PLUS: Insearch ofapint ofperfection •We walk theline• The appliance ofscience •Win: Aluxuryhotel break

gridlineThe magazine for landowners SPRING 2015 champion Adam Henson talksexclusively to Gridline Grantors’ Meeting our one ofitsgreatest leaders A nationprepares tolaud DON’T MESS DON’T MESS WITH MILLY challenging tradition Waterloo The youngfarmer an iPadminiinour readers’ survey Win See pageSee 20 Spring 2015

Welcome to Some useful contact numbers The Land & Business Support team is responsible for acquiring all rights and permissions from statutory authorities and landowners needed gridline to install, operate and maintain National Grid’s electricity and gas transmission networks. Yet again, this edition of Gridline showcases the The Group acts as the main interface for landowners who have gas and electricity entrepreneurial spirit of grantors across the UK equipment installed on their land. Your local contacts are listed below.

ELECTRICITY AND GAS e’re absolutely We’ve also had a chat – ➸ Land teams – all regions 0800 389 5113 delighted to have unfortunately not over a pint an interview with – with micro brewery owner WAYLEAVE PAYMENTS W ➸ For information on wayleave payments, Countryfile presenter Adam John Costello, who has created telephone the payments helpline on Henson in this edition. His an award-winning and growing 0800 389 5113 comments are a ringing business based on good old CHANGE OF DETAILS endorsement of the resilience traditional tastes. ➸ To inform National Grid of changes in ownership or contact details, telephone and entrepreneurial spirit of If history is your thing, then 0800 389 5113 for electric and 01926 654 844 for grantors around the UK. take a look at the four-page gas, or email [email protected] We were flattered to see that the BBC special, which celebrates the 200th ELECTRICITY EMERGENCY programme’s research team have also anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and ➸ Emergency calls to report pylon damage to National Grid can be made on 0800 404 090. followed up on a few of the stories we’ve explores how it changed the course of Note the tower’s number – found just below featured about grantors in previous editions European history. the property plate – to help crews locate it – and Adam even took a few copies of the last Despite a formidable reputation even the ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS edition for inspiration. Duke of Wellington might have met his ➸ For information on electric and magnetic fields, call the EMF information line on 08457 023 270 It just goes to show how appearing in match if he’d come up against Milly Wastie, (local call rate). Website: www.emfs.info Gridline can be a great springboard to a woman who doesn’t mind ruffling a few GAS EMERGENCY showcasing the fantastic work your business feathers to make sure the public truly ➸ 0800 111 999 is doing to emerge even stronger from tricky understands the importance of farming. DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG economic times. As always, I hope you enjoy the read. ➸ Before carrying out any work in the vicinity Elsewhere in this edition we’ll be of gas pipelines, overhead power lines or underground electric cables, you should contact explaining why it’s so important for our Plant Protection on 0800 688 588 so that searches linesmen to monitor your overhead cables can be made to determine the exact position of any National Grid assets and how you can work with them to make Dawn McCarroll the process run even more smoothly. Editor, Gridline CUSTOMER COMMENTS ➸ Write to Land & Development, National Grid House, Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick, The National Grid Land team now have a new phone number – 0800 389 5113. Warwickshire, CV34 6DA. Or email This contact number can be used as a single point of contact for your regional [email protected] Land team for all enquiries relating to wayleaves, easements, access to land and general enquiries. Queries regarding Electricity Wayleave Payments can continue Gridline is produced by to be made using this number. Please note that the current contact number for the Summersault Communications South West Land team will cease as of 13 March 2015 and the South West Land team Victoria Court will only be contactable via 0800 389 5113; you will still be able to contact the South 8 Dormer Place Leamington Spa East, North West and Scotland, and East Land teams on their existing landline number. Warwickshire CV32 5AE

02 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE 18

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10 Contents Regulars Features 04 Na tional Grid donation 07 Exclusive: Adam Henson to help protect moorland hails the ingenuity of UK grantors 05 One woman’s quest to protect cyclists 10 Meeting your Waterloo: 06 H ow Science Museum one of Britain’s greatest 07 exhibition is sparking leaders celebrates 200 youngsters’ imaginations years in the spotlight

14 I walk the line: the National Grid linesmen 20 keeping you connected 16 Milly’s mission: The New year, inspirational farmer new start challenging convention

Colin Parsons 18 Cask and bottle: the captured the theme perfectly with this pilgrims in pursuit of the 14 beautiful image to win perfect, traditional pint a £150 spending spree. Fancy a shot? Turn to 20 Win a spa break, iPad mini page 20. and £150 spending spree

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 03

04

SPRING 2015 SPRING 2015

The latest news from National Grid and its GRIDLINE Newslineoooolandowner partners help after learning how much Woodhead Tunnels,stepped into recently replaced cablesinsidethe moorland fires. to helpit tackledisruptive National ParkAuthority (PDNPA) donation to thePeak District precious moorland Helping handto protect aims to build abetter for future campaign,which Bee to theBBKA’s Friends of theHoney more than30beehives on13sites. sites forbeehives andnow has theBBKAtowith providesecure Association (BBKA). of theBritish Beekeepers becoming acorporate member decline ofthehoneybeeby commitment to reversing the National Gridhasunderlinedits Keeping thehive alive NATIONAL GRID The company, whichhas National Gridhassigned up The company hasbeenworking Gordon Danks) background park ranger rangers (and inthe Fiona Draisey, bothpark engineer, Andrew Shaw and Grid’s investment delivery (l to r)David Smith, National hasmadea

named Responsible Businessof biodiversity inthe countryside. – providing valuableplatforms for can becomepartofanatural grid National Gridland decimated colonies. the varroa mite that has funding research into environments and pollen-rich planting more honey beesby serious andlasted several days. Some havecampfires. been cigarettes, barbecuesand started by arson,discarded inthepark,commonly wildfires over 350reported incidents of local environment andwildlife. harm moorlandfires cando to the Last year,Last National Gridwas It ishopedthat Since 1976, there have been its operations. responsible practice throughout of its outstanding integration of inrecognitionCommunity (BITC) the Year by Businessinthe water containers. RoverLand andtwo portable to helptransport thevehicle by remote areas, aswell asatrailer is invaluable to accessfires in Centaur all-terrain vehicle, which of wheelsfortheteam’s Argo been usedto purchase anewset National Grid’s donation has Group are putting the brake on cycle incidents It’s a sobering thought that cyclists To date, more than 100 are involved in around 19,000 road employees have been trained. incidents each year, resulting in TWUG has also successfully about 3,000 being killed or campaigned for cycle-friendly road suffering life-changing injuries. improvements in the Warwick area. One woman who is determined Antonia is a member of the to do her bit to change this statistic company’s Cycle Safety Steering is Antonia Dennis (near right), an Group, which won a National Grid innovation analyst in National Grid’s Chairman’s Award last year for Gas Distribution business, who runs its continued promotion courses for employees on how to of cycle safety. improve their cycle safety. National Grid’s own “Road positioning, hazard fleet of large vehicles perception, defensive cycling, have been fitted with confidence and visibility are all key safety innovations, such issues for cyclists developing a safe as bigger mirrors and riding strategy,” said Antonia, who sensors, to make it represents the employee-run Two easier for drivers to Wheel User Group (TWUG). detect cyclists. First champion of the year

ROBERT WILLIAM JONES, of and grassland, along with Lower Argoed Farm, near Builth arable crops to support the Wells in Powys, has become the livestock enterprise. first winner of the NFU Cymru/ Having the right livestock- NFU Mutual Livestock Champion handling procedures and of the Year Award. equipment in place provides a The farmer, who is the safe working environment for son-in-law of National Grid gas farm workers, and are vital for grantor Ieuan Evans, was animal welfare reasons. presented with a cheque for £300 “Robert’s recognition and and an engraved respect for health and safety crystal trophy at the is second to none,” said Lyndon Royal Welsh Edwards, chairman of NFU Agricultural Society Cymru’s Livestock Board. Winter Fair in The judges also praised his December. work coaching young farmers in Robert (right) receives his award at the Royal After leaving livestock handling, passing on the Welsh Agricultural school and working key skills of an expert stockman. Society Winter Fair from on the family farm, Among those who have Lyndon Edwards, Robert moved to benefited is his own son Rhodri Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Livestock Board; (inset) Lower Argoed in who, for the second year in Rhodri with his 2003, where he succession, came first in the prize-winning sheep and his wife focus Jacob Sheep Society’s prize for on sheep, cattle the best small flock, aged just 11.

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 05

News focus

One- minute interview

Tim Dulson, Steve Holliday (far right) with land officer Prince Charles at the exhibition’s south-west official opening

BACKGROUND: I joined Land & Development in December last year, having spent four months as a Sparking the imagination sales representative for Würth Group. CURRENT FOCUS: Liaising at the Science Museum with grantors about gaining access for scheduled maintenance work on NATIONAL GRID is among the landscape, competing with other currently only 21,000 on overhead power lines. principal sponsors of a three-year player’s rovers, while also engineering degrees and the exhibition at the Science Museum ‘managing’ the flow of electricity number of apprentices qualifying LEISURE INTERESTS: I’m in London, designed to inspire through a transmission grid, in Science, Technology keen on sport, and a lot of my free time is spent and engage young people about driving a train through a railway Engineering and Maths needs to playing football or cricket, the exciting world of engineering. network or running an airport double to avoid a huge skills gap. or at the pub with friends. Steve Holliday, CEO of National baggage handling system. Grid, said: “Engineering is creating GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE: For more information… Sports equipment, such as the future. The internet, the tablet Skills gap cricket bats and football computer, space rockets, the Over the next decade, the boots, as well as club electricity grid that supplies your UK needs 1.8 million engineers to … go to sciencemuseum. membership fees. homes, were all designed, built enter the profession. There are org.uk/engineeryourfuture IDEAL DINNER GUEST: and maintained by engineers. If Winston Churchill. I love creating the things that are going reading about World War II to shape all our futures excites and would ask him how he from the surge of power after you, then wouldn’t you want to be kept the country so united the event, rather than the loss through the dark days. an engineer?” of power during it. The event saw one of the NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW: Discovery largest demand dips ever on the I used to play semi-pro system of 2200MW, and a pickup It’s hoped that up to three million football while still in the of 3000MW, which is still the sixth form. visitors a year – mainly of school largest surge in the UK to date. age – will discover some of the “There was less interest in this THE FILM I CAN WATCH fascinating stories of the men eclipse, as it wasn’t as dramatic,” TIME AND TIME AGAIN: Cool Solar eclipse didn’t put said Jeremy Caplin, energy and women who work in Runnings or Billy Elliot – both us in the shadows forecasting manager at National brilliant films that show you engineering today. The effects of a total solar eclipse Grid. “As anticipated, the drop in can do anything if you put Visitors to the exhibition, on 20 March on power grids were demand resulting from people your mind to it. which has no admission fee, successfully managed by National watching the eclipse was partially Grid, despite the increasing offset by the loss of photovoltaic are encouraged to test their PRIZED POSSESSION: amounts of solar power connected generation, which made our lives My under-13s league problem-solving skills in a to the network. easier in the control room. Even cup winner’s medal and number of high-quality The month’s solar eclipse was if it had been the sunniest March two cricket trophies for interactive games and digital the first major event in Central day on record, we would have winning leagues 4 and 5 Europe since 1999. had sufficient reserves in place experiences. For example, in one in the Gloucestershire During the previous solar to manage the swings in demand County Divisions. game they can design their own eclipse, the main challenge arose and photovoltaic generation.” vehicle to move across an alien

06 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE Adam Henson Feature

Henson’s guide TO happiness The friendly face of Sunday night television speaks to Gridline about the harsh reality of farming, his pride in British agriculture and why it’s vital to love what you do

dam Henson is well aware he’s of filming and media, but the work on the farm a very lucky man, but not for the and my family keep me thoroughly grounded, A reasons his eight million weekly and that is vitally important,” he said. viewers might think. “You can diversify from your core business Outwardly, the astute, PR-savvy prime-time or commercial activity, but the most important television presenter has it all – a thriving thing is that you have to be happy with what business, a compelling media presence and you are doing. If not, what’s the point.” the rugged charm that comes with working Down-to-earth, affable and kind probably the land. But you have to look a lot closer sum the father-of-two up. What you see on to home to find out why the 48-year-old television is pretty much what you get. And Countryfile host is truly content with his that, he modestly supposes, is why the public seemingly hectic lot. have warmed to his Sunday night slot. “I have a lot of commitments in terms But there is a gritty, astute side to him too ➸

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 07

Feature Adam Henson

“There’s a new generation of farmers coming through who realise they have to innovate and take the occasional risk to be successful”

that undoubtedly tempts the watching made people think more about where their millions to tune in and learn about the myriad food came from. Nowadays, the care of food of opportunities the countryside has to offer. and its provenance is a key selling point.” He said: “I think I bring honesty and integrity. But Adam insists it is the innovation and I’m happy to talk about the downside of what entrepreneurial spirit that crises like that farmers do and the challenges they face and the recession spark among farmers large because that is the reality. It’s often very tough.” and small that sets British agriculture apart. He said: “Around 55% of farmers Fascinating have a second job, either through necessity Adam’s father Joe opened the Cotswold or interest. That’s what makes them so Farm Park, near Stow-on-the-Wold, in 1971. It fascinating and what makes my job on was revolutionary then and Adam inherited Countryfile so easy. it in 1999, two years before he broke “I applaud diversification spotlighted by into television. magazines like Gridline because it shows that “My dad was the pioneer for making a visitor farmers are overcoming pressures created by attraction out of farming and conservation, weather, animal and plant disease, as well as and showed you can make your business economic and political factors.” pay for your hobby. He was ahead of his time Adam’s rise to the position of countryside in bringing the public closer to and raising champion is built on hard work, but also owes awareness of the countryside, and I still turn much to the gradual growing awareness of all to him for advice now,” Adam said. Adam attributes his success and that of things rural in the British public. “The foot-and-mouth epidemic in 2001 put Countryfile to growing awareness of rural “People are a lot more in tune with where the countryside on the news every day and issues among the British public their food comes from now and have greater

08 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE According to Adam, mission, vision, proposition and having fun are the keys to diversification

The entrepreneur, who revealed talks have been held over a Gordon Ramsay-style farm troubleshooter programme, believes landowners looking to expand from traditional farming need to come at the project from a different angle: “Often they have the idea and then decide how to do it, but I’ve learned from people around me that you first need to have a mission statement, a brand vision and corporate From little acorns… proposition, and work back from that. ➸ One firm showed Adam Henson how knowledge of the work that goes into getting “You also need to react quite quickly if the smallest low-risk diversification can it to the farmers’ market or butcher,” he said. things aren’t working like you thought they snowball into something big and “There’s a new generation of farmers coming would. We’ve had projects that weren’t worthwhile when he visited Dartmoor- through who realise they have to innovate and performing, so we shelved them and looked based Lily Warne Wool, where owner Paula Steer’s Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep take the occasional risk to be successful, but if for another angle, but I’m glad to say the ale produce some of the nation’s finest wools. you have a business head or surround yourself brewed from Maris Otter barley grown on the Adam said: “To celebrate the 100-year with people who do, those risks become farm is doing very well.” anniversary of WWI, the shop asked local minimal. Gone are the days when if you drank He believes anyone deserves the right to ladies in Devon to use their wool to crochet scarlet poppies. They produced thousands cider and could use a scythe you were a farmer.” thrive in the countryside, even the growing and gave £1 from each sale to the British ranks of new arrivals leaving the cities to set Legion. They sold out very quickly.” Try something new up smallholdings: “When my dad tried to open The enterprise earned the company, set Adam’s farm, which boasts 50-plus rare breeds the farm, locals launched a petition to stop it up by Paula’s great-great-grandmother Lily, a place on Countryfile and raised money of pigs, sheep and goats, has grown to a near because of fears about the traffic. But anything for charity. Adam said: “It shows that year-round operation run by 60 people and that boosts the rural economy has to be diversification doesn’t have to be on a welcoming 100,000 visitors each year: “I applauded, which is why it’s positive that large scale and can unite communities.” couldn’t do it without the team around me, businesses like National Grid are supportive of and that is critical if you want to diversify grantor enterprises.” and try something new. Passion for and pleasure from his job shine “I have come back from a shoot with a great through in Adam’s zesty approach: “You have For more information… idea and put it to the team, who understand to love what you’re doing or see it purely as a business, sales and marketing, and they’ve said means of diversifying to increase your … visit www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk ‘no Adam, it doesn’t fit with what we want to opportunities to be happy with your lot. But – Adam’s Cotswold Farm Park is open achieve’, so I disappear off until my next idea.” surely the worst outcome is never to have tried.” from 14 February to 20 December 2015

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 09

Feature The Battle of Waterloo 1815: a monumental year in history A massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington is among a host of memorials sharing the spotlight, as the bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo approaches

rm outstretched, directing troops Despite this, for many people today, The origins of the statue go back to the years into battle, the giant bronze figure Waterloo means little more than the that followed Waterloo, when a number of A of the Duke of Wellington is an name of a railway station. So the 200th triumphal projects were begun, including imposing sight on its hilltop position. anniversary of the battle in June provides a Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and the The impressive structure in the garrison unique opportunity to remember the event’s victory arch at Hyde Park Corner. town of Aldershot, Hampshire, is among historical significance and how it acted as a In 1837, a committee led by the Duke of 734 scheduled monuments on land owned catalyst for change. Rutland began raising £30,000 by private by the Ministry of Defence – one of National A seismic event in European history, the subscription for Matthew Cotes Wyatt to Grid’s biggest grantors. Battle of Waterloo ended more than 20 years design the largest equestrian statue ever seen Scores of memorials across the country bear of bloody conflict with France, and ushered to that point, weighing 40 tonnes and standing silent witness to the outpouring of national in a half century of relative calm. 30ft high. “It was an astonishing piece of pride that followed Wellington’s great victory engineering,” enthused Paul. “The sculpture over Napoleon Bonaparte on 18 June 1815. Peaceful was cast in eight pieces, using two great Waterloo became, in Victor Hugo’s words, furnaces, and took 30 men three years to ‘the tomb of France’, derailing Napoleon complete. Some of the bronze was taken from Bonaparte’s quest for continental domination melted down French cannons, most notably and clearing the way for Britain to build an for Wellington’s head.” empire. Significantly, the two powers would On its completion in 1846, the statue was never again cross swords. controversially hoisted to the top of the The Wellington statue in Aldershot has unfinished victory arch, close to the Duke’s stood peacefully on Round Hill, behind London residence, where many people the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints, thought it looked out of proportion to the arch. since 1885. But this was only its final resting A government vote to take the sculpture down place in a journey that had started in was defeated after the Duke let it be known to controversial circumstances. his ‘friends’ that such a move would be ‘in the Local historian Paul Vickers, who works highest degree offensive, if not an indignity’. as an information services specialist at the By the time of his death in 1852, the public had Army’s Prince Consort Library nearby, has become used to the statue. Local historian Paul Vickers, an expert on the statue who been giving talks about the statue for the It was eventually removed in 1883 when is writing a book about it past 20 years, and is writing a book about the arch was repositioned to accommodate its fascinating history. a road-widening scheme.

10 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE (left) Closing the Gates at Hougoumont by Robert Gibb. Defenders hold back the French onslaught at a critical juncture of the battle; (below) The statue in its original location on the Wellington Arch in London

(left) An information board on the site of the statue; (right) The statue after its removal from the Wellington Arch

After further heated debate lasting a year, it was decided to move the sculpture to the garrison town of Aldershot, where the Prince of Wales said it would be ‘highly valued by the army’. It was moved in six pieces during August 1884 by Pickford & Co, the largest sections on a special trolley pulled by 16 horses, and installed on Round Hill in August the following year. “I’m often asked why it is not in a more prominent position, but at the time, it was at the centre of the army camp, with troops passing it every day on their way from “It’s fitting that the Military Museum group – which Paul is a barracks to training areas,” said Paul. founder member of. Spotlights and largest equestrian information boards have been installed, Pristine and there are plans to restore the original In 2004, working parties of troops, in statue commemorating paths and railings. partnership with local conservation groups and Britain’s greatest “The statue remains a highly valued symbol volunteers, cleared vegetation from the site, and of the town’s pride in its military heritage,” professional restorers cleaned and re-bronzed general is based at said Paul. “It’s fitting that the largest the sculpture back to a pristine state. Aldershot, ‘home of equestrian statue commemorating Britain’s Since that time, a watchful eye has been greatest general is based at Aldershot, the maintained by the Friends of the Aldershot the British army’” acknowledged ‘home of the British army’.” ➸

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 11

Feature The Battle of Waterloo

A summer of commemorations Waterloo 200, the government-backed charity co-ordinating the commemorations, is working with schools to encourage pupils to learn about the battle and its impact, and has launched a website with an online exhibition of 200 battle artefacts – visit www.nam.ac.uk/waterloo200/

Other events 5 JUNE Battle of Waterloo 200th anniversary concert, Royal Albert Hall.

10–11 JUNE Beating the Retreat – Waterloo Remembered at the Horse Guards Parade, London.

A near run thing The Iron Duke 18 JUNE Service of National Homage at Having escaped from the Isle of Elba in spring Considered one of the finest military St Paul’s Cathedral, attended by a senior member of the Royal Family, descendants 1815, Napoleon (above) raised an army of commanders in British history, Arthur of combatants and representatives 120,000 soldiers, and advanced into what Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, from regiments. is now Belgium, hoping to crush the armies took part in more than 60 battles. of Wellington and the Prussians, under Field After Waterloo he returned to Britain 21 JUNE The New Waterloo Despatch (re-creation of the journey of Wellington’s Marshall von Blucher, piecemeal a hero and a grateful nation presented him victory despatch in 1815 by carriage to the before they could unite. with an estate in Berkshire (Stratfield Saye), Prince Regent, in London). After initial successes, he was defeated purchased for £263,000 (equal to more than at Waterloo, 10 miles outside Brussels, where £18 million today). He later served two stints 17–21 JUNE The battlefield of Waterloo, Belgium the balance was tipped by the arrival of as prime minister, where his opposition to Two major historical re-enactments are Prussian reinforcements. The battle lasted parliamentary reform made him unpopular planned featuring 5,000 participants, 300 11 hours and involved 200,000 men, 60,000 with the masses. horses and 100 cannons. horses and 537 guns on a patch of land just The Duke retained considerable influence five miles square. There were nearly 50,000 as an elder statesman right up to his death fatalities – a density of killing that exceeded in 1852, aged 83, at Walmer Castle, his official that of the Somme in 1916. “I always say that residence as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a He was given a state funeral at St Paul’s battle won,” said the Duke. Cathedral in London.

It’s a fact Wellington’s homes ➸Wellington is probably the most painted and sculpted STRATFIELD SAYE individual in British history, with 339 images of him in the Still the Wellington family home, the permanent National Portrait Gallery alone. exhibition includes the Duke’s 18-tonne decorated funeral carriage, while his favourite stallion, Copenhagen, is buried in the grounds. ➸The Duke of Wellington’s nickname the ‘Iron Duke’ refers to the APSLEY HOUSE iron shutters installed on the windows of his London home after Managed by English Heritage, the Duke’s they were smashed by mobs protesting against his opposition to London residence is today a treasure trove of paintings, silver and porcelain. Reopens the Reform Bill. in April with new displays for Waterloo200.

WALMER CASTLE, KENT ➸Wellington boots were named after him, but his boots were made It became the official residence of the Lord of leather, not rubber. A cut-down version of the existing Hessian Warden of the Cinque Ports (pictured above). Wellington held the post for 23 years and the boot, they quickly gained a strong following in fashionable circles. armchair in which he died can still be seen.

12 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE The Battle of Waterloo Feature

Victoria Gallery and Museum, Liverpool National Museum (5 JUNE – 24 OCT ) See the Eagle standard of the of Scotland French 105th regiment captured 8 MAY – 20 SEPT at Waterloo, along with the Displays explore the legacy of macabre ‘Waterloo teeth’, the battle within Scotland ‘from plucked from the jaws of the public celebrations to political fallen and sold to dentists. unrest, the celebrity of veterans and the birth of battlefield tourism’.

The National Portrait Gallery The British Museum

UNTIL 7 JUNE UNTIL 16 AUGUST Trace Wellington’s journey from An exhibition exploring how military hero to unpopular PM in Napoleon’s career was viewed in 59 portraits, revealing the ‘man the caricatures of great satirical behind the myth’. artists such as James Gillray and George Cruikshank.

The Royal Green Jackets Museum, Winchester Windsor Castle

25 MARCH – 30 SEPT UNTIL 13 JAN 2016 A fine collection of artefacts from Tour the state apartments to view the period 1797-1815, including a a display of prints, drawings and miniature battlefield with 30,000 archival material, including the model soldiers and horses. beautiful red cloak belonging to Napoleon, presented to the King by Field-Marshall von Blucher. Image credits: Image Scotland Museums – National Hougoumont at the Gates Closing Heritage – English Arch on the Wellington of the sculpture The photo London News – Illustrated moved being of statue Picture Heritage – English and Napoleon of Wellington Portraits Heritage Castle – English of Walmer Photos

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 13

Feature Safety

Gridline: Why are these patrols needed? Catherine: We have a legal duty to monitor and risk assess the Walk condition and safety of overhead lines and access rights are embedded within wayleave and easement agreements with grantors. The checks are vital to the ensure both security of supply and the safety of the line. John: All lines are inspected on don’t fly over areas where there The linesmen keep foot annually, backed by visual are young or skittish animals, an eagle eye on trees that could affect condition monitoring patrols by such as horses. safety clearances, helicopter. Occasionally, we may pylon damage and line birds’ nests have to climb a pylon to check Gridline: When do foot patrols There’s on its condition, but much of this take place? no work is done by helicopters with Catherine: The vast majority are substitute for getting a high-definition cameras. from September and March, prior to the main planned outage close-up look at our Gridline: Why can’t helicopters season in the spring and summer, overhead lines. do all the inspections? when power on certain lines is John: Helicopters are very switched out for maintenance. National Grid land efficient, capable of inspecting up While the winter may not be the officer Catherine Price to 200 spans during a single flight. ideal time of year for walking, a We also use them to carry out high proportion of livestock will and linesman John annual thermal imaging surveys be indoors and many crops are in winter with infrared cameras dormant, so impacts on Jones explain why to check for ‘hot spots’ that could landowners will be minimal. indicate faulty equipment. Some older lines, those with However, they can’t be used in known defects scheduled for some built-up residential areas repair, and lines that are subject or close to airports and, in some to extra wear and tear from high cases, grantors request that we winds or corrosion, for example,

14 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE Safety Feature

At 514ft, the pylons that carry electricity cables across the Severn Estuary are the second tallest in the UK. The location is patrolled on a regular basis by National Grid linesmen, reflecting its important role supplying power to south-west England

may be visited more frequently. Also visited more frequently “It’s important to tell us about any are those pylons deemed to be potential hazards that need to be at a higher risk because of their location near, for example, a considered on the day, including motorway, rail or river crossing. any animals, such as bulls, in a Gridline: What else are the patrols looking out for? Gridline: How much notice field, any planned shooting John: The inspections are an is usually given? opportunity to identify risks to Catherine: Letters are normally activities or crop spraying” spans and towers that could arise sent out to affected grantors from new land uses or other indicating a six-month time frame will walk along the line between reports fed back to the Condition activities in the vicinity. This might within which visits will be made. each tower. Between 10 and 15 Monitoring department, which include a new building or road, the We can’t guarantee an exact date towers can be surveyed in a communicates with field building of a haystack that infringes because of variable weather typical day, depending on the engineers who fix the defects. safety distances from power lines, conditions and other factors weather and terrain. The or the introduction of fishing at a that can impact schedules. inspections are visual checks Gridline: How can grantors help? lake crossed by conductors. – no heavy equipment or vehicle Catherine: It’s important to tell Catherine: We follow up any Gridline: Who carries out the access is required. us about possible hazards on the reports that identify a new risk inspections? day, including any animals, such by contacting the grantor and, John: We have linesmen based Gridline: How are the checks as bulls, in a field, planned if necessary, will carry out a site at 12 substations around the carried out? shooting activities, crop spraying, assessment to help the landowner country. Normally, a single person John: High-powered binoculars or the presence of electric fencing. mitigate risks and implement are used to assess the condition We need to know as soon as safety precautions. of the towers, insulators, possible if biosecurity measures conductors and fittings. We’re need to be taken in areas with Contact Gridline looking for a variety of things, livestock or crops. Landowners It’s important that accurate such as trees that impinge on should also advise us if we need records are kept of contact safety clearances, damage to to liaise with tenants or land details so that we can anti-climbing devices, cracks managers – and, if necessary, we provide safety information in footings and the presence can collect keys from a nominated and contact you when maintenance work is needed. To update us with of bird nests. person if there are locked gates for changes call 0800 389 5113 for electric, All observations are entered security purposes, such as at 01926 654 844 for gas, or email into a handheld device and the forestry sites. [email protected]

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 15

Feature Cherry orchard

Be afraid! Inspirational Milly’s all set to challenge the establishment

10 AUTUMN 2014 GRIDLINE he’s earned an ovation from hard-bitten Northamptonshire cattle farm whenever she can. farmers, she’s silenced chattering male “There has been a step change in getting more S landowners and she certainly isn’t afraid women involved in the industry, but there is still to speak her mind. discrimination. I’ve made friends in the right Not yet 30, but with a precocious ability to places to overcome it, but I’m also not averse cut through jargon, it’s a good bet the agricultural to asking for help.” industry will see – and hear – a lot more of Milly Wastie. Triumph over adversity Remember the name. She’s determined to Affable and refreshingly blunt, business and follow in the bootprints of countryside pioneers management graduate Milly suffers none of like Kate Humble to bring the importance of the stage fright that comes with challenging farming to the masses. an establishment steeped in tradition for one She makes no bones about being a thorn in the so young. side of the establishment for the benefit of British Bullied for ‘being different’ at her school on farmers and the families they serve. the outskirts of Oxford because of her rural bent, “I want us to focus on what really matters and she has used that determination to triumph over that’s raising public awareness of where food adversity to convince even her harshest critics actually comes from,” she said. that her vision for British agriculture means as Her campaign appears to be working. She’s just much as that of the next man. picked up an accolade for her advocacy work from “I gave a speech at a Young Farmers dinner and the Inspiration Awards for women, batting away a group of older chaps just started chatting prejudices in a predominantly male profession amongst themselves. I stopped talking and invited wary of change. them to come up and have the conversation over the microphone or learn some manners,” she said. “I want us to focus on what really matters “It was nerve-wracking and that’s raising public awareness of at first, but the organisers emailed me where food actually comes from” after to thank me. I care passionately about She said: “There are a lot of preconceived ideas raising awareness among the public of where food among the agricultural fraternity and yes, there is actually comes from and how it’s produced, so still the belief that only men should guide policy. I don’t worry too much if I upset people. “But more noticeable is the view that because “There needs to be more collaboration within you are young, you can’t speak with authority the industry to educate people not to take food about agriculture. I think I do, but in a jargon-free for granted, that we need farmers three times a way the public would understand, that’s all.” day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have lost Milly, whose full-time job for the Royal the real connection with our food.” Agricultural Benevolent Institution revolves Milly, who put her campaigning work on hold around welfare for farmers’ families beset by during lambing at the 360-acre farm just off the tragedy, has emerged through the ranks of the M6, wants to be seen as the modern, slightly Young Farmers Association and is active on edgy face of farming in the years to come. social media. She wants to challenge the prejudice that The young grantor exudes boundless energy you need 30 years plus of agricultural experience and enthusiasm for the task – just as well given to know what you’re talking about… and anyone the fact that she also mucks in at her fiance’s who doesn’t listen risks a flea in their ear.

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 17

Feature The brewery

A pint of history As the big breweries died, John Costello hankered after his favourite brew. So when circumstances changed, he set about recreating history

18 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE ike pilgrims heading to a promised “We’ve kept the actual brewing operation small, but land, walkers on the National Trust used it as the base for expanding into other things. Ltrail are constant visitors to John Costello’s tiny brewery. I’m now employing around 40 people and boosting They share tales of their favourite local brews with messianic zeal, debating the the local economy, and I’m very proud of that” merits of hoppiness, maltiness and aftertastes of their favourite tipples. Back then he had just one mash tun – a It means that the passion for something container where the malt is initially mixed a little different is alive and well… and that’s with water or liquor – one copper to heat the good news for John and his family. ingredients and two fermenting vessels, where Growing up, he was always partial to a the mix turns to alcohol before being cooled drop of mild, as a cheaper alternative to more and eventually bottled. established beers. Then, in common with The operation has since trebled output, many men and increasing numbers of women, with seven fermenting tanks, but is still small John broadened his tastes. enough to be contained in the barn and to His love for a traditional pint never left produce a manageable 1,500 barrels a year… him after he fell in love with the brews of that’s a lip-licking 432,000 pints. long since defunct north-west names like Passion and pursuit of perfection are core to “Brewing is an exact science, so if the acidity Boddingtons, Walkers and Tetley’s. the family brewery’s ales, which include pale of the malt changes in a new season, it will The demise of the latter, where the former bitter Little Bollington – a nod to Boddingtons affect the taste. That’s why we occasionally marine engineer had worked his way through and the nearby village of Bollington – and the tweak the quantities to ensure that we get the ranks, prompted him to think about award-winning Chocolate Cherry mild. the best quality every time,” said business starting his own brewery. But the combination management degree graduate Jason. of a big mortgage, young children and sensible “Marketing is all word of mouth and wife – she now looks after the bottling and reputation. We don’t deliver further than labelling – forced him to stick to a secure salary. 15 miles and keep favourites like Big Tree on But then redundancy from his next job, all year round. Sensible prices ensure a loyal reduced home repayments and the need for following keen to back their local beer.” a fresh challenge meant Dunham Massey Brewery was about to take flight. Price and quality Now, eight years on, a disused grain barn Around 150 pubs and specialist beer outlets in a picturesque hamlet on the edge of the take the Dunham Massey ales. John has also National Trust’s beautiful Dunham Massey leased two pubs of his own and has opened estate is home to 23 traditionally brewed a second brewery in nearby Lymm. beers, all produced from local malt and hops. He said: “We’ve kept the actual brewing The perfect pint operation small, but used it as the base for Inspiration 1. Mashing – milled grain and hot water expanding into other things. I’m now “I wrote to the National Trust and they offered (liquor) are added to the mash tun, allowing employing around 40 people and boosting me the barn. We needed good drainage, the malt enzymes to break down the starch the local economy, and I’m very proud of that.” in the grain to form a malty liquid called wort. electricity and clean, easy to wash walls, and 2. The Copper – the wort is boiled in a While admitting ‘anyone could brew’ he says this place had none of them,” he laughed. heated tank or copper for 60 to 90 minutes finding the perfect blend of character-giving Helped by friends and his two sons, Anthony to bring out the flavour and bitterness malt and bitter-creating hops is an art refined and Jason, now 29 and 26, John turned the of the hops. The liquid temperature is through countless trials: “We focus on price then reduced and the yeast added in former Quaker meeting house into a small the next stage. and quality. There are lots of small breweries, but viable base for the fledgling business. 3. Fermentation – the liquid is pumped but many offer an average product.” Within months, his first batches of Deer Beer into fermentation vessels, where the John, a cask ale and white wine lover, is and Big Tree Bitter, both named after estate yeast converts the sugars from the malt delighted when he’s approached by visitors to into alcohol or beer before dropping to landmarks, were picking up plaudits from the the bottom of the tank, where it is the estate looking to take home a couple of the Campaign for Real Ale, which has gone on to harvested to be reused. 52,000 bottles produced on-site each year. award the family a string of accolades. John 4. Cask conditioning – the unfiltered and He said: “When they tell us about their local said: “My background taught me a lot and was unpasteurised beer is transferred to a ales, you feel their passion. We’re maintaining clean cask, where it is conditioned and my inspiration to recreate some of the great then sent on to pubs. tradition and creating a base for my lads to beers from the north-west.” take the business forward if they want to.”

GRIDLINE SPRING 2015 19

Your chance to enter Lastword three great competitions

WIN!

Photo competition AN IPAD MINI Congratulations to Help us to make Gridline even Colin Parsons, our better by filling in a simple ‘new year, new start’ online reader survey for a photo competition chance to win an iPad mini. It winner, for this stunning will only take a minute or so picture taken while on a and will help us understand walk near his home in what you like and don’t like Hawkshead. Colin said: about the magazine. Visit “The weather was www.surveymonkey.com/r/ pretty horrible and the Gridline2015 to enter. The snowdrops were the winner will be chosen from only sign of new life. online entries on 18 May 2015. When I read what the theme was, this photo sprang to mind.”

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GET AWAY FROM THE CROWD and spoil yourselves with a luxury WIN! spa break for two with our new Gridline competition. The retreat package includes A £150 M&S a night’s accommodation in a SHOP SPREE stylish room for you and one Banish the winter blues with other person, as well as access to a Gridline’s photo competition luxurious spa and a delicious and a chance to win a £150 M&S voucher? Send your shot breakfast in the morning. on the theme ‘darling buds of The break can be booked from a spring’ to Summersault Gridline range of different locations across Photo Competition, Victoria the UK, whether you like city, Court, 8 Dormer Place, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire country or coast, so there’s sure to CV32 5AE or email it to be somewhere near you. [email protected]. Whatever your preference of Closing date is 18 May 2015. COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS Only National Grid grantors can place to stay, there is something How many visitors does LUXURY BREAK: The winner will be the first enter and regrettably prints for everyone, from boutique Adam Henson’s Cotswold entrant selected at random who correctly identifies the answer (to be featured in the next edition) and cannot be returned. hotels to historic halls and Q Farm Park receive a year? who is a National Grid grantor at the time of the peaceful country retreats. draw. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Gridline If you’re feeling energetic and Send your answer, name and reserves the right to change the prize without prior the hotel has a gym, you can also contact details to Summersault notice. The prize is not transferable and cannot be Contact Gridline exchanged for cash. Closing date is 18 May 2015. access the workout facillities Gridline Spa Break Competition, PHOTO: The winning image will be the one judged to during your stay. Victoria Court, 8 Dormer Place, be the most visually appealing, original and relevant Tel: 01926 656 325 to the theme and will feature in the next edition. The Email: [email protected] For your chance to win, all you Leamington Spa, Warwickshire winner must be a National Grid grantor. The editor’s www.nationalgrid.com CV32 5AE or email them to decision is final and no correspondence will be have to do is answer this simple entered into. Gridline reserves the right to change the question. The answer is elsewhere [email protected]. prize without prior notice. The prize is not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. The closing date in this edition. Closing date is 18 May 2015. is 18 May 2015. Prints cannot be returned.

20 SPRING 2015 GRIDLINE