autumn 06

GridThe magazineline for National Grid grantors

Major league National Grid’s 20,000 grantors come in all shapes and sizes. This issue, on pages 14, 15, 16 and 17, we highlight four of the big boys — British Waterways, the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Defence and the National Trust.

Just grand… a barge owner enjoys the tranquility of the Grand Union Canal between Lady Capel’s lock and Iron Picture: British Waterways photolibrary Bridge lock near Watford 10&11 6&7 18&19 22&23 24&25 Joe Boucher, who has line Contacts been appointed to the line new role of National Grid Land and development landowners needed to install, landowners who have our gas Grid’s land and Grid group operate and maintain National and electricity equipment development operations manager, has more than Is responsible for acquiring all Grid's electricity and gas installed on their land. Listed 30 years’ experience in rights and permissions from transmission networks. We below are your local land and the electricity industry statutory authorities and act as the main interface for development team contacts.

North and North West: East Midlands Wayleave payments 0113 2908224/8235 Robin O’Brien 07836 293137 • For information on wayleave South East: 01268 642028 Simon Booth 07786 021088 payments telephone the South West: 01454 222044 West Midlands payments helpline on 0800 389 Paul Ganley 07836 549748 5113. Your wayleave teams and their Lee Durant 07776 121429 mobile numbers East Anglia Emergencies North East Barry Cullimore 07836 217478 • Emergency calls to report

electricity Wilson Holmes 07836 543539 Sue Dunham 07766 785684 pylon damage to National Grid Scott Stephenson 07836 South East (North London) can be made on 0800 404090. 543541 Brian Mead 07836 217520 Make a note of the tower’s Lines of support North West Phil Burgess 07836 222051 number — found just below the Mark Thomas 07887 825073 South East (South London) property plate — to help crews NATIONAL GRID’S Land and — will be headed by Joe working first as a craftsman and Martin Bretherton 07786 Paul Sage 07836 638823 locate it. Development Group has been Boucher. Joe is new to Land later as an engineer installing 021086 Alison Williams 07788 568678 reorganised to help it meet and Development but has wide new technology equipment for North East (South) South Wales Electric and magnetic fields important new challenges over experience of the electricity substation control and telephony. Mike Rockett 07836 364634 Simon Gronow 07836 207262 • For information on electric the next five years. industry over the past 30 years. Since 1992, he has worked Janet Clarke 07770 645599 Robert Miller 07836 743236 and magnetic fields, ring the The company plans to The Operations team will as a substation field engineer, North West (South) South West EMF information line 08457 renew much of the electricity mainly support the delivery of business services officer in the Alan Whitmore 07836 629530 Richard Biggs 07785 716961 023270 (local call rate). Bob Tute 07836 668504 Jane Bishop 07771 864528 Website: www.emfs.info transmission system across the overhead line maintenance, the North West Area, team leader country — and the Land and capital investment plan and at Bishops Wood substation Development Group will have a future major gas pipeline and and maintenance services vital role to play in this project. plant projects. It will comprise delivery manager during a Two teams have been four multidisciplinary regional major reorganisation of formed. Hector Pearson, delivery teams — North West substations. His last role was as formerly the Group’s land and England and Scotland, the delivery manager in North development East, South West and South Wales and Merseyside manager, has East — covering electricity and substations group. been appointed gas activities, each team led by Married to Nicky — the land and a regional delivery manager. couple have a daughter and development “My new role is a big son — Joe is an enthusiastic stakeholder and change. But I have a lot of skier who gives up a week of policy manager. experience in the electricity his annual leave each year to Hector He and his industry and I am really looking help disabled people to ski with Pearson team will work forward to the challenges adapted equipment. He works at national level ahead,” said Joe. with Disability Snowsport UK Raising the roof… the first roof has been added to National Grid’s £355 million expansion project at with the National Farmers’ Joe left school at 16 in and with Nicky raised £500 for its liquefied Natural Gas terminal on the Isle of Grain, Kent Union and the Country Land 1976 and became a craft it when they took part in the and Business Association, as apprentice in the electrical latest Great North Run, a sum well as national and local maintenance department at matched by National Grid. The Gas Distribution (UKD) Fax 01452 316092 Tel 01452 316049 government. Chadderton Power Station in company also recently honoured John Cunnington Mobile 07976 259211 Mobile 07785 290457 Senior land and development Fax 01452 316092 The other team — Land Oldham. In 1982, he moved to Joe’s efforts for the charity with

gas officer North West and Development Operations Grid Control in Manchester, a special award of £500. Tel 0113 2908236 Charles Miller Administration Fax 0113 2908530 Land and development officer Sue Makin Mobile 07836 364633 Tel 0161 7760706 Tel 0191 2163519 Book winners are simply tree-mendous Fax 0161 7760601 Fax 0191 2163484 North London Mobile 0797 6510120 Congratulations to 40 grantors who have won as prizes — but so many of you entered, we and East of England free copies of The Tree Council’s new book have decided to give away an extra 15. Turn to Simon Dando West Midlands Trees in Your Ground. page 11 for our next competition. Land and development officer Barry Mercer Gas emergency In the last issue of Gridline, we asked ● Copies of Trees in Your Ground are available Tel 01452 316078 Land and Development Officer 0800 111999 readers to tell us what IVM stood for. The by sending a cheque for £8.99 (including answer is Integrated Vegetation Management. postage and packing) to The Tree Council, 71 To contact Gridline write to Papers Publishing, Stirling House, We originally offered 25 copies of the book Newcomen Street, London SE1 1YT. 2 College Road, Cheltenham GL53 7HY or email [email protected] 3 line line Industrial fire brings Grid Grid down power lines A 70-strong team of National said overhead lines manager Grid engineers and contractors Andrew Walters. “We advised had to be called in to deal with the fire crews to steer clear of the aftermath of a serious fire the conductors on the ground. that brought high voltage power “Although both circuits had lines crashing to earth. tripped, the conductors were The incident — which could not earthed so we had to treat have endangered lives — cut off them as live. There was also the power to the village of Castle danger of other conductors Donington in Leicestershire, coming down. They carry 2.6 temporarily closed roads and tonnes of tension — their sheer caused major traffic congestion. weight and recoil could kill or The flames from 70,000 seriously injure.” wooden pallets ablaze at an industrial estate shot 70 feet into the air and burnt through 275kV and 400kV overhead lines, bringing down Protection project… Paul Capp, right, and Balfour Beatty Power Networks project engineer Edward Knight on site near the Regent’s Canal an REC 11kV line. This briefly A £600,000 CABLE protection cut power to the project undertaken by National village and Grid in the heart of London had added to the some important local residents to dangers faced consider — animals at London by 150 Zoo. Animal magic firefighters. The work was designed to The fire reduce the potential for an oil leak provide additional system security “With the increased electrical main road and across part of highlighted the and associated environmental following the development and flows, these cables have become Regent’s Park,” said Paul. need for impact on London’s Regent’s commissioning of the new St of increased strategic importance Every effort was taken to grantors to take Canal and adjoining land. John’s Wood substation, the in providing London with a secure minimise disruption. Wayleave particular care The blaze started in wooden pallets It took place just a stone’s largest substation in the country,” electricity supply. officer Brian Mead was involved in when operating throw from the zoo: “From the explained Paul. “It was vital we carry out work long-term negotiations with the near pylons and overhead lines. Tony and Andrew worked construction site, you could see to ensure any ground movement Royal Parks, and his colleague They should not store flammable through the night planning the boars running around,” said did not damage the cable sheath Dave Brittain liaised with the Royal substances near the tower or recovery operation and next day, project manager Paul Capp, and cause an oil leak — the risk Parks during the construction underneath the line — the overhead line project delivery National Grid occupiers duties FACTFILE to the environment as a result works, and kept British pallets had been stacked next to manager Peter Bryant led the manager. “Inevitably, the of a leak would be Waterways, Westminster Council • The former Central Electricity the tower and the intensity of the team of engineers and Balfour project had a noise impact, particularly significant as and members of the public Generating Board installed 400kV under- fire caused the lines to break. Beatty contractors. but we liaised very closely one of the cable circuits informed about the work. ground cables below the towpath between St The tower survived. Conductors were draped with the zoo to ensure the is close to the canal.” Some US Government offices John’s Wood and City road in 1979 • Regent’s Canal First on the scene after an across the industrial estate and animals were not stressed The work entailed are close to the site — the is a canal across an area just to the north of central alert from the National sagging power lines closed the constructing about 30 contractors frequently welcomed in any way.” London. It provides a link from the Paddington arm of Operations Centre was main village roads. Sixteen metres of sheet steel visits from American diplomats The project, which the Grand Union Canal, just north west of Paddington overhead lines engineer Tony kilometres of conductors had to wall below ground to took eight months to Basin in the west, to the Limehouse Basin and the River keen to find out how work was Holmes. Tony urged police to be replaced before the lines complete, was to protect Thames in east London • The canal curves round the protect the cables and progressing. extend the cordon around the could be put back in position. the 400kV City Road-St northern edge of Regent’s Park and bisects London prevent any ground “The job was very visual and site after he spotted bystanders But thanks to the collaborative John’s Wood and 275kV Zoo • It was built during the early 19th century at a movement close to on one of the most popular canal on a bridge directly beneath the efforts of everyone involved, the St John’s Wood-Willesden cost of £772,000. By the late 1940s, the canal’s them. banks in London — but it was power lines. roads were open within 12 cables which run under or importance for commercial traffic was “The location of the carried out without complaints “Those people would have hours, and most businesses close to the canal towpath. dwindling, and by the 1960s cables made access thanks to teamworking and co- been in real danger if it hadn’t were able to return to the “We needed to improve commercial vessels had almost difficult because we had to operation from the Royal Parks,” been for Tony’s quick thinking,” industrial estate within 48 hours. 4 protection to the cables to stopped operating. transport equipment from the said Brian. 5 6 Gridline National Gridgrantors… the charity’s trustees Wiltshire. Whichmakes Melksham substationin Point inSomersetand line betweenHinkley Grid’s 400kVoverhead crossed byNational some ofitslandis in andaround Bath and own over100properties Bath MunicipalCharities St John’s Hospitaland Hospital. the RoyalUnited almshouses, closeto Combe Parkcomplexof the award-winning more recent years,at Court, Westgate, andin same siteatChapel those inneedonthe provided comfortfor For over800yearsithas John’s HospitalinBath. One suchplaceisSt people inBritain. accommodate 36,000 almshouse dwellings 2,600 groups of the needy—currently, crucial role inthecare of continue toplaya These almshousesstill refuges fortheneedy. we knowtodaybut not theestablishments nuns ranhospitals— Which iswhymonksand despair. age ofdestitutionand work, facedagrimold and whocouldnolonger without familysupport pretty awful.People old, poorandneedywas In medievaltimes,being Bath. numerous grantstotheneedyof subsidised rateandprovide provide thealmshouseflatsata enables StJohn’s Hospitalto leases andaccumulatedreserves Bath. employment andwhocomefrom who havetobeover55,notin independence oftheresidents promote thewell-beingand standard ofaffordable housing. provides thoseinneedwithahigh Park, setamidstunninggardens. disabled, haveflatsatCombe courtyard. provided around acharming Court where apartmentsare some 70residents atChapel poor womenisnowhometo refuge forsixpoormenand many centuries. has evolvedenormouslyover THE SITEOF the needy hand for A helping reference NG/LDS. Hospital, Bath,Chapel Court,BathBA11SL.Please quotethe [email protected] orwritetoheratSt John’s To order your copy, at emailLesleySouthern readers atthespecialprice ofjust£18toincludepostandpacking. Spirit ofCare, The 800yearsofcare provided byStJohn’s Hospitalishighlightedin Illustrating 800 yearsofcare Project anddevelopment The moneyraisedfrom rents, The charity’s priorityisto Today, theaccommodation Nearly 60residents, some What startedasasimple The booknormallyretails at£28—butis offered to St John’s Hospital a beautifullyillustratedbookby Jean Manco. services andsocialworkerson social Bureau, AgeConcern, come from theCitizensAdvice carpets etc. kitchenequipment, furniture, needs andthosewhoare sick. people withspecialeducational Bath people—includingyoung offering supporttohundreds of number ofsmallercharities part ofourorganisation.It’s a work. tremendous amountofgood staff, butweare abletoachievea charity, justabout50membersof risk managementissues. organisations, themediaandwith to workingwithlocal and socialeventsfortheresidents organising conferences, seminars much more thaneverbefore.” all theseyears—butdoingso helping thelocalcommunityafter amazing tothinkweare still said:“It’sofficer LesleySouthern “Most ofourapplications “We canoffer grantstowards “Bath MunicipalCharitiesis “We are actuallyquiteasmall Lesley hasavariedrole, from Gridline adapt tochange, saysLesley. pulse andready torespond and developing, with itsfingeronthe dynamic andconstantly relatively smallcharity, itisdiverse, and voluntaryorganisations.” also makegrantstoothercharities whom theyare working,butwe behalf oftheindividualswith eietFeaMcVeigh resident Freda chatstoChapelCourt totalk…LesleySouthern Time “Our major challengeis to Although StJohn’s maybea that we do, everyday.” the spiritofcare livesoninall beneficiaries — and that needs ofour which meetthereal innovative ways in newand and thenrespond who needourhelp in touchwiththose ensure weremain Association’s patron Association’s Patron’s Award for2003byPrinceCharlesin recognition ofitsoutstandingcontributionto architecture historic traditionofalmshousesthathaveexistedforover The firstrecorded almshousewasfoundedinYork inthe the AlmshouseAssociationwhichaimstopreserve the Park Almshousedevelopmentwas presented withthe designed in1717 10th centurybyKingAthelstan Grade 2listedbuildings.Thepresent chapelwas 1,000 yearsintheUK.ThePrinceofWales isthe make upChapelCourtare amixofGrade1and 1,800 separatealmshousecharities intheUK, • with 2,600groups ofalmshouses.Each The almshouses,chapelandoffices that almshouse charity isindependentand run byvoluntarytrustees. FACT • The StJohn’s charity’s £7millionCombe • St John’s Hospitalisamemberof FILE • There are almost 7 • Gridline line line Grid Grid Top team Chris Packham opens the new visitor centre at Welney Successful relationship is streets celebrated National Grid joined in the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust’s (WWT) 60th anniversary celebrations this year. The WWT organised a ahead programme of events at each NATIONAL GRID DOESN’T just Transmission works that affect the of its nine centres across the dig up streets and roads highway adhere to the New UK and Northern Ireland, whenever it feels like it — a great Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 including Welney in Norfolk. deal of essential preliminary — as amended by the Traffic National Grid has had a planning paves the way. Management Act 2004 — and long and successful The company has statutory associated codes of practice,” relationship with Welney. In obligations when it carries out any explained Julie. 2000, it provided £40,000 works involving breaking up a “We have to co-ordinate our towards the cost of a street, and a three-strong team at major works with affected internal £100,000 extension of the its Warwick HQ is there to ensure stakeholders — Engineering reserve’s observatory which these obligations are met. Services for example — and was opened by wildlife Julie Ulliot, co-ordinator of the external stakeholders, such as the presenter, naturalist and New Roads and Streetworks Act Highway Authority, other utilities photographer Chris Packham. On the right road… the New Roads and Streetworks Act team, left to right, Martyn Blakeley, co-ordinator Chris returned to Welney (NRSWA) team, and her and transport services. Julie Ulliot and Linda Friel colleagues Martyn Blakeley and “This means attending for the 60th celebrations to Linda Friel work alongside both quarterly local highway co- “We also advise project notice to the relevant local “If notices are not served with open a new £3.5 million the Electricity and Gas ordination meetings organised by management of any legislative authority. This details what type of the correct details, the company eco-friendly visitor centre Transmission Construction the Highway Authority if we are restrictions and constraints that works are to be undertaken and will receive a fixed penalty of a which features a restaurant departments that manage major planning work in that area.” may impact on the programme how long the work will last. minimum of £80 per notice,” said and shop, multi-purpose schemes involving new or To assist the smooth running being delivered. Linda is responsible for serving Julie. meeting area and interactive reinforced high pressure gas of programmes, and discuss any “Regular attendance at the the notice and she works closely “A review of our notices shows education areas. pipelines, and new or conflict with other works in the regional Highway Authority utilities with National Grid project we do not require any major National Grid has provided maintenance projects for high same area, the team ensures all committee ensures National Grid management and contractors to changes to our processes, a display outlining the voltage electricity cables. affected parties are told about the has an opportunity to influence identify any changes in the although the team does face a company’s association with It’s a major task — the team planned work. future legislation.” planned programme to the new challenge in 2008 with the Welney, and an interactive covers the whole of England, “This then allows us to make All streetworks that require affected highway authorities. introduction of an electronic display board highlighting the Scotland and Wales. any changes to ensure minimum excavation of the highway must “Linda’s devotion to duty has system.” migration of swans to the “Our job is to ensure all UK disruption,” explained Julie. be accompanied by an opening built up exemplary relationships Meanwhile, National Grid staff reserve. with all our stakeholders and working on the UK’s gas The two-storey building ensures our work is not impeded,” distribution network are working has been hailed as one of the said Julie. hard to ensure they are ready to most sustainably-built Communication key in London Next year finally sees the meet the obligations of the TMA. buildings in the UK. It is implementation of the Traffic An awareness campaign ‘No naturally ventilated with wall Streetworks that have to be “Depending on which borough could add to residents becoming insulation made by recycled carried out in the London is involved, the costs can vary upset and the project receiving Management Act (TMA) 2004 notice, no dig’ has been rolled out which introduces tough new laws to field staff throughout UK paper; heating is provided by boroughs can cause an enormously — adding hundreds bad publicity and additional a ground source heat pump administrative nightmare. of pounds to projects — because duration fines. Our transmission targeting utilities that dig up Distribution and extensive employee Britain’s roads. training has been implemented. that ‘pumps’ heat from the First, the NRSWA team has to some highway authorities can record speaks for itself with ground into under-floor pipes investigate how many parking charge a daily fee for suspending minimal complaints, and although in the building — for every unit bays will require suspension to bays,” said Julie. our works are occasionally Linda’s devotion to duty has built up exemplary of energy needed to pump the allow the excavation. Local “Our communication links with extended past the completion hot water, four units of free residents and the local Highway the engineers on site and the date, our ongoing communication relationships with all our stakeholders and ensures our work is not impeded and renewable energy are Authority have to be consulted Highway Authority are paramount ensures we are not penalised with provided. 8 before work can begin. if works become delayed as this a fine.” ‘‘ Julie Ulliott 9 Laxton in Notting- line hamshire is the last line village in England where Grid the ancient open field Grid system is still used. Fields of Land is divided into three large open fields (Mill, South and West fields) and a number of dreams… enclosed areas, with each tenant farmer THE OPEN FIELD system (OFS) livery stables and work as a having a number of long in Britain created a community. qualified agricultural engineer. strips scattered over Because villagers lived closely “Laxton hasn’t changed that each field. Each field together in the centre of the OFS, much since the early medieval and walked to all parts of the period, apart from the fact the contains a different crop surrounding fields, they saw and open fields are now smaller and as part of a strict three- helped each other regularly. the area of enclosed land much FACTFILE field rotation, and In this aspect, nothing has larger,” he said. changed over the centuries — “Crops are still grown on a Family affair… Laxton farmer Stuart Rose and his wife Sylvia • Open fields appear to have individual holdings are OFS, says Stuart Rose, is still at strict three-course rotation — in with daughters Rebecca and Jessica at Bottom Farm developed in the medieval period and widely scattered, so no the heart of Laxton and any year, one field is a winter sown were particularly well suited to the very inspection and discuss general remained committed to contributes greatly to the village’s wheat crop, a second field is a heavy ploughs that were used to cut through farmer ends up with all business matters involving the preserving this piece of strong community spring sown crop such the heavy clay soil in north west Europe • In open field system.” agricultural history. And the good or poor land. spirit. as barley or beans 1700, 50 per cent of British land used the But why has such an ancient thanks to the contribution The system was Stuart, 49, is and the third field is open field system • Today, the species-rich and, perhaps to some people, we make to educational clerk to the Laxton left fallow. Rape and grassland strips (sykes) and farm tracks prevalent in Europe from archaic system survived? access, unimproved Gates and root crops are not adjoining Laxton West and South fields the Middle Ages to as “There are a number of meadowland and over-winter Commons. His family has allowed. are designated as SSSIs for their reasons, starting with the Laxton stubble, the tenants have recently as the 20th lived in the village for generations “What makes Laxton unique is botanical, zoological and farmers unable to reach enjoyed Countryside and his late father Reg moved to that open field farming is still ruled historical significance. century in places. From agreement on how to divide up Stewardship payments for the last Bottom Farm in 1953 — Stuart by the manorial court which has the 12th century the land when formal enclosure of 13 years. took over the tenancy when Reg operated for hundreds of years the parish was considered in the “We are all determined to onwards, it was retired 14 years ago. and which still enjoys a legal 19th century,” said Stuart. protect Laxton’s open field Today, Stuart farms 120 acres status which permits the survive, contractors are often gradually replaced by “Then in 1952, the then owner system. But continuity is our of land, about a third of which is in imposition of fines on anyone used — and they too don’t always enclosure when fields of the open field farms in Laxton, biggest challenge,” said Stuart. the open farm system, and he abusing manorial law.” understand the importance of the sixth Earl Manvers, sold the “New tenants may not have were fenced off and supplements his income with DIY The annual Court Leet meets obeying the system’s rules. land to the Ministry of Agriculture experience of the system or farms divided up. in the village’s Dovecote Inn, once “Let’s just hope there are so that the system could be appreciate it as a time-honoured run by Stuart’s grandfather, in late enough people around to ensure In 1635, Laxton had preserved for posterity. family tradition. So, they have to November or early December. The these areas of farming landscape, “In 1981, the Crown Estate learn and start from scratch. And 1,894 acres in the open court still controls the cultivation of which have remained unchanged Commissioners became the ‘lords with so many of the farmers fields divided into 2,280 the open fields and much of its since medieval times, are of the manor’ and they have having to take on extra jobs to preserved for the future.” strips. Today, 18 open business is based on medieval precedent. field farmers cultivate One of its duties is to appoint about 480 acres divided a 12-man jury which, with a jury Win National Trust family membership into 164 strips. They foreman, is responsible for A super prize is waiting for the winner of our latest Which organisation has published a new leaflet inspecting the fallow field in the grantor competition. highlighting the dangers — and how to avoid include a number of next cycle of the farming year. National Grid grantors, We are offering a year’s family group them — of using agricultural machinery and “Before the next court, they membership of the National Trust — it covers two equipment close to power lines? including Stuart Rose, will tour the field that has been adults and their children or grandchildren under 18, You will find the answer in this issue of Gridline. whose Bottom Farm is fallow for the past year and also and is currently worth £73. Send your answers to Gridline Competition, Papers check each farmer has ploughed crossed by the High Membership gives you free entry to more than Publishing, Stirling House, College Road, only his fair share of the land,” 300 historic houses and gardens and information Cheltenham GL53 7HY or email Marnham-Chesterfield explained Stuart. about 700 miles of coastline and almost 250,000 [email protected] “Meanwhile, last year’s jurors overhead line which is Stuart Rose and bailiff Robert hectares of stunning countryside, so visiting Entries must be received by January 2 and will report their findings from their currently being Haigh check the boundaries of couldn’t be easier. To enter our competition, all you please make sure you give us your full name, tour a week earlier. They confirm have to do is answer the following question: address and telephone number. 10 refurbished… one of the farming strips fines which arise from their 11 line Ploughs line Grid It’s so simple for Simon… that for Grid top prizes A 30-YEAR-OLD freelance British National Conventional agricultural mechanic from North Ploughing champion title. We have two ploughing Yorkshire has scooped yet another Adrian, 51, had a dramatic fight videos and a book to give ploughing accolade. for victory with another past British away to the first grantor’s He is Simon Witty, who has champion, John Hill from South name pulled out of the hat been named as the new British Yorkshire. The two men both scored on December 1. National Reversible Ploughing 269 points, but using a ‘countback’ The book is The champion, a title he has now won system, Adrian — who runs a mixed Tractor Ploughing Manual, for the fourth year in a row. dairy and arable farm at St Issey, the Society of And the winners are… National His victory, which earns him a near Wadebridge — came out tops Ploughmen’s official trip to Lithuania next year for the Grid land development officer by one point. His son Ian kept up handbook aimed at both 2007 World Ploughing Contest, Richard Evans, left, presents the family tradition, winning the newcomers who need the came less than a month after he trophies to Simon Witty and reversible title in one of the National basics for farm work and won the 2006 World Reversible Adrian Brewer, right Young Farmers’ classes. the growing number of Ploughing Championship. He took Glorious weather over the two- competitors at ploughing this title in both 2005 and 2004. with Firestone and Goodyear. Ken day championships provided matches. Simon, who was awarded the Chappell, executive director of the perfect ploughing conditions and Both the videos are National Grid Cup for winning the Society of Ploughmen which there was a warm welcome to produced by the Society reversible plough-off, was one of organised the championships, said Loseley Park from the owners, the of Ploughmen. In one, the 200 of the country’s top ploughmen he was extremely grateful for the More-Molyneux family. Society’s executive and women at the British National “unstinting support” of the ● For more information about the director Ken Chappell and Ploughing Championships at sponsors. Society of Ploughmen, call 01302 John Hill, a three times Loseley Park, near Guildford. Another top winner of the day 852469, email world reversible ploughing Once again National Grid was a was past British champion Adrian [email protected] or visit champion, highlight main sponsor of the event along Brewer from Cornwall, who won the www.ploughmen.co.uk reversible and conventional match plough skills. This video is Debbie enjoys first nationals designed both for those An old plough and a young girl Society which holds regular rallies. who have taken part in made an admirable duo at the Three years ago, at a rally at the competitions and want to British National Championships. chairman’s farm at Edmonybyers, improve and for those who The vintage plough was circa I spotted a trailer plough would like to compete, but 1955, while its operator was abandoned in some gorse which haven’t yet done so. rather younger, 16-year-old hadn’t been used since the The other video is Debbie Watson from Hallington, Second World War. I asked if I about vintage match Newcastle upon Tyne, the could have a go with it — and that ploughing skills, and youngest of just two women was it. I was hooked.” features Ken, an ex-British among the 200 contestants. She entered her first local and ex-European vintage Debbie, who was competing ploughing competition just over ploughing champion, and at the nationals for the first time, three years ago and, for the next ex-British vintage came fifth out of a field of 11 in the two years, entered one or two ploughing champion National Young Farmers local ploughing matches. This Michael Watkins. Ken Conventional Ploughing year, however, she has taken it demonstrates the use of Championships, using a plough more seriously and has entered as the mounted plough, while owned by Society of Ploughmen many competitions as possible in Michael applies his skills to chairman Charlie Halliday. the local area and up into the the trailed plough. A part-time student studying Scottish borders, picking up All you have to do is mixed farming at Kirkley Hall numerous rosettes, including six send your name, address College in Northumberland, firsts, three cups and a couple of and contact details to Debbie works with her parents other trophies. Gridline Ploughing Offer, Geoff and Helen at the family’s Debbie is looking forward to Trophy time… Debbie shows off Papers Publishing, Stirling 214-acre Bingfield Farm and has return visits to the national event. her trophies to proud parents Geoff House, College Road, been ploughing since she was 13. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be good and Helen. The collie is Flea, which Cheltenham GL53 7HY or “Mum is secretary of the enough to be a winner… but it’s Debbie has raised from a puppy email john@ paperspublishing.co.uk 12 Back to front… reversible winner Simon Witty in action South Tyne Traction Engine something to aim for,” she said. Pictures: George Swift Photography 13 14 Gridline Major leaguegrantors pylons). and Defence Estates(42 National Trust (93pylons) canals andBWland),the than 220crossings over British Waterways (more (about 135pylons), the Forestry Commission across the countryare Other majorgrantors Park. and LeeValley Regional Crown Estate,Railtrack Church Commissioners, the watercompanies, asset numbersinclude grantors intermsof Some ofthelargest two pylons. their property, orone an overheadlineover people withperhapsjust our smallgrantors— have featured manyof issues of In thisandprevious Feature: bignamepartners Discreet… powerlinesintheLakeDistrict,Cumbria Gridline , we through apineforest atWareham, Dorset Cross country… powerlinesrunning

Picture: Courtesy of the Forestry Commission Picture: CourtesyoftheForestry Commission forestry goodsand services. the valuethatis addedto the Britisheconomy gainsfrom deliver manypublic benefitsand physical environments. They quality ofthebiologicaland significant impactontheoverall management canhavea for forestry inWales. hasresponsibility government and theWelsh Assembly sibility forforestry inScotland, Scottish ministershaverespon- Westminster’s responsibility. and planthealththatremain forestry matters international for certainactivitiessuchas for forestry inEnglandaswell Rural Affairs hasresponsibility the Environment, Foodand and theenvironment. increase theirvaluetosociety forests andwoodlands protect andexpandBritain’s department, itsmissionisto single landmanager. Commission isBritain’s biggest public estate,theForestry some2.6millionacres of With FORESTRY COMMISSION Woodlands andtheir The Secretary ofStatefor As agovernment between 1994and 1998. increased by 17percent rivers. Dayvisitstowoods million dayvisitstocanalsand visits tothecoastorabout180 compares withabout170million England andWales. This were madetowoodlandsin that over330milliondayvisits the public. which hires outforest cabins to (www.forestholidays.co.uk) joint ownerofForest Holidays enjoy. woodlands are free forpeople to few exceptions,allofits cycling andhorseriding.With recreation suchaswalking, promote theuseofitslandfor with manyusergroups to recreation inBritain,working the largestprovider ofoutdoor successive generations. existence offorests through upon thecontinuedsustainable themselves, yettheydepend totheforests external Many ofthesebenefitsare ● www.forestry.gov.uk Beacon. Urban edge…theviewtoBirminghamfrom Barr For more information,visit In 1998,asurveyshowed The commissionisalsoa The Forestry Commissionis Picture: CourtesyoftheForestry Commission ‘ The Forestry Commission is the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Britain… with few exceptions,‘ all of its woodlands are free for people to enjoy for thecapabilityofourArmedForces’ future.” of estateplanningandprocesses isessential must cultivateandpreserve ourestate. foundation fortraining,whichmeans thatwe providing achallenging andsustainable “Looking afterourArmedForces involves Estate Strategy2006earlierthisyear, hesaid: Defence JohnReidlaunchedthe practice. matters toensure ithasdirect accesstobest environmental, conservationandheritage also takesadvicefrom expertsonaspectsof environmental sustainabilityconsiderations.It due accountofsocial,economicand ensures thatitsworkandfuture planstake its traininglandisinNationalParks.TheMoD and landscapesignificance—30percentof numerous archaeological sites. almost 1,000scheduledmonumentsand over 600statutorilyprotected buildings, Interest (SSSIs),50specialprotection areas, ● estate features 179Sit and 39minortrainingareas. includes 21majorarmedforces trainingareas relatively undevelopedruralland,which and some49,000houses. hectares includesmore than45,000buildings “rural”. Thebuiltestateofaround 80,000 hangars orfamilyaccommodation— barracks, navalbases,depots,aircraft one percentoftheUKlandmass. 4,000 sites.That’s anarea equivalenttoabout 240,000 hectares (593,000acres) withover £1billion ayearonitsestate. landowners intheUKandspendsover The MinistryofDefenceisonethelargest DEFENCE ESTATES www.defence-estates.mod.uk planning to MoD central Estate is For more information,visit “We recognise thatputtingitattheheart When thethenSecretary ofStatefor Much MoDrurallandhasenvironmental As wellasmilitaryfacilities,thedefence The remaining 160,000hectares is The sitesare either“built”—suchas In total,theestatecomprisessome es ofSpecial Scientific

15 Gridline 16 Gridline countryside andbuildings. protection ofthreatened coastline, the nationin acquisitionand alisation. uncontrolled developmentandindustri- abouttheimpactof concerned Hardwicke Rawnsley—whowere Hill, SirRobertHunterandCanon three philanthropists —MissOctavia visited itsopen-airproperties. 2004, whileanestimated50million the trust’s pay-for-entry properties in 43,000 volunteers. and holidaycottages. operations, includingshops,tea-rooms and revenue raisedfrom itscommercial membership fees,donations,legacies Wales Ireland. andNorthern countryside andbuildingsofEngland, to preserve andprotect thecoastline, The NationalTrust isacharitythatworks THE NATIONAL TRUST Guardians ofthenation’s heritage Feature: bignamepartners Lancashire resort ofMorecambe Heysham Head…partofawildcoastlinebetweenBritishEnergy’s nuclearpowerstationsandthe They sawthetrust asaguardian for The trustwasfoundedin1895by More than12millionpeoplevisited It has3.4millionmembersand It relies onitsincomefrom ● www.nationaltrust.org.uk environment intownandcountry. community, andthequalityof local of people’s skillsandsenseof future ofthe economy, thedevelopment heritage forfuture generations. the environment andofpreserving our educate peopleabouttheimportance of environmental infrastructure. £160 millionayearinthenation’s historic environment, itinvestsover nation’s countryside,coastlineand pretty place”.Aswellaslookingafterthe outstanding interest andimportance. pubs andinns—gardens of monuments, mills,churches, chapels, including castles,finehouses,industrial care are more than 300buildings— more than700milesofcoastline. acres) ofbeautifulcountryside,plus cares for250,000hectares (617,000 For more information,visit It alsocontributestodebateson the It haslong-termprogrammes tohelp The trustis,itsays,“more thana Among thehistoricproperties inits Over 100yearslater, thetrustnow Picture: ©NTPL/JoeCornish ‘ The National Trust cares for 617,000 acres of countryside and more than 700 miles‘ of coastline and 300 buildings and gardens Revival forthehighwaysofpast Picture: British Waterways photolibrary and cares for2,200miles andTrent.like theSevern Grand Uniontonavigablerivers from man-madecanalslikethe waterways are diverse,ranging Manchester. from hisminesatWorsely to Bridgewater in1759tocarrycoal was builtbytheDukeof the mostinfluentialearlycanal markets anddeepwaterports; quarries withfactories,mills, network linkingminesand throughout Britain. goods cheaplyandefficiently inland waterwaysfortransporting revolution sawthepotentialof entrepreneurs oftheindustrial More thantwocenturiesago,the BRITISH WATERWAYS Canal’s Leicesterline Refreshment time…abargemovesinto moor alongsidetheFoxtonLocks InnontheGrandUnion British Waterways (BW)owns Today, Britain’s inland They developedawaterways 2005 and2006,boatlicence increasing popular;between to listenlocalcommunities. British Waterways isalwayskeen and socialissuesatlocallevel,so linked tocommunityaspirations development isoftenclosely waterways. Waterway conserve andenhancethe increase itsincomesothatitcan and sector valuestoearn commercial practicewithpublic corporation thatblends navigations inBritain.Itisapublic about halfofalltheinland (3,540km) ofcanalsandrivers— Waterways are becoming future.” become theheritageof and enablingtodaywillfast regeneration weare influencing core infrastructure. The commercial waytosupportthe stimulate regeneration ina expand whatwehave,andto that creates anunusedmuseum. not aromanticised vieworone said: “We respect ourheritagebut October, thechairmanTony Hales BW’s waterways. anglers made5.8millionvisitsto 29,000. Overthesameperiod, seven percenttoarecord numbers increased bymore than ● www.waterscape.com the leisure website www.britishwaterways.co.uk and For more information,visit “We seektoimprove and At BW’s annualmeetingin

17 Gridline 18 Gridline they had a chance to learn more they hadachancetolearn day, oneofthehottestyear, class before theirvisitandonthe education materialtoJason’s line. refurbishment oftheoverhead up andrunningduringamajor schools thatthefarmparkwasstill to assure localpeopleand pylon isinthecarpark. crosses thefarmparkandone overheadline High Marnham painting competition. — whenhecametopinaschools Park organisedbyNationalGrid his school—andthetripto Primary School,won£3,000for Edwinstowe inNottinghamshire. Sherwood Forest FarmParkat and hisclassmatesvisited seven-year-old JasonBrennan allthewaywhen and learning IT WAS HOT, is hotstuff School visit Cheers Jason… from allhis KingEdwinPrimaryclassmates National Gridsentelectricity The competitionwasarranged The 400kVChesterfieldto Jason, from KingEdwin hot, hot—butfun ● base oftheelectricitypylon. by 6ftonscaffolding boards atthe winning paintingenlargedto3ft young Jasonwasseeinghis grandparents’ days. grandparents’ orgreat- found onfarmssincetheir domestic animalsnotcommonly youngsters toseebreeds of exotic birds. wallabies, waterbuffalo and more unusualadditions,including this categoryaswellsome contains over40breeds fallingin (RBST) Approved Centre and a Rare Breeds SurvivalTrust contractors AMEC. and JohnKellyfrom the delivery engineerMarkBrennan manager BillFenton,project from NationalGrid’s project forestfarmpark.co.uk farm park,visitwww.sherwood For more informationaboutthe A highlightofthedayfor The visitallowedthe Sherwood Forest FarmParkis husband Simon,whoare Browne. Felicityand Farm Park’s FelicityShaw Fenton andSherwoodForest National Gridproject managerBill Prize pupil…JasonBrennan meets National Gridgrantors, Grid tower in situaround aNational some ofthe20 paintings Towering achievement… run thepark wrong hands. likelihood ofitfallingintothe no-cost stepstoreduce the able totakepractical,lowor associated withAN,andis industry recognises therisks is importanttheagricultural terrorists asanexplosiveandit fertiliser isusedfrequently by industry bodies. with theNFUandother Security Office, inconjunction the NationalCounterTerrorism being stolen. to reduce therisksoffertiliser information forfarmersonhow launched toprovide detailed A newwebsitehasbeen Birds boost country. electricity pylonsinthe to oneofthemostvandalised in theGreat Bridgearea, home presentations from engineers. worksheets, issupportedwith project material,postersand launched byNationalGrid. electricity pylonshasbeen dangers ofplayingnear children andteenagersofthe West Midlands warning A hard-hitting educationpack Pylon advice ● safe fertiliser Keep your since theearly1990s. have remained fairlystable cent oftheir1970 level,but populations are about60per rises sincetheearly1990s. in 1970followingaseriesof 10 percenthigherthanitwas breeding bird speciesisnearly statistics. government according tothelatest UK isontheincrease, The wildbird populationinthe more. fertiliser.gov.uk tofindout Visit www.secureyourVisit Ammonium nitrate(AN) It hasbeendevelopedby It hasbeensenttoschools The pack,including The farmlandbird The figure forall113

19 Gridline 20 Gridline is calltoarms Save ourtrees is likelythatspringflushingwilladvanceasaresult ofmilderwinters,but the riskofspringfrost injuryisunlikelytochange.Unseasonalfrosts will is likelytobecomeathingofthepastacross much ofthelowlands still havethepotentialtocausedamage trees healthyduringdroughts water maybeneededtokeep Water aid…regular bucketsof cent andanincrease inwinterrainfallofupto25percent to belarge.Thelargestincreases inwindspeedare predicted forthe wind pattern are uncertain.Verywind pattern severe wintergalesmayincrease in numbers, asmaysummergales,but thechangesare notexpected the southeast,withareduction insummerrainfallofupto60per whole country. Thechangesare predicted tobemostextreme in rainfall increasing and summerrainfalldecreasing across the pathogens are likelytobecomemore active,expandtheir south eastandinthewintermonths ranges andcausemore damagetotrees suffering from drought. There isanincreased riskofnon-native pests this century ed toriseby2-5degrees centigradebytheendof and exoticdiseases becomingmore aggressive. • Average temperatures intheUKare predict- Source: www.forestry.gov.uk and • Rainfall patterns willchange,withwinter Rainfall patterns FACT www.rhs.org.uk FILE precipitation,” shesaid. and temperature, windpatterns adapts toglobalchangesin planning forthefuture astheUK protecting thenation’s trees and have amajorrole toplayin south coast. year’s tree plantingsalongthe per centlossesinsomeoflast hosepipe bansandreports of50 record-breaking temperatures, who championtheirlocaltrees. Warden Schemeforvolunteers ordinates thenationalTree The Tree Council whichco- came from SueRoe,chairmanof supported byNationalGrid— challenge ofclimatechange. intensify theirefforts tomeetthe country havebeenurgedto TREE WARDENS AROUND • Prediction ofchanges tothe • “More thanever, Tree Wardens It followedasummerof The “calltoarms”—strongly Existing pestsand National Gridhas supported theTree • Warden Snowfall Scheme for almost 10 • years. It the wildlife.” climate andproviding habitatsfor of ourlifetomoderating the ways, from improving thequality they are valuable inmanyother challenge,” saidPauline. grantors willtakeupthe and wehopeNationalGrid somewhere inthecountryside— urban street, schoolworkplaceor whether that’s agarden, park, plant trees in‘their’ground, Week, weare urgingpeople to still havealongwaytogo. was justoverninepercent,we an increase since1980whenit per cent,andalthoughthat’s quite per cent.TheEuropean totalis46 woodland coverislessthan12 wooded countriesinEurope — kind andintherightplaces.” “plant more trees —oftheright people across thecountryto Buchanan Blackchallenged director-general Pauline season, TheTree Council’s start ofthewintertree planting Tree Week, whichcelebrates the the run-uptothisyear’s National emissions wecannotreduce.” play arole inoffsetting those emissions, butweknowtrees will 2050. the Government’s deadlineof emissions by60percentbefore committed toreduce our of time,andwehavepublicly emissions somesixyearsahead Kyoto targetsforreducing the impactofclimatechange. important inhelpingtomitigate that trees are increasingly Gareth Llewellynsaid:“We know corporate responsibility director “Trees are notjustbeautiful, “During ourNationalTree The UKisstilloneoftheleast As Suemadeherappealin “Our focusisonreducing “We havealready metour The company’s group Council GHTS, 71 NewcomenStreet, LondonSE11YT. and packing).Orders, accompanied bycheques,payable to TheTree Council, shouldbesenttoThe Tree readers can obtainacopydirectly from TheTree Councilatthe specialpriceof£16.99(including postage Heritage Trees ofScotland Gridline ReaderOffer Book captures Highlandshighlights the strangest—including in thecountry, but also someof oldest, biggestandtallesttrees Council, reveals notonlythe association withTheTree Commission Scotlandin published bytheForestry bookshelves. finest trees isnowonthe ever publishedonScotland’s The mostcomprehensive book making itthelargest-girthedbroadleaved tree inScotland Meads ofStJohn,onMorayshire’s Estate.Itstrunkmeasures 9.73metres Darnaway (31feet)ingirth, Ancient giant…theDarnaway’s ChampionOakthatstandsinanarrow stripofancientwoodlandatthe Heritage Trees ofScotland (ISBN 0-904853-06-3),pricedat £19.99,isavailablefrom bookshops. , and woodlandconsultant programmes, JonStokes,tree Council’s director ofrural ‘green monuments’. generally fortheseveryimportant trees andtofightthecorner protected statusforheritage which ispressing forspecial Green MonumentsCampaign supports TheTree Council’s tree thatateabicycle!Thebook The authorsare TheTree over thousandsofyears. social andhistoricalsignificance natural worldwithconnections of ‘green monuments’ ofthe landmark trees anddiscovers Parker. by Archie MilesandEdward features stunningphotography Commission Scotland.Thebook Ogilvie oftheForestry Donald RodgerandJames It seeksoutitsmostamazing itr:Archie Miles Picture: Gridline

21 Gridline from thisperiod ments wasthearrivalinBritainfrom about2300BCof 22 known, phasesofconstructionatStonehenge date the Beakerculture. TheBeakerpeoplewere skilled and burialsinround barrows also sawtheintroduction ofcremation ofthedead potters, producing somefineearthenware vessels

metal firstbegantobewidelyusedinBritain,it Gridline Bronze Agesocietyappearstohave been crate for its journey toNewport crate foritsjourney Cambrian Archaeology. historic environment division)and Cadw (theWelsh Assembly’s National MuseumforWales, project archaeologists, The Nacap LandandMarineJV, the National Grid,itscontractor following extensivetalksbetween ground andsenttoNewport making itaround 3,400yearsold. experts inMiamito1420BC, wide, hasbeencarbondatedby 4.5 metres longby0.9metres single trunkofoakandmeasuring monitoring thepipelineproject. recovered byarchaeologists allow theancientrelic tobe the pipelinenearStBotolphsto Milford HavenandAberdulais. natural gaspipelinebetween work onNationalGrid’s new discovered duringconstruction or cookingtrough —hasbeen — thoughttobeadug-outcanoe A RAREBRONZEAGE dug-out dugup Bronze Age with acharacteristic‘S’shapedprofile • divided intochiefdoms basedaround The Bronze Agewastheperiodwhen The Bronze Age—c2300-700BC It travelledinaspecially-made The canoewasliftedfrom the The ‘canoe’,carvedfrom a Work stoppedonasectionof FACT • One ofthemostimportantdevelop- an agricultural economy. FILE • The later, andbest- artefact • archaeologist Neil Fairburn said: archaeologist NeilFairburn only 150existacross Europe. discovery ofitskindinWales, and discovered in2002. the remains ofamedievalship developed fortheNewportShip, carefully-controlled environment where itsnew‘home’isa activities inthearea. project archaeologist NeilFairburn Bronze Agebeauty…anexcitingfind,saysNationalGrid’s senior “Everyone wasveryexcitedby learn alot aboutBronze Age learn National Grid’s seniorproject It isthoughttobethefirst the findandit’s unlikelythey meant wewillbe ableto will everworkonanything sauna andbath area, has like thisagain. open aircookingplaceor have beenusedasan amazing amountof mound whichwould interest init,beita Bronze Ageburnt canoe oracooking trough. Itsproximity toa “We havehadan to Aberdulais —inMarch 2006. the firstsection — Milford Haven Gloucestershire. Work beganon through Herefordshire andinto west, continuinginSouthWales, starting inMilford Haveninthe gas pipelinesinSouthWales, network ofhigh-pressure natural National Gridneedstoexpand its and businessesacross theUK, economic gassuppliestohomes the future ofthevessel.” parties willbeconsultedabout National Grid.Allinterested and use.Thiswillbefundedby preservation toestablishitsnature examination, conservationand boat isthatitwillrequire careful over manyweeks. excavations andtestsundertaken resourcing theextensive Grid anditsproject teamto and thecommitmentofNational possible ifitwasn’t forthepipeline To ensure reliable and “The future ofthepossible “This wouldneverhavebeen gas pipelineproject… Meanwhile, duringthesame night’s foraging. back totheirroosts aftera echolocation* tofindtheirway needed bythebatswhichuse uprooted. Thehedgesare of hedginghadtobetemporarily environmental manager. Nacap LandandMarineJV’s bats,” explainedJohnWilliams, of lesserandgreater horseshoe because ofresident populations Conservation (SAC),partly near Haverfordwest. population intheSlebecharea stops toprotect alocalbat National Gridpulledoutallthe Picture: SC Bisserot, Nature Photographers Ltd “To laythepipeline,sections “The area isaSpecialArea of horseshoe bat A greater throughout constructionby mitigation wasundertaken through this particularSACsite. Assembly toinstallthepipeline gaining alicencefrom theWelsh and through theprocess of Countryside CouncilforWales consultation withthe established following invariably flyattree level. installed assomeofthebats canopy mitigationwasalso reinstated. High-level/tree hedging untilitcanbe low-level fencingtoreplace the “Monitoring oftheinstalled “The fencingwas “So weinstalled identify objects. echoes tolocate,rangeand like hedges.Theyusethese objects intheenvironment — fromechoes thatreturn various bats emitcallsandlistentothe mammals, includingbats.The sonar usedbyseveral * Echolocationisthebiological You Channel 4’s explored earlierthismonthin mitigation duringtheproject was required.” were implementedwhere its effectiveness. Improvements specialist ecologiststoascertain The wholesubjectofbat series. Wild ThingILove Wild 23 Gridline 24 Gridline decorate therefurbished cabin Trusta younghelperfrom theDevonWildlife withpaintedtiles to style…NationalGrid’sTile LesJoneswithAMEC’s KevinKellyand Safety boostscharities youngsters attendingits Devon willensure that Trust.Devon Wildlife families andtheircarers, and people withbraininjuries,their provide essentialservicesfor Headway Devonwhichworksto receive £2,000donationsare Children’s HospiceSouth West. Riding fortheDisabledand and Exeter, TheErmeValley Alzheimer’s SocietyinPlymouth from theinitiativeincludeThe has matchedit. of theproject andNationalGrid fund foreachaccident-free day donated moneytoacharity Exeter inDevon,AMEChas and Indian QueensinCornwall the 400kVoverheadlinefrom Devon charities. welcome bonusforanothertwo contractors AMEChashada team from NationalGridandits Successful safeworkingbya Bird andLucy Hooper to HeadwayDevon’s Paul equipment, books andgames Jannaway handsovernew Kids’ stuff… AMEC’s Stephen The moneyforHeadway The latestcharitiesto Local charitiestobenefit During therefurbishment of local amenity.” to helpsupport this excellent vandalism andwere verykeen local mediaabouttheatrocious Heathfield. “Theyread inthe themselves thebeautyofBovey refurbishment project sawfor team whoworkedonthe manager MartinCoxsaidthe more securityforthecabin. will provide newdoorsand from NationalGridandAMEC and localchildren. Themoney artwork created byvolunteers year, destroying muchofthe vandalised againearlierthis times. Itwasbroken intoand has beenattackedanumberof Heathfield LocalNature Reserve for abusyseasonofevents. cabin toberefurbished intime enabled atrashedcommunity TrustDevon Wildlife (DWT)has Grid’s safeworking.” result ofAMECandNational the equipmentprovided asa said: “We are really gratefulfor youngsters withbraininjuries.” keen tosupportlocal our work.Theteamwasvery is paramountinallaspectsof Stephen Johnsonsaid:“Safety for adultsinthecounty. The charityhassixothercentres to helpwiththeirrehabilitation. equipment, gamesandbooks children’s centre willhavenew National Gridproject The cabinatBovey The £2,000donationto Headway’s Lucy Cooper AMEC project manager Harry stillgoingstrong Harry THE WORSTJOB submarine —ifIhadn’t beenin passenger shipsunkbyaGerman back onthe appendicitis. Ihadplannedtosail whisked intohospitalwith toCanada,Iwas due toreturn UK foravisit,butjustbefore Iwas of farmingandagriculture. allaspects The ideawastolearn supplied bytheSalvationArmy. aged just15,ona£10ticket sent toOntarioinCanada1929, read andwrite,”hesays. school at14:“Justaboutableto Sussex, andlefthistinyvillage granddaughter, wasbrought upin five grandchildren andagreat retired wayleaveofficers. regularly meetingupwithother meetings whenhecanand still attendingLondonCentral Retired EmployeesAssociation, members ofaNationalGrid thought tobeoneoftheoldest happiest yearsofhisworkinglife. wayleaves andsaystheywere the 1979 aftermore than30yearsin wayleave officer —heretired in my kindofjobatall,”hesaid. waving bitsofpaperaround. Not and asuitIwalkedabout of Agriculture inthe1940s. London’s WhitehallfortheMinistry Freeman everhadwasworkingin “In 1939,Icamebacktothe After hismotherdied,hewas Harry, whohastwochildren, Now 92-years-young,Harryis Harry’s kind ofjobwasbeinga “I hadtowearabowlerhat SS Athenia Harry , thefirst ‘ various partsofthecountry, Iwas agriculture. nothing aboutfarmingor officers andknewabsolutely — theotherfivewere allex-Army just sixwayleaveofficers takenon got £499,”hesaid.“Iwasoneof new BritishElectricityAuthority. job ofwayleaveofficer withthe supply industry, heappliedforthe nationalisation oftheelectricity So in1948,following — andthehatedjobinWhitehall. Land Armytodrivetractors. job involvedtrainingwomeninthe polio whileinCanada.Partofhis RAF becausehehadsuffered war —hewasrejected bythe Ministry ofAgriculture duringthe stay intheUK,hejoined The deathtollwas112. liner wascarrying1,103civilians. board.” hospital, Iwouldhavebeenon ‘ “While theywere sentto “I askedfor£500ayear, and After thewarcamepromotion As Harryseemeddestinedto The 13,500-tonpassenger farmers humble tenant landowners to of people,from titled many different kinds country, meetingso I travelledalloverthe and so tenacious so he calledmea week laterand a I returned a bettermood. when hewasin would comeback up, soItoldhim and swore atmewhenIturned farmers. landowners tohumbletenant kinds ofpeople,from titled country, meetingsomanydifferent felt best.Itravelledalloverthe had thefreedom todothejobasI he lovedhisjobsomuch. clarity, perhaps,hesays,because wayleave dayswithremarkable was tohelpthem!” of spy—andallIwantedtodo others whosawmeassomesort shooter. Iwasdespisedbythe country asasortoftrouble- Selfridges, andwentaround the based intheLondonoffice above “One farmerIvisitedcursed “I wasmyownmasterand Harry remembers his stories totellofhislonglifethathe and coachhassomany former Surrey countybowlsplayer Buxton trainingcentres, isa at bothHorsleyTowers and on wayleavesandforestry issues his daughters’weddings.” — Ievengavespeechesatboth have beenfirmfriendseversince came backtotheUKandwe introductory contacts. him someworldly-wiseadviceand planning tomoveCanada,gave dinner andasthefarmerwas experience, wasinvitedtostayfor anyway?’” ‘what didIknowaboutagriculture is currently writinghismemoirs Harry, whoformerlylectured “He trieditforsixweeks, Harry toldhimofhislong for his21-year-old granddaughter, Emma. still livelifetothefull— I hadawonderfuljob.But “I lovedmyworkinglife, shouldn’t stopwhen you retire,” hesaid. “I’ve read therest home brochures, but I’mnotready for thatquite yet.” 25 Gridline 26 Gridline and energyefficiency. energy applications providing expertiseon manufacturers, research institutesand National Grid— utilities —including It workswithfarmers, horticulture. farming and based techniquesin application ofenergy information onthe leading source of Centre istheUK’s sun’s power The FarmEnergy the into Tapping Pipework islaid intheground ground source heatpump to pickuptheheat forthe earth – warmer afewfeetdowninthe and weneedheat,itisinfact more than7˚Cto10˚C. ground temperature isnotmuch rise much.Formostofthetime, the soilafewmetres downdoesnot is somassive,thetemperature of heater. However, becausetheearth ground —likeagiantstorage warmth isretained deepinthe warms the of theenergyfrom thesunthat Andrew KneeshawoftheFEC. a ground source heatpump,”says constant source ofpower. It’s called solarenergytogivea harnessing won’t bethesunniest. be thewindiestanditcertainly coldest dayintheyearisunlikelyto energy demandwehave—the doesn’t necessarilymatchthe solar energy The trouble is,theavailabilityof the sunanditseffect ontheweather. solar panelsandwindare drivenby energy from sunlighttogrow. millions ofyearsagousedthe came from organiclifewhich point intime.Evencoalandgas been derivedfrom thesunatsome ALL THEENERGY type ofequipment isstartingtolookquitegood.” heating isdone — meanthefinancialviabilityof this especially onnight-time tariffs, whenmost water while, largeincreases inelectricityrates— Although thistechnologyhasbeen around fora energy from themilkcoolingrefrigeration process. Kool SmartHeat,awaterheater thatrecovers little beingsaidaboutthisimportant subject. Andrew Kneeshaw. energy-saving equipmentandideas,saysFEC’s Dairy eventwouldhavebeenstackedoutwith one wouldhavethoughtthatthisyear’s European WITH ENERGYPRICES Water heater cutscosts “So whenit’s freezing outside “These devicestakeadvantage “But there isawayof Renewable energysources like “One itemthatcaughtoureyewas theDari- “But, infact,aquicklookround revealed very but notbyverymuch.This earth. Muchofthat and windenergy we usehas being sohighjustnow, a problem forthefarmhouse.” for theurbanhouseholdbutrarely gathered. Thisisoftenimpractical enable enoughheattobe the diggingofshallowtrenches to the drillingofadeepborehole, or pumps becausetheyrequire either installation ofground source heat free, butstillagooddeal. for everyfiveunitsharvested.Not going isaboutoneunitofenergy electricity andthecostinkeepingit gearbox’ hastobedrivenby says Andrew temperature toheatourhomes. can be“harvested”atauseful the yeartoslowlywarmground energy suppliedbythesunthrough our waterorhouse.Sotheheat ejection coilconfigured towarm in theground andhavingtheheat by havingitscoldcoilburieddeep heat pumpusesthischaracteristic of thefood.Theground source much higherthanthetemperature of theenergyleavingthiscoilis of thedevice.Buttemperature the foodthoughacoilonback and ejectstheenergyittakesfrom working inreverse.” nothing more thanarefrigerator a usefuldevice.Aheatpumpis is where the‘heatpump’becomes “Farms are idealforthe “All thisdoesn’t comefree,” A refrigerator coolsourfood . “This‘thermal Heed striplightsafetyrules the seedstoragebuildingwhitetoimprove lightreflectance. comply withsafetyregulations. covers. Thesecoverscanalsobesuppliedtoconvertolderfittings of shield. been unprotected, usingbare lightingtubes. in thegangwaysbetweenpalletstacksofseedtrayshavetraditionally potato stores inthewinter, makesure theyare protected againstdamage. REMEMBER, WHENUSING we paythehigh pricenow.” because thegenerators buyahead the roof earlier thisyear. And the wholesalepricewentthrough reason pricesare high nowisthat FEC’s Andrew Kneeshaw. “The and forthenextfewyears,”says what sortofdealyoucangetnow price ofenergythatdetermines wholesale marketandthe‘futures’ likely togo,asit’s thecurrent it’s nothard toseewhere thingsare something wedon’t? happening? Dotheyknow deals through to2010—sowhat’s now offering customersfixedprice times therateofoverallinflation. energy inflationisrunningat10 Coopers foundthatdomestic 58 percent(sofar). by 91percentandelectricityup country withaveragegaspricesup business andhouseholdsinthe energy priceshastouchedall THE MUCHPUBLICISED For more detailedinformation aboutFEC, visitwww.farmenergy.com To fix,ornottofix? Use “warmwhite”colourtubesforbestresults andpainttheinsideof A numberofcompaniesnowprovide fittingswithpolycarbonate Safety regulations meanthatthesemustbeprotected usingsometype Fluorescent stripfittingshungverticallyfrom wires orfree standingunits “Even fortheenergy‘novice’ Yet someenergysuppliersare A studybyPricewaterhouse hike in strip lightstocontrol sprouting inseed term dealorgamble. It’s uptoyou.” you caneitherplay safewithalong changes. Likethemoneymarket, ‘deals’ are vulnerable tothese politicsandshortterm international susceptible tothechangingtides of commodities, energyisparticularly clear cutchoice.More thanmost market down,”saysAndrew. you takeachanceandfollowthe the nextthree orfouryearsdo be enticedintoafixedpricedealfor because theircostsare falling. suppliers want winter. Notsurprisingthenthat winter after)thantheycouldforthis cheaper fornextwinter(andthe generators canalready buygas in price.Sothatmeans market isshowingasteadydecline since 2003.Also,thefutures of gasandelectricityisthelowest market easing,thewholesaleprice own dwindlingproduction and the coming onlinetoprop uptheUK’s “It isbynomeansasimpleor “So thequestionis,shouldyou Currently, withgaspipelines to ‘cap’ prices, technical notes. technical guides,and publications, including obtain alistofFEC mail: [email protected] 2LS. Tel: 02476696512ore- Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 at NAC,StoneleighPark, pages, contactFECServices issues highlightedonthese information aboutanyofthe Health andSafetyExecutive. Development Councilandthe Council, Horticultural Union, theMilkDevelopment including theNationalFarmers horticultural organisations Carbon Trust andagricultural/ Energy SavingsTrust andthe energy businesssuchasthe with otherorganisationsinthe clients together. FECworks manufacturers andfarmer scheme helpstobring FEC Trade Membership specific equipment,andthe equipment suppliersoffering allows farmerstotrackdown a uniqueresource which techniques andequipmentis Its databaseofenergy evaluation. and product testingand to energyefficiency planning auditing andenergybrokering activities —from energy covers awiderangeof THE FARM ENERGY by theBPCwill be featured. status report commissioned UK potatogrower. how theyare affecting the covering energycostsand January 16inaworkshop Conference inGranthamon at theBPCGrower Storage from FECwillbecontributing ANDREW KNEESHAW Energy debate do foryou FEC can What the Use thesamenumbersto If youwouldlikemore FEC’s recent energy Centre 27 Gridline line

Stay Grid safe near power lines

EACH YEAR A number of people die due to accidental contact with overhead power lines — and many more are injured. The use of agricultural Farmers and agricultural contractors are urged to take particular machinery and equipment — care when they are working close to power lines including combine harvesters, tipping trailers, boom sprayers, “The dangers, and how to advice leaflets covering the loaders, irrigation pipes and avoid them, are highlighted in a ambulance, fire and police ladders — and activities such new leaflet produced by the services, as well as aviators, as stacking can often bring Energy Network Association,” sailors, caravanning and farmers and agricultural said Nigel Lilley, National Grid’s camping and scaffolders. One contractors close to power safety, health, environment and of the leaflets is specifically for lines. security operational support farmers and agricultural National Grid urges its manager, electricity. contractors — so many grantors to stay safe when “During the past year, the grantors will find it particularly going about their work on the public safety task force of ENA useful.” land. has published a series of safety

● You can download the safety advice leaflets from www.energynetworks.org/spring/she/SHEpublicsafety.asp SAFETYFILE or email [email protected]. You can • Electricity systems carry voltages up to also write to Energy Networks Association, 18 Stanhope 400,000 volts. Even 230 volts (domestic volt- Place, Marble Arch, London W2 2HH. age) can be lethal • Never assume that electrical equipment is dead, even if the wires have fallen or broken • Remember that the power can be switched ABOUT THE ENERGY back on at any time, without warning • Touching NETWORKS ASSOCIATION electricity wires or objects/persons in contact with the ● With a rapidly evolving energy market, ENA was wires can be fatal • Even the lowest voltage overhead launched in October 2003 to provide a strategic lines can produce 10,000 times more current than is focus for the energy networks sector. required to kill a person • Electricity can jump gaps • ● It is funded by the UK gas and electricity Trees, string, ropes, suspension lines and water can transmission and distribution licence holders. conduct electricity • Rubber boots will not National Grid is a member. protect you • Most overhead electricity wires are not insulated • Don’t assume ● Communication is at the centre of ENA, with wires on wood poles are policy and regulation being the drivers behind all telephone wires. of its operations.

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