Peter M Palmer (Civil Engineering 1954, DIC 1957) attended the alumni and friends reception in Perth and told us about his fascinating experiences since graduation.
Can you tell us about your studies at Imperial?
I was an undergraduate at City and Guilds College from 1951 to 1954. In 1956 I was awarded a scholarship by the Cement and Concrete Association to attend the DIC course in concrete technology, which enabled me to pursue my interest in the design of prestressed concrete bridges.
While studying for my DIC I met my wife Sheila, who was then undertaking research for the Medical Research Council, in the Post-Graduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital. We were married in September 1957.
Can you tell us about your career after graduating?
My first position after graduating in civil engineering was site engineer with Sir William Halcrow & Partners on the Invergarry hydro-electric project in the Scottish highlands, where I supervised construction of the Quoich Dam. From there I joined the design staff of Holst & Co, who specialised in the design and construction of industrial concrete structures, before accepting a position as design engineer with the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority in Cooma, Australia. I spent the next seven years working on the design of tunnels, dams and penstocks. Cooma is a small country town 100km south of the capital
Canberra which had been transformed by the Snowy Scheme into a vibrant community of people from all corners of Europe and our three sons were born there.
By 1966 the Snowy Scheme was nearing completion and I accepted a position as a design engineer in the Bridge Branch of the West Australian Main Roads Department in Perth. I was design team leader for bridges in the Narrows Interchange, which was to be built on land reclaimed from the Swan River on the outskirts of the Perth CBD, was and then became Resident Engineer supervising construction of the interchange.
I was appointed Senior Engineer Country Bridges in 1972 and spent 12 years investigating, designing and building bridges throughout Western Australia. I was then appointed Superintending Engineer Bridges in charge of the Bridge Branch.
Perth became our permanent home and Sheila was able to resume her career teaching chemistry while our three sons studied at the University of WA: one graduating in agriculture, one in medicine and one in architecture.
What are your plans for the future?
I retired in 2002 and now have more time to enjoy the many attractions and facilities of Perth and Western Australia.