Poole Twin Sails bridge

Wessex members recently visited the site of the exclusive Poole Twin Sails bridge, currently under construction in Poole Harbour.

The event was hosted by corporate member Gifford (part of Ramboll).

Two groups visited the works, on a beautiful evening, where the construction programme was explained by Mike Parker, of Gifford, and Project Manager for the Borough of Poole. The bridge will be an iconic structure and relieve both marine and road traffic problems in the town and surrounding area. Construction is due to be completed in January 2012. Many of the elements of the build have been pioneering and many lessons learned have been utilised and learned through the lifecycle to date.

Having received inspiration from the site visit everyone returned to the RNLI training college for a delicious cream tea and to take part in Points make prizes.. a game run by Roger Hedley-Lewis of Gifford, and a member of Wessex Committee. Numerous teams were created took part and competition was fierce, to say the least, to construct a bridge spanning a minimum 70cm from paper, paperclips, string and sticky-back plastic (!!) which could withstand a toy tank driving over it.

The winning team received trophies for their efforts (from the Pound Shop) though former branch chairman Russel Jamiesons team demanded a stewards' enquiry after being pronounced last but at least they won a booby prize.

Wessex pride themselves on offering a diverse range of events and site visits as part of their annual calendar. Do feel free to register for one of our upcoming events via the APM website.