Proceedings 2002/2003 - IRSE

NINETIETH ANNUAL REPORT 103
Vice-President for Australasia, and Mr R Woodhead,
former Secretary and Committee member of the
Southern African Section.
ANNUAL DINNER
The Savoy Hotel, London, was the venue for the
38th Annual Dinner held following the Annual
General Meeting on 19th April 2002. About 470
members and their guests were present. Dr Peter
Winter, UIC Project Director ERTMS and Technical
Director ERRI, was the principal guest on this
occasion. During his address he explained how the
European railways were planning to implement
ERTMS on their systems. This was a most successful
and enjoyable evening with a near maximum
attendance at the event.
MEMBERS’ LUNCHEON
The fourth Members’ Luncheon was held on 19th
June 2002 when 75 members of the Institution,
including 12 Past Presidents and nine members with
over 50 years membership, took luncheon at the
Victory Services Club in Seymour Street London. An
enjoyable 3-course luncheon with wine was
consumed with pleasure.
The 78th person to serve as President since the
Institution’s formation in 1912, Mr Peter Stanley,
addressed the members present with a brief speech
and mentioned the forthcoming programme for his
presidential year of office.
Mr K W Burrage, IRSE Chief Executive, reported
on the current membership numbers of the
Institution and said that 30 members had over 50
years membership, nine of whom were able to
accept the President’s invitation to be present at the
luncheon as guests of the Institution. Twelve
members had over 60 years membership and two of
those were also present, Mr Peter Guyatt and also
the longest serving Past President, Mr Armand
Cardani, who was President 32 years ago in 1970.
Three members had over 70 years membership,
the longest serving member was believed to be Mr S
E W Stokes, who resides in Brazil, with 78 years
membership of the Institution but it had not been
possible to obtain a response from his last known
address. However, letters of good wishes had been
received from Douglas Kidd, a member for 72 years
residing in Shaftesbury and aged 97, and also from
Wilfred Hardman, a member for 73 years and living
in New Zealand. Many other members who were
unable to attend in person had sent letters of
apology and good wishes.
The luncheon concluded in a most pleasant and
happy atmosphere of friendship and camaraderie
and was judged a great success and had been
thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
The International Convention was held in Sydney,
Australia, between 29th April and 3rd May 2002.
Over 350 members and guests representing 18
countries were present at the event. Following the
welcome speeches members enjoyed a number of
technical presentations and viewed a wide variety of
interesting technical installations and visits. Whilst
the members were engaged on technical activity a
number of interesting and enjoyable tourist visits
were arranged for the guests and members and
guests together enjoyed a number of excellent social
events.
A full report on the Convention has already been
published in IRSE News and will also appear in the
Institution’s Proceedings. The Council is appreciative
of the arrangements made by the Australian
Convention organising committee and the officials
and staff of the railways in Sydney, and also for the
generous support of the Convention’s sponsors that
made the occasion such a memorable and enjoyable
one. Particular mention should also be made of hard
work and dedication of the Convention Organiser,
Mr Ray Weedon, to whose organisational skill and
expertise Council is again indebted for ensuring
another successful International Convention.
ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE
The Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, London,
was the venue for the dinner dance this year, which
was held on Friday 18th October.
Members and their guests were greeted by the
President, Mr Peter Stanley and his wife Carol at the
opening reception.
The principal guest on this occasion was Dr Peter
Watson OBE, Chairman AEA Technology plc and
formerly BRB board member for Engineering, who
was accompanied by his wife. An excellent threecourse
dinner was served followed by coffee and
mints. After dinner, the President introduced his
principal guest to the gathering and Dr Watson, who
had been the principal guest at the Dinner Dance ten
years earlier in 1992, referred back to the remarks he
made in 1992 and spoke about the current state of
the railway Industry and the contribution that can be
made by S&T engineering. His comments were
made in an encouraging and amusing manner that
was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Music for dancing following the dinner was
provided by the East Woodhay Silver Band who
played a selection of music in a variety to suit all
musical tastes and dancing styles.
The Institution is grateful for the financial support
it receives from its sponsors, which permitted the
dinner dance to be arranged and accommodated in
such an attractive setting and provided the
surroundings conducive to the happy and friendly
occasion in which members and their guests could
relax. Regrettably numbers were significantly down
on previous years and a number of the major
signalling suppliers were also absent. However, the
114 members and their guests that did attend all
enjoyed a pleasant and happy evening.
LONDON TECHNICAL MEETINGS
The level of attendance at the six technical
meetings held in London easily maintained the levels
of recent years at over 100 plus at each meeting and
those who were present enjoyed good topical
papers and interesting lively discussions. The
Council is grateful to those who find the time from