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Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board CONTACT staff newspaper Vol 33. No 10 October 1981 - Beating the ''Muggers''

JN AN AGE when violence-especially with -and helping_ robbery in mind-is becoming increasingly · common, the danger of criminal injuries being our staff sustained by MANWEB employees is at present The guidelines cover the channels or from the Board's under active consideration by Local Advisory options open to any victim of legal section. Committees thr.oughout the Board. an attack, including the question The Board's chief officers, at of seeking compensation from their August meeting, were Most at risk are those engaged job, by ensuring th~t the van is in handling and collecting cash always on hand to receive the the Criminal Injuries Compen- anxioustoassurestaffthatMAN­ -especially in inner-city areas, cash collected and giving the sation Board. They also deal WEB "will behave as a good where "muggings" are now collectors a great sense of with the protection afforded by . employer, both in taking pre­ everyday occurrences. MAN­ security as they move from the Group Personal Accident ventative measures and in deal­ WEB, as a good employer, has house to house." Insurance Scheme, th.e provi- ingsympatheticallytowardsstaff always been anxious to make sions of the sick pay scheme, who are the victims ofassault." , Now, following discussions in andthequestionoflegaladvice, PROTECT YOURSELF sure that staff have the best the District Joint Advisory either through,1rade union (See page 7) possible protection. In Central Council, the whole subject of Liverpool, for instance, meter criminal injuries has been re­ collectors carry personal UHF ferred to the LACs. Guidelines radios, which keep them in con­ FIT ·FOR A PRINCESS on Board policy have been pro­ ONE OF the many wedding gifts presented to the Prince stant contact with the cash-col­ vided to managerial staff, so lei:;tion/control van-which is and Princess of Wales was a fitted kitcllen, with units that they can help LAC repre­ supplied by the Landywood Cabinet Company Limited. itself in. permanent radio con­ sentatives in the-present discus­ tact ~ith District Office. Recently, our l3oard?s kitchen pl~nning section has signed sions and--if the worst came to an agreement with Studio K to supply our custoiners with an "'"(hese radios," said execu­ the worst-help and advise any­ tive officer Frank Threadgold, exclusive range of kitchen furniture under the "Mamtor" one sustaining criminal injuries label. All the items will be made and supplied by the "have proved to be a godsend, in the course of their work. improving the efficiency of the Landywood Cabinet Company Limited. Yes! It's the same firm!!

petition and the roar from spec­ tators. "At Fleetwood, there Queen of the Green.s seemed to pe thousands ofpeople '\ •i around· the green and, as the Phyllis directs ·a adrenalin flowed, I loved every "wood" past her AFTER casually ta_king up the minute ofit," she commented. championship game of bowls only four years trophy. This very competitive event (Picture: South Lanes ago, Phyllis Watkinson, a part­ Newspapers) time assistant at our Prescot has certainly sharpened her taste shop, became queen of the for more encounters. She is greens when she won the ladies' looldng forward to a trip to singles championship-and the Blackpool, to take part in a £250 top prize-in the Wyre ladies' national bowling com­ Bowls Festival, held recently at petition on the famous Waterloo Fleetwood. greens. Phyllis is one of the final The magnificent winner's 64 competitors from the original trophy, which stands two foot 812 entrants from all over the six inches high, was presented country: to Phyllis to keep for the next Ourverybestwishesgowith Air Lift to South Stack 12 months. "I have already her for yet another great win! (See page 2) grown so attached to it-my first major prize-that I will go all..------out to retain it next year, " she will reap benefit to the tune of told us. > about £90 of sponsorship money, Most of the ca:s:h prize, how­ LINDA'S LEAP raised mainly from her colleagues ever, has gone on a gold brace­ AN unusual and daring way to Despite grazed elbows, resul­ inMANWEB. let for herself and presents for raise cash for charity involved ting from landing slightly off Now we hear that a number husband Derek and their three 21-year-old Linda Stein from course on the hard runway, her of our colleagues at Head Office grown-up sons. · Aberystwyth in making a para­ first comment was: " J can't wait are in training in preparation Phyllis, a 47-year-old grand­ chute jump. to do it again!" for a mass parachute descentin A local charity at Aberystwyth the near future. mother, took up bowling'when .Linda, a clerk at District Office she played-for fun-in the for the past two years, said that Initially, Mr. Lock will assume inter-departmentµ competitions she didn't have much time to the duties as District Admini­ . on the Thingwall Road Club think about being scared when New -greens. Derek, as secretary of she was push.ed out of the s tr a tiv e Officer, with Nick the BICC Bowls Club, soon Cessna aircraft at 2,500 feet. Appointment Williams returning to Head realised that she had a natural Office as Assistant Secretary for bowling ability, and he-persua,,, "It was a terrific. experience, The Board's second Customer the Legal, Estates and Wayleaves ded her to take the game seri­ floating down ever so gently when Services Manag~r has now been section. ously and put in lots of ptactice. the 'chute opened," said Linda. appointed, witfi Des .. Lock, The full responsibilities as This she did, and is now captain "I had no sensation of falling former Management Services Customer Services Manager will of the BICC Prescot Ladies' until I was about 100 feet froih Officer, designated to take up be taken over on the retirement Bowling Section. the ground . . . then I knew I was the new post in our North Wirral of George Bowers, the present She seems to thrive on com- coming down pr,.etty fast." District. /. District Commercial Engineer.

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~ "i"'· .. CONTACT Page2 BAND SUCCESS In face of stiff competition from eight other bands, the Llanrug and District Band came away from the Royal National Comment ... Eisteddfod-held this year at Machynlleth-with a handsome by Board Chairman Ben Hastings silver cup. As in so many other instances, MANWEB staff had a hand in this cultural triumph. Two QCTOBER 1981 marks a watershed for Gwynedd colleagues-Merfyn MANWEB as far as communicatfon be­ Jones (linesman) and Gareth Hughes (clerk, General Services) tween the Board, its management officers and played their parts in helping the staff of all grades and all skills is concerned. Llanrug Band to success. Our house journal, 'CONTACT' (a name chosen by the staff themselves more than 30 Pots and years ago) changes from its familiar magazine Paints format and now appears for the first time in AT A recent, very successful modern newspaper style. exhibition held at Beaumaris, a To an ever-increasing extent, the pattern selection of pottery made by of today's social and industrial life calls for Gwynedd District Engineer Russell Shaw won much praise South Stack's lighthouse. the highest possible level of co-operation in from many of the visitors. avery aspect of our work. The difficulties at Sponsored by the Anglesey Art Group, the exhibition also AIR LIFT TO SOUTH STACK present confronting MANWEB-the direct featured three paintings by results of the nation's economic problems-­ Russell's wife, Norah. REFURBISHING the electricity line and equipment, which take different ball-game. Both have previously put power to South Stack lighthouse on the Anglesey coast, set an "We no longer use the launch, make the establishment and maintenance of their pottery and paintings on interesting challenge to our Gwynedd District colleagues. Plans and the winch is unserviceable. high levels of understanding a matter of even show at the Anglesey Eistedd­ drawn up by Ivor Nottingham (1st engineer, Anglesey) and Captain Everything goes by helicopter E. V. Parry, West Coast Superintendent for the Trinity House greater importance. We have enough problems fod. Russell also exhibited his these days-but we'll do all we work at the National Eisteddfod lighthouse organisation, cracked the problem without a hitch. can to help!" already, without allowing misunderstanding when it was held at Bangor. South Stack is a small rocky . . , Ivor and the Captain put their island situated off the north-west of reliable service, So~t? Stack s heads together. Weights of indi­ and failure of communication to add to our Norah won a bronze medal and . . . extreme weather condit:Ions took rose bowl for her paintings at tip of Anglesey. This penlous h . t ll St f . d f vidual pieces of gear were coastline is on the main shipping t elf o . orm orce wm s or burdens. other exhibitions. checked, and soon plans were Your colleagues who have the job of produ­ route to Holyhead and on the mu~h of the year-and s_alt de­ laid to move items weighing up Liverpool approaches, and, to posits on the poles and msula- to l,OOOlb. each from Holyhead cing our new newpaper are old hands at the LUCKY protect. 1t,· a T nmty· · H ouse 11g- h t- tors-called. . . bfor a complete re- to the island by the Trinity business, well-known to many people through­ house is established on the island. furbishmg JO · House service "chopper". out the Board. They will do all they can to Early in the 1960s, MAN- Again we had to get heavy "Lift-Day" arrived, and every­ NUMBERS WEB was called in to plan the equipment to the island, but a thing went off with clockwork ensure that the new 'CONTACT' is a house For two years, a syndicate of erection of an 11,000-volt over- word with Captain Parry soon precision. Well done, Gwynedd journal second to none. our colleagues at Caernarfon head line from the mainland to made it clear that we were in a District! The extent to which they succeed will depend depot used the same numbers South Stack, to provide power on their football pools coupon to the light and associated elec­ on two main factors-the involvement and -without success. This year, trical equipment. Anglesey Dist­ commitment of senior management and the they decided it was time for a rict Engineer Russell Shaw and change-and chose some new his team set to work to plan and interest and enthusiasm of colleagues in every numbers! construct a line terminating in a corner of the MANWEB area. On the very first week of the pole-type 40-kV A transformer. new soccer season, the new sys­ The problem of getting all On behalf of the Board, I can promise that tem hit the jackpot-winning a the gear-poles, ironwork and the first of these requirements will be fulfilled. payout of £2,800 to be shared transformer-together with a The second is a matter for every member of between them. compressor to drill holes into Not enough to retire to a the rock (no blasting allowed, the staff.-to take an active interest, to help to Carribean island perhaps-but to avoid disturbing the bird supply the news and views which alone can a very pleasant surprise for the colonies}-was solved by a joint lucky six. exercise with Trinity House. It ensure that every issue of the new journal is Tney are Cyril Williams, Hugh travelled by raft and launch received with pleasure and respect. Williams (drivers), Vaughan from Holyhead harbour and I ask you all to play your parts, and I wish Williams, Dewi Salisbury, Alan was winched by hand up the Parry and Myrfyn Lloyd Jones rocky island cliffs. The Trinity House helicopter carries the transformer to its the new 'CONTACT' every success. (linesmen). This year, after many years site. Staff engaged on the South Stack project. From left to right: Andrew Hughes (YOP Scheme), 20 YEARS Percy Morris (chargehand), Alun Rowlands (foreman), Jim Evans (chargehand), Richard Thomas (linesman), William Owen (driver), John Ellis Pritchard and, kneeling, Griff Stephen North Mersey District: Raymond (linesman). Our thanks to Peter Thomas for the excellent picture.-Ed_. Long Service A. Rogers, John A. Walker and Charles A. Warbis. Liverpool District: David T. Harvey, WE OFFER our congratulations to the following members of our Dennis Hughes, John M. staff who have completed-during the month of September-20, McEvoy, Colin Oldfield and 30 or 40 years' service in the electricity supply industry. Reginald D. Owens. Mid-Mersey 40 YEARS District: Alan Bate, Peter C. Liverpool District: Harold A. Michael Griffiths, Brian John­ Tharme and David J. Tinsley. Craven, Thomas Larkin, T. son and Edward Haughton. Dee Valley District: Philip F. Kenneth Littler and W. Gordon North Wirral District: Francis Hughes, Robert McCluskey and Littler. Dee Valley District: K. Maddock. Clwyd District: Graham Thomas. North Wirral Donald Foulkes. Colin M. Edwards, Henry District: John G. Barker, Rich­ 30 YEARS Hambley and Patrick J. Quinn. ard A. Hughes, Alan H. Jones, North Mersey District: James Gwynedd District: Frederick J. Arthur F. Potts and David A. Bell. Liverpool District: Keen and Emyr Rowlands. Wood. Mid-Cheshire District: Andrew Campbell, Charles J. Oswestry District: Ronald J. Kenneth Brassington. Clwyd Lamb and Maurice E. Lock. Entwhistle and F. Gwen Evans. District: David C. Davies. Mid-Mersey District: Arthur Aberystwyth District: A. Jeffrey Oswestry District: Gareth M. Bent. Dee Valley District: Her­ Bates, R. Meurig Howells and Joseph, Ronald A. Revill and bert A. Beech, Brian Crabtree J. Merfyn Richards. Head Office: John V. Williams. Aberystwyth and F. Trevor Edwards. Mid­ Maurice R. Grisenthwaite, District: L. Allen Carr. Head Cheshire District: Rolla Ankers, Arthur Vidler and Noel Walley. 'Office: Gareth W. Owen. Start on the right EASY foot RIDER AMistant storekeeper at our WHEN our new intake of ap­ Queemferry depot, John Paul prentices have settled into their Kulicke, has just completed new environment at the Hoy­ a charity cash cycle-ride on lake Training Centre, they will an 80-mile round trip from receive a visit from the Totector the Leisure Centre at Queens­ Mobile Shop. They will have ferry to Conwy. the opportunity to see and buy John made the long trip from the wide range of footwear on his 12-gear BSA bike, and on sale. raised around £50 in sponsor­ ship money for the Carol As with all MANWEB em­ Shepherd Appeal for the ployees, there is a cash incentive Leukaemia Fighting Fund. for the youngsters to buy these ...,______shoes or boots to protect the feet. The Board have arranged GWYNEDD Pictured before take-off, we see Geoff. Robinson and Alan Dalton, with first-time flyer Janis good discounts on the whole Newman and pilot Derek Weigh. range of Totector protective footwear, and they have selected GENIUS seven styles-two of which are the assistant timekeeper at We know we have plenty of HIGH FLYERS FROM ladies'-for a special deal. These Craven Street. He often takes crossword fans in the Board (the are being sold at less than half NORTH WIRRAL members of the North Wirral response to our CONTACT Totector retail price! "I EXPECTED to be terrified, to see-from a very different District Sports and Social Club competitions proves that!), but the pinnacle of crossword-solving but I wasn't, and I thoroughly angle-the 18th green at Hoylake, on flights from Speke Airport All Board employees are en­ achievement for many enthusi­ enjoyed the trip," was the com­ for the closing stages ofthe Euro­ in Liverpool. titled to take advantage of the asts is to win the mind-boggier ment made by Janis Newman, pean Open GolfChampionship;" Derek started his flying less­ scheme, which entitles them to which is published in The Times. from our North Wirral District, Janis, who works as a clerk in ons about eight years ago, and one pair of protective shoes or after her first flight in a small the Disconnections section at qualified as a pilot two years A long-standing interest in boots per year. They are made this hobby was crowned by suc­ aircraft. Craven Street, was joined by later. He regularly hires a Chero­ from good-quality leather, with "We flew over my home at Geoffrey Robinson and Alan kee Piper aircraft from Keen cess recently for Anglesey 1st steel toe-caps. There are some engineer Ivor Nottingham, when W allasey, and I was able to recog­ Dalton, two electricians from Air Services, a company run by reasonably fashionable shoes nise many landmarks," she went the District, who have made a Jirn Keenan, who has a flying­ his name appeared in The Times on the list, so---before you put as winner-the first correct solu­ on. "New Brighton baths was couple of trips before. school and an air-charter service your foot in or under it-make filled to capacity and I was able Their pilot, Derek Weigh, is at Speke and at Caernarfon. tion to be opened. Not just a sure the shoe you are wearing smart engineer who can get elec­ has some protection. ------...... ,.------! trical gear air-lifted to impos­ New Overall sible places! issue Paying The Electronic & Electrical Industries Benevolent AMociation ON a number of occasions re­ cently, homes have been entered bills Supper Dance and attacks made on the occu­ Friday, 23rd October, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. pants by people posing asMAN­ through in the Head Office Restaurant WEB or Gas Board officials. Music for all tastes from "The Four Dees" To help combat this crime, salaries Grand Prize Draw Lounge Suits overalls now being purchased Tickets £5--and table reservations-available from by the Board for issue to staff Gren Roberts, Welfare Section, Head Office (Tel. 2142} over the next few inonths will THERE is a possibility that staff no longer carry the MANWEB who wish to do so will be able to logo. pay their electricity bills by All dressed up with The only form of identity a having equal monthly payments somewhere to go! customer should accept is the stopped from their salaries. official card carried by all staff Board Secretary John Scuda­ who have reason for entering more told the Head Office Local customer premises. Advisory Committee that the At a recent meeting of the computer programme for the Dee Valley District LAC, staff payroll is being reviewed, and it were reminded that, when ob­ may be possible to include a taining replacement overalls The new electric-powered vehicle at "The Post" offices. debiting system for staff's own from the Stores, MANWEB electricity accounts. He asked logos should also be handed in. the LAC members to canvass Post by Electric their constituents to see what interest there was in such a A SPECIALLY developed elec­ With a maximum range of 60 scheme. tric vehicle is now being used miles and a top speed of over 50 by Hernway Transport Limited, miles an hour, it can carry up to One obvious advantage is that to distribute copies of the largest one ton in weight. It is silent it would be one less bank charge local daily newspaper circulating and pollution-free and-with for those already paying by in our area, the "Liverpool Daily petrol and diesel at today's banker's order. If you would Post", to newsagents and whole­ prices-much more economical like to pay your bill by easy salers. to run, by using "off-peak" elec­ monthly payments through your The vehicle is based on a tricity overnight to recharge the wages, make sure your LAC Bedford CF van, ~nd has been batteries. representative knows your adapted to run on a bank of Driving is very simple, with wishes, and he will make sure " Are you sure this is the experimental Lucas traction forward and reverse buttons and through your local committee right address?" batteries producing 216 volts. accelerator and brake pedals. that the Board management know your view.

MANWEB (Chester) Sports and Social Club present NO RECORD Friends of Sharon McGee, a clerk at our Mid­ The James Shepherd Versatile Brass After deliberating the sugges­ Mersey District Offices, gave her the traditional tion that meetings of the Mid­ "dressing-up" treatment a few days prior her in Concert in Head Office Restaurant to Cheshire LAC should be recor­ wedding. We can now congratulate Sharon on on Wednesday, 28th October, at 8.00 p.m. ded on tape should verification her marriage to Steven Han, a fitter-driver, at St. be required at a later date, it Mary's Church, Halton, on Saturday, 5th Septem­ Tickets £1 was decided that recording com­ ber. Our r.icture shows Sharon, suitably attired, available from Gren Roberts, Welfare ('Phone 2142) ments would tend to stifle true with her riends, from left to right: Karen Clarke, and open discussion. Susan Blears, Carmel Treanor and Angela Farrar. CONTACT Page4

Every MANWEB employee can help to ''make installation and service a success. By INSTALLATION being good ambassadors, by backing up their colleagues at the "sharp end", they can help to provide work and security-not only for the 500 people directly involved-but also for others engaged in supporting activities. & SERVICE "As a nationalised industry, we will always be subject to criticism and expected to give public account ofourselves. The best response is to show that we are efficient and commer­ is everybody's cially profitable-in the face of no-holds­ business barred competition from private enterprise ti'' by DON HIGGS (Installation & Service Manager)

PUTTING IT SIMPLY, our commercial policy The contracting business is a competitive jungle. requires that MANWEB staft':- We have to fight hard for business, not only against reputable contractors but also against scores of * Develop the wider and wiser use of electri­ one-man outfits. city as economically as possible; Stagnant private development and cut-backs in public spending have reduced the amount of work * Transfer energy demand away from scarce available. We have to fight hard for every job, oil and gas to electricity generated from maintaining good contacts with local authorities, plentiful supplies of coal and nuclear energy. builders and industrialists. Real professionalism In support of these objectives, we need to earn in management, marketing, contract law and other adequate profits from appliance sales, contracting fields is vital if we are to survive. and appliance repair work. Such profitable opera- .------' tions help to contain the price of electricity. Britain's economy is depressed ... inflation continues ... and this puts pressure on profits. Appliance Sales In our Central Stores at Queensferry, where 3,000 different Inflation means that income from installation and A BROKEN-DOWN appliance is useless to the types of spare parts are carried, we picture, from left to right: service work must rise every year, and that effici­ Pat Kavanagh, Joyce Cummings, P_eter Frost, Ray Hughes and customer-and cuts down on electricity sales! Poor Sue Moms. ency must be constantly improved to raise enough service on repairs makes the customer see red. Below, smiling service electrician Geoff Swindley stands by his van, which carries a comprehensive stock of around £600- gross profit to pay such overhead costs as salaries, Last year we did 67 ,000 repair jobs (28,000 for worth of spare parts for domestic appliances sold by the transport, administrative and stores expenses, etc. cash, 12,000 under Manweb Care, 27 ,000 under Board. ------r------. guarantee). The appliance repair busi- Clearly there is scope for Last BIG nessisextremelycompetitive. improvement. Let us look Our labour charges, for half for ways to improve efficiency CONTRACTS an hour on site, compare like and to cut administration Year's this with the competition:- costs. Transport costs. are WE have the expertise and MANWEB £l5. 70 important - well-managed Business equipment to tackle any kind of van stocks of spares can result contracting or service jolr-no Hoover £15.05 in more jobs completed on matter how big or how small! £l • the first call, cutting out fur- Hotpoint 7 05 DURING 1980/81, our installa­ Forinstance,jobsjustfinished ther wasteful journeys and tion and service income amoun­ or in progress include contracts Comet £13.80 time loss. ted to £9 ,000,000-but we failed at the new Hotpoint factory in Our spare parts stocking to achieve profitability. In fact, Clwyd (£250,000), Rainhill Currys £l5.5o policyisguidedbythefollow- we lost £200,000! This year's Hospital (£200,000), Yorkshire 1------, ing "life expectancy" of ImperialMetalsinNorthMersey 1· ( db target is £10,000,000-and we (£100,000)andDinorwicPower C'r"',h ,1- app iances agree etween want to see the balance sheet in Station (£500,000 a year for five .1 j an.KS the Boards and the Associa- the black! years). .a(; tion of Manufacturers of A moving letter from a Domestic Electrical Applian­ widowed invalid lady, who lives ces):- in Kirkdale, Liverpool:- should be completed on that whether the customer will Small appliances-5 to 8 ELECTRICITY SALES "Just a few lines in thanks­ visit! The rest should be come back to us next time giving for three ofyour staff years cleared within 15 working and recommend us to his NATIONWIDE Last Friday I had been with­ Cleaners, direct space heat­ days. friends! out hot water, owing to the ers, fridges, freezers, Service vans carry compre­ The Manweb Care repair Every member of the staff put. Second in this dismal league immersion heater being broken. hensive stocks ofspares, and plan gives full protection for knows how badly MANWEB was the Midlands Board-which spin and tumble driers A kind neighbour told me to there is an excellent replen­ another six years after the was affected by the recession covers another heavily-indus­ ring you, and the young lady -9years during 1980/81. Our sales of trialised area-with a drop of and gentleman who took my ishment service from our normal guarantee expires. Cookers, washing mach­ wide range of stocks at Around 23,000 agreements electricity fell by 9.2 per cent­ 10.5 per cent. call were so kind and consi­ ines, water heaters-JO the biggest fall experienced by Queensferry stores. are in operation. Every year On the domestic front, on the derate, I just could not believe years any Electricity Board in England other hand, we didn't fare too it! All staff involved-work we sell tens of thousands of and Wales. The next hardest­ badly in comparison with our "In an hour they had sent a Storage radiators-15 years control clerks, telephonists major appliances. There is hit was the South Wales Board, sister Boards. The MANWEB young man to repair the heater. and anyone else in contact vast scope for a big Manweb with an overall drop of 6.8 per fall of 1. 7 per cent was over­ Will you please convey my Our National Code of with the customer-can help Care expansion-leading to cent. shadowed by bigger reverses thanks to them. In this day Principles requires that a enormously. A courteous, . lower prices for the customer. By far the biggest factor in sustained by the London, and age you very rarely find first visit should be made helpful approach; skill in Shop staff and delivery crews our reverse was a fall in our Southern, South Western, Mid­ the young so helpful to the within three working days of getting the facts-these are have the best opportunities sales to industry of 15.6 per lands, South Wales, Yorkshire, aged. You must be very proud cent, due to factory closures North Eastern and North West­ having such kind people work­ receiving a request-and invaluable. All increase our to boost this service, but and falling manufacturing out- ern Boards. ing for you!" that four jobs out of five efficiency and help decide others can help. CONTACT Page 5 ON THE THE BOARD AT WORK DOMESTIC FRONT

'==_==_111;:~:1:~ 11 =:~:~~ 111111 Sales are on the up-and- up. 6,000 sold last year. § Economy 7 (less than half­ § price) provides cheap energy. § They are clean, reliable and i need little maintenance. ~lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllfilllll

llllllllUlllllllllllllUlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!:\€

5,000 installed- excellent value at today's pricesSHOWERS (£139, £169, £199). Electric showers are cheap to i======- install and run- and get us clean at about two pence a time! Plenty of scope for installation inspectors, electricians and meter readers to stimulate new business. 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111Jffi Board Report ~11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 AT THEIR September meeting, the Board s RE-WIRING The Commercial Department's report to the approved Engineering Department schemes § About 1,250 jobs last year­ Board shows that electricity sales are continuing which will cost altogether around £1,450,000. ~ each with a five-year guarantee! to decline, in comparison with last year, as the § Around 400,000 houses in our These included the following major proposals:- recession continues. § area need attention-old, faulty * The renewal of electricity services to 1,853 council homes in the Huyton area Units purchased in June and July were down ~ wiring can cause fire. What a by 5.3 per cent and 5.49 per cent respectively. § potential market! We have the of Liverpool. The service cables are old, and will be renewed in a phased pro­ Sales to industry (an area of activity where ~ expertise, the reliability, the MANWEB is particularly vulnerable) were down ~ credit facilities. ' gramme with the re-wiring and moderni­ sation of the houses. Total cost- £284,000. by 6.9 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively, ~llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllfllllllllllf * Recovery of two of the four 15MVA with falls in most sectors of industry. Oil refining transformers formerly used at Bowater's, and mining/quarrying were the only really bright spots, with encouraging increases. ~lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ll llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lll llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllfllll!!§ Ellesmere Port. These will be installed at the Yorkshire Imperial Metals works at § § WHAT THE CUSTOMERS THINK Kirkby. The job will cost £8,000, but the Appliance Sales were somewhat more cheer­ ~ Customer opinion surveys on electrical wiring, ~ transformers are worth £160,000! ing. The total value of sales for the four months * As part of a 15-year programme (started from April to July was up by 15.5 per cent (a in 1974) to bring switchgear up to the rise of around four per cent in real terms). All best modern standards, a further 240 Districts recorded improved business, with i======- :K~~t~;c~ewhole, resultsd;~~%!':..;n~ are encouraging, ·~fi~~<,: but ~i·~~ there is ~~~stil/ ~====!===- 11-kV oil circuit breakers and 211 oil especially good results from North Mersey, plenty of room for improvement. For every one of switches for 11-kV ring main units will North Wirral and Aberystwyth. be bought for £431,000. However, caution is necessary, because this us, Customer Care must be a way of life, if we are Some of the more important engineering jobs increase must be seen against a very low level of to survive and achieve our objectives! in the Districts approved at the meeting include:­ sales for this period last year. I i Liverpool: Cable extensions and substations ~lllllllllllllllllflfllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll l lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ll llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll lll lll ll llllllll~ to provide supply to 62 'Advance' Sales of refrigerators and fridge/freezers were factory units at Speke Industrial especially buoyant. During the four months Park. from April to July, we sold 3 ,062 fridge/freezers, SHOWER-RING- Mid-Mersey: Cable extensions and substation compared with 1,745 last year-an increase of could put your family's life at to provide supply to 147 houses 75 per cent. There were increases also in sales or a "phoney" deal risk? at Cann Lane, Appleton. of micro-wave and split-level cookers. MANWEB are members of Dee Valley: Increased supplies to Grange Bulk orders for appliances worth more than the National Inspection Coun­ School, Rhos. £750,000 were reported as having been placed SAFETY-CONSCIOUS commercial engineers are concerned cil for Electrical Installation North Wirral: Cable extensions and new sub­ with a wide range of manufacturers. over leaflets distributed to customers in some Board Districts, Contractors, to which repu­ station to supply Cross Lane offering shower units for sale and installed well below MANWEB table electrical contractors be­ Industrial Estate, Wallasey. The commercial success of our new Wrexham prices. Strangely, for such an apparently good deal, the installer long, and their certificate is a Mid-Cheshire: Cable deviations for the Crewe shop was underlined by a report of a 69 per cent remains rather shy-he fails to print his name or the name of his guarantee of safety and reliabi­ Inner Relief Road. increase in sales. company on the leaflet, just giving a telephone number. lity. We advise our customers Installation and Service Mana- Board too-and offers what he to use only such dealers who gerDonHiggssays: "Iamalways claims is the same thing, £40 display the NICEIC symbol. wood comments: "I hope our concerned when our customers cheaper. But would you have Maybe our anonymous friend sales staff will share my enthu­ are tempted to buy cut-price elec- faith in an anonymous telephone is a member, but, if so, why BACK siasm for the campaign when trical work. I wonder about the number when buying something hide his light under a bushel of they watch it on the Granada qualifications ofthe installer-is which-if wrongly installed­ leaflets? ON THE network. Over 90 per cent of he sacrificing safety? Are there our customers are expected to hidden extras? Is the job reliable? BOX see the commercials twice. I And will he still be around if should like to reach the other ten something should go wrong? Work appreciated AFTER a long break from the per cent who watch HTV, but it "I am doubly concerned over small screen, MANWEB adver­ is not economically viable, and From a lady in Woolton, the shower offer , because extreme at times, but it is not often we tising is returning to television the cost would be outside our care must be taken where electri­ Liverpool, to the Liverpool are ready to praise good work­ with a hard-hitting campaign. budget limits." District:- city and water are concerned. " men, so 1 thought that I would The "so-much-extra" theme The four commercials, devised A cheeky chappie circulating "On the 19th inst., two en­ like to thank them and let has a catchy jingle, which sells by agents BrunningAdvertising, them know that their work is one leaflet appears to have gineers came to install the the Board's competitively-priced will sell storage heating, cook­ appreciated-and their tidi­ pinched the wording from the shower. I would very much appliances with those MAN­ ing, fridge-freezers and audio ness. MANWEB leaflet, with minor like to say what wonderful, WEB extras which too many equipment. The campaign starts alterations, to sell his deal. He clean, quick and polite men The good work was carried often ignore-after-sales care immediately and continues then lists the items in the MAN­ they were-and so capable. out by installation men Reg "I'd like a twin-tub, please!" and free delivery. through October into mid­ WEB package-naming the "We are all apt to complain Owens and Bernie Evans. Advertising Officer Bill Gay- November. CONTACT Page6 World~ MAKING first HIS MARK Quartz- Man of many talents WITH his first record pressed and on sale, Head Office accounts clerk Mark Hollowood hopes it will lead to something big. The disc has already had air-time on one local station, with promises from others for more playing. Control Released on the Vada label, has also been a semi-professional the extended-play record was musician for the same period, produced and funded by Mark and has played in several musi­ himself. Of the four numbers, cal outfits. He is currently the he has written lyrics and music vocalist and lead guitarist for a for two of them, "The World local group, but is also carving Smiles With You" and a gentle out a solo career in the pubs, ballad "Watching You". clubs and night-spots within 100 The 'B' side has Lennon and miles of his Hawarden home. McCartney's "Fool On The His 90-minute act, which he Machine Hill", with Kenny Rogers' hit extends or adapts to the type of Record-maker Mark Hollowood-with his "latest disc". "She Believes In Me'', by Steve audience, demonstrates his ver­ asked 12 of them from Sealand He has achieved an ambition BOARD engineers in our Test Gibb. The vocals and guitar­ satility in music and humour. Road to listen to Mark's disc to make a record, selling copie.s Laboratory at Queensferry have work, lead, rhythm and bass are His instrumental numbers and and give us their reactions. "We at his group and solo dates. critically and carefully examined all Mark Hollowood tracks re­ vocals range from beat to bal­ like it!" was their unanimous Having heard his record and the world'sfirstquartz-controlled corded separately and mixed lads, some golden oldies and a verdict. All preferred his treat­ seen him on stage, we can automatic washing machine for for the final take, together with touch of rock and roll. His comic ment of the 'A' side-Mark's recommend his very professional its accuracy, efficiency, construc­ a little help from his friends on songs, good-natured banter and own numbers-but were split act for any social event, either tion, flexibility and economy in keyboard and drums-but, in sing-along numbers go down on which song they liked most. solo or with the group. He still daily use. the main, a solo effort. well with all types of audience. Electrician Phil Swift test­ Several declared an intention has a couple of dates free-social Quartz technology, which Mark is 24 and has been with To see what the paying audi­ ing the new Servis. to buy a copy from Mark. secretaries please note. gives the digital watch its relia­ MANWEB for eight years. He ence thought of his record, we bility, has been incorporated washing and are a breakthrough into this machine to provide in economy and simplicity. simple, computerised control Another new feature of the Letters .. of wash and dry programmes Servis Quartz is the "spin-care" Letters • • • Letters • • • • • and take care of every kind of wash-drum design, which has a fabric. smooth, unperforated surface. to retire from my job, although Manufactured by Servis, who Following seven years of in­ I am only 36 years old. I came have been in the business for tensive experiment and research, into contact with a member the past 50 years, this Quartz culminating in 12 months offield of your staff, Mrs. Michelle Model '600' is a second-genera­ tests in homes throughout the Martin, when I visited your tion electronics automatic country to ensure that all the Lister Drive office, and she machine, with easy-to-operate original aims were successful, was most helpful. controls for various wash pro­ the launch on the market has "Since then, every time I grammes, and incorporates a now been made. have telephoned your depart­ self-fault diagnosis safeguard. This unique and clever ment, whoever has answered Into the design of the exclu­ machine, which takes full ad­ has been most polite, and then, sive micro-processor has gone vantage of the micro-chip flexi­ because Mrs. Martin has been the knowledge gained from mass bility, sells through MANWEB dealing with my enquiries, consumer research on desired shops at under £300--real value she has taken over-nothing washing habits. Expert advice for money! has been too much trouble on wash programmes for differ­ "Initial sales have been excep­ for her. ent types of fabric was provided tional," commented Marketing "I know what they have to by Proctor and Gamble, one of Services Officer Keith Sowden. deal with, as I was a Public this country's largest manufac­ "They have gone well beyond Servant myself for 18 years-­ turers of soap powder. the manufacturer's expectations keep up the good work! The result of all this research nationally, and Servis are now "It is with great pleasure Michelle is a clerk in the Lister is that the normal wash pro­ tricity board research was doing all they can to increase Free Servic(J that I write this letter. I am Drive Enquiry Office, and a very gramme has been extended to free." their output, in order to meet the In an article written for the disabled and I have just had helpful one, too. incorporate two unique wash tremendous demand." Caterer and Rote/keeper, a The helpful man from MAN­ cycles. The "Multi-fabric Wash" Cheshire couple who run a WEB giving that valuble advice can be safely used for mixed ..------1 country house hotel near Nant­ was John Hollinshead. loads of different fabrics and JENNY wich report:- colours, with no dangerof shrink­ Overwhelmed age or colours running. SUCCEEDS " A few months ago, I had In a letter to Gwynedd DCE The ''Quick Wash'' is designed a discussion with the head of Doug Willacy, a Criccieth cus­ for lightly-soiled and delicate GWEN the Commercial Supply de­ tomer writes:- Man from fabrics and, in many cases, re­ partment at the local electri­ "! am overwhelmed at your Jenny Webb has been appoin­ city board, MANWEB. I MANWEBLou places the need for hand-wash­ ted Home Economist to the so very kind concern about Carter, left, ing. wanted to know whether we my minor worry and misun­ pictured here Electricity Council. She succeeds were using the most economi­ Both of these new cycles are Gwen Conacher, who retires dertanding. with Anglo extremely convenient forms of cal system and if these maxi­ "The electrician has called Blackwell soon. m um supply meters would works engineer Jenny joined the London Elec­ this morning and completed Tom Chatterton. help to assess the best method both the conversion and lag­ OBITUARY tricity Board in 1955 as a trainee of payment. He was extremely Among the many commercial and industrial customers grateful showroom assistant, progressing ging of the water-tank. helpful, and offered to review "Please accept my most for the immediate assistance given by the Board staff in times of IT JS with deep regret that we report to senior housecraft adviser. In the consumption. Shortly crisis, is Anglo Blackwell Limited, of Widnes, in our Mid-Mersey the deaths of the following forme1 1966, she moved to the Council's grateful thanks. With regards afterwards, he wrote giving to Mr. John Jones (Installa­ District. colleagues:- appliance testing laboratories at details of the units we had In a letter to Dave Cousins-1st engineer, Installation-they Mr. Robert F. Dodd, aged 40, Leatherhead, and was respon­ tion Engineer) and yourself." consumed each month and The electrician referred to write:- who died suddenly on 31st August. sible for performance testing of the kilowatt demand. The "Just a note to let you know how appreciative we are over your Bob was a fitter at our New Crane domestic appliances. was in fact installation inspector letter proved conclusively Eric Phillips. considerable ejforts in getting our Inductotherm Trimline unit Street garage in Chester. Gwen joined the Council in that we are better sticking to back into operation. Mr. William Walsh, aged 76, 1966. During her successful our present system of charg­ Most Helpful "Please convey our thanks to the HV engineer, Lou Carter, who was the former Area 4 Chief career, she has written a num­ ing and payment. and all the electricians who worked so hard and skilfully to Wayleave Officer prior to his retire­ ber of books, the best-known In this Year for Disabled complete well ahead of schedule." ment in 1970. being "Food Freezing At Home'', "We doubt whether a com­ People, we hear from one of We extend our sincere sympathies which sold nearly 1,500,000 mercial firm of experts could them living in the Liverpool And the skilled staff concerned were Dickie Donaldson, Neil to their families. copies. have done more, and the elec- District:- Gouldern, Norman Leigh, Bill Peet and Les Whitfield. .CONTACT Page7 Mr. C. S. SHIMMIN A "householdname"inMAN­ WEB engineering circles on PROTECT YOURSELF Merseyside bowed out recently, when C. S. ("Cam") Shimmin, system engineer at North Mer­ ON THE STREETS sey District, retired after 35 years. After war service in the RAF, or whilst inside a store shop­ Cam joined us as a mains assis­ Advice from police ping-an unattended hand­ tant at Wallasey, moving up the bag is a temptation. ladder at W allasey and Bootle * Know your handbag-des­ Mr. D. SMITII for various firms before his -making a host of friends and cription, contents. A popular figure on the staff "call-up" to the Royal Corps of REDUCE THE CHANCES OF BEING ATTACKED BY * Do not carry large sums of teaching many people many TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND BY BEING ALERT. at Lister Drive (Liverpool) Signals during the last war. things on the way. money or expensive jewel- garage-fitter's mate Dougie He joinedMANWEB in 1948 His popularity was obvious Notice who is on the street near Your handbag, purse or gold lery or other items in your Smith-has retired after 36 and it was shortly after this that when District Engineer Bert you, which way you can run if necklace or other jewellery is the handbag. target of "muggers". Rushing years. he became interested in first-aid. Eyres presented him with a col­ necessary and where you might Dougie began his working life He was soon a member of the lection of gifts subscribed by his be able to get help. A criminal's past, they snatch the handbag or If your handbag or necklace is as a "lather boy" in his aunt's Electricity Industry Ambulance friends at Bridle Road and fur­ best weapon is SURPRISE. purse from an unsuspecting snatched barber's shop, but soon changed Centre and, since then, has led ther afield. Wife Marjorie re­ * Darkness is the friend of the woman's hand or the gold neck­ * Do not attempt to resist and from bristles to bread, by taking the District teams taking part in ceived the traditional bouquet street criminal. Whenever lace from her neck, and run. physically fight your attacker. from the hands of Margaret possible, avoid walking on Many women sustain injuries Try to maintain your balance Jones. dark or deserted streets. either by being pushed or falling and keep from falling and Cam was always a specially Walk with a companion if to the ground. Follow these being injured. simple rules to prevent a "snatch" useful friend to the press office you can. * Scream for help-attract the and to aid the police in catching staff at Head Office-able to tell * A void walking in lonely or attention of other people in us the facts without blinding us unfamiliar neighbourhoods. the thieves. the vicinity. with science. Other talents in­ * Don't wear expensive jewel­ * Ifyou wear an expensive gold * Call the police as quickly as cluded a flair for providing us lery and carry only a mini­ necklace, hide it under your possible-dial "999". with crossword puzzles! Thanks, mum of cash with you. clothing when you are in * Give the police a full and Cam! Enjoy it! * If you think you are being less-frequented areas. thorough description of the followed, change direction, * Hold your handbag tightly thief, including his clothing, Mr. A. FACY move out into the middle of and carry it close to your as well as his physical charac­ Joining our industry as a join­ the street and head for an body-a dangling handbag teristics. ter's mate some 39 years ago, area where there are people. is an invitation. * If cheque books, savings Garage staff at Lister Drive say their farewells to colleague Allan Facy has now retired as a Dougie Smith (centre left). * If a person continues to fol­ * Never lay your bag down books, etc., are stolen, notify chargehand linesman in our Mid­ low you, run and scream if near an open car window or the appropriate person as a job in a bakery shop. A spell the annual competitions. As a Cheshire District. he gets close. Noise is your on the seat of a bus or train, soon as possible. in his uncle's motor works fol- lay instructor, he has recruited Farewell gifts of a briefcase best defence. Don't worry lowed, but soon the South many of the first-aiders now on from colleagues and a book from about appearing foolish. the LAC were presented by Lanes Regiment had him serv- the District staff. Even though * Always walk in the middle EMPLOYEES' CONFERENCES ing in such far-off spots as India, he has retired from his daily District Engineer Graham of the pavement, halfway Burma, Madagascar and South job, Mr. Cleugh has offered his Zeiher, who, in paying tribute between the kerb line and Friday, 2nd October, 1981 Africa. Luckily for his colleagues first-aid services to the District to Allan's long and loyal service, the building line. Doorways Pedigree Hotel, OSWESTRY in later years that he was a man in whatever capacity they may highlighted some very special and parked vehicles are good Thursday, 15th October, 1981 events. of gentle disposition-for his be needed. hiding places for the criminal. Dovedale Towers, LIVERPOOL Thursday, 22nd October, 1981 experience also included that of * Be aware of people who walk a sergeant in the Commandos! past you. The street criminal The Restaurant, HEAD OFFICE Friday, 30th October, 1981 Joining the electricity mains often walks past his victim and then turns and attacks The Crest Hotel, RUNCORN side, he worked at Clarence Friday, 6th November, 1981 Dock for a time, before coming from behind. Don't take short-cuts through Derbyshire Miner's Holiday Centre, RHYL into the transport business, first * Wednesday, 11th November, 1981 at Pumpfields depot and then at parks, entries or other deser­ ted areas. The Huntsman Restaurant, WINSFORD our new modern Lister Drive Thursday, 12th November, 1981 workshops. * Be alert at all times. Don't The Mons Hotel, BOOTLE daydream. Walk quickly and Friday, 13th November, 1981 Known as a man who believed with confidence. Keep your that work was there to be done, Bryn Rowel Hotel, LLANGOLLEN mind on getting safely to Friday, 20th November, 1981 Dougie was described by Head your destination. Office engineer Jim Davies as a Royal Hotel, CAERNARFON If a car or taxi drops you off colleague whose reaction was * Friday, 5th February, 1982 late at night, ask the driver Royal Pier Hotel, ABERYSTWYTII always: "What's the job? Let's to wait until you are safely get on with it!" inside your home. Above: Friends at Bridle- Road gather, as Bert Eyres, Mr. J. CLEUGH right, wishes "Cam" and Making the Board's Head Office the first port of call on a day's outing, Oswestry District pensioners were welcomed by One of MANWEB's keenest Mrs. Shimmin many years of happy retirement. News from Pensioners Group Manager Norman Maden, seen here, front right, with first-aiders, Jeffrey Cleugh, re­ Tommy Fanner (former DCE), Dot Lorenzo (former supervisor), cently retired from his job as a MID-MERSEY Bill Davies (former meter readertcollector) and Jean Hall, a joiner based at Lister Drive. supervisor at District Office, who organised the day. Below: A radio and a "work­ RETIRED member of our Mid­ Born and bred in Liverpool, mate" from his workmates Mersey staff Nan Kirkham in­ he served his apprenticeship in was presented to Jeff. Cleugh, centre left, by Jack forms us that a party of pen­ the building industry and worked Fitzpatrick (foreman). sioners from the District recently enjoyed a day's outing in the Wye Valley. After a lunch at Worcester, they went on a sightseeing tour of the "Heart of England" countryside. Later, some en­ joyed a sail on the River Wye, while others went for a stroll or simply sunbathed. At the end of the day, all agreed that it had been well worth the effort. HEAD OFFICE DEL HALL invites former members of the Board's staff who have worked at Head Office or Chester District, and who are interested in joining the Retired Members' Association, to con­ tact him at 127 Hartington Street, Chester ('Phone 676933). CONTACT Page8

Cartwright, a fitter from Oswes­ GOLF ... try District. Third prize was won Hot Shot Andy by another Oswestry man, meter reader Dennis Hughes. The THE SCORCHING September event was organised by Society weather was matched by some Secretary Frank Parkinson, ably blistering golf from the winner assisted by Kevin Gee. of the MANWEB Golf Society's Captain's Day tournament, on Our far-from-lonely long-distance runners. On the left is Bill Stringer, above, proudly displaying their medal awards; from the tough Oswestry Golf Course. Isl W · left to right: Dave Lewis, Dave Fisher and Andy Sutton. Finally, A gross score of 72 strokes wyn Ins on the right, we picture Roger Restieaux. on the par-70 course gave five- FOR the second year in succes­ handicap golfer Andy Critchley sion, the Clwyd District Sports -a 25-year-old Head Office and Social Club's individual golf Marketing assistant-a total of championship trophy has been 38 points in the Stableford con- won by Islwyn Morris ( Produc­ test-enough to win him the tion Engineer). Magnificent Captain's prize and trophy. This fourth annual event was Captain this year is Mid- played on the excellent Rhudd- Mersey foreman Reg Bramhall, · Ian Golf Club course, in perfect who donated the trophy and a weather conditions. Marathon Men very generous first prize. After Islwyn returned the best net receiving this, which was a can- score (85-21-64) and the best teen of cutlery, Andy Critchley gross score was achieved by said: "I was pleased with my apprentice electrician Steve from MANWEB game in such hot conditions, Davies (72-4-68). and to win such a fantastic prize The winner's trophy, plus a made my day. What's more, my lightweight golf bag, was pre- Tony Roberts (electrician), wife, Julie, is delighted-and sented to Islwyn by Denis Dennis Jones (shop supervisor), FIVE magnificent mep from £50, thanks to Andy Sutton and I've got her permission to play Atkinson (General Services), Patrick Burke (general duties, MANWEB were among the his sponsors. again!" who organised the competition. Mold) and Pat Quinn (lstengin- 9,000-plus who started the Roger Restieaux-at 38, the long-suffering wife, Sue, to keep St:condprizewenttoMal£ID YOUR 2~p A MILE, WASN T IT°? 12.f.pf joy. it was attempting another six to $PoNtoRE.l> CHARITY· DID You It was as a MANWEB team the furthest boundary edge that RA/~£< were chasing their Norweb he was caught-out for 56, and a R.Ui+I 60, CHARLIE. ~ opponents' total of 161 for 9 in slightly damaged sports car-it an inter-Board cricket match at was the best "knock" of the day. a Bolton ground. The MAN­ Dave Spencer was the second­ WEB No. 8, Amlyn ab Iorwerth, highest scorer in the MANWEB drove a beautiful shot high over team, with a respectable 43, but the boundary for six, on to his the team could not catch the partner, Dave Linton's, car. Norweb total, and were all out "You're lucky it only hit the for 155. /'rJ bonnet-I was aiming for the A splendid evening followed, °oat . -

Published by the Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board, Head Office, Sealand Road, Chester, CHI 4LR and printed by W. H. Evans & Sons. Ltd., Knutsford Way, Sealand Road Trading Estate, Chester, CHI 4NS.