ice connect 2014
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The ICE Wales Cymru News MagazineTRANSCRIPT
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2014 ReviewConnectThe ICE Wales Cymru News Magazine
This is Civil Engineering in Wales
Photo Competition Winner 7
State of the Nation: Infrastructure 10-11
ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2014 12-13
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Chairmans Report 2013/14 Session
NORMAN SEWARD
As your chairman for the past 12 months, I have had the honour and great pleasure in representing you at a number of very interesting and exciting events and functions.
My theme for the year has been Collaborative Partnerships, encouraging our members to work together to inspire the youngsters needed in the industry, across all levels of professional engineering registration. The demand is enormous. The number of skilled technician roles alone across all engineering disciplines needed by 2020 to boost economic growth and ensure the UK maintains a competitive edge internationally is estimated to be 450,000.
In support of my theme, I have been working closely with schools, industry and members of our committee to introduce youngsters to the range of opportunities that are available in civil engineering.
My role as Chairman has enabled me to make personal contact within organisations such as Careers Wales, Science Made Simple and Design Engineer Construct and I continue to be involved with the STEM Ambassadors initiative. I have also been co-opted onto the ICE Education and Careers Panel.
The Bridge to Schools events continue to introduce construction to very young school children. The scheme continues to be popular with school teachers and pupils alike and since inception the bridge has been presented to over 30,000 youngsters. I was pleased to receive some very positive feedback from parents about the impact it has had on their children. In July, the Bridge was erected in the
Senedd at an event sponsored by the deputy Minister for Skills, Ken Skates AM, who engaged brilliantly with the students and the bridge.
A number of activities instigated by ICE Wales Cymru have also admirably supported my aim.
The Student Work Placement Initiative, led once again this year by Rosie Jay, provided opportunities for over 50 placements for graduates and students with employers across Wales. Many thanks to those employers who have supported this initiative and I look forward to more openings being made available as the job market improves.
Maintaining contact with, advising and influencing government is important for the well-being of the Institution and for the promotion of collaborative partnerships. ICE Wales Cymru maintains excellent links with Welsh government civil servants and ministers. Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru and I have met
The President, Geoff French, was our guest at two events in Wales this year, the ICE Wales Cymru Project Awards Dinner in June and a visit to north Wales in October. The feedback from Geoff was positive for both visits. He was particularly impressed by the ICE Engineering Technician apprentice training scheme and the apprentices from the A465 Heads of the Valleys project that he met in Cardiff. Thanks to EC Harris for providing the venue and the apprentices. Geoff also enjoyed the visit to north Wales where a tour of coastal defence works was arranged prior to a well-attended breakfast meeting where he addressed members and guests.
The Director General, Nick Baveystock also visited north Wales on the occasion of the AGM in May and spoke to members and guests following the installation of Mike Wellington as Chairman for 2014 - 2015.
We have had a significant programme of knowledge events, supported by high profile speakers. Particular highlights for me were the St Davids Day Lecture Longer Faster Higher by Dr John Roberts and a presentation by Ed McCann on the Infinity Bridge in Stockton-on-Tees - two outstanding civil engineers of our generation.
I have also enjoyed unveiling two plaques in memory of the centenary of the birth of two eminent Victorian engineers. In St Asaph, Denbighshire to George Hemans and in Sudbrook, Monmouthshire to Charles Richardson (turn to pages 22-23 for further information). The annual South Wales Institute of Engineers Educational Trust Menelaus Lecture by Sir John Armitt was also memorable; Sir John is now our ICE Vice President and will become the 151st ICE President in November 2015.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Wales support team at Cambrian Buildings, led by Keith and to thank all of the committee members for their hard work during my year. I would also like to thank my apprentice Louise Bungay for her assistance during my year.
Finally, I wish Chris Craufurd and his apprentice Tom Mynors every success for their year.
with a cross-section of political decision makers during my year, which have included:
Rt. Hon. David Jones, Secretary of State for Wales
Alun Davies AM, Minister for Natural Resources and Food
Ken Skates AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology
Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance and Government Business
ICE Wales Cymru also continues to be represented on the UKs Parliamentary Infrastructure Working Group for Wales, reporting to the Secretary of State for Wales.
In March, the then Minister for Natural resources and Food was the keynote speaker at our annual Learning to live with Flooding Conference. The Minister for Finance and Government Business received the ICE State of the Nation report for Wales which was launched at the Senedd in July.
Norman Seward speaking at the State of the Nation briefing at the Senedd photo: Fotowales
Bridge to Schools event at the Senedd photo: Fotowales
Learning to Live with Flooding conference held in Cardiff photo: FotowalesFormer ICE Wales Cymru Chairman Geoff Ogden (left) welcomes new Chairman Norman Seward at his inauguration photo: Fotowales
ICE President Geoff French visited North Wales in October
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OBITUARIESIt is with great sadness that we learnt of the deaths of the following ICE Wales Cymru members during 2014:
Eric Cocker BSc Eng FICEJohn S Moffett C Eng FICETerry Clark C Eng MICEPaul Frampton I Eng AMICEJohn Bryan Jones C Eng MICEDennis Morris C Eng MICE
LOUISE BUNGAYMy year spent as Chairmans Apprentice to Norman Seward has been an incredible opportunity and very enjoyable, with many experiences I would never have been able to have had otherwise. I have shadowed Norman at events he attended as Chairman, and I have been able to see many of the things ICE Wales Cymru do, gaining an insight into how our institution operates as well as meeting and talking to a lot of inspiring and influential people.
I have attended evening lectures, business breakfasts, presentations and conferences on a wide range of topics. All of this has helped to broaden my knowledge and appreciation of civil engineering and the work we do, and has also helped me to look at the role of a civil engineer in a different way. I have been given the opportunity to attend Committee meetings throughout the year, and my involvement with the Graduate and Student committee has also increased. Not only did I go to and help out with events and site visits organised by committee members, but I also organised a trip to London to coincide with the Open House event, for graduates and students in Wales.
As the Chairmans Apprentice, I have had the opportunity to meet key decision makers both in Cardiff and London, including Jane Hutt AM (Finance Minister), Ken Skates AM (Deputy Minister for Skills and
Technology) and Rt Hon David Jones MP (Former Secretary of State for Wales). I spent time with both the ICE Vice President David Balmforth and President Geoff French on their visits to Wales, spending the day with Geoff on site visits and meetings around Cardiff before attending the ICE Wales Cyrmu Awards, where I had a role in presenting the individual awards. I have also attended the national and Welsh launches of the ICE State of the Nation reports on infrastructure to government.
My year as the Chairmans Apprentice has allowed me to continue my passion for promoting civil engineering, giving many presentations to a range of ages from primary school through to university. I have
ICE Wales Cymru Chairmans Apprentice
helped out at engineering events organised by committee members with guides and scouts and the Engineering Taster Day at Cardiff University. I also attended the Keeping it Equal event promoting civil engineering to girls, including going career speed dating!
This year has been incredibly busy but very enjoyable and I would like to thank Norman for allowing me to join him and to all at ICE Wales Cymru for their help and support. I look forward to continuing my involvement as I move onto the role of Honorary Secretary, and last but not least, wish Tom Mynors a great year as next years Chairmans Apprentice.
News in Brief
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
@ICEWalesCymru
Follow us on Twitter for the latest news on infrastructure issues in Wales along with local activities and photos from events for members. (twitter.com/ICEWalesCymru)
Your Wales Support Team
General Keith Jones*, Director [email protected]
Membership Michelle Cockburn [email protected]
Membership South East Kate Darlington [email protected]
Membership North Mike Foster [email protected]
Membership South West Stewart Burgess [email protected]
General enquiries/finance Cherry Cronly* [email protected]
General enquiries/events Felicity White* [email protected]
Communications/sponsorship Karyn Thompson* [email protected]
GET IN TOUCHICE Wales Cymru, 2nd Floor Cambrian Buildings, Mount Stuart Square, CARDIFF CF10 5FL
t +44 (0)29 2063 0561 e [email protected]
Please note: parking meters operate on Mount Stuart Square and West Bute Street:
0-1 hour: free 1-2 hours: 1.50 2-3 hours: 2.50 3-6 hours: 3.00
We are also close to Cardiff Bay train station & Baycar bendy bus stops.
Photo: (Left to right) Norman Seward, Chairman ICE Wales Cymru, Alun Davies AM, Minister for Natural Resources and Food, Keith Jones Director ICE Wales Cymru and Chairmans Apprentice Louise Bungay at the Learning to Live with Flooding Conference in March 2014 Photo: Fotowales.
THOMAS TELFORD TROPHY 2014The ICE National Golf Competition for the Thomas Telford Trophy was held in early September at the Gullane Links in East Lothian, Scotland. This was the twenty-ninth time the competition has been played with this years organisers ICE East of Scotland being the hosts. Golf has been played at Gullane for over 350 years and next year the course will host the Scottish Open. The course has magnificent views over the Firth of Forth and westward towards Edinburgh.
The Welsh team comprised Tony Parker (ex-Welsh Government Highways) Colin Jones (BAM Nuttall), David Osborn (Atkins) and the ICE Wales Golf Secretary David Thomas (ex-Welsh Water).
The morning singles total for the Welsh Team was 115 points, some way behind the leaders ICE North East with 150 points. In the afternoon foursomes, the two Welsh pairings of Tony Parker with Colin Jones and David Osborn with David Thomas scored 37 and 32 points respectively (a total of 69 points). Unfortunately, this did not enable them to catch the runaway leaders and eventual tournament winners ICE North East who scored an additional 75 points to add to their
morning total. ICE Yorkshire were runners up with the host region third.
The Welsh Team is indebted to their sponsors Parson Brinckerhof, Atkins, TBT Recruitment and 1st Solutions and also the support of the ICE Wales Cymru Office.
Next year, the thirtieth Thomas Telford Trophy will be hosted by ICE West Midlands and will be played at the Forest of Arden Golf Club on Monday 7th September 2015.
David Thomas ICE Wales Golf Society secretary [email protected]
*Based at Cambrian Buildings, Cardiff
Image: The ICE Wales Cymru golf team consisting of (left to right) Colin Jones, David Thomas, Tony Parker and David Osborn
ICE Wales Cymru Chairman's Apprentice Louise Bungay (right) with Presidents Apprentice Aimi Elias during the ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2014 photo: Fotowales
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NEW FELLOWSDr David Edwards CEng FICENorman Holladay CEng FICEEmma McGivern CEng FICEPeter Jones CEng FICEAlan Rainford CEng FICEMark Roberts CEng FICETracey Williamson CEng FICE
MEMBERSHIP OF ICEChristopher Edwards MICEEmanuela Mira MICEStephen Shakespeare CEng MICE
NEW ENGINEERING TECHNICIANSWarren Baker EngTech TMICEDewi Cullen EngTech TMICETerry Davies EngTech TMICERory ODonnell EngTech TMICELucy Edwards EngTech TMICEKerry Evans EngTech TMICEMartin Howley EngTech TMICEElfyn Hughes EngTech TMICEJason Humpreys EngTech TMICEGerallt James EngTech TMICE
Following the great success of last years inaugural This is Civil Engineering in Wales photo exhibition, A View from Above was named as this years competition winner in November.
A View from Above was snapped with an iPhone 5 from the basket of the crane used to remove the lifting gear of the main 550 foot crane lifting the arch of the new Tydfil bridge in Merthyr Tydfil, as part of the Penderyn Square and River Taff Central Link Regeneration Project.
The winning entry was taken by Emma Davies, a Community Relations Manager for Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd. Emma said: This photo is the only one of its kind as I was the only one lucky enough to go in the basket on the day that the arch was installed.
The image was exhibited with the other finalists at an exhibition entitled This is Civil Engineering in Wales in Temporary Gallery 2 at Cardiff Story in November.
Immediate Past ICE President Geoff French was at the winners announcement at the This is Civil Engineering in Wales exhibition preview to congratulate Emma and the other finalists.
Geoff French said: I think the exhibition in such a key Cardiff venue is an excellent opportunity to showcase the diverse nature of
Robert John EngTech TMICEGareth Jones EngTech TMICEPaul Klee EngTech TMICEClaire Matthews EngTech TMICEKate Matthews EngTech TMICENigel Moss EngTech TMICEGareth Pagett EngTech TMICEJack Port EngTech TMICEGwynfor Roberts EngTech TMICERhys Roberts EngTech TMICEThomas Salmon EngTech TMICEVictoria Shattock EngTech TMICELouise Sturtivant EngTech TMICEAmjed Sulaimalebbe EngTech TMICEDylan Williams EngTech TMICE
NEW INCORPORATED ENGINEERSRory Jones IEng MICEDavid Matthews IEng MICEGwyn Rees IEng MICEThomas Rushby IEng MICEMichael Symons IEng MICEMatthew Wheat IEng MICERobert Richard Williams IEng MICE
civil engineering in Wales and helps illustrate the work of our civil engineers to school children, visitors to Wales and local people.
Norman Seward, Chairman ICE Wales Cymru, said: I was pleased to continue to help raise the profile of the profession in Wales through this exciting competition, which was launched in 2013.
We had entries representing different aspects of civil engineering from energy projects to water and transportation. My thanks go to everyone who took the time and trouble to enter and my congratulations go to everyone whose images made the shortlist. My thanks must also go to our sponsors Atkins, Constructing Excellence in Wales and Fotowales.
As well as winning her 250, Emmas image has been used on the ICE Wales Cymru website and for promotional material (including the front cover of this newsletter), whilst all entries to the competition have been added to ICEs image library to help promote civil engineering.
John Mather won 100 for his second place image Sandwich, taken from the promenade at Colwyn Bay showing contractors removing the floating pipeline used to bring sand ashore for beach replenishment as part of the Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project coastal defence and regeneration scheme.
NEW CHARTERED ENGINEERSDarren Badham CEng MICEEmma L Broad CEng MICEAnthony Brown CEng MICEBen Butler CEng MICESam C Price CEng MICELaura K Curnow CEng MICEThomas Edwards CEng MICEThomas Firth CEng MICEBen Goodman CEng MICEStephen Heaney CEng MICESimon Hill CEng MICEGeraint Lamble CEng MICEGeraint Wyn Mitchell CEng MICEThomas Morris CEng MICEYvonne Murphy CEng MICEBenjamin Poulton CEng MICEJonathan Price CEng MICEChristopher Prosser CEng MICEGraham Wearne CEng MICESimon Westwood CEng MICE
Congratulations
COVER STORY: A View from Above named Engineering Photo Competition Winner
For information on how to get involved in ICEs This is Civil Engineering campaign visit www.ice.org.uk/this
You can also follow and join in the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #thisiscivilengineering
The image was taken with a Panasonic Lumix FZ38. In third place was Steve Richings of Edwards Diving Services Ltd, winning 50 for his image 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit at 1100 feet, which, like Emmas image, was captured with an iPhone 5.
The image shows a diver burning off flange connection bolts from a cast iron water pipe in a Welsh Water reservoir with a shower of sparks.
The images from last years competition have also been displayed in north Wales in the Princes Pier on the waterfront in Menai Bridge and this years finalist images will follow them. The 2014 shortlisted images can be viewed at www.ice.org.uk/wales/photocompetition2014
This is Civil Engineering in Wales exhibition supports the Institutions campaign that was developed in Wales and is now spreading across the UK. The campaign was designed to raise the profile of civil engineering by demonstrating examples of civil engineering to the general public.
Schemes display campaign branding during construction on vinyl banners or site signage that includes a QR code linking to a page on the ICE website which explains more about what civil engineering is and what civil engineers do with further links so future engineers can find out more about entering the profession.
Photo: Fotowales
Photography exhibition winner Emma Davies with Chairman Norman Seward photo: Fotowales
Emma Davies with her winning image A View from Above photo: Fotowales
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Engineering Technician Winner of the Ben Barr Award Gwynfor Roberts (second left) alongside (from left to right) Norman Seward, Chairman ICE Wales Cymru, Peter Symmons, Director Symmons Madge Associates Ltd and Geoff French, ICE President
KEITH JONESFirst of all I would like to congratulate and thank Norman Seward and the 2013-2014 Committee for a very successful year. It was an interesting and innovative period with many highlights; we have particularly had a strong public voice and another year when our influencer role grew from strength to strength.
I would like to welcome Chris Craufurd, our incoming Chairman and his 2014-2015 Committee. I look forward to working with Chris, the new committee and all the various sub groups over this new session.
CAMBRIAN BUILDINGSAs we are fully established in our new offices, for those of you who want to spend a few minutes (or longer) in Cardiff Bay with full internet / wi-fi access, please feel free to contact us with a view to calling in. If one of our rooms is free, you will be very welcome and we have a very nice coffee machine for guests.
ICE RESTRUCTURE REGIONAL SUPPORT TEAMSWhist changes have been implemented in England, your Wales Regional Support Team (RST) will not change and we will continue to support the post Member activities and events across Wales, together with assistance and support for Members wishing to gain ICE Fellowship, Chartered Manager and Chartered Environmentalist. Please contact me if you would like further information on these.
WALES SUPPORT TEAMI would like to record my grateful thanks to Cherry Cronly, Karyn Thompson, Felicity White, Kate Darlington, Mike Foster and our Member Support Officer, Stewart Burgess who together make up Team Wales. I am proud of our very close team. We go into 2015 with a challenge as Karyn is recovering from an operation, our best wishes to Karyn and my thanks to Cherry and Felicity (and our colleagues in ICE South West) for their rallying around and stepping up to the mark. Welcome to Michael Took, our Temporary Marcomms Executive who is providing the cover we need.
MEMBERSHIPWe have had a very modest increase in numbers of members over the year; at the moment at the last time of counting we have 3572 Members across Wales covering all grades. Our Professional Reviews in both the Spring and the Autumn, together with the embedded/in-house reviews show increased numbers of applications for Membership. This clearly shows the importance and value of Professional Membership in these difficult financial times.
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENTAll membership recruitment activity up to and including professional qualification will be concentrated under a Director of Membership Recruitment. This will mean that out Membership Development Officers (MDOs) - who will continue to operate from their current locations. A new Membership Manager will cover Wales and the South West of England. The new structure will allow our MDOs to work more effectively across regional borders, share best practice and develop shared tools and resources.
ICE STREAMLINING ROUTES TO MEMBERSHIP ICE is simplifying the routes to membership, details are available from the MDOs but essentially these are:
Online Initial Professional Development process with access to graduates, Supervising Civil Engineers (SCEs) and Delegated Engineers (DEs)
A single ICE Approved Training Scheme, available to all organisations
Electronic application process, one single Professional Review Report
Enhanced information, advice and guidance
EMBEDDED AND IN-HOUSE SCHEMESOur embedded and in-house schemes grow from strength to strength. This year we held a series of Technician workshops to help prospective ICE Technicians progress to Membership. These were held at three locations, at our offices in Cambrian Buildings for those in south Wales, at the Kinmel Manor Hotel, Abergele for those in north Wales and the continuing Arup Cardiff company scheme (this has now run for three successive years). I am delighted to report that all who attended (including some from across the border with England) were successful. This means that since these have started, we have maintained a 100% pass rate - no doubt due to the quality of the applicants (and the mentors). Thanks to Geoff Hughes, Kate Darlington, Stewart Burgess and Mike Foster. Also, we in Wales are able to conduct Professional Reviews in Welsh so if you or a colleague would like your Professional Review in Welsh, please let us know. These have already taken place over the last two years.
These will continue with our workshops into 2015 with an additional venue, Cardiff, Abergele and also in Swansea. If you know of anyone who wishes to Stand out from the crowd and gain ICE Technician Membership, please contact us.
APPRENTICESHIPS - TECHNICIANSOur innovative Apprenticeship scheme linked to ICE Technician membership has grown with events and workshops across Wales and links to the A465 Heads of the Valleys Scheme and now tied in with the EC Harris Apprenticeship Academy. This new pathway provides a direct route to Professional membership for young civil engineering apprentices without the burden of student loans. Apprentices undertake a BTEC in civil engineering at college at the same time as a vocational
course (a diploma in civil engineering, a quasi NVQ). For more details, again please contact me directly. These are available across Wales.
EVENTS PROGRAMMEOnce again in 2013-2014 we saw record numbers of events across Wales. The main ICE Wales Cymru Programme plus all the sub groups programmes delivered 171 events with 7399 attendances. Our National Conferences Learning to Live with Flooding in Wales; and Integrated Transport were very successful. I would like to record my grateful thanks to the organisers, speakers and sponsors for all of their time, effort and
expertise. Our Business Breakfasts programme continues into 2015 and particular thanks must go to the sponsoring participating companies for their on-going support. Our on-going seminars and workshops also continue, 2014 featured the NEC contract thanks to Hugh James Solicitors for their support. As we move into 2015, a new programme will feature.
STATE OF THE NATION REPORTSAs Members will know, ICEs flagship reports are the State of the Nation Reports and in July we launched our State of the Nation: Infrastructure Wales Briefing. Our briefing
Directors Comment
We delivered 171 events with 7399 attendances in 2014
complemented (and had fed into) the UK report, launched at One Great George Street in June. I was delighted that Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance received and welcomed the report and briefing on behalf of the Welsh Government at the Senedd.
ENGAGEMENT I am particularly delighted to report on a very successful series of meetings with senior decision makers and politicians with responsibilities for Welsh Affairs from the UK Government as well as of course from the Welsh Government and the National Assembly for Wales. These include meetings with Rt. Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Secretary of State for Wales, Jane Hutt AM, Finance Minister and Minister for Government Business; Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Natural Resources and Julie James AM, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology. I was also very pleased with the publication of the Wales Office report on Infrastructure following on from my membership of the Wales Infrastructure Group convened by the Secretary of State for Wales.
EDUCATIONOur two Bridge to Schools kits, in south Wales and north Wales, continue to promote civil engineering in schools and are also used at public and other events (e.g. cubs, scouts). Thanks to CITB for their support together with continued sponsorship by Alun Griffiths Construction, Laing ORourke and Jones Bros (Ruthin). We also have a number of other educational events e.g. Engineering Team Challenge taking place in both south Wales (organised by our G&S Group) and north Wales and the Big Bang Events, again in both north and south Wales; and the individual visits made by Members to schools. Please consider assisting with this, we can guide and assist and provide the support.
THIS IS CIVIL ENGINEERINGOur Wales Gold Star campaign, This is Civil Engineering started here and is now a UK Campaign, we are very proud of this and I am delighted to see it spread beyond Wales.
2015 AND BEYONDICE Wales Cymru needs the continuing support of its Members, please support, join and engage with us. I look forward to meeting more and more Members across Wales. We are moving into a period of restructuring and change. If there is something you would like to discuss with me or my team, please contact us.
My very best wishes for a very successful 2015.
Keith Keith Jones Director ICE Wales Cymru
Alun Davies AM, Minister for Natural Resources and Food gives the Keynote address at the Learning to Live with Flooding Conference in March 2014 photo: Fotowales
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INFRASTRUCTURE IN WALES REQUIRES CONTINUED ATTENTION TO BE FIT FOR FUTURE CHALLENGESIn our State of the Nation: Infrastructure 2014 briefing launched in the Senedd in July, we stressed that Infrastructure in Wales requires continued attention if it is to be fit for future challenges, and contribute effectively to the economy, the environment and the social well-being of Wales.
The report said the Welsh transport strategy needed updating and control of the network by twenty two local authorities was hindering an integrated approach. It called for further development of governance structures to establish better coordination, and for the Welsh Government to update its transport strategy in the context of the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan.
It also urged effective and timely resolution by the Welsh and UK Governments to solve the major capacity and resilience problems with the M4 around Newport - the primary road artery supporting the south Wales economy. ICE Wales Cymru said a new motorway link is essential, and this, combined with the Cardiff City Region Metro would deliver a more holistic transport network for Wales.
Commenting on the Wales briefing, Norman Seward, ICE Wales Cymru Chairman, said: Infrastructure boosts growth, creates jobs, connects communities and raises living standards - it forms the backbone of our economy. It requires continued attention if it is to meet the pressures currently exerted on it, and be fit for the challenges ahead, such as the impacts of climate change and the demand pressures from population growth.
Our roads also require improvements. The highways network continues to merit ongoing investment, and while local roads have benefitted from a boost in funds in recent years, severe weather conditions over the winter of 2013/14 have affected many of Wales roads particularly the local network in rural areas. In south Wales, the major problem remains with the M4 around Newport and we look forward seeing effective and timely action to resolve these serious capacity problems. Indeed we welcome the announcement by the Welsh Government that Public Consultation on the M4 project will commence in September.
Overall, we need a long term transport plan and to be clear on the skills and capacity required for its delivery. The evolving Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan should assist in producing this.
Control of the network is also fragmented and not conducive to a strategic, coordinated approach.
There must be clear, coherent communication between all those responsible for maintaining and operating
itself to attract business, but we must also consider water security and periodic scarcity. We support the proposed Welsh Government water strategy that aims for a water resource that is resilient, sustainable and manages the environment in Wales.
Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Finance, received the UK State of the Nation: Infrastructure 2014 report and Wales briefing on behalf of the Welsh Government.
The Minister for Finance said:
The Welsh Government is committed to boosting investment in infrastructure, ensuring Wales has the infrastructure networks to support long-term economic growth and protect and boost jobs.
That is why in May 2012, we published the Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan and continue to work hard to deliver maximum impact to the Welsh Economy. Actions we
have taken since the launch of the plan, through our programme of innovative finance initiatives and allocations from capital reserves, will generate around 3bn of additional investment for the Welsh economy. This includes directly investing over 1.2bn of additional capital funding to support our seven key priorities, including improving transport networks, protecting infrastructure networks from flood and coastal erosion and supporting the development of the energy industry in Wales.
The collective knowledge and expertise that stakeholders such as the ICE can contribute is vital in helping us to deliver our infrastructure ambitions for Wales.
The full State of the Nation: Infrastructure 2014 report and the Wales briefing can be viewed at: www.ice.org.uk/State-of-the-Nation
Infrastructure boosts growth, creates jobs, connects communities and
raises living standards - it forms the backbone of our economy. Norman Seward - ICE Wales Cymru Chairman
the network and we would like to see improvements in governance structures.
The Energy sector is only partially devolved and continued investment is required by both UK and Welsh governments. The Welsh Governments policies for more sustainable forms of energy are welcomed.
Wales Flood Management, Water and Waste infrastructure raises less concern.
Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru said: Waste, Water and Flood Management sectors have shown improvement and I welcome the attention and investment. Flood Management has benefitted from major Welsh Government funding boosted by European Funds, much of Wales is safer as a result of these works, but continued attention and maintenance is required. The Waste sector has continued to improve with a strong strategic lead from the Welsh Government and there has been good progress with evidence of collaboration and collective partnerships.
The Water sector in Wales is strong with good resilience in the drinking water network. Wales has plentiful rainfall and can position
Left to right: Norman Seward, Chairman ICE Wales Cymru; Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru; Jane Hutt AM,
Finance Minister; Louise Bungay, Chairman's Apprentice; Andrew Crudgington, ICE Director of External Affairs and
Strategy, ICE. Photo by Fotowales.
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The winners of the ICE Wales Cymru Project Awards 2014 were announced at our awards dinner in May at the Cardiff Marriot Hotel.
The annual Project Awards celebrate the contribution of civil engineering to Wales by recognising schemes for their excellence in concept, planning and design, contract management and construction.
The Studies & Research Award went to Mass Asset Recognition and Intelligent Optimisation (MARIO) a research and study project to improve local and national road condition data carried out by Costain Ltd working with Aberystwyth University.
The Designed in Wales Award for projects that have been designed in Wales, but constructed elsewhere (either in the UK or overseas) went to Spring Bank West Underline Bridge Reconstruction, a rail bridge scheme in Hull delivered for Network Rail by designers Cass Hayward LLP and contractors J. Murphy & Sons Ltd.
Aaron Brutes Bridge in Blaenavon received the Special Award for Heritage. This scheme removed this heritage bridge from UNESCOs endangered list of structures. It was delivered for Torfaen County Borough Council by Capita Property & Infrastructure Ltd who were principal designers and engineer with the support of contractors Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd.
The Special Award for Regeneration went to Pont-y-Ddraig a new pedestrian bridge in Rhyl, Denbighshire delivered for Denbighshire County Council by Ramboll UK Ltd, principal designers, and Dawnus Construction Ltd, project contractors.
A special Individual Recognition Award was given to Dafydd Roberts from Natural Resources Wales for his above and beyond community engagement on the shortlisted Fairbourne Flood Risk Management Scheme near Dollgellau.
The Innovation Award for the project which best demonstrates innovative
approaches, solutions or products in its delivery went to Colwyn Bay Waterfront Project Phase 1. This coastal defence and regeneration scheme at Colwyn Bay, Conwy for Conwy County Borough Council was designed by Mott MacDonald and constructed by VolkerStevin, principal contractor with support of Wynn Construction.
The Sustainability Award for the project which best demonstrates the principles of sustainability went to Harbour Way, Port Talbot. This major highway improvement was delivered for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council by Arup, scheme designer with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, and Costain Ltd. as principal contractors.
The prestigious Roy Edwards Award - for the best outstanding design and construction of a project under 3 million was awarded to M48 Wye Bridge Expansion Joint Rocker Arm Replacement,
a bridge maintenance scheme near Chepstow, Monmouthshire delivered for Severn River Crossing Plc by Flint & Neill, principal designers and contractors Laing ORourke with the support of Strong Force and the Highways Agency.
The prized George Gibby Award for the best outstanding design and construction of a project over 3 million went to Loughor Viaduct Replacement, a major rail viaduct scheme near Swansea delivered for Network Rail. The scheme was designed by Tony Gee & Partners and constructed by Carillion Rail, principal contractor with the support of Mabey Bridge.
Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru said: We are proud to be able to celebrate the contribution of civil engineering to society through the Project Awards and we were pleased that the worldwide President of the Institution, Professor Geoff French presented the awards during his visit to Wales.
Geoff Ogden, ICE Wales Cymru Projects 2014 Chairman, commented: We had an unprecedented level of entries to the awards this year and the judging panel was very impressed with the community engagement and the collaborative behaviours that were in evidence within the project teams as well as the technical excellence across all schemes.
ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2014
The ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2015 event will be held on Friday 1st May at the Cardiff Marriot Hotel. If you are interested in ICE Wales Cymru Awards sponsorship opportunities please contact us on [email protected]
ICE Wales Cymru Chairman Norman Seward presented awards to Individual civil engineers. Gwynfor Roberts received the Engineering Technician Winner of the Ben Barr Award sponsored by Symmons Madge for newly Professionally Qualified Engineer of the Year; Rhian Watts and Matt Jones were joint winners of the Ben Barr Award Chartered Engineer. Rhian Watts also won the Paterson Prize for the best written exercise at Professional Review living or working in Wales. Rhys Roberts was awarded the Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by the Apprentice Academy - a joint collaboration between ICE, CITB Cymru Wales and EC Harris and CH2M Hill.
Norman Seward said: I was delighted to present awards to the best of civil engineering in Wales alongside our President. My theme for this year is Partnerships and in particular the promotion of collaborative partnerships between schools, universities and industry. I was pleased to see partnerships between companies and communities - such a vital ingredient of the award winning schemes.
ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2014 was sponsored by CITB Cymru Wales, CH2M Hill, EC Harris,
Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd, Symmons Madge Associates and YGC.
Photos of the evening and award presentations are available to view at www.fotowales.com.
Photo: Members of the Harbour Way team receiving the Sustainability Award certificates and glass trophy with ICE President
Geoff French (fourth left), ICE Wales Cymru Chairman Norman Seward (far left) and former ICE Wales Cymru Chairmen Geoff
Ogden (fair right). Photo: Fotowales
ICE President Geoff French makes his address at the ICE Wales Cymru Awards 2014 photo: Fotowales
(Left to Right) ICE President Geoff Frenchwith members of the Spring Bank West Underline
Bridge Reconstruction team receiving the Designed in Wales Award certificates and glass trophy with ICE
Wales Cymru Chairman Norman Seward and former ICE Wales Cymru Chairmen Geoff Ogden Photo: Fotowales
(Left to Right) ICE President Geoff French with members of the Loughor Viaduct
Replacement team receiving the George Gibby Award certificates and glass
trophy with ICE Wales Cymru Chairman Norman Seward and former ICE Wales
Cymru Chairmen Geoff Ogden. Photo: Fotowales
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CHRIS CRAUFORDIt is an honour and a privilege to be your Chairman for this year. I see the role as both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. My thanks to all those who attended the AGM and my inaugural address on 29th October 2014.
Many thanks also to outgoing Chairman Norman Seward, whose advice has been invaluable. Having watched his considerable enthusiasm and commitment, not to mention his stamina during his year in office, I know Normans tenure will be a particularly hard act to follow. However, I will endeavour to represent all the members of ICE Wales Cymru to the best of my ability for the remainder of my year as Chairman.
Many thanks also to the very hardworking and dedicated ICE Wales Cymru team including Director Keith Jones and the Cardiff Bay office based team comprising Cherry Crony, Felicity White and Karyn Thompson. It has been eye-opening just how much hard work is undertaken by this team, most particularly in the juggling of many arrangements in an effort to best accommodate all those involved.
CHAIRMANS THEMEHaving spent the last fifteen years of my career primarily undertaking civil (and electrical) engineering within the energy sector, I chose my theme for the year as the Energy Debate - particularly focussing on the resilience of the UKs energy supplies now and into the future. The theme is further intended to highlight the current role of Wales in securing energy supplies and to demonstrate how Wales is ideally placed, largely through its natural advantages, to play a greater role in ensuring the UKs energy sustainability into the future.
My Chairmans Address aimed to highlight concerns regarding the currently precarious state (in my opinion) of our energy security brought about by:
The failure to adequately replace the countrys ageing nuclear generation plants (the last reactor to be brought into service was Sizewell B back in 1995).
The relatively slow rate of progress in the implementation of renewable energy opportunities.
The reduction in the availability of our own indigenous generation fuels. Little
more than fifteen years ago the UK was a nett energy exporter but now we import more than 60% of the fuel required for electricity generation. Worse, there is now an increasing reliance on the importation of coal as opposed to natural gas, which is a cleaner carbon fuel.
The address then aimed to highlight the opportunities for generation in Wales, notably:
The urgent need (again, in my opinion) to progress the proposed replacement nuclear facility at Wylfa on Anglesey. The existing plant is due to be taken out of service at the end of 2015.
The very significant opportunities for renewable generation, particularly through tidal range, tidal stream and the available wind resource.
Another very important potential advantage is that energy generation is largely funded by private enterprise and inward investment in the energy sector would drive other related (and also probably unrelated) investment into Wales.
CHAIRMANS OBJECTIVESI proposed two new objectives and to retain and build upon two existing objectives from previous years. I would like ICE Wales Cymru to:
1. Seek greater involvement with, and influence within, organisations dedicated to the provision of reliable energy sources.
2. Look at ways to encourage greater numbers of our membership to use their professional status to influence others.
3. Continue to seek ways of changing the perception of our profession as a result of the generic term engineer. Many people see engineering as a blue collar rather than a white collar role which tends to put off young people, particularly young women, from considering civil engineering as a rewarding professional career choice.
4. Continue to seek political engagement. ICE Wales Cymru sees it as important that our collective voice is heard on many key issues fundamental to us, including transportation, flooding and energy.
PROPOSALS FOR OBJECTIVE ACHIEVEMENTI am pleased to report that links have already been made / strengthened with organisations dedicated to the provision of reliable energy sources and energy security, both from within Wales and elsewhere in the UK.
I believe we have an excellent programme of associated events, which include those below. We expect to add to this list over the coming months:
In November Ton Fijen, Technical Director of Tidal Lagoon Power, presented on the Swansea Tidal Lagoon proposals. As this was heavily over-subscribed we look forward to an update event in May.
We have met with UKELA & Eversheds regarding proposed events later in the year, planned for both north and south Wales, regarding energy security.
We have attended LIMNeT workshops regarding the enhancement of low carbon approaches to the construction sector in Wales.
We have met with the CEO of RenewableUK and the Director of RenewableUK Cymru. The CEO of RUK, Maria McCaffery OBE, will deliver the ICE St. Davids Day Lecture in March.
In February, at an ICE Business Breakfast, Tidal Energy Ltd will present on the Tidalstream project in Ramsay Sound.
In June we have a joint event with the CBI on energy infrastructure.
Nigel Knee of EDF will present on the Hinckley Point C project in September.
The Elected Members Sub-Committee (EMSC) is currently working on six or seven projects which are intended to align with the above objectives.
As an example, a strategy has been defined for enhancing our links with schools and colleges. This will initially particularly focus on Years 8 & 9, to encourage both boys and girls to see STEM subjects, and eventually civil engineering, as both exciting and potentially rewarding. Our existing links, most particularly in the Cardiff area, will be extended in the short term to provide greater coverage throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf in the first instance, and hopefully beyond subject to the level of volunteer resource we can muster.
The level of political engagement, a continuing objective, has also been strong to date as outlined in the report by Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru. It is particularly encouraging that the Ministers from both the Welsh Government and the UK Government appear genuinely keen to hear our views regarding
both short term measures and long term infrastructure vision and have invited further follow-up meetings.
CONTINUING PROGRAMMESOver the last several years the ICE Wales Cymru Student Work Placement Initiative has proved very successful and has facilitated a large number of summer placements for students across Wales. The workplace situations offered in industry have been excellent opportunities for students to develop their skills and to enhance their CVs. Work is in progress to continue with this programme.
The successful photography competition, which has been running for the last two years, is also planned to continue this year and the EMSC are looking at potential ways to further enhance the level of interest. Hopefully there will be significant take-up and we can look forward to viewing some spectacular entries portraying the many different aspects of our profession.
Incoming Chairmans Report (2014-2015)
Chris Craufurd, ICE Wales Cymru Chairman (left) with Immediate Past Chairman, Norman Seward
(From left): Keith Jones, Director ICE Wales Cymru, Chris Craufurd, Chairman ICE Wales Cymru, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, Secretary of State for Wales and Chairmans Apprentice Tom Mynors at the Welsh Office, Westminster
CHAIRMANS APPRENTICEI am pleased to welcome Tom Mynors who has accepted the role of Chairmans Apprentice this year. Tom graduated from Bristol University three years ago, is employed by Network Rail and already can demonstrate an impressive CV. Tom will continue to support me with official duties throughout the year as each of us learn
more about the work of the Institution in both Wales and nationally.
Finally, I look forward to an eventful year working with the ICE Wales Cymru team including Keith, Cherry, Felicity, Karyn, Michael, the committee and the sub groups. When leaving the post in October, my aim is to leave ICE Wales Cymru in the same good shape that it is in now.
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TOMORROWS ENGINEERS WEEK IN WALESMembers of the ICE Wales Cymru Graduates and Students (G&S) Group successfully delivered the Engineering Team Challenge across south Wales as part of Tomorrows Engineers Week (3rd 6th November 2014) highlighting the diversity, opportunity and reward on offer from a career in engineering. Tomorrows Engineers Week is a national initiative co-ordinated by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills and its website featured many of our photos as examples of the weeks activity.
A total of 255 pupils (116 in from 16 schools) were involved in the Challenge
which was held at University of South Wales, University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea University and Cardiff University. In addition to this, it also reached 20 teachers and parents who influence career and subject choices.
To inspire the next generation to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM subjects) the G&S group tasked the pupils in teams of four to build two towers out of wooden sticks, elastics and wires to hold up the decks of a suspension bridge spanning a metre. The bridge deck was then loaded (indirectly loading the towers). Two prizes were given out; one was for best combination of tower height and strength. The second prize was given out
Education
for teams that scored high in team work (making both towers similar), aesthetics and engineering principles.
All pupils were given a tour of the hosting University, and at Cardiff University the pupils were also shown a physical model of the Severn Barrage. At Trinity St David, guest speaker Ian Flower and apprentice Layton Davies from Engineers for Overseas Development (EFOD) gave a talk about the crucial role engineers can and do play in developing countries.
Thanks must go to the organising committee, comprised of Miguel Pinto-Ward (Chair/Main Coordinator), Claire Bennett (Venues), Elizabeth Side (Schools), Jack MacNaghten (Challenge) and Rhys Roberts (Support); guest speakers: David Rowlands, Chris Craufurd, Tom Fasham, Norman Seward and Stephen Lawrence; the 35 volunteers and ambassadors helping during the events and their companies; the hosting universities; and the generous sponsors SWEET, Alun Griffiths, Atkins, Mott MacDonald, Raymond Brown, Arup, The Concrete Society, Construction Excellence Wales, IMechE, Galliford Try and Walters.
To be the next chair for ETC 2015 contact: [email protected]
Tomorrows Engineers website: www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
Pupils taking part in the Engineering Team Challenge Photo: Miguel Pinto-Ward
Students participating in the engineering team challenge at Bangor University
BRIDGE TO SCHOOLSALISON HOWE, CITBOur Bridge to Schools initiative is continuing to be a great success in Wales, with ICE Wales Cymru and CITB working together to deliver it to schools across the country.
Mark Bodger, Strategic Partnerships Director of CITB Wales, said: We are delighted to support the Bridge to Schools programme. It is vital that we work with our partners to raise awareness of the fantastic career opportunities the Construction Industry can offer young people. Our Labour Market Intelligence shows that the Industry is experiencing a major comeback with a sustained period of growth - Infrastructure is one of those key areas driving growth and this brings challenges in meeting skills demand, we see school engagement and young people as crucial in helping our industry to meet those challenges. The Bridge to Schools programme is an exciting and
hands-on way of demonstrating the breadth of opportunities available to young people.
Bridge to Schools involves pupils working in two teams to construct a 15 metre long cable-stayed bridge, a replica of the second Severn Crossing, using plywood decking sections and aluminium cables. It is designed to give pupils an insight into the world of Construction, particularly Civil Engineering, and show the opportunities available to both males and females in the construction industry.
The session begins with pupils being told a little about Civil Engineering and the construction industry in general, including the opportunities available to them in all areas of the industry. Pupils are also given a Health & Safety briefing and provided with small-sized personal protection kit including hi-vis vests, hard hats, goggles and gloves which they wear for the duration of the activity.
ENGINEERING TEAM CHALLENGE NORTH & MID WALESMIKE WELLINGTONThe Engineering Team Challenge, facilitated in north and mid Wales by the Engineering Centre for north and mid Wales (ECNMW), is designed to promote engineering, construction, manufacturing and technology as career options for Year 9 pupils and post-16 year old students.
The ECNMW is supported by ICE Wales Cymru together with other engineering institutions and Careers Wales. The ICE north Wales branch has a representative that attends meetings of the ECNMW to influence the annual Engineering Team Challenge and ensure that civil engineering is represented.
The Challenge is a unique and established event which inspires post-16 year old students to pursue engineering at degree level and as a career choice. To those already set on the engineering profession, it gives an insight into real life challenges and experience of working under pressure as a project team with people they have not met before.
During the session, pupils must work together to make sure that everything is done safely; they are assisted by CITB Construction Ambassadors, who volunteer to come into schools to talk about their jobs and answer any questions. These Ambassadors come from a wide variety of organisations and many are ICE Members from G&S members to retired engineers to working Fellows. Once pupils have completed the project, they get to walk over the completed Bridge (just after its been tested by one of their teachers).
This initiative enhances pupils team work, problem solving and communication skills and at the same time they have lots of fun learning about the construction industry and the wide range of careers and opportunities out there for them. Its also an excellent opportunity for them to meet role models from the industry.
Due to the success of the challenge in 2013, it was repeated again in 2014 and comprised of building a hand-powered generator using Knex and specialist electronic equipment including magnets, coils and AVO meters. The generators had to be powered by one team member and the voltage registered must be sustained for at least ten seconds.
This challenge was been developed with support from Magnox Wylfa.
The Challenges in 2014 were held at Brecon, Newtown, Llandrillo College Rhos on Sea, Coleg Cambria Deeside, Glyndwr University Wrexham and at Bangor University during which we engaged with over 450 students currently studying STEM subjects at A Level. Should you wish to get involved in next years challenge or would like more information please contact Mike Wellington.
The Engineering Centre for north and mid Wales (ECNMW) is extremely grateful to ICE Wales for their continued support of the Team Challenge. New ideas for future challenges are always welcome and I would ask all members to consider making suggestions.
We would be particularly interested in any companies interested in setting and helping to run a challenge. Offers of support to the ECNMW in providing speakers and helping hands at each of the venues would be most welcome. In order for the challenge to be a success, we need the support and assistance of engineering graduates, students and STEM Ambassadors.
ICE BRIDGES TO SCHOOLS IN NORTH WALESThe ICE Bridge was taken to a number of schools throughout north and mid Wales during 2014, we also lent it to the Cheshire Branch for a careers event they organised at Tarporley High School. The ICE Bridge was also taken to the north Wales Big Bang Event run by the EESW in Venue Cymru, Llandudno in March 2014.
For further information on any of the above activities, or if you are interested in contributing, please contact Mike Wellington [email protected]
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MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS GROUPICE Communications CompetitionFive teams were entered by Caerphilly CBC, MottMacDonald, Arup, CH2M Halcrow and USW (Glamorgan) University. The competition involved a short presentation of issues and solutions to a theoretical road scheme. Challenging questioning by three judges resulted in Caerphilly CBC team being successful in this regional round and they advanced to the semi-final in Reading in the summer. They were up against strong contenders from South-East England. Caerphilly performed well, but on this occasion they were not successful.
TECHNICAL VISIT TO NORTHERN IRELAND ICE Ten Members flew to Belfast to receive a presentation by Irish Salt Mining and Exploration of their Carrickfergus deep mine, joined a large ICE NI lecture on York Street, interchange proposals, attended a presentation by Northern Ireland Roads Service on their functions and visited the Titanic Centre. This event helped to extend our professional awareness between the two regions of the ICE.
CHAIRMANS DINNER & AGMIn September, Chairman Mark Rees-Williams held a dinner in appreciation of the support that he has received over the years from other groups in ICE Wales Cymru, kindred institutions and commercial companies. Forty attended the event at Future Inns, Cardiff Bay.
The following day, MEG held their AGM and appointed Paul Keeble as Chairman. Robert Huxford from the Municipal Expert Panel, ICE London, outlined recent initiatives covering townscape matters like co-ordinated utility repair work. He was then shown the Senedd and former Port Office, which has a display of the former docks, and walked the waterfront to view the harbour and its activities.
GRADUATES & STUDENTS (G&S) GROUPThe G&S Group represent all members of ICE Wales Cymru that are candidates for Professional Membership through the Technician, Incorporated or Chartered Routes. The G&S actively promote ICE and career opportunities in civil engineering to young people by organising the following events:
Lecture Series CV Surgery Written Assignment Groups Social events such as the Grab a Grad 5 a side football competition Papers Competition Site visits Bridges to Schools Engineering Team Challenge CV Surgery
SWANSEA & NORTH WALES GROUPSThis year James Neal took the reins and I am happy to report that the group has successfully recruited new members and has executed a number of successful events for the Greater Swansea region. These included:
Spring Lecture Series at Swansea University Site visit with ICE Wales to Milford Haven
dock 27th March Civil Engineering Fresher Event, Swansea
University on 22nd September October Networking Event Autumn Lecture Series
Meanwhile in north Wales, Mara Jones conducted a careers event at St Brigids School in Denbigh on 4th November with around 200 pupils in attendance. There was also involvement in the ECNMW Engineering Challenge on 28th November at Bangor University.
Although all committees are fully functional they are still seeking volunteers to organise a programme of events for the forthcoming year similar to those listed above. Any interested persons should contact the respective Group Secretaries detailed in the table below.
G&S PAPERS COMPETITIONEleanor Earl of Cardiff University was the winner of the Wales round of the G&S Papers Competition. Eleanor presented her paper Developing Guidelines for the use of Constructed Wetlands for Stormwater Treatment in the UK at the final in London on the 22nd October, where she came second.
ENGINEERING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Christina Kio organised a Taster Day to inspire and engage young people with various engineering disciplines. The setting of the Taster Day was aimed at keen students with the purpose of allowing them to experience various small engineering projects (Chemical, Civil and Electrical) at different stations. In total, 41 pupils attended the event.
LECTURE SERIES 2014 Christina Kio organised this years lecture series at Cardiff University over three weeks. This years attendance figures were the
Sub Group News
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTMEGs CPD training half day in October was on the theme Infrastructure: Helping Wales Prosper. Topics ranged from Swansea Tidal Lagoon, Circuit of Wales, Active Travel Wales, the Big Fill and Broadband Wales. This was a successful, modest, and informative professional event for those progressing through their careers. Twenty-two attended in ICE Wales Cymru.
THE BRUNEL LUNCHEONThe annual Brunel Luncheon was held in the Orangery at Margam with Conway Davies of University of Wales Trinity St. Davids speaking. This event was attended by 39 Members and their partners. This enjoyable, informal networking event raised 156 for the ICE Benevolent Fund.
Municipal Engineers Group contacts
Chairman Paul Keeble [email protected]
Honorary Secretary Adrian Wilson [email protected]
G&S Group Contacts
Chair Laura Cirtautaite [email protected]
Vice-Chair Hedwilena Silva [email protected]
Secretary Arran Causon [email protected]
Swansea G&S Club Secretary Carl Miles [email protected]
N Wales G&S Group Chair Mara Jones [email protected]
N Wales G&S Secretary Rory Jones [email protected]
highest seen for many years! Thanks to all the guest speakers and those who attended.
GRAB A GRAD2014 saw the re-branding of the Pub Olympics to Grab a Grad. The event was successfully organised and delivered by Gillian Steele and Gareth Davies. Grab a Grad is designed for students in their 3rd and 4th year to talk to recent graduates about their experiences of transitions from student to graduate. In total 38 students and 36 graduates attended. Thanks must be given to all companies that sponsored the event.
CV SURGERYThis year, G&S held two CV surgery events (University of South Wales organised by Kate Matthews and Cardiff University organised by Joseph Bradford). The CV surgery gives an opportunity for students to talk to experts and receive advice on how to improve their CVs for future applications.
SITE VISITSThe G&S Group made the following site visits during 2014:
BAM Nuttall Cardiff Central Station Regeneration Project on 12th March
A465 Section 3 on 18th November Cardiff Ice Arena on 3rd December
Caerphilly CBC Team alongside judges Keith Jones, Norman Seward and Richard Daly
G&S site visit to Cardiff Ice Arena
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North Wales Branch Contacts
Chairman Mike Wellington [email protected]
Vice Chairman Hywel Jones [email protected]
Immediate Past Chairman Mark Valentine [email protected]
Honorary Secretary John Mather [email protected]
G&S Group Chairman Mara Jones [email protected]
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING GROUP (TEG)The TEG of ICE Wales Cymru organised two presentation evenings in 2014 covering The Active Travel Bill and Sustainable Transport An Urban and Rural Perspective.
The Annual Papers Competition Awards evening was held in 3rd April 2014 at Swansea University. The winner was Tale of Two Footbridges by Katalin Andrasi and John Farrow. In second place was Sewta Rail Park and Ride Package by Gemma
NORTH WALES BRANCHThe ICE North Wales Branch Committee has a full and varied programme of technical events for 2014-15. These are generally held at the Kinmel Manor Hotel in Abergele, but we do use other venues where and when appropriate. Our Chairman, Mike Wellington, is an active champion and represents the branch at the Engineering Centre for North and Mid Wales (ECNMW) which organises the Engineering Team Challenge events throughout north and mid Wales. We also benefit from an ongoing series of Business Breakfast events sponsored by commercial organisations and organised by our ICE Wales Cymru Director Keith Jones. ICE North Wales Branch Executive Committee meetings are held immediately in advance of technical meetings to minimise costs. Business Breakfasts are held on the following morning for the same reason. We take part in joint events (with other engineering institutions) to enable knowledge transfer and obtain best value.
The Colwyn Bay Waterfront Team receive their CEEQUAL Award from ICE President Geoff French
TEG Contacts
Chairman Jason Dixon [email protected]
Honorary Secretary Rhian Watts [email protected]
GEG Contacts
Chairman Mark Cooper [email protected]
Honorary Secretary Marga Quince [email protected]
backgrounds. Presentations have ranged from geotechnical design and construction of key Welsh infrastructure schemes such as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon and the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road, to innovative new tunnel investigation techniques, the design of a metro system for Kualar Lumpur and the feasibility of landfill mining across the globe.
The Ground Engineering Group again recognised the students of the University of South Wales, University of Wales Newport,
Cardiff University and Swansea University, with the annual Ground Engineering Group Prizes being awarded to Asterios Koufounakis, James Kelly, Clayton Lei and Neil Williams for their outstanding performances in geotechnics.
The success of the year was rounded off with the GEG annual Christmas dinner, which included the 2014 Cooling Prize winning presentation from the special guest speaker, Katherine Jones.
Mark Valentine hands his Chairmans badge of office to Mike Wellington
Thomas and in third place was Future of Sustainable Urban Freight Distribution by Melody Ablola, Eoin Plant and Chris Lee. TEG is grateful for the continued sponsorship of prizes by Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd at the presentation evening.
The group has provided input to responses on national transport related consultations and has recently provided the Welsh Government with comments on the North Wales Local Transport Plan 2015 -2020.
The group has doubled in size over the last year, and has added corresponding members based in North Wales.
GROUND ENGINEERING GROUP (GEG) 2014 was a year of growth and diversification for the ground engineering group. The evening lecture series attracted large audiences throughout the year, and on one occasion left standing room only in the 140-seat Trevithick lecture theatre in cardiff.
A broad range of topics have been presented, to provide interest and learning for the varied mix of backgrounds that make up the GEG membership which comprises not just ICE members, but our friends and colleagues from associated
RETIRED ENGINEERS GROUPThe active Retired Engineers Group (REG) has a programme of regular lectures with guest speakers throughout the year addressing issues from the Severn Barrage, the M4 Newport relief road consultation to Engineers for Overseas Development. Each meeting has its own Chairman for the Day, supported by the groups Chairman / Honorary Secretary. If you would be interested to join the REG group, please contact Dr Jarmila Davies to discuss.
Retired Engineers Group Contact
Chairman and Honorary Secretary
Dr Jarmila Davies
Past events: NEC3 Seminar on 10th July 2014 A470 Maes-yr-Helmau to Cross Foxes
Road Improvement on 18th September 2014
Presidents Visit on 20th October 2014 The Life and Works of William Hazledine
on 6th November 2014 Low Carbon Energy Seminar 13th
November 2014 A465 Heads of the Valleys Road
Improvement on 11th December 2014
Upcoming events: Pont-y-Ddraig and Rhyl Works on 19th
March 2015 Water Strategy for Wales on 16th April
2015 North Wales Golf Day on a date TBC in
May or June 2015 Annual General Meeting in June 2015
(date TBC) Annual Seminar on BIM on 18th June 2015
We have an active committee but are always looking for new members. Our technical (knowledge transfer) events are well attended (typically 40-50 people) and we try to ensure that our programme includes events that are topical and which will be of interest to civil engineers working in a wide range of sectors (energy, transport, water supply and drainage). We have started to plan and prepare for 2015-2016 when Hywel Jones will be our new Chairman.
We also have a small but enthusiastic G&S sub-committee which meets regularly in advance of our main committee and which is reaching out to establish/develop working relationships with other bodies/organisations that have similar interests. The NWG&S sub-committee is ably chaired by Mara Jones (Asset Engineer with the NMWTRA). Its members include: Rory Jones (Welsh Water), Owain Rhys Thomas (Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd), Alex Spichale (Bangor University Post Graduate) and Elgan Williams
(Groundsolve Ltd). The G&S sub-committee is working hard to develop a programme of events for 2015 and hopes to appoint a WEG champion shortly.
A number of representatives of the Executive Committee attended the Big Bang Event in Venue Cymru in March, and helped with the distribution of leaflets about civil engineering to young people in attendance. Our School Challenge representative, Mike Wellington, was also very busy with the ICE Bridges to School programme and the Engineering Team Challenge, run by the Engineering Centre for north and mid Wales. This years challenge is to design, construct and operate a model of a hand-powered generator using the parts of knex kit and other components provided. The generator had to be powered by one team member and the voltage registered had to be sustained for at least ten seconds. This years Engineering Challenge was developed by Magnox.
A number of representatives of the Executive Committee attended the Big Bang Event in Venue Cymru in March, and helped with the distribution of leaflets about civil engineering to young people attending this event. Our School Challenge representative, Mike Wellington, was also very busy with the ICE Bridges to School programme and the Engineering Team Challenge, run by the Engineering Centre for north and mid Wales. This years challenge is to design, construct and operate a model of a hand-powered
generator using the parts of knex kit and other components provided. The generator had to be powered by one team member and the voltage registered had to be sustained for at least ten seconds. This years Engineering Challenge was developed by Magnox.
The Challenges were held at Brecon, Newtown, Llandrillo College Rhos on Sea, Coleg Cambria Deeside, GlyndwrUniversity, Wrexham and at Bangor University during which we engaged with over 450 students currently studying STEM subjects at A level. Should you wish to get involved in next years challenge or would like more information please contact Mike Wellington [email protected].
Our Secretary, John Mather won second prize in this years This is Civil Engineering in Wales photo exhibition with his image entitled Sandwich - a photo showing contractors removing the floating pipeline used for beach replenishment works at Colwyn Bay.
Following his visit to view coastal storm damage repairs in October, ICE President Geoff French presented two CEEQUAL Whole Project Awards. The first was to the Foryd Harbour Public Realm project team and the second was to the Colwyn Bay Waterfront Flood Defence project team.
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23CONNECT THE ICE WALES CYMRU NEWS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 6 ice.org.uk/walesC
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K. J. THOMAS CBE FICE, WALES MEMBER PHEWPLAQUE PROGRAMMEIn 2014 we added two more plaques and information panels to our list of 34. Owen Eardley has once again produced the artwork for these plaques.
An information panel was unveiled in August at Sudbrook at the Welsh end of the Severn Tunnel to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Richardson, (1814-1896), Engineer for the Tunnel. A parallel event took place at Bristol. Brunel appointed Richardson to be resident engineer on the Bristol and South Wales Union Railway which opened in 1864 crossing the Severn by ferry from Portskewett where a timber pier gave access to steam ferries linking to another pier at New Passage and a railway to Bristol. While on this project Richardson began to pursue the idea of a railway tunnel under the river Severn. It was an idea that Brunel had rejected back in 1845 on the grounds of cost. Richardsons proposal
took ten years to be accepted by the GWR. Construction began in 1872 and after several major problems opened in 1885.
Also in August, a plaque was unveiled in St. Asaph to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Willoughby Hemans (1814-1885). A similar event took place in Athlone. Hemans was engineer for several railways in Ireland, Switzerland and New Zealand and including the Vale of Clwyd Railway opened in 1858 from Rhyl to Denbigh, later extended to Corwen in 1864. The plaque was presented to St. Asaph City Council at the first international conference on Early Mainline Railways in Caernarfon in June that included a paper by Dr. Ron Cox on Hemans and his work in Ireland. Hemans mother Felicia was the famous Victorian poet whose most memorable poem starts the boy stood on the burning deck
I am grateful to Stephen K. Jones for managing both of these in my absence in August. Throughout the year Steve has
once again been incredibly active, giving over a talk a month from his extensive repertoire of historical subjects. These included a paper at the Caernarfon Conference and two on Richardson jointly with David Greenfield of ICE South West Region.
PLAQUE GAZETTEER At the suggestion of several past chairmen I have produced a gazetteer of the plaques we have put up since 2002 which includes brief information, location and a photo of the presentation or the plaque. This can be found via the ICE PHEW website or at www.ice.org.uk/information-resources/Document-library/Historical-engineering-plaques-in-Wales.
MORFA BRIDGE I have recently come across an interesting bridge in Swansea. The bridge across the Tawe at Morfa is a rare example of a Scherzer Rolling Lift Bridge, one of only a few remaining in UK. The rolling
lift bridge was patented by Scherzer in the USA in the late 19th century. It is a bascule type bridge which as it is raised rolls back to a vertical position giving a greater waterway clearance than the conventional bascule form; it is also lighter enabling greater spans. Morfa, although not a large span is unusual in that it is of plate girder construction not steel truss, one of only two identified as still in existence in UK. It is also unusual in that the quadrant rolling section is below deck level. It was constructed in 1909 to a design by the Scherzer Rolling Bridge Company to link the Morfa Copper Works to waste tips at Upper Bank. It is listed grade II and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The Local Authority is seeking funds to refurbish it and possibly include a new cycleway. Other rolling lift bridges in Wales are the railway bridge at Carmarthen (1911) and Queensferry Bridge (1926) in north Wales, both now fixed in position, the latter being also unusual because of its double bascule arrangement. These are illustrated in Civil Engineering Heritage Wales, pages 15 and 31.
Panel for Historical Engineering Works (PHEW)
PHEW contact
Keith Thomas, Wales Member
NORTH WALES Bob Daimond continues to support historical engineering, particularly through his involvement with the Thomas Telford Centre at Menai Bridge and the Menai Bridge Community Heritage Trust. There are frequent visits from local schools and by outside organisations focussed on the two bridges and Bob is much in demand for talks and guided walks. On 16th April the MBCHT opened a new exhibition centre at Princes Pier Warehouse at Menai Bridge. ICE Wales Cymru sponsored exhibition Web of Iron exhibition was on display and Steve Jones gave a talk that evening. Restoration work has started on the Chain Bridge at Llantysilio, Llangollen (1818), following receipt of an HLF grant. Bridge chains, believed to be the oldest still in use, have been removed for conservation and the deck will be renewed this year. Cegin Viaduct, part of the Penrhyn Tramroad (1801) and possibly one of the oldest in the country, has been conserved by Gwynedd Council.
ENGINEERING TIMELINES Steve Jones and I are assisting Engineering Timelines with information on Welsh structures both historical and recent to be added to their website. www.engineering-timelines.com The ICE R & D Fund has allocated funds for a further phase of work on Civil Engineering in UK. Four earlier phases also R & D funded covered other geographical areas and the intention is, as funds permit, to eventually cover the whole country. The current work will include details of over 60 works in Wales, biographies of about 12 Welsh engineers and 2 special articles which Steve is writing. The website is full of information on engineering history and engineers; this work expands its geographical coverage.
Norman Seward (left) unveiling the Willoughby Hermans plaque alongside Councillor Peter Scott, Mayor of St. Asaph City Council Norman Seward (left) unveiling the Charles Richardson plaque with at Sudbrook with Phil Williams from the Caldicot and District Local History Society
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2015 Dates for your diary24TH FEBRUARY A55 Tunnels Area Lecture
2ND MARCH St Davids Day Lecture: Powering Ahead
19TH MARCH Pont-y-Draig and Rhyl works
26TH-27TH MARCH Cardiff Spring Professional Reviews
16TH APRIL Water Strategy for Wales
1ST MAY Annual Dinner and Awards
17TH JUNE Learning to Live with Flooding Conference
24TH JUNE Pre-retirement workshop
7TH-8TH OCTOBER Cardiff Autumn Professional Reviews
21ST OCTOBER AGM
See our online calendar of events for our complete programme. You can book your place for most events online and download events directly to your calendar: www.ice.org.uk/wales
Selected recorded webinars can be viewed at: www.ice.org.uk/Events-conferences/Recorded-lectures