Operations Specialist for South Staffs Water, Barry Beddard, is celebrating 50 years of service with the organisation this year.
Barry joined South Staffs Water in March 1974. He started out as an electrician before undergoing many different roles including Shift Controller, Senior Technician, Superintendent and Works Manager.
Following a recent celebration at Hampton Loade where Barry was presented with a framed gift including an old mobile used during his first few years, South Staffs Water sat down to ask him some questions about his journey.
How did your career with South Staffs Water begin?
I joined the company on 26 March 1974 as an electrician. I learnt a lot working under the site superintendent who supported me in furthering my education. I attended a part-time day class at Dudley Technical College, receiving a HND which is equivalent to a BTEC Level 5.
How has your work changed here?
In the early days we we’re installing and maintaining everything, making do with whatever we could get our hands on. We would make lots of things from stock basic metals by welding, machining/drilling, and tapping. But now we are supervising contractors who are fitting new products when things inevitably break.
What does your typical day look like today?
Until recently I was walking around the Hampton Loade site responding to breakdowns and managing contractors, reaching up to 8,000 to 18,000 steps a day. Because of issues with my knees, I am restricted to lighter duties for now.
Do you have any standout memories?
It wasn’t funny at the time, but it brings a smile to my face. One evening after some heavy snow we found out that Hampton Loade was out of supply with no power coming from the grid. A team of us restored the power and ended up spending the night there. I lived on site and my wife cooked all the staff dinner before they left the next morning when it was safe to do so.
