GridLine Newsletter for National Grid Company grantors Spring 2002

Ian Cartledge, right, with National Grid’s group head of south west wayleaves, David Warner Shows on the road WARM welcome awaits grantors who Diary of events “Throughout the difficult times, A visit the National Grid stand at 16 maintaining positive grantor relations has major agricultural events around Devon County Show (Exeter) May 16-18 been our number one priority and we are Northumberland Show and Wales this summer. (Hexham) June 2 and 3 grateful for the co-operation and support Our agricultural relations programme Staffordshire Show (Stafford) June 5 and 6 shown when we needed to go on to their was badly hit last year by the foot and South of England (Ardingly) June 6-8 land in emergency situations. Cheshire Show (Knutsford) June 18 and 19 mouth crisis — 12 of the 16 planned Lincoln (Lincoln) June 19 and 20 “The wayleave teams look forward to venues had to be cancelled. Winterton (Humberside) July 6 meeting grantors at the shows — Cotswold Country Show Ian Cartledge, national wayleaves (Cirencester) July 6 and 7 hopefully in a more relaxed frame of mind.” manager, said: “We are determined to Great Yorkshire Show We have been urging grantors to come make up for it this year. (Harrogate) July 9-11 along and meet us at agricultural shows Kent Show (Detling) July 12-14 “National Grid shared the relief felt by (Builth Wells) July 22-25 since 1996 as part of our Partnership on everyone around the country when the Royal Show the Land initiative — the occasions are () July 26-28 foot and mouth all clear was given, but Anglesey (Holyhead) Aug 13 and 14 welcome opportunities to demonstrate we firmly believe that there is still a need Pembroke Show (Haverfordwest) August 14-16 our working relationship with the for a stringent cleanliness and disinfecting Newbury (Newbury) Sept 15 and 16 agricultural community. National Ploughing regime for everybody working near Championships (Doncaster) Oct 12 and 13 Invited guests will enjoy our hospitality livestock. with all-British produce and there will be a “We are aware that restrictions remain Rural Affairs and grantors. We continue free competition to win a quad bike. in some parts of the country and our to liaise with Defra to ensure that we are Swing badges issued to our visitors can teams are disinfecting and/or putting kept in touch with the up-to-date position be used by the grantors to enjoy measures in place as agreed with the and the appropriate measures that refreshments at our stand at any of the Department for Environment, Food and should be applied. other shows. 2 NEWS Barn owl gets des res in a new location A BARN owl’s accommodation requirements caused something of a dilemma to the National Grid team working on the major second Yorkshire Line project. Fortunately, the problem was solved when grantors Robin and Pat Dickson came to the rescue and helped provide the bird with a new home. Four towers are being built on the Dicksons’ Upsall Grange Farm at Nunthorpe, and the access road to one of the towers runs close to an ash tree, said National Grid wayleave officer Mike Ford. “During the project, we’ve been working in partnership with Barry Wright, an ecologist with ADAS. One day early last year — pre-nesting season — he was conducting a routine ecological survey and was close to the tree, when a barn owl popped out of a hole!” Clearly, no-one wanted to disturb the site if the owl was nesting, but keeping away during the nesting season would have seriously disrupted work. “In accordance with ADAS guidance, we found that we were allowed to block up the tree hole, but we also volunteered to provide an alternative home within 50 metres. We set about having a nesting box made to a Barn Owl Trust pattern — but at this point, the foot and mouth crisis broke, which meant we were unable to go on to the Dickson’s land to fit the box. Barn owl “Robin kindly agreed to do the job for us. As it happened, we don’t think the owl moved in at the time — but we are hoping it will find the deluxe accommodation to its liking this season.” Gillian Whalley, director of Cleveland’s Kirkleatham Owl Centre, said barn owls were very rare in the area. “Destruction of hedgerows, meadows and woodland edges mean they have to hunt down roadway corridors, and many are killed by traffic. “The steps taken by National Grid to provide an alternative nest site for any potential breeding pair is a step in the right direction. However, a further one or two boxes would be an excellent move!” Mike has already been in touch to discuss Left to right: Richard Dickson, Robin’s son, who put up the owl box, Mike Ford and the best siting for some additional boxes. Barry Wright Visitor safety a priority ANDOWNERS can do much to ensure accidents CAN happen when people are dangers on or around your land. A windy Lvisitors to the countryside enjoy their time not aware of the dangers, or simply don’t hillside might seem ideal for kite flying, but — and stay safe, says the Farm Energy look up. overhead lines will make it a “no-fly” zone. Centre. Kite flying, casting during fishing, tree ● If you grant fishing rights to visitors and In urban areas, electrical networks are climbing and moving a sailboat with a high there are overhead cables, point them out. mostly out of sight — cables are routed mast are all activities that can lead to serious Adequate warning signs near the lines are underground and transformers housed in injury if carried out near overhead lines. obligatory. enclosed substations. Not so in the country, Farmers know the routes of lines and ● Always remember, a word of warning to where overhead lines carry high voltage cables over their land and can help keep someone about the potential dangers might electricity across fields. visitors to the countryside safe. save a life. The lines are no threat to people as they ● If you rent out cottages or rooms, you Landowners can call the FEC on 024 go about their normal business, but might like to point out to visitors any potential 7669 6512 or e-mail [email protected] NEWS 3 Backing for young farmers’ clubs renewed NATIONAL Grid has confirmed its support members from all over the country, is the something all council members will be for rural communities across England and main decision-making body within the delighted to hear. National Grid’s Wales by renewing its sponsorship of the federation and plays a key role in the support enables many more members to body that runs the young farmers’ leadership and direction of the NFYFC. attend council meetings, thereby movement. The funding for 2002 not only providing much wider representation The company’s decision to continue supports the meetings of the council, and improving the lines of sponsorship of the National Council of the but also provides training for council communication.” National Federation of Young Farmers’ members to enable them to carry out Trevor Seeley, National Grid’s community Clubs (NFYFC) reflects its strategy of their duties. involvement manager, said: “This building positive relationships with those in There was a warm welcome for the sponsorship is about continuing to the rural community. decision from Stephen Jarvis, NFYFC’s strengthen our relationships with the rural The National Council, which has 125 council chairman. He said: “This is community.” All-round team effort on repairs TREMENDOUS team effort A by National Grid engineering staff made sure that 12,000 worn insulators on overhead lines in London were replaced in super-quick time. Linesmen discovered some deterioration of the porcelain tension insulators on the 7.4km West Ham to Hackney route during routine testing. Their replacement became a top priority. A three-week outage for each circuit was required and the wayleaves team at Rayleigh made contact with grantors along the route to agree access dates. Meanwhile, the glass insulators were manufactured and delivered to site well before the outage dates. Scaffolding working platforms at towers on steep embankments also had to be put up. Teams of linesmen from all over the UK completed the work within the outage period. Working in busy north east London posed its own problems. Installation over a section of London Underground track had to be done at night under floodlights. Operations manager Steve Staines said: “To plan and complete the work in 16 weeks was a tremendous effort. Staff were more than a match for any technical problems encountered. “The project was a success thanks to a great team effort and I would like to thank everybody involved, including our grantors and local residents without whose help and co- operation completing the work within the 16-week outage Overhead line refurbishment work near Hackney Marshes, north east London would have been very difficult.” 4 NEWS NEWS 5 They’re perfect partners

NATIONAL Grid undertakes to minimise the effects of its operations as it maintains and develops an efficient and economical system of electricity transmission. This involves working closely with our contractors — the people who work on grantors’ land on our behalf. Contractors are required to operate to our very high standards of safety and care, and engineering, wayleave and line maintenance staff liaise with and monitor their progress to ensure there is minimum disturbance during maintenance, refurbishment or new On site… NG substations manager Les Adams, left, and VA Tech construction work. managing director Charles Overstall Here, GridLine looks at the partnership between National Grid and one of Newcomer plugs in its contractors… to meet rising demand T’S SIGNIFICANT that the INational Grid and Eve A NEW 400/132kV substation is helping to meet the rising Transmission teams working on electricity demand in the developing area of north-west Kent. a £20 million refurbishment Northfleet East is a gas-insulated switchgear substation programme in North Lincolnshire incorporating four 400/132kV supergrid transformers. These should share the same site office connect to Seeboard’s neighbouring 132kV substation. at Brigg and not have separate Many of the people involved in the £45 million scheme offices there — or even on attended the substation’s official opening. different sites. National Grid’s project team leader John Coughlin praised all It’s noteworthy because it the parties involved in the development, including staff from highlights teamwork — that National Grid, Seeboard and VA Tech Reyrolle Projects. essential ingredient in any “It has been an excellent team effort,” said John. “There were successful partnership. obviously some critical issues “In the past it has been unusual to resolve along the way, but to share facilities, but we find it all challenges were jointly met greatly encourages two-way and we delivered the project communication and team spirit, which is important if a scheme is Working together… Mike Rockett, left, and Dave Mellor at the Eve yard in Brigg to all the relevant timescales.” going to run smoothly,” said wayleave officer Mike Rockett, comment. Eve’s project manager Alan Leitch said: “We use development and implementation of stringent disinfecting routines Originally, it had been Refurbishing the 45km Keadby-Killingholme-Grimsby West 400kV National Grid’s standards as our benchmark. enabled this project to be the first in the country to continue. planned to remove about overhead line is a complex job, involving about 156 towers. The line is 27,000 cubic metres of soil only the second to be fitted with the latest triple conductor — a sort of “As contractors, we aim to stick to the guidance laid down by the “Now we are almost 12 months on and the delays to the from the site during the modern equivalent of the quad conductor. Some steelwork is being company and we make every effort to interpret the Grantors programme have been recovered. preliminary works in 2000. replaced as well as the concrete copings (commonly called muffs) at Charters as reasonably as we can.” “From the start of the project, we have worked closely with But the subsoil was tested the tower bases. Before the scheme could start, Mike had to agree access with all Eve’s. There have been weekly and monthly progress meetings, and found to be mainly sand The line crosses some of the finest farmland in England belonging the grantors concerned, and issue access notes to the and also a separate weekly meeting for wayleave staff.” and therefore suitable for use to more than 40 grantors. contractors. But things can change as the scheme proceeds, so Eve Transmission has its own wayleave officer on the project. for compacted backfill to the “The majority of our expectations of contractors are built into there has to be a continual process of liaison to review access Dave Mellor, who is actually a former National Grid linesman, helps retaining walls that had to be the contract document, and these cover not only National Grid’s arrangements. to monitor and deal with grantor issues. installed. safety requirements when working on our systems, but cover Work started in 2000 with tower painting, and the main project Alan said: “It’s now common practice at Eve’s to appoint our This meant the company Back to the beginning… John the standards we have set ourselves in the Grantors Charter,” said got off the ground early last year. own dedicated wayleave officer to ensure that we meet our could minimise the number of Coughlin, with National Grid Mike. Mike said: “Although the foot and mouth crisis disrupted work in responsibilities to the grantors. lorry trips to and from the site engineers’ representative Russell But a long time before any work started, Eve Transmission had March last year when National Grid halted all operations throughout “As a company, we believe in the hands-on approach and having by re-using the sand — a Watkins and Howard Oley from submitted its method statement and risk assessment, which set out the country, together we were able to reschedule the planned work our own wayleave staff to liaise with our engineering teams and solution much appreciated by VA TECH Reyrolle during the the way the works will be undertaken and are part and parcel of the programme and switch operations to sections of the line where customers like National Grid can do much to promote teamwork.” the local community. early days of the project health and safety documentation on which National Grid is asked to there were no farms with animals. This, along with the joint The project is due for completion in November. 6 NEWS NEWS 7 Making SENSE of Ted has enjoyed every minute… OMPLETING the paperwork is all part of Cthe job for some people. Ted Yates has just retired after 13 years sustainable approach as a wayleave officer — and 33 years But it’s not usually done while standing on top of a 21-rung ladder propped against in the electricity industry. Here he NATIONAL Grid’s determination to make within our UK business, we have looks back at some of his career a practical and meaningful contribution to developed our model ‘Making SENSE of the side of a — and with a roof for a desk! highlights… and looks forward to sustainable development is highlighted in sustainable development’.” spending more time in his garden and That was the scenario faced by National the company’s website-based Social and The presentation of the SENSE model with his vintage tractors Environmental Performance Report For aims to keep stakeholders well informed. Grid wayleave officer Ted Yates when he 2000/2001. It highlights and illustrates a number of had to get a damage claim agreed and It has also unveiled its new SENSE important issues. These are: signed by a farmer who was determined to His work involved assisting in a wide finish painting his barn roof before the light model (Stakeholders, Environment, ● a sense of responsibility and range of tasks — from keeping the sites tidy faded. Networks, Statistics, Employees) which commitment to maintain positive, open to completing major land reclamation and relationships with all stakeholders environmental projects. He became a shop captures the company’s performance in “It’s all in a day’s work!” he said. ● a sense of balance to illustrate the Ted should know, he’s just retired after steward and the local safety representative. the UK, while National Grid Environmental company’s commitment to reducing its Performance sets out the environmental 13 years in wayleaves — and 33 years in During this time, he often worked with environmental impact wayleave officers and decided that was the and social aspects of the company’s US ● a sense of ownership, outlining how the the electricity supply industry. job he really wanted to do. “Unfortunately, business for the first time. company is improving its performance by One of his last projects was getting new there were no vacancies at the time,” said Chief executive Steve Holliday investing in its network infrastructure wayleaves signed for the five line diversions ● a sense of direction on the Birmingham Northern Relief Ted. explained: “Through our efforts to be a — measuring Road. In 1984, he was promoted to landscape good corporate citizen, we recognise that performance and “Joining wayleaves foreman based at High Marnham power our commitment to sustainable direction against was the best thing I have station in Nottinghamshire, where he and development will be achieved only by objectives ever done,” he said. “I his small team worked on the ground successfully balancing our economic ● a sense of have enjoyed every maintenance of High Marnham, Cottam, success with our company’s commitment — minute of it. West Burton and Staythorpe Power Station environmental and social responsibilities. reviewing the company’s efforts to “There have always and substation sites. “We looked closely at how we could provide a rewarding been challenges and During that same period, the team demonstrate our commitment to work environment and problems to overcome, successfully completed a major land sustainable development by secure real but it’s never been boring reclamation project near Sutton-cum-Lound, engagement with all understanding what it means in practice and there has been a which involved reclaiming about 250 acres of employees. to our operations. To help us embed this great deal of job former gravel pits which had been filled with satisfaction along the way. “fly-ash” from Cottam power station, the To find out more, visit: I know I will miss the work planting of around 8,000 trees and the www.nationalgrid.com/uk/social&environment very much.” erection of four miles of fencing. Ted, 65, says that “In 1988, there was finally a suitable ● National Grid would like to know what YOU think about its farmers are very special opening in wayleaves — it was the new system of reporting its social and environment people. opportunity I had been waiting for, for many responsibilities and commitments. There is an opportunity on “They have a language of years,” said Ted. the website, pictured right, to give us your feedback. their own, and it’s He was originally based in Birmingham, important to understand but after privatisation of the electricity that language and their way industry, he moved to Hams Hall, covering the West Midlands from Macclesfield/ DID YOU KNOW?… some facts from the website of thinking,” he explained. Fortunately, he comes from a farming Shrewsbury in the north, the whole of ● The company has an Environmental Management System certified to the background, so was able to understand Birmingham across to the Welsh borders ISO14001 standard to help it direct its effort to the most significant their problems. and down to Cheltenham in the south. environmental issues “It’s easier when you have been there “They have been happy years,” he said. “I was fortunate to have a very good ● National Grid owns and operates the high-voltage transmission in England yourself,” he said. and Wales comprising 300 substations, 7,000 kilometres of overhead relationship with the grantors I came into Ted was brought up in Derbyshire, contact with. transmission line and 650 km of underground cable. Rather than building leaving school at 15 to join his father and “Obviously, there have been times when new overhead lines and substations, the company tries to obtain more older brother on the family’s mixed farm. “I there have been major problems to capacity from the existing system. In 2000/01, it invested £343 million in the never considered any other job,” he said. overcome — but it has always been a development and refurbishment of the transmission system “Working on the land was what I always challenge to work through those problems, ● Nearly £41million was invested during the year in underground cable wanted to do.” build a relationship with the grantor and get systems, contributing to a 27 per cent reduction in the amount of oil that The farm was on the Sudbury Estate near leaked from our cable systems into the ground the contractors back doing the job.” the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, where In retirement, Ted and Sylvia, who have ● The company is 24th in the FTSE 100 table in the latest Business in the Ted eventually met and married Sylvia. Environment Index, up from 44th place two sons, one daughter and a When he was 31, his father retired — so ● Levels of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use at National Grid granddaughter, are enjoying more time to Ted decided on a change direction in life. walk in the countryside and care for their operational sites were reduced, despite increased energy demands on the “Away from farming, but still working transmission system garden. outdoors — an office job was not for me,” Ted’s particular passion is vintage tractors, ● National Grid values its staff — it achieved Investors in People status in he said. November 2000 and for years he has arranged National Grid He joined the CEGB as a landscape sponsorship for the North West ploughing ● The number of Lost Time Accidents for 2000/20001 was 19, lower than the assistant with the Midland regional matches run by Lichfield and South Staffs average for the electricity industry and our lowest ever annual figure. landscape unit based at Drakelow power ploughing societies and also Chaddesley Ted Yates talks to grantor Maureen McKenna about the line re-routing caused by the Birmingham station. Corbett District Farmers’ Club. Northern Relief Road 8 PROFILE PROFILE 9 Jill to the rescue of farm refugees

The cull of sheep in the foot and mouth outbreak ended the working lives of many sheepdogs. However, National Grid grantor’s daughter Jill Bullock has been doing her bit to find them new homes…

OOT and mouth disease is agreeing to continue fostering. Stewart Bunting, left, and Adrian Brewer Fno longer on the rampage in “Towards the end of 2000, I the countryside, but its took on an adult dog, Flint, and repercussions will last for a long seven pups so that I could Pair go on time to come. assess them for suitable homes. Perhaps the least obvious is When the foot and mouth crisis to world the plight of sheepdogs. hit, they were all stranded here Farmers — some of whom because they couldn’t be re- gave up farming altogether — homed on new farms — so they ploughing faced having their dogs had to stay with me rather longer destroyed along with the sheep, than expected. Needless to say, I contest ended up adopting two of the or finding them new homes. Not CORNWALL’S Adrian Brewer pups, Nell and Laddie!” easy as the temperament of the and Stewart Bunting from working collie is unsuited to At the moment, Jill is caring Norfolk will represent the UK’s being a pampered family pet. for 12 dogs — six of her own, Society of Ploughmen at the During the crisis, the Border Flint and the five remaining 2002 World Ploughing Contest Collie Rescue Society in North pups, all border collie/huntaway in Switzerland in September. cross breeds. Yorkshire took in more than 200 The two men emerged as working dogs and thanks to The society says there is an the worthy winners — Adrian people like Jill Bullock, one of increase in demand for in the conventional class, and their fosterers, many of them sheepdogs as more and more Stewart for reversible have been given the chance of a farms are restocked; hopefully ploughing — at a selection new future. Jill’s fostered friends will soon match at Hatfield Woodhouse, Jill, 35, works with her have new homes. near Doncaster, South parents Janice and Ronnie, a ● The Border Collie Rescue Yorkshire. retired ICI warehouse controller, Society is the only registered The match was organised on the 300-acre Old Hall Farm, voluntary group dedicated to after the cancellation of last close to National Grid’s caring for unwanted border year’s British National Lackenby substation on the collies and working sheepdogs. Ploughing Championships due fringes of Middlesbrough. The It was founded — officially — to the foot and mouth crisis. mixed arable and livestock farm in 1995 when it was registered Only the competitors who had has been in Janice’s family for as a non-profit distributing entered to compete in the seven generations and has charitable company. It had cancelled event were invited to recently had two new towers operated unofficially for the plough. built on the land as part of the previous 19 years. The society is Stewart, 36, farms near new 400kV second Yorkshire run by volunteers and has about Norwich and is a relative Line project. 400 members — Jill is one of newcomer to the match Jill has always had a passion the 25 most stalwart members. ploughing scene. He marked for dogs and currently owns five To find out more about the his arrival with a 13 point lead border collies — Tigger, society, please visit its website over his nearest rival Peter Chance, Nell, Laddie and Jake www.bordercollierescue.org. Alderslade from Tyne and — and a labrador called Jess. You can also contact the Wear. Adrian, 47, from St “They are all working dogs — society at 57 Market Place, Issey, Wadebridge, a many- although Jess does as little as Richmond, North Yorkshire times British ploughing possible — but very much part DL10 4JQ. champion had a seven point of the family,” she said. Tel: 01748 850025 or e-mail lead over David Chappell, the “My first association with [email protected]. competition’s host farmer. the society came two years The society’s executive ago after Tigger had to be director Ken Chappell said: semi-retired — she was badly The International Sheep “Special thanks go to our injured in a traffic accident Dog Society, of which sponsors National Grid and while chasing a fox away from National Grid was a major Total Butler for their continued our sheep. While I was waiting sponsor between 1996 support and help throughout a for the right dog to turn up at and 1999, has an ancient very difficult year.” the society, I agreed to foster motto: “There is no good ● The 2002 British National Chance who desperately flock without a good event is due to be held on needed a home — his owner shepherd — and there is October 12 and 13 at Wilsic, couldn’t look after him any no good shepherd without Jill Bullock , fostering sheep dogs near Doncaster, South more. Of course, I ended up a good dog.” Yorkshire. adopting him myself and 10 NEWS NEWS 11

NATIONAL Grid has reinforced its commitment to its 19,000 grantors by Wayleave team is here to help YOU strengthening the wayleave teams with the appointment of ● wayleave wardens. Lucy Williams, our joint longest-serving and the agricultural scene — quite a lost Martin Bretherton — but he’s been The wayleave function was wayleave warden, has been with us since challenge at times!” National Grid’s gain! originally an Area and Projects November 1999 and we have wayleave Phil, who is married with a son and Martin, 27, who is based at responsibility. When it officer Robin O’Brien to thank for Lucy daughter, is based in Wickford, substation, left school became a single independent joining the team. Essex. in Preston to study art at a local function in the late 90s, a Lucy said: “While I was a student at college. review was launched to Harper Adams Agricultural College in ● Bob Tute joined the wayleave team “I did it because I could draw nice identify the way ahead. Shropshire, I did a year’s placement at the last July, and he, too, has a long pictures and my mother made me! But I National wayleaves and Farm Energy Centre. I heard about National association with National Grid. He thought it was all a waste of time!” he public acceptance manager Grid’s wayleave operation during this time, was an overhead linesman for said. and got really interested. Ian Cartledge said: “We 23 years. “Instead, I decided to take an A-level in looked at the type of work “I spent a day’s work experience with Bob, married with one son, grew up in sports studies, and subsequently started undertaken by the wayleave Robin — and got hooked!” Cheshire and worked in the building a degree course in the subject. But officers, and at the business Lucy, 25, born and brought up in trade before starting his training as a the penniless university life wasn’t for systems which supported Hertfordshire, graduated from college with linesman when he was in his mid-20s. me!” them as well as many other an HND in Agricultural Marketing in 1998. He came down to earth in 1993 when So he took a complete change of aspects of the way we She had a job lined up for a couple of he was made overhead line team direction — he joined National Grid, operated. months helping to organise an international foreman, a ground-based role. trained as an overhead linesman and “Many changes and company’s transport exhibition in Russia. Bob said: “A big part of the job became part of the team at improvements were identified, “Two months turned into a year — not involved dealing with grantors on a Penwortham. and these have been gradually what I had planned, but a fantastic Lucy Williams regular basis. I really enjoyed this aspect Janet Clarke “Now that I did enjoy!” he said. “But as implemented — the experience nonetheless as it meant working of the work and was delighted when the I was going out and about, I got to know introduction of wayleave in Moscow for a time and sampling a opportunity arose to join the wayleaves more about the work of wayleaves, and wardens for example, and the different culture. But I kept in touch with team.” felt it was something I could — and development of a wayleave National Grid because I was still keen on Bob, who is based at Daines would like — to do, my overhead information management a career in wayleaves. Fortunately when substation near Manchester, says he has line experience being a positive system to help us better plan I returned, an opening came up in the never looked back — he’s found his advantage. and manage work activities South East — I didn’t have to think ideal job. “I managed to get a warden’s post which impact on our grantors. twice!” and I’m delighted to say that I’m ● “It was vital that we looked Lucy, who got engaged at Christmas, Janet Clarke — who shares the thoroughly enjoying it!” at what wayleave officers works more with new projects than honour of being longest-serving warden actually do, the skills and maintenance schemes, and says she loves with Lucy — was already a vital member ● training required and the the variety. “I enjoy working on the computer of the wayleaves team when she The only wayleave warden in the demands and challenges they in the office — but I also love the opportunity became a warden in November North East is Simon Booth — and yes, were likely to face in the to get out and about meeting people. I’m 1999. he’s a former overhead linesman. future.” lucky to have the best of both worlds. My job She said: “I was an office-based Simon, 30, worked with the He said a clear need for expectations have been totally fulfilled.” wayleave administrator for 18 years — company’s Staythorpe section for about wayleave wardens to support and all that time I wanted to be out there 13 years — but he got a taste for wayleave officers emerged. ● Former overhead linesman Phil Burgess doing what my wayleave colleagues wayleaves work a few years ago when “We could see that this new joined Lucy last summer. were doing! Unfortunately, there was no he was on light duties. role would also offer a Phil, 43, was born and brought up in opportunity until the introduction of the He said: “I had a temporary wayleave potential development Essex, and left school to embark on a wayleave warden role to the function. role because I was involved in tree management in our section — ensuring opportunity for staff — from college course for building construction Phil Burgess “When the role was introduced in Martin Bretherton overhead lines for example — technicians. 1999, my application must have been safety clearance under the overhead and the chance to progress to He joined the CEGB in 1978 as an one of the first! After an enjoyable first lines. This involved liaising with wayleave officer. This would electrical fitter’s mate before transferring to year, I have spent the past 12 months grantors — something I found I be enormously helpful in the the Eastern Electricity Board as a linesman’s seconded to an office-based role, really enjoyed.” succession planning of the mate, working on 132 kV lines and wooden working on the new wayleave Simon, who is married with a son and wayleave team.” poles. He completed his overhead line information management system to daughter, was brought up in The subsequent selection training and returned to the CEGB as a establish a new grantor database. Nottinghamshire. After leaving school, he process for the wardens was linesman in the mid-1980s. “The job will be finished in the next few had a brief career as a trainee motor rigorous “A few years ago, I was seconded to a months and, although it’s been mechanic. “I believe they felt they had wayleave team to help out with access work. enjoyable, I am looking forward to “Then the local careers office earned their success!” said It was my first real experience of the getting back into the field this summer.” contacted me about an apprenticeship Ian. “Having successfully wayleave function and I thoroughly enjoyed Janet, 39, who has two sons, was with the CEGB, to train as an overhead completed their training, much it. I thought it was something I would like to brought up in Manchester and left school linesman. of it ‘under the wing’ of an do permanently — I am a rural sort of person to undertake a secretarial course at a “To be honest, I didn’t know much experienced wayleave officer, and always happier when I am out and college in Stockport. about what the job entailed, but it the wardens can be rightly about in the countryside. Her first job was in the secretarial sounded interesting and so I applied — proud of their achievement as “When the wayleave warden’s job came department of the CEGB at Europa and the rest is history. they are making a real up last year, I decided to go for it. House in Stockport. After completing “Moving into wayleaves seemed like contribution to Wayleaves and “It has certainly proved to be quite a two years’ training, she moved over to natural career progression. I enjoy our commitment to grantors.” change from being a linesman. For nearly all join the wayleave team. variety, and the job certainly provides Now meet the wardens… my working life I dealt with electricity on a Janet is also based at Daines. that. You meet a lot of real characters — daily basis. Now I am dealing with grantors Bob Tute ● The worlds of art and sport may have Simon Booth and no two are ever alike!” 12 NEWS Green-fingered gardeners dig their new club! GORDON Haycock, head of National the centre or in the polytunnel if the all our vegetable and organic waste to Grid’s environment education centre at weather is bad. create a soil full of nutrients. This in turn Penwortham substation, has launched a “The group has already produced grows strong, healthy plants.” club for local gardeners. crops of organic swede, runner beans, ● Iver Nature Study Centre in “We call it Green Growers and now onions, beetroot, courgettes, garlic, Buckinghamshire has launched a have about 12 regular members and up sunflowers, tomatoes, aubergines and Saturday morning gardening club for to seven staff who meet for four hours some quite impressive pumpkins. children between the ages of six and 10 every Friday afternoon,” said Gordon. “Everything is grown strictly and is also hoping to start a club for “They either work in the garden next to organically — which means we compost those of more mature years. Centres play a vital role ARETH Llewellyn, National Grid’s heard from industry that the business Ggroup director, safety and case for sustainable development simply environment, has highlighted the vital role has not been proven. National Grid, on played by the company’s network of the other hand, was currently environmental education centres. experiencing situations where Speaking at the national conference of demonstrating its activities are the Council for Environmental Education sustainable was having a real benefit for (CEE), Gareth said that National Grid had its business. set out to work with partnership “For example, we had to prove our organisations to give schoolchildren the credentials to win a major project in opportunity to learn about environmental Tasmania,” he said. issues and biodiversity. “The word sustainability there is not our “The principal reason for doing that is word. It is actually written in legislation we believe that giving people the skills at and it is something we have to do that very early age makes absolutely sure extremely vigorously. As we go through that for them, sustainability becomes this process it is very easy to find people second nature,” he said. “What we hope who have got good environmental is that the workforce of the future treats expertise, good social expertise, and as sustainable development as simply the for the economist, they are everywhere! way business is done.” But one of the biggest challenges for us National Grid was the main sponsor of is to find the staff who have got the vision the conference in London, which was to look across all three elements and attended by 160 delegates from around make a balanced judgement.” the country and overseas — including Gareth added: “It would be very easy Ghana, Taiwan, Jordan, Japan and Gareth Llewellyn speaking at the CEE national for us in industry to sit back and say Venezuela. conference we’ve identified this need, it’s up to the CEE is the umbrella organisation and The Countryside Agency, Field Studies Government to make sure it delivers the charity that provides a national focus in Council, Royal Society for the Protection education and skills to the current school England for those committed to of Birds and the Wildfowl and Wetlands children who effectively are going to education for sustainable development, Trust. become our workforce of the future. and its other conference partners were Gareth told delegates that one often “But the reality is somewhat different, and as with many parts of industry, we much prefer to work in partnership with Placement scheme places available others.” APPLICATIONS are now invited for www.nationalgrid.com/uk/social&enviro A keynote speaker was Baroness National Grid’s 2002/2003 nment and pick up a link straight to the Ashton of Upholland, Parliamentary environmental placement scheme. applications page from the front page of Under Secretary of State for Early Years Each academic year we offer the Social and Environmental and School Standards. She commended students or graduates the opportunity Performance report for 2000/2001. the Growing Schools Initiative, which aims to encourage more teachers of valuable first-hand experience in Or you can write to National Grid to make use of the outdoor environmental education and Environmental Placement Scheme, c/o classrooms. conservation with placements at each of FSC Head Office, Preston Montford, our 12 environmental centres in England Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW. The Minister said: “Young people need first-hand experience of plants and and Wales. ● The 12 centres are: Amersham, animals if they are to appreciate the place Applications close by mid-April, and Buckinghamshire; Legacy, Wrexham; of farming and the countryside in our interviews will be held at each centre Bishops Wood, Worcestershire; society and economy and we have made between May and July. Ninfield, East Sussex; Bramley Frith, available half a million pounds to Placements receive a bursary of Hampshire; Pelham, Essex/ encourage schools to participate. The £7,300 from National Grid, along with Hertfordshire; Canterbury, Kent; steering group will be inviting schools to travel and accommodation expenses to Penwortham, Lancashire; Cellarhead, consider being part of flagship projects enable placements to attend a number Staffordshire; Skelton Grange, Leeds; we are developing.” of seminars and training opportunities. Iver, Buckinghamshire; West Boldon, ● To find out more about CEE, visit To find out more, visit South Tyneside. www.cee.org.uk NEWS 13 Environmental policies recognised by award KELTON Grange and Pelham have Sbecome the latest National Grid environmental education centres to gain their “green” credentials — the Eco-Centres Green Flag Award. The awards scheme encourages centres to apply environmental issues to their day-to-day running and winning the Flag confirms a centre’s commitment to the environment. Skelton Grange at Stourton, Leeds, has already received its award and a presentation ceremony is being planned for Pelham in Hertfordshire. At the Skelton Grange ceremony, the centre was described as a “shining light in Leeds” by Deborah Bell, the regional director of ENCAMS — formerly known as Keep Britain Tidy — which manages the award scheme. “The centre not only applies the principles of Eco-Centres to its buildings, staff and visitors, but actively knits into the community,” she said. Skelton’s Eco-Centres committee has been busy encouraging the staff, Proudly displaying Skelton Grange’s award are, left to right, centre manager Caroline Crossley, volunteers and visitors to be more project officer Jennie Holt, Deborah Bell from ENCAMS, National Grid environmental environmentally friendly. Some of the placement Rachel Ibbotson, new deal placement Paul Turner and part-time volunteer official ways children have been helping have Stephen Clavering included bringing a waste-free lunch to Centre manager Caroline Crossley rubbish production, water use and try to reduce the amount of rubbish going said: “Staff and volunteers have been vehicle mileage. to landfill sites. Some schools have working hard to reduce the centre’s “Hopefully, when we have our new travelled to the centre on public impact on the environment and to building with its energy saving and some transport. monitor use of resources, such as renewable energy generation features we will be able to make an even greater contribution to reducing our environmental impact. Rachel, our National Grid environmental placement, has put a lot into securing us the award as part of her placement project.” Pelham centre head Richard Wren said: “Feedback from the judges has proved really helpful. They made a recommendation that we explore the possibilities of a water meter to improve our water monitoring. Up to now, we have been doing estimates of water use — in the early days, this involved our environmental placement Anna Creed doing some research into how often children need the loo! “The process of going for the award has made us examine our own green policies and has generated a lot of exciting ideas for the future. I would recommend it to any environmental centre.” Our Bishops Wood, Penwortham and Amersham centres all have Eco-Centre status and many of the other centres in the National Grid network are working The group takes in the sights of Skelton Grange towards the award. 14 NEWS

THE Farm Energy Centre, which works in partnership with National Grid, is the UK’s leading agricultural energy service provider and plays an important role in the electricity industry. It is concerned with energy use and energy- saving technologies in farming and horticulture, and it embraces both research and development and communications about the energy-efficient techniques available to farmers and growers. National Grid uses its services to help its many rural grantors who can benefit from its wide range of services, including energy auditing, energy brokering, consultancy and project management. The FEC was established more than 30 years ago and in recent years has expanded its services to cover energy efficiency planning, climate change levy management and electricity supply negotiation. For more information about the FEC, or any of the issues highlighted on these pages, contact the FEC at NAC, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 2LS, by phone on 024 Stephen Bettany, left, with 7669 6512 or by e-mail at: National Grid’s external [email protected] communications officer Use the same numbers Sean Regan to obtain a list of FEC publications, including technical guides and technical notes to help farmers and growers deal with electrical applications. Path through the jungle

T’S a jungle out there when it comes to Here we take a closer look at details of an individual’s electricity bills Ichoosing the best electricity supplier. competitive energy deals to come up with a competitive quote Deregulation may have brought down — one of the services offered from a reputable supplier who can offer prices and given you the opportunity to by the Farm Energy Centre… good service and back-up. Then we can make savings, but it’s not all plain sailing guide them through the change over — it can be positively daunting to work its electricity brokering service, which is process.” your way through the many options. free to NFU members. By sending the FEC copies of your Prices are difficult to compare and The FEC’s Stephen Bettany said: “We past electricity bills through the year, it there’s a host of other issues to be have developed software to help us help will produce comparison figures from a considered, such as tariff type and farmers make their choice — we don’t group of leading electricity suppliers and, service. You also have to talk to your promise to get them the cheapest deal, if you want to make a change, will initiate electricity supply company, your but we will get them the best value for the transfer process for you. electricity distributor and the meter money. “We’ll even make sure you continue to operator. “We have obtained prices from a get the best deal by comparing prices The FEC is an expert in the field and selection of the major electricity every year and advise whether you need can guide you through the minefield with companies — all we need to do is feed in to change supplier,” said Stephen. NEWS 15 Don’t be caught out by a time switch hitch! TIME after time on their farm visits, FEC In the meantime, to make the most of change from GMT to BST and back. staff find that the time switch attached cheap electricity rates, make sure that Hopefully, with the increased use of to the electricity meter is out of your time switches are set to take fully electronic metering, this problem synchronisation and cheap rate hours advantage of the cheap night rate and will become a thing of the past. But are not where they should be. line up with the cheap rate times on the whatever type of metering equipment is If this is the case, they say, you meter. used, it is always worth making a should call your electricity company and And remember — the switching regular check, just to make sure things have it reset. times might change as the hours are as they should be. Fans clear away CHP set to put down threat of disease deep roots OOD ventilation is Gessential to keep calves in farming and cattle healthy. IT SEEMS that energy- That is the reminder from efficient combined heat and the FEC’s livestock specialist power installations are getting Stephen Bettany who says a hold in . that stagnant, saturated air With the proposed can become a real problem at exemption from climate levy this time of year. tax for CHP users, the FEC “Damp, still days mean that predicts a rise in both interest the air within a building and installation of the becomes saturated and technology — in fact, many provides an ideal breeding large glasshouse growers ground for all sorts of The method of ventilating ● As most fan systems are have already invested in CHP diseases — pneumonia being the buildings is extremely fitted with a manual speed installations. the most common problem,” important if the system is to controller, they rarely have to This particular business has he warned. work. Some points to operate at full speed to have a high demand for both heat Natural ventilation may remember: the desired effect. and lighting. As a bonus, the work some of the time, but ● Extracting air from a The overwhelming success carbon dioxide produced fan ventilation for buildings building rarely works properly, of calf fan ventilation systems from the exhaust of the ensures that clean air is as the replacement air will has meant that the technique engine can be used to continuously introduced to always find the easiest route is now being used to improve improve the growing keep the animals healthy. into the building, often short- the conditions in beef and atmosphere for the plants. circuiting large areas that cow sheds. Producers are Stephen said: “Cold air has With the economics for remain stagnant. realising the benefits of having only a limited potential to large installations proven, ● By forcing air into a building drier lying areas and healthier, absorb water, so at this time recent moves have been to down a duct you ensure that cleaner air in the building,” of the year the air in a building look at smaller-scale clean air is getting to all areas. said Stephen. soon becomes saturated, installations. resulting in damp bedding, ● Running costs for a fan Information on sizing condensation on the animals’ ventilation system can easily systems and a list of suppliers The FEC has recently backs and water dripping be recovered by lowering is available free of charge to worked with BG Technology, from the structure. Fresh air medication costs. An 18 inch National Grid grantors. For looking at micro gas turbine introduced into the building (450mm) fan, which could your free copy of Dairy technology. These engines will help to carry away this typically ventilate a shed of 50 Ventilation (Technical note 51), are cheap and simple and, moisture, creating a much calves, will have a maximum phone the FEC on 024 7669 most importantly, they have healthier environment for the running cost of 87p/day or 6512, or e-mail your request very low maintenance costs. animals.” 1.7p/calf/day. to [email protected]. A pilot installation is now in operation near Stratford- upon-Avon and will be monitored for long-term Get wise to economical heating performance. TAKE an immersion heater, a time switch and small — always go for a spray foam-lagged Another potentially favourite a correctly-sized insulated tank, and you can tank, they say! application will be intensive heat as much hot water as you need — it Storing hot water for use later in the day, livestock production where couldn’t be simpler! after being heated on cheap rate electricity, is there is a steady demand for The trick is to do it as cheaply as possible, the cheapest way to do the job. Having an both heat and electricity. If making sure you heat water at the cheapest undersized tank and heating it twice per day is you would like to know more tariff time. false economy, since the second “charge” of about the market potential for Contrary to popular belief, says the FEC, the hot water is taken at a time when electricity is CHP technology, please call heat loss from a well insulated tank is very more than double the price. the FEC. 16 NEWS P HOTO

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going I Leeds, LS15 8TU. MAGES Group Head: Charles Waite,

/TCL 0113 290 8242 Wayleave Officers: to be Wilson Holmes 0113 290 8235 John Cunnington 0113 290 8236 Mike Ford 0113 290 8233 Ron Gilmour 0113 290 8237 Mike Hudson 0113 290 8239 Mike Rockett 0113 290 8240 a hole Scott Stephenson 0113 290 8238 Robin O’Brien 01636 642294 Wayleave Warden: Simon Booth 0113 290 8235/8236 Wayleave Administrators: lot Judy Heaton 0113 290 8235 Sharon Naylor 0113 290 8236 North West For Merseyside, the North West, of fun North Wales and West Midlands. The National Grid Company plc, Howick Cross Lane, Penwortham, EARLY 200 people have entered Preston, Lancashire PR1 0NS. NNational Grid’s first full grantors’ Group Head: Alan Naylor golf championship. 0161 7760706 They will now test their skills at five Wayleave Officers: John Griffin 0161 7760706 regional qualifying tournaments Mark Thomas 01772 753267 before the end of May on grantor- Alan Whitmore 0161 7760706 owned courses. The venues are Sale, Martin Eagles 01772 753258 Rotherham, St Mellons near Cardiff, Richard Evans 0121 7304046 Elton Furze, Hatton near Dominic Toft 0161 7760706 Wayleave Wardens: Peterborough and Silvermere in Janet Clarke 0161 7760706 Surrey. Robert Tute 0161 7760706 The top four from each qualifier will Martin Bretherton 01772 753291 then move on to the September 10 Wayleave Administrators: Gill Evans 01772 753258 national final at Henley-in-Arden Golf Lisa Hood 0161 7760706 Club, Warwickshire. South East “We’re very pleased with the For East Anglia, London and the number of entries,” said Sean remainder of the South East. Regan, the company’s external The National Grid Company plc, communications officer. London Road, Rawreth, Wickford, Essex SS11 8TZ. “Our trial run last year clearly Group Head: showed there was a healthy interest.” Damian Heylen, 01268 642095 Wayleave Officers: Andrew Carpenter 01268 642028 Cash boost for community awards Percy Claridge 01268 642028 Barry Cullimore 01268 642028 THE countdown is on to the presentation of communities by offering prizes of up to Brian Mead 01268 642093 the latest National Grid Community 21 £5,000 for projects run in partnership with Mike Gleaves 01268 642028 Wayleave Wardens: Awards — and this year they will community groups. Lucy Williams 01268 642028 incorporate a new award of £10,000 for the The new award has been introduced in Phil Burgess 01268 642097 local authority that can highlight best response to the Government’s strategy to Wayleave Administrator: practice in creating a community strategy. modernise local government and it will be Vivien Dewey 01268 642028 The National Grid Community 21 Awards spent on initiatives in the winning council’s South West scheme helps local authorities to encourage community plan. For the South West, South Wales, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and sustainable development in their Seven authorities are vying for top place — Hampshire. , Cheltenham, The National Grid Company plc, Emergencies only Wakefield, East Riding, Great Park Road, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS12 4QR. EMERGENCY calls to report pylon damage to National Grid Kettering, London Borough of can be made on 0800 404090. Make a note of the tower’s Croydon and Vale Royal. The Group Head: number — found just below the property plate — to help crews awards scheme has a prize David Warner 01454 200284 locate it. fund this year of £60,000 Wayleave Officers: ▼ Jenny Schroder 01454 200211 For information on electric and magnetic fields, ring the EMF including the new award. Simon Gronow 01454 200211 information line 0345 023270 (local call rate). Ron Hodey 01454 200208 ▼ For information on wayleave payments telephone the pay- The company has also said it hopes to continue running Wayleave Administrators: ments helpline on 0121 730 4074. Kirsty Webb 01454 200211 ▼ For all other enquiries call your local office at the number the scheme for at least Sandra Stevens 01454 200214 shown in the contacts panel on this page. another three years.

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