A Pembrokeshire-based team of yachtsmen and athletes has stormed to success in the legendary PowerBar Three Peaks Race, taking second spot in their first attempt at one of the toughest distance events in the world.
The race, from Barmouth to Fort William, via Caernarfon and Whitehaven, combined almost 100 hours of sailing, 73 miles of running and cycling, a lot of it in darkness, 12,000 feet of climbing the highest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – and the added pressure of tidal deadlines. There was even some rowing when the race fleet became becalmed.
Flying the flag for the RNLI and Practical Action – which uses technology to challenge poverty in the developing world – and sailing under the name of ‘The Dockers’, the team of five was led by Cosheston biologist James Perrins, skipper and owner of the 36 foot Red Admiral yacht Autonomy, built in 1979.
Autonomy is based at Pembroke Dock and sails from Pembroke Haven Yacht Club, itself a staunch fundraiser for the RNLI’s Angle lifeboat station.
‘The Dockers’ finished just 25 minutes behind the winning team – EADS Innovation Works. In third place was Australia’s Team Whistler, which won the equivalent race in Tasmania and was attempting to complete the double, and fourth was Topsham Sea Fever. All four leading teams finished within 30 minutes of each other. A total of 24 teams entered the event.
James was accompanied by yachtsmen, engineer Doug McIntosh, of East Williamston, and sail maker Ben Mosely, of Pembroke Dock, and runners, archaeologist Crispin Flower, of Brecon, and software developer Stewart Bellamy, of Llangurig.
Stewart joined the team as a late replacement after electronic engineer Damon Rodwell, of Scotland, injured his ribs. James, Crispin and Stewart all work for the same environmental software company – exeGesIS SDM Ltd.
The Dockers’ success was aided by Crispin and Stewart’s blistering run in the Lakes, a fantastic Ben Nevis leg, which lifted the team into second place and James’ brave gamble, after grounding outside Whitehaven harbour, to sail through the rarely used Sound of Islay, while others were becalmed in the more popular Sound of Luing.
Supporting the team on land were Glasgow-based Mike Law, a retired GP, and his wife Sally, a pharmacist. They are the parents of Crispin’s partner Naomi. Logistical support was provided by Pembroke Dock’s Ledwood Mechanical Engineering Ltd, where Doug is senior commercial manager.
September 2010
Ledwood Mechanical Engineering has been commissioned by Chevron to provide a management and design team to carry out a detailed review of the operational capabilities and best practices of the existing CCR/CRU and VDU Heaters.
VDU Heaters Project: -
The VDU heater project includes the replacement of the existing Convection Boxes on both heaters with a full front end study of the heater operation with possible inclusion of a new Steam Generation System, installation of Air Preheater, new Ductwork, new ID and FD Fans, new Deka and replacement Burners.
Chevron has contracted LME to provide the complete EPC mechanical package from the FEED stage, mechanical design, shop fabrication through to the full onsite installation which includes all heavy lifting requirements. The shop fabrication will take place at LME's main facility in Pembroke Dock during 2011 with the majority of the installation element of the project taking place during the 2012 turnaround.
CCR/CRU Heater Project: -
The CCR/CRU (Platformer) heater project includes the replacement of existing outlet manifolds and down comers in the Radiant section of the heater. The shop fabrication will take place at LME's main facility in Pembroke Dock during 2011 with the majority of the site installation taking place during the 2012 turnaround.
During the pre-turnaround phase of the project a new roof will be erected to give weather protection to the Radiant section of the heater. LME are responsible for the complete design, supply, fabrication and installation of new of the new roof which incorporates lifting beams for the removal of the outlet manifolds.
July 2010
Appointment of Corporate Health & Safety Manager
Ledwood Mechanical Engineering Limited announces the appointment of Sylvia Callaghan as Corporate Health and Safety Manager.
With over 35 years experience in the Oil & Gas, Steel and Nuclear industry, Sylvia has extensive experience in Occupational Health & Safety aspects of engineering, fabrication and construction. Sylvia, has a strong track record for implementing and maintaining Safety Improvement Programmes that promote a strong safety culture to underpin business operations.
Sylvia's appointment will strengthen Ledwood's recently restructured management team to enhance our service capability and assist in the development of gaining access to new clients and markets.
Sylvia joins Ledwood from an International Principal contractor where her leadership role encompassed the integration and co-ordination of the site installation activities with associated sub-contractors.
Nick Revell, Managing Director of Ledwood quoted, "The appointment of Sylvia will further strengthen the Ledwood team supporting UK and overseas operations. We continue to have an increased focus on maintaining our exemplary Health & Safety record and Sylvia will play a key role in this area of the business. We are pleased to communicate this new appointment, which further demonstrates our commitment to Health & Safety".
June 2010
Ledwood Mechanical Engineering Limited have been awarded the RoSPA "Order of Distinction (17 consecutive Golds) Award for Occupational Health and Safety.
Pembroke Dock, Wales, United Kingdom, 14th May 2010
Our exemplary safety statistics are clearly demonstrable by being in receipt of a further "Order of Distinction" in recognition of an outstanding Health and Safety record.
We recognise that a key part of our business relies on ensuring the health and safety of our employees, contractors and environment. It is paramount to maintain a safe working environment, in doing so we achieve superior performance in other aspects of our business.
To achieve a zero injury policy we continuously invest in safety management systems that require involvement of the entire work force to promote a best in class culture and behavioural attitude.
We look forward to developing working relationships with clients and stakeholders to continue promoting the values of Health & Safety related aspects.
Nick Revell, Managing Director of Ledwood
May 2010
2.6 million pound contract to fabricate and deliver a steam methane reformer for Foster Wheeler, ultimate destination being BP's Hull refinery. The project comprised of 340 Tonnes of reformer, 180 Tonnes of structural steelwork, 100 Tonnes of transport steelwork, 800 linear meters of hand railing and 900 square meters of galvanised flooring. The project was fabricated over 3 key workshops and a dedicated refractory installation facility, workshop A handled the convection modules and steelwork, Workshop B fabricated and installed pipework. The Dockyard facility was utilized for construction of the 10 radiant modules.
Ledwood were contracted to undertake the HDS 3 Commissioning Support Services Project for Jacobs Engineering at Lindsey Oil Refinery - Immingham. The works involved modifications to already erected pipework, rectification,punching,testing and reinstatement, with a considerable amount of High Pressure tests required using RTJ joints.
The operations were executed over an 8 week Fast Track duration involving some 112 test systems, carried out from mid - January 2010 under severe weather conditions.
The Project was successfully completed to the satisfaction of the Client and the Owner
March 2010
Ledwood were contracted by Petroplus to carry out the 2009 turnaround on the FCCU Unit at Coryton Refinery
The works involved the Pre-Shutdown and Shutdown activities on the Cracker , Reactor snd Associated equipment. Work commenced early August 2009 and completed end November 2009 and undertaken in line with the Coyton Agreement regarding working hours etc.
Continuous day and night shift working patterns were implemented from the Shutdown outset.
As a result of Mechanical inspections after cooldown, a considerable amount of additional emergent works were identified. This work was absorbed into the schedule by implementation of a dedicated team and completed on time.
The team approach adopted by Ledwood and Petroplus ensured the success of the Project , which was completed on time and within the jointly agreed budget
March 2010
