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igem news

GRAND DESIGNS

By Louis Quinn, London, Southern & Eastern Section committee member

IN OCTOBER, 15 members of the IGEM explaining the workings of sewer CROSSNESS PUMPING STATION
London, Southern & Eastern Section systems through the ages and the
had the pleasure of visiting Sir Joseph evolution to current day. It also tells the principles of the pumps, cylinders, and
Bazalgette’s Crossness Pumping story of Crossness, including the lives flywheels as well as the power required
Station. of those who lived and worked there to drive them.
To many, the prospect of visiting a and the restoration of the site. In addition to the magnificent
Victorian sewage plant would be an The crown jewel of the pumping engines and the intriguing museum, the
unpleasant one. However, this Grade station is certainly the four original architecture and design of this original
I listed building features some of the pumping engines. These engines are Victorian building is truly astounding,
most spectacular ornamental Victorian rotative beam engines, believed to especially considering it was built in
cast ironwork. As such, it is an above be the oldest surviving in the world. a sewage works to hold engines. The
ground monument to the engineering Originally single cylinder engines restoration project is still underway
feat that is Bazalgette’s original London manufactured by James Watt Co., they and there is a marvellous contrast
sewer system. were all upgraded to three cylinder between the restored engines in their
The group was hosted by volunteers engines by 1901. magnificent green and red against their
at the pumping station turned museum, Bazalgette named each of the dark and faded counterparts.
who told the story of ‘The Great Stink’, engines in honour of a member of the The group also had an opportunity
the cholera crisis, the obsolete theory royal family at the time and the site to visit the valve house, which
of miasma and the political stimulus hosted the Prince of Wales, Duke of contains a large variety of restored
behind one of the largest engineering Cambridge and two Archbishops for engines from the past.
projects of its time. the opening ceremony. Thanks must go to the volunteers who
The museum, which is open to the As a group of engineers, members facilitated our day at Crossness and the
public, has interesting exhibitions discussed the technical operating work they have done on the restoration.

TIME FOR TEE competition before enjoying drinks and who along with the runner up
teams from Western Gas Alliance
an indoor barbeque in the clubhouse.
Rob, a trustee of the chosen charity,
collected their prizes provided by the
talked about his own experience of and Morrison Utility Services
By Grant Rogers, IGEM South homelessness before he got his life Kendleshire Golf Shop.
back on track with the support of Help
Prizes were also awarded to winners
West Section Chair Bristol’s Homeless. Now, he works of the putting competition, the longest
for the charity, supporting others in drive and nearest the pin as well as to
THE IGEM SOUTH WEST Section similar circumstances. His story is Mike Hall, of Steve Vick International,
Charity Golf Day took place on 10 truly a testament to the success that who picked up the prize for player of
October, once again held at the can be achieved with the right support the day, donated by GTC.
beautiful Kendleshire Golf Club, just at the right time. All in all, the event raised over
north of Bristol. Following this moving talk, charity £1,400 for Help Bristol’s Homeless.
The money raised by the teams and trustee Jan joined me in hosting the The money raised will help the charity
their sponsors will support the Section’s auction of items donated by Crane continue to provide real solutions to
chosen charity, Help Bristol’s Homeless. Building Services & Utilities Ltd, Rush homelessness in the city.
Clouds cleared over South Construction Services and the South The committee would like to
Gloucestershire for a brief period in West Committee. express sincere thanks to sponsors,
the morning as the ten teams teed-off, Next, Jan was kind enough to kick players and members of the chosen
there were even a few short glimpses off the raffle, drawing the first ticket charity for supporting the event. We
of sunshine for the photographs, and presenting each winner with their look forward to seeing you all again
although umbrellas remained on hand choice of the prizes donated by PSS next year.
for the organising committee. Hire, Rush Construction Services Ltd, Thanks to all the teams who
A stiff breeze and a few short GTC, Radius Subterra and the South supported the event: Complete
showers did nothing to dampen the West Committee. Utilities, Crane BSU, GTC, Kingsley
spirits of our competitors; it certainly Finally, the winners of the Plastics Ltd, Morrison Utility Services,
made for a more challenging round of competition were announced. PSS Hire, Radius Subterra, Rush
golf and a very close result on the day. Congratulations to the PSS Hire team Construction Services Ltd, Steve Vick
All the teams made it round the full (Martin Ford, Ross Cheeseborough, International, Total Utility Connections
course and took part in the putting Lewis Sinclair and Derek Wilkinson), Ltd and Western Gas Alliance.

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