cheltenham, Glos GL50 7HY; printed by Severnprint Limited, Gloucester GL2 5EU. National Grid Transco Join us and you can be a shooting star COME and join us again at this year’s Five qualifying events will be staged in round of grantor clay pigeon shooting the South West at Bristol (May 26); events organised by National Grid Cheshunt in Hertfordshire (June 29); Transco. Nantwich, Cheshire (July 5); Harrogate, Clay pigeon shooting is an increasingly North Yorkshire (July 6) and Coventry, popular sport and our grantors were West Midlands (July 20). quick to accept our invitation to seven Our 15 guests at each event will be events when we introduced shoots for divided into groups for safety briefings, the first time last year. tuition and practice to determine if Dozens took part at venues around the they are in the novice or experienced country. The qualifying winners in category before the competition. novice and experienced classes met If you would like to take part, please fill for a grand final at the NAC at Stoneleigh. This year’s final will take in the application form and send it off. place at the same venue on September If we are over-subscribed, a ballot will 21, with overnight accommodation be held to decide who joins us at the locally for the winners attending. shoots.

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