Crawley linesperson marks 40 years helping to keep the lights on in Sussex
A Crawley linesperson has been recognised by his employer UK Power Networks after 40 years helping to keep the lights on in Sussex.
Like Glen Campbell’s legendary song Wichita Lineman, David Mitchelson is still on the line after four decades of service and UK Power Networks has recognised him at its 40+ Club this year, alongside 63 other long-serving employees.
David, 65, joined the former Seeboard as a linesman’s mate in April 1986, but was soon doing overhead line work himself and gained wide experience across construction, live line work, power connections and faults.
Today David works in a team providing smaller electricity connections for homes and businesses.
Before training to be a qualified linesperson, he was also an experienced HGV driver, delivering transformers and electricity poles to overhead network jobs.
David helped reconnect power supplies after the 1987 Great Storm, supporting those who cleared trees and pulled wires back up.
During Sussex flooding he rowed a boat to climb an electricity pole, something that would not happen today.
David said: “After 40 years I still enjoy coming to work. I like everything about the industry – working outside and seeing the teams.
“The industry has changed for the better safety wise. I used to work in shorts and t-shirt with a belt wrapped around the pole, that’s how it was back in the day. There are lots of things we did then that we certainly wouldn’t do now. Safety is the number one priority, we have moved with the times.
“It’s an enjoyable job, a good skill to have and I hope newcomers to the industry enjoy it as much as I do.”
Basil Scarsella, chief executive of UK Power Networks, said: “It is always a privilege to celebrate colleagues who have devoted so many years to serving our customers and communities.
“Their service, skill and commitment have helped keep electricity supplies flowing for millions of people, and we are proud to recognise their outstanding contribution.”