Alstom and DF support Bob's Ferry Heritage Group
Press release
May 2014
Bob’s Ferry Heritage Group received a boost to their fundraising with a £1,000 contribution from
Alstom and DF, consortium partners for the construction of Carrington Power Station.
This year sees the 44th anniversary of the ferry disaster, which claimed the lives of five local
Partington residents. Bob’s Ferry, as it was known, crossed the Manchester Ship Canal carrying
workers from Partington to Irlam/Cadishead. In April 1970, the ferry caught fire and five people lost
their lives and five others were injured.
The group have been fundraising to have commemoration plaques placed at the beginning and end
of Bob’s Lane in Irlam and to seek proper recognition of the bravery of the ferryman that day. They
are also planning a memorial cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal.
Rainer Lueoend, Alstom Power said: “When we were approached to make a donation, we had no
knowledge of the disaster but soon became aware of how significant this tragedy had been to local
Partington families, and so we felt that a donation from the Partington side of the Ship Canal was
most appropriate. We have made great use of the Canal in recent times bringing in our gas turbines
and generators.”
Dr Ted Walker, Chairperson for the group said “We have been delighted with the level of response
to our fundraising activities. People have been most generous, not only with money, but also with
their time. In addition to Alstom/DF and our other sponsors (Lanstar, Shell, Trafford Council,
Kingsland Wines and Peel Group), we would also like to thank Salford Council and the Hamilton
Davies Trust for their help.”
Photo caption
£1,000 cheque is presented to representatives from Bob’s Ferry Heritage Group
(From left to right): Joanne Sheehan, DF, Cllr John Wlash, Salford City Council, Cllr Christine
Hudson, Salford City Council, Joan Hill, Local historian, Dr Ted Walker, Heritage Group, Rainer
Lueoend, Alstom.
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
Alstom
In the UK, Alstom has built and now maintains and operates over half the country’s gas-fired power
plants, including a 1,650MW plant in Nottinghamshire, a 2,160MW plant in Pembrokeshire, a
900MW plant in Devon and a 1,275MW plant in Kent.
At Carrington, Alstom is responsible for supplying, commissioning and maintaining the power
generating equipment, including two gas turbines, two steam turbines and two heat recovery
steam generators.
Alstom has been active in Manchester for many years. The Virgin trains that run between
Manchester and London were designed and built by Alstom, who now maintain them at a dedicated
depot in Longsight, employing around 300 people.
DF
DF specialises in the development of complex, integrated projects such as gas-fired power stations,
industrial plants and fuel storage. The company carries out end-to-end project processes that
include engineering, procurement, construction, erection, commissioning, operation and
maintenance.
At Carrington, DF will be responsible for all the civil works, electrical and mechanical works and the
construction and balance of the plant equipment.
Carrington Power
The new power station is being developed by Carrington Power Limited, which is owned by ESB.
ESB is the leading Irish energy company and has operations in over 35 countries, including Ireland,
the UK, continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.