Having been transferred from the Hampton Water Works project, I had expected to start work on the new Young Offenders units project at Huntercombe between Henley and Wallingford, Oxfordshire. However due to riots in the prison at Strangeways the budget money was used for this and my project was delayed. As a result I was given this small project to be Contractor QS.
During this period (mid 1980's) the United States had a base at RAF Greenham Common where cruise missiles were stored. As a result there were often protests at that installation and nearby installations too like RAF Welford.
At the time the government feared that there would be riots at such places and police equipment stores were built to provide storage for riot gear etc. These constructions were basically small warehouse units.
At the time the government feared that there would be riots at such places and police equipment stores were built to provide storage for riot gear etc. These constructions were basically small warehouse units.
As a quantity surveyor for the Contractor there were few subcontracts to be placed and administered. However, the paperwork for the Ministry of Defence was quite extensive and all subcontractors had to be vetted. Also the tender packs had considerable literature with regards to secrecy and security.
The Site Manager was young and inexperienced and therefore he required considerable reassurance and advice with many matters. The site was also relatively remote. I worked on this site and RAF Greenham Common at the same time, visiting both sites from my base at Site Offices in Heathrow.
The Site Manager was young and inexperienced and therefore he required considerable reassurance and advice with many matters. The site was also relatively remote. I worked on this site and RAF Greenham Common at the same time, visiting both sites from my base at Site Offices in Heathrow.
