Welcome to the September 2023 newsletter from Lydon Contracting Ltd. We're proud of the work we do and want to share our latest news, useful information and staff updates.
Connecting people
During September we were engaged to construct a new ring main unit plinth to enable an emergency substation change in Copt Oak, Markfield that feeds a BT tower.
During routine maintenance National Grid identified a fault on the network that required replacement switch gear installed (whilst being run on temporary generators to ensure the BT network was not impacted). Our team was mobilised within 24 hours to work alongside the DNO to ensure timely completion of the substation change.
We have also completed the construction of a new ring main unit in North London to reinforce the HV network for future development of a bus depot.
Powering on
Works have forging ahead this month at our Thurmaston, Leicester bus depot site. We have completed the HV/TX base and the LV/DB Cable trough which has now seen the LV feeder cables installed awaiting energisation.
We are now in the final stages of completing the EV charger bases on the northern section with the southern section excavated ready for duct installation and reinstatement. All works are having to be carefully coordinated given the busy bus depot environment.
Charging up
Works have continued at Nottingham University campus with the installation of new LV feeder pillars and EV charger units. We have also added a new feeder pillar base at Sutton Bonington greenhouses, this will serve a new street-lighting scheme along Melton Lane entrance and new electric gate feed serving the farm.
Paving the way
Works are progressing well in Nottingham where we are approaching the HV substation that will provide the power for the bus depot. Weekend and out of hours working has been required to install the HV ducts across busy interchanges and an access road in/out of a busy retail park.
We have also core drilled the outer chambers of the Network Rail bridge (as agreed with the Senior Bridge Engineer) and installed the ducts through the chamber to accommodate the 11kV cables.
On the road again
Works at our project in Milton Keynes East (where we are installing a new medium pressure Gas main) has progressed well this month with over 400 lin m of trench excavated and reinstated, including completion of the dual carriageway crossing of the A509. A road closure is scheduled in October to complete the final leg of the installation to the new site.
Investing in quality equipment
September has seen another month of investment in new plant, vehicles, and equipment.
With an ever-increasing work bank for our busy engineers, we have invested in a Geomax Zenith60 GNSS Tilt Rover survey equipment. Once our engineers had received a training session on the correct use of the equipment from the supplier, the equipment has been put straight to work on site.
We took delivery of 2 New Prodem PRB040-BA Vibra-Silenced hydraulic breaker attachments to add to our machinery fleet. These breakers have been marked up and ready to go to site to make light work of any machine breaking out works through solid ground.
Finally, we have taken delivery of 2 New Vauxhall Movano panel vans to update our vehicle fleet. These have come equipped with ply lining, tow bars, LED Beacons, Air-Con and are now going through the process of having our Lydon livery added, along with racking and security locks being fitted before hitting the roads next week.
Fully trained
This month saw several one-day winch operator training courses take place to refresh our operatives training. The course included a morning classroom demonstration followed in the afternoon with a full hands-on practical assessment. The practical assessment includes the set up and complete operation of the Grundowinch, including use of the printer, machine maintenance and decommissioning.
All LCL operators successfully passed the assessment and have been awarded a certificate of competence, and a new Energy & Utility Skills card.
Meet the team
- Name: Laurence Jackson (Loz)
- Role: HSEQ advisor
- Service: 3 months
- Hometown: Born in Neath but now live in Rugby via Bristol
My career started on the day of my 16th birthday as a trolley boy at my local supermarket. From there I worked abroad in Salou for a couple of summers for an entertainment company as a nightclub entertainer. Reality hit at the age of 21 when I join the real world of work and got a job in health & safety – I was based in Olzstyn, Poland for 5 months and achieved my electricity Pilon climbing ticket whilst over there which was good. Given my father was at National Grid for 35+ years as a Health & Safety Manager, this might explain my strange fondness of Health & Safety from such an early age!
Outside of work my interests include watching Bristol City FC. I have just started playing football again at the age of 33. I enjoy going to the local gym and going on city breaks in the UK and round Europe. If I get bored or have no plans at the weekend, I will go on a hill climb/ trek – next on my list is Snowdon.
Quotation of the month!
Jonathan Peter Wilkinson, CBE is an English former rugby union player. A fly-half, he played for Newcastle Falcons and Toulon and represented England and the British & Irish Lions. He is particularly known for scoring the winning drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final and is widely acknowledged as one of the best rugby union players of all time.
“There are no shortcuts to success. You must put in the hard work, dedication and scarifice to achieve greatness” - Jonny Wilkinson
And finally...
Thanks for reading!
Cuttle Mill Nursery, Cuttle Mill Lane, Paulerspury, Towcester NN12 7LZ
info@lydoncontracting.com | 01327 811533 | www.lydoncontracting.com
Company Registration No. 3742284