Brian Raper interviewed by Colin Hyde, 31 January 2013

Interview with Brian Raper (BR), born Grimsby, 1928. [File 1 00:00:29] Grammar school education, 1940-1947. Graduated in civil engineering, Queen Mary College, London (1950). [00:03:33] Comments on training with Manchester City Engineers' Department. [00:05:03] Began RAF national service (December 1952), stationed in Germany. Describes overseeing construction of NATO airfield at Laarbruch. [00:07:35] Demobilisation (1954) and return to England: civil engineering in Wythenshawe, then Welwyn Garden City. [00:10:36] Describes being interviewed for project engineer post in Leicester (August 1961). Comments on family life in Wigston, including death of one of five children. [00:12:50] Detailed comments on character and perceived status of John Leslie Beckett, City Engineer. [00:17:41] Describes first job in Leicester: separating storm water from sewage. [00:20:30] Detailed explanation of transfer of sewage works from Beaumont Leys to Wanlip. [00:29:33] Detailed explanation of Leicester floods, July 1968. Thoughts on causation: neglected/blocked brooks and inability of combined rainwater/sewage system to cope. Explanation of flood prevention measures including washlands and improving channel of brooks; necessity of demolishing prefabs on Hughenden Drive. [00:54:37] Comments on current need to monitor/alter penstocks (mechanical gates). [00:57:50] Explains aborted plan for city-wide combined heat and power system [01:01:59] Comments on his introduction of wheelie bins to Leicester c.1980 and residents' opposition. [File 2 00:00:00] Comments on responsibility for shift of sewage works from Beaumont Leys to Wanlip. Describes aftermath, including discovery of toxic metals at Beaumont Leys. [00:06:05] Detailed explanation of systems used to mix refuse and sludge from Wanlip. [00:20:01] Comments on latter years in office; retirement in 1991. Became chairman of East Midlands branch of Institution of Civil Engineers. [00:22:45] Comments on changes in civil engineering over course of professional life