Power workers celebrate 80 years in the industry

Two power workers from Stowmarket have had their 80 years service with the industry recognised by their employer UK Power Networks after starting apprenticeships when they were just 16. 

The company nvites staff who have given 40 years of continuous service to join a special 40+ Club

Mark Rose and Barry Weston both live near Stowmarket and have been celebrating each reaching their 40-year milestone, having both started in the industry back in September 1981.

Mark joined Eastern Electricity as an apprentice and trained as an electrical fitter. He was later offered a technical engineering traineeship and became a plant maintenance engineer based in Bury St Edmunds. He went on to various engineering roles before returning to plant maintenance.

Mark, 56, said he loves his work: “Like many of my generation, I see working on the electricity supply system as a calling rather than purely a job. I have worked with many fantastic people over the years. Working within our Network Operations department is like being part of a big family.”

Outside work he enjoys DIY, sailing, kayaking and being outside enjoying the natural world.

Mark said his strongest memory was working in the aftermath of the big storm of 1987.

“As a craft apprentice you gained a good understanding of all aspects of the electricity supply system. So, when the storm struck, I gathered what tools and equipment I could, grabbed some damage reports and headed off to do what we could to help.  With a little ingenuity we managed to restore power to many customers and freed up the lines teams to concentrate on bigger issues,” he said.

Engineer Barry also has strong memories of the ‘87 big storm.

He said: “Driving through what was left of Rendlesham Forest in the moonlight less than a week after the 1987 storm and looking at the devastation caused, isn’t something I’m likely to forget. During the storm I was involved with shepherding various Army troops around with chainsaws, assessing damage to substations, and patrolling power lines for damage and replacing fuses.”

Barry also joined the Eastern Electricity Board in 1981 as a 16-year-old apprentice electrical fitter.

\“My father, both sisters, and an uncle all worked, at the same time, for London Electricity Board, I did try and join the LEB but as they didn’t take any apprentices on in 1981, so I joined EEB instead,” he said.

Barry was an electrical fitter working out of Ipswich and Stowmarket depots until he became an engineer in 2002 and transferred to Bury St Edmunds Office. Since 1998 he has been involved in the maintenance and repair of the relay protection systems that protect the electricity network in the East.

Barry, who is also 56, said he has stayed with the company because he likes the work and the people he works with.

He is planning to retire next year and devote more time to his hobbies which include, computers, model railways, and electronics. Barry has also rescued many cats over the years.

“I used to have a house full of cats, all rescues. I only have one cat now who I took in in June following the loss of my last cat to cancer in May,” he added.

Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “We take this opportunity to recognise the commitment and dedication of our longest-serving employees, who have served their local communities for decades. The last 18 months have been an unprecedented time and I am grateful to all of our staff for their key role in keeping power flowing and enabling people to go about their daily lives, while preparing the networks for an exciting low carbon future.”