Reflecting on 45 years ...
When we have been reflecting the Queen’s 70 years of service, I hope it does not seem indulgent to talk about a 45-year career with the same company starting with Binnie & Partners in September 1977, through Black & Veatch to Binnies UK Limited.
Engineering is a profession where we need to work/deliver as a team – so people, friendships, teamwork and innovative thinking have remained a vital constant. Change has been constant however, in that time, we have moved from Analogue (drawing boards, calculators, filing cabinets, plan chests, telexes, physical models) to Digital (computers, anytime/anywhere communications, BIM, AI, digital twins).
I count myself fortunate to have worked with many knowledgeable and supportive colleagues and friends throughout my career on numerous diverse projects for the UK and overseas solving challenges for clients.?The technical engineering aspects have been fascinating but it’s the personal memories that linger…
·????????Designing projects for my hometown, King’s Lynn and seeing the first Herrenknect TBM (now of Crossrail, Tideway and HS2 fame) used in the UK on the sewerage scheme.
·????????Being questioned on the detail of Cambridge Riverside Tunnel Project by an Emeritus Professor of Civil Engineering at Cambridge University during a community engagement event.
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·????????Authoring the first CIRIA manuals on Sustainable Drainage (in the early 2000’s) which included managing inputs from the 5 university professors in our team.
·????????Project managing the final stage of the Greater Cairo Wastewater Project when the funding agencies suddenly required stakeholder consultation.?Given that 90% of the project was in beneficial use (taking raw sewage off the streets of central Cairo), we were somewhat bemused as how to progress.?The concept was also lost on the Egyptians in the era of President Mubarak.?Eventually, we found ourselves sitting in the office of the Governor of Cairo South explaining the project to a group of ten elders (community leaders).?They all wanted their streets clear of sewage just like central Cairo and confirmed that we had consulted the people!
* For those of an enquiring mind, I am second on the right!
Civil Chief Engineer at Binnies
1 年Congratulations Peter on achieving this monumental milestone.
Technical Delivery Director (West Region) at Mott MacDonald
2 年Many congrats Peter!! 45 years...tremendous.. To think that the 50 year milestone really isn't that far away!!! Atb Richard
Learning and Development Consultant
2 年Congratulations Peter - you’ve had an amazing career providing great leadership to many - long may it continue.
Administrator sharing the common life as part of the Iona Community team on Iona
2 年Many congratulations Peter! I hope you catch Len up in terms of year’s service ?? I very much enjoyed working with you in the old sewerage department and on the Maadi rock tunnel. All the best for the future!