Powerhouse Rod could be Britain’s longest serving linesperson
One of Britain’s longest serving electricity linespeople is marking 60 dedicated years keeping power supplies safe and reliable for residents in Kent.
Rod Lewry, age 75, from Dover is currently marking the incredible feat of completing six continuous decades of work as an overhead electricity line worker, in a key role helping to maintain electricity supplies for homes and businesses across Kent.
Shunning a traditional retirement for now, Rod has no plans to retire and chooses to keep working because he enjoys the camaraderie of colleagues and the beauty of the Kent countryside.
Rod, who is UK Power Networks’ longest-serving employee, said: “I’ve enjoyed my 60 years and not many people can say that.
“I love being this active! Obviously, I ache a bit more at times but that’s only to be expected. Each year I do my pole top rescue assessment to remain qualified, like all linespeople. That’s where you climb up a pole to retrieve a 10-stone dummy – representing a stricken colleague – using climbing irons only; no ladder or mobile elevated work platform.
“If I’d had a desk-based job, I might have already retired. But as a linesperson – so long as I’m still in overall good shape and health, I’ll keep on going!
“Happiness is key to success and people make me happy; family and colleagues. Being out in the countryside makes me happy too. Plus I’m not materialistic so I don’t really envy anyone and although I’ve picked up certifications, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a career driven by motivation.
“Our employers have always looked after the staff. Everyone needs electricity, so it’s reliable, secure employment. I’ve always enjoyed the work and still do. Over the years I’ve worked with a huge number of good, decent people and enjoyed tremendous camaraderie.
“I love rural places and I’ve been blessed to spend time out amongst the wildlife exploring the beautiful Kent, Surrey and Sussex countryside, often seeing areas not open to the public.”
Rod was 14 and just leaving school when his father spotted an advert by South Eastern Electricity Board which was taking on some apprentices. He joined the business in September 1963 alongside 20 other colleagues.
“The biggest single event of my career has to be the Great Storm of 1987, which did horrendous damage to networks all over the place. I remember the roar of the wind, and all the lights went out in Dover except for the transmitter tower site, which had its own emergency generator.
“Afterwards, we were working solidly for a fortnight to get the 33,000-volt lines back on, and then the 11,000-volt lines. The last people we reconnected – about 19 or 20 days after the storm – were a lovely old couple living right out in the sticks who could have been prioritised if they’d asked, but they ‘didn’t want to bother us’. That’s what people of that generation were like.”
Commenting on Rod’s ‘immense’ 60 years of service Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “On behalf of our employees I want to thank Rod for his efforts over a 60 year period. We congratulate Rod on this milestone and thank him for his continued contribution to the success of UK Power Networks.”
Published: 27/09/23
Rod Lewry, age 75, from Dover is currently marking the incredible feat of completing six continuous decades of work as an overhead electricity line worker, in a key role helping to maintain electricity supplies for homes and businesses across Kent.
Shunning a traditional retirement for now, Rod has no plans to retire and chooses to keep working because he enjoys the camaraderie of colleagues and the beauty of the Kent countryside.
Rod, who is UK Power Networks’ longest-serving employee, said: “I’ve enjoyed my 60 years and not many people can say that.
“I love being this active! Obviously, I ache a bit more at times but that’s only to be expected. Each year I do my pole top rescue assessment to remain qualified, like all linespeople. That’s where you climb up a pole to retrieve a 10-stone dummy – representing a stricken colleague – using climbing irons only; no ladder or mobile elevated work platform.
“If I’d had a desk-based job, I might have already retired. But as a linesperson – so long as I’m still in overall good shape and health, I’ll keep on going!
“Happiness is key to success and people make me happy; family and colleagues. Being out in the countryside makes me happy too. Plus I’m not materialistic so I don’t really envy anyone and although I’ve picked up certifications, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy a career driven by motivation.
“Our employers have always looked after the staff. Everyone needs electricity, so it’s reliable, secure employment. I’ve always enjoyed the work and still do. Over the years I’ve worked with a huge number of good, decent people and enjoyed tremendous camaraderie.
“I love rural places and I’ve been blessed to spend time out amongst the wildlife exploring the beautiful Kent, Surrey and Sussex countryside, often seeing areas not open to the public.”
Rod was 14 and just leaving school when his father spotted an advert by South Eastern Electricity Board which was taking on some apprentices. He joined the business in September 1963 alongside 20 other colleagues.
“The biggest single event of my career has to be the Great Storm of 1987, which did horrendous damage to networks all over the place. I remember the roar of the wind, and all the lights went out in Dover except for the transmitter tower site, which had its own emergency generator.
“Afterwards, we were working solidly for a fortnight to get the 33,000-volt lines back on, and then the 11,000-volt lines. The last people we reconnected – about 19 or 20 days after the storm – were a lovely old couple living right out in the sticks who could have been prioritised if they’d asked, but they ‘didn’t want to bother us’. That’s what people of that generation were like.”
Commenting on Rod’s ‘immense’ 60 years of service Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “On behalf of our employees I want to thank Rod for his efforts over a 60 year period. We congratulate Rod on this milestone and thank him for his continued contribution to the success of UK Power Networks.”
Published: 27/09/23