Monday 18 December

I attend the funeral of Peter Deavin, who was President in 1970-71.  He had clearly had a varied and interesting life: he was awarded the Military Cross as a result of  clearing minefields under fire in the Second World War and went on to become Norfolk County Surveyor and President of the County Surveyors’ Society.

John Smart, Deputy Chief Executive, represented Mary Lewis, who is on holiday in South Africa.  David Sprunt (East Anglia Branch Chairman and member of Council) and Sam Ralph, Martin Shaw & Bob Welton (all former members of Council) were also there – as was Patricia Steel, the Institution’s Secretary when Peter Deavin was President.

A sad occasion, but he certainly had a good life and a similar ’send off’.

Friday 15 December

Receive a package from Nichole with about 30 Membership Certificates to sign – it’s always a pleasure (and a strange feeling that these new members will always have my name on their certificates!).

Nicky also includes a number of Christmas cards from a wide range of organisations and members, together with some ‘thank you’ letters from guests who seemed to have enjoyed the Annual Luncheon.

Tuesday 12 December

To Endsleigh Street for a long session signing about 300 Christmas cards and sorting out some diary issues with Nichole.

Then to BT’s offices for the launch of London First’s launch of Getting London to Work – a major study showing how road-user charging can improve London (copy available at: www.london-first.co.uk).  The speakers included Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport (click here to read his speech), and Peter Hendy, Commissioner, Transport for London.

Some interesting presentations and a good opportunity to network with the great and the good - then a dash to catch the last train to Chester!

Friday 8 December

The Annual Luncheon is one of the highlights of the year.  It is allegedly the largest sit-down meal in Europe and this year we have squeezed a record 1,853 people into The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane.  Regrettably we cannot accommodate everyone who wants to attend.  It is ‘first come, first served’, with preference being given to Corporate Partners.

This year we have the honour and pleasure of welcoming The Princess Royal to the Luncheon.  The Institution's Council has recently resolved to confer Honorary Fellowship on the Princess in recognition of her work with two charities (RedR and Transaid) which we support at the Luncheon.

David Tarrant (Vice President) gives the Grace and we sit down to an excellent meal. How the Grosvenor House manages to serve over 1,800 people at the same time is beyond me.

On Top Table we have an array of the great and the good from across our profession, with other VIPs being accommodated on tables ‘chaired’ by the IHT’s Chief Executive and three Directors.  The principal guests included Spencer Palmer, our 11,000th member, and Louise McDevitt who has won the Karen Burt award as the best CEng candidate amongst all the Engineering Institutions in 2006.

After the meal I propose the Loyal Toast and, after a short break, welcome everyone and read the citation for The Princess Royal’s Honorary Fellowship (see here for the text of my speech).  After an amusing and gracious response from The Princess Royal, I go into my main speech (click here) and try to cover a wide range of topics within my allocated eight minutes.

The Princess Royal then has to leave to catch her train at Paddington and so I escort her out of the building and return in time to catch most of John Sargeant's fascinating account of his life as the BBC’s Political Editor – he’s an interesting and amusing man.

Traditionally our collection for RedR and TransAid raises about £8,000 but this year we manage to raise over £13,500 – no doubt due to The Princess Royal’s urging!

I close the formal part of the proceedings with a reminder that next year’s Luncheon will be on 14 December (it’s always on the second Friday in the month) and invite everyone to vote for Zara Phillips for BBC Sports Personality – the fact that she won may just be down to IHT!

Download speeches - President’s main speech - Presentation of Honorary Fellowship to Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal

Wednesday 29 November

Spend sometime in Endsleigh Street signing more membership certificates (including one for The Princess Royal) and sorting out last-minute issues around the Annual Luncheon.

Tuesday 28 November

I am invited to the British Parking Association’s annual Members’ Dinner at Draper’s Hall in London.  A splendid evening.  I am sat between Rachel Guest (wife of Peter Guest, the BPA’s President) and Peter Hermitage (Deputy Pro-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University) – both fascinating people.  Matthew Parris, a columnist on The Times, was the guest speaker.  He regaled us with amusing and informative tales of his career with Military Intelligence, as an MP and in journalism.

Friday 24 November

Back home to unpack and re-pack, and off to Abergele for the North Wales Branch’s Annual Dinner.  295 people attend (the Branch membership is only about half that!).  This event is unusual in that the dress code is lounge suits, not dinner jackets.  This seems to suit (sorry!) the younger generation who cannot justify the expense of a dinner suit.

Ceri Evans (Branch Chairman) makes an excellent speech.  Mary Lewis is attending and I take the opportunity to procure a round of applause for all her good work for the Institution.  I am followed by Jimmy Bright, a very good comedian.  The collection for the Chairman’s charities comes to about £1,800!  A most enjoyable evening is enlivened further by meeting many of my old Cheshire colleagues.  At 2.00 am I give in and go to bed!

Thursday 23 November

I chair the morning session of a conference on Managing Road User Conflict & Public Perceptions.  This has been jointly organised with the County Surveyors’ Society and is held at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s building near Hyde Park Corner (see photographs).  We have some excellent speakers and I have no difficulty in keeping the question & answer session going!  In the afternoon, Brian Smith (Cambridgeshire County Council), who is the CSS’ Second Vice President, takes over the chair for some more fascination presentations.

In the evening I attend a Livery Dinner at the invitation of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Paviors.  The Paviors do not have their own hall, so are able to use a different venue every time; tonight we are in Goldsmiths’ Hall – very grand!  Several IHT members are there: John Carrington, Robin Cathcart, Len Parker and Robin Wilson, to name a few.  It is a splendid evening, full of ancient traditions.

Wednesday 22 November

The Presidential Team and Mary Lewis have an ‘AwayDay’ to think about some of the things the Institution needs to be doing over the next five years or so.  Mary is commissioned to do further work with the aim of putting something worthwhile to Executive Board and Council early next year.

After the meeting, Mary and I meet to do her Performance Review.  It is clear from my five months as President, my previous experience and this chat with Mary that she is doing a fantastic job, with very limited resources.

Tuesday 21 November

A full day’s meeting of Council.  We are holding our meetings in Mary Ward House, just off Tavistock Square, this year – a different and apparently more economical venue.  We start with an excellent presentation by Paul Forman on Countering Vehicle-borne Terrorism – the Science & the Law.  Paul is an excellent speaker and provides a wide range of useful and interesting information on this vital topic.

We move on to presentations by David Ringrow (Director of Finance & Administration) and Roger Elphick (Treasurer) about the IHT’s financial situation; everything seems to be under control!  After dealing with the 2006 and 2007 Action Plans, we have a presentation by Nicola Slater (IHT Technical Department) about her TransAid fund-raising cycle ride in Malawi.  We then have sessions led by Helen Pace (Chairman of Member Services Board) and Mike Bordiss (Chairman of Network Infrastructure & Management Board) on aspects of their Boards’ work.

Monday 20 November

On the train to London.  I am staying until Friday morning – a packed programme!  In the morning I chair a joint meeting of our Membership and Member Services Boards.  We have these joint meetings about once a year so that the members of both Boards can hear about, and discuss, what the other Board is doing.  We cover topics such as proposals to improve the website, the employers recruitment campaign and promoting diversity.

In the afternoon I attend Member Services Board as it is my turn to do so on the Presidential Team rota.  Helen Pace chairs an interesting meeting, which deals with additions to the Branch Handbook, a report on the feedback received after the Branch Officers’ Conference held in Cardiff and the Recruitment Strategy.

Thursday 16 November

Frank Montgomery of the University of Leeds’ Institute for Transport Studies has invited me to talk to the MSc students, researchers and staff about my career, IHT and anything else I fancy!  They provide me with an excellent lunch afterwards and everyone seems happy with my session.

Wednesday 15 November

Transport Policy Board has arranged to have its November meeting in Nottingham today and tomorrow so that visits to some interesting infrastructure can be incorporated into the programme.  As it is my turn on the Presidential Team rota to visit TPB, I join them for the first day.  We have an excellent presentation by Phil Sivell from the Centre for Sustainability, part of TRL.  Then we go to Nottingham East Midlands Airport for a ‘behind the scene’ tour, including the radar room and the Control Tower.  Then we visit DHL (see photograph) to see how they deal with over 80,000 items overnight.

Friday 10 November

My vision is steadily improving and I should be able to return to active service next week.  I had to miss the Freight Transport Association’s dinner, John Smart gave my presentation at the Northern Branch’s seminar, Mary Lewis chaired half of the procurement conference in York and Mike & Liz Slinn stood in for Maria and me at the South Eastern Branch’s dinner in Eastbourne.  I am grateful to all of these willing volunteers for stepping in at the last moment.

Friday 3 November

I am ordered to cancel all travel for another week!

Thursday 2 November

We should be on our way to Inverness for the North of Scotland Branch’s Dinner tomorrow night – Maria and I had hoped to spend a few days in the Highlands as a bit of a break.  But, as I am housebound, we have to call off the journey.  Alan Silver (Branch Secretary) is left to arrange a last-minute substitute, if he can; I send him my outline for the speech I would have made, in case it helps him.

Wednesday 1 November

I have a problem with my left eye: the vision is very blurred.  After investigation by my GP and at the local hospital it is diagnosed as a torn retina – not due to any injury, just one of those things.  I am told to cancel all travel, keep still and return to the eye clinic on Friday.

Tuesday 31 October

Attend one of the regular staff meetings at Endsleigh Street.  Everyone reports on what they are doing so that we all know what is going on.  They are also able to raise any issues with Mary or me.  All the staff seem very happy, although very busy; being bored is not an option at Endsleigh Street!

Monday 30 October

Train to London to chair a meeting of the Executive Board.  A short meeting with Mary Lewis beforehand to sort out more details of the Annual Luncheon and, in particular, to take account of the Princess Royal’s attendance.  Mary has persuaded John Sergeant, who used to be the BBC's Chief Political Correspondent, to speak at the Annual Luncheon, after the Princess Royal.

Executive Board, which now deals with all the detail of running the Institution, leaving Council to think strategically, spent time on a wide range of topics, including the IHT’s finances (under control!) and the 2006 & 2007 Action Plans, and approved a joint Conference to be organised with TRL.

Friday 27 October

Drive to Portsmouth to attend Southern Branch’s annual dinner dance.  This is to be held on HMS Warrior; built in 1860, she was well ahead of her time and now affords an interesting and unique venue for dinners and the like.  Ian Cross (Chairman) welcomed his guests and some of us were allowed to inspect the Captain’s Cabin – normally not available to visitors.

An excellent meal and a little dancing round off an excellent evening.

Thursday 26 October

The ROI Branch’s seminar on Road Safety – Playing Our Part is extremely well attended for a first event – well done to the Branch (especially Vice Chairman Alan O’Brien) for organising this very worthwhile event.  I give a short overview of what the Institution is doing in this area and then we have a succession of excellent papers from Irish and UK experts.  Unfortunately I have to leave at lunchtime to catch my flight – I make it with 10 minutes to spare.  But John Smart (IHT Deputy Chief Executive) is able to stay and hear all the presentations.

Alan O'Brien (ROI-Branch)

Wednesday 25 October

Fly from Liverpool to Dublin, then drive to Tullamore.  Tomorrow is the new Republic of Ireland (ROI) Branch’s first ever seminar and there is a meal the night before for speakers, the Branch Committee and those delegates who are already at the hotel.  A really good evening with short speeches from the Branch Chairman (John Fleming) and me.

Tuesday 24 October

The North Eastern Branch’s annual seminar this year is on Chapter 8.  I have been recruited to chair the morning session.  This is the sixth event on the same very important topic that the IHT has organised and we have had the privilege of having really expert speakers from the Highways Agency and TRL at each event.  In the afternoon David Hutchinson explains what the IHT’s new Roadworker Safety Panel is doing.

North Eastern annual seminar

David Hutchinson Ex- President

Monday 23 October

Drive to Durham for an informal dinner with the speakers and organisers of tomorrow’s seminar.  Maria and Hannah come along for the ride; Lucy is too busy working for her ‘A’-Levels to come with us.  We have a very pleasant afternoon looking round Durham, including spending time in the Cathedral.  Unfortunately the castle is closed – perhaps next time we go it will be open.

Thursday 19 October

I have been reading about the One Day in History on the History Matters project website (www.historymatters.org.uk) being organised in England & Wales by the National Trust and English Heritage; you may have seen some of the coverage on television or the papers.  I have submitted my blog for 17 October - so those of you who are mentioned will go down in history!  I cannot find anything equivalent for Northern Ireland or Scotland – can you, please?

Tuesday 17 October

Meeting with Robert Devereux, DfT Director General for Road Transport etc.  He has three of his senior people with him: Spencer Palmer, Ben Still & Sarah Thomson.  It was good, in particular, to meet Spencer as he is our 11,000th member.  He applied for membership when he was with LB Bexley and, when we phoned to tell him the good news, he had already started his new job at DfT.  Just shows you what membership can achieve for you!  We will be inviting him to the Annual Luncheon as a ‘reward’ for being the 11,000th member.

In the afternoon I sign more membership certificates and talk about the Annual Luncheon with Mary Lewis.  The Princess Royal is coming to receive her honorary Fellowship.  John Sargent, former BBC Political Editor, will also be speaking.

Later I leave for Birmingham University with Sue Stevens, Director of Education & Membership.

The West Midland Branch has organised a ‘Meet the President’ evening.  We expect 20-30 undergraduates and post-graduate students, but are amazed to have an audience of about 80.  I talk briefly about what working in highways and transportation means to me and explain what is unique about IHT.  Then Sue talks about what the Institution does, what services it provides and all the qualifications we either offer or are planning.  We then move into another room for some sandwiches.  We make the mistake of allowing the students to get to the food first and we are left with a few carrot sticks!  Fortunately the Branch Chairman (Steve Pate) gives us a lift to New Street Station so we have a few minutes to find a sandwich before our trains depart.

Many congratulations to West Midland for its initiative in setting up this event and to Harry Evdorides (Lecturer in Road Asset Management at the University) and Andy Baines (Branch Secretary) for organising the evening.  I hope that other Branches will follow the West Midland example – or perhaps they already do so?

Monday 16 October

A meeting in Endsleigh Street to get our act together for a meeting tomorrow with Robert Devereux, one of the Department for Transport’s Directors General.  Our team will consist of Mike Slinn (Senior Vice President), David Tarrant (Vice President), Mike Bordiss (Chairman, Network & Infrastructure Management Board), Mary Lewis (Chief Executive), John Smart (Director of Technical Affairs) and me.  The idea is to see what help we can be to DfT in delivering its agenda, and what help they can be to us in delivering ours.

Tuesday 10 October

The Branch Officers’ Conference is really well organised by Cathy Leung and Nichole Sansome.  We have a packed programme and I have to work hard to keep us on track.  Presentations from Endsleigh Street staff and by branches that have done particularly good things are followed by delegates breaking into four groups to consider various aspects of the Institution's workings.  Details will be in the Members’ Lounge soon.

The IHT could not function without the support of its Branch Officers and we are grateful to them, and to their employers, for making their time available.

Monday 9 October

By train to Cardiff for the Branch Officers’ Conference.  A very pleasant journey through Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Hereford and lots of scenery.

We have invited all the non-English branches in the UK to a meeting to discuss how we can help to improve their contacts with the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh governments.  A useful meeting with a number of actions on all of us to make things move more smoothly and effectively.

We have an informal dinner for the Branch Officers who are attending tomorrow’s Conference.  Every Branch is invited to send four delegates.  This year we have the pleasure of welcoming representatives of the Malaysia and Republic of Ireland Branches for the first time.

I introduce the members of staff and Executive Board who are present, say a few words of thanks and present three prizes: Branch Mini-Website (Yorkshire & Humberside Branch), Member Recruitment (Republic of Ireland Branch) and Student Recruitment (Northern Ireland Branch).

Harold Clarke (Y&H) & Website Prize

Friday 6 October

Off to Harrogate for the Yorkshire & Humberside Branch’s Dinner Dance.  The Hotel Majestic is very grand and we have a simply huge suite.  Richard Fuller (Branch Chairman) and his wife (Alison) are good hosts and the event is very well organised by Avril Verity.  This is our first Dinner Dance of the year, although we attended Southern Branch’s last year for David Hutchinson.  Another superb four-course meal and an excellent speech from the Chairman (and something from me), and then we help to get the dancing going. The floor is soon crowded and remains so throughout the evening.

We are promised bacon sandwiches at 1.15 am, but have to decline as we need to be up at 6.30 am to take Lucy to a University Open Day!

Thursday 5 October

Drive up to Glasgow for the Central & Southern Scotland Branch Dinner.  I would normally go by train, but Maria has been invited, and we have to go straight to Harrogate tomorrow, so the safe transport of long frocks dictates that we go by car!

We are made very welcome by David Stephens (Branch Chairman) and his Committee.  After an excellent meal, the Leader of the City Council gives an overview of what Glasgow is about on the highways and transportation scene, and we hear from George McNeill, a professional footballer, professional sprinter, quantity surveyor and after-dinner speaker – that is some CV!

The Branch gives the Chairman and President’s partners some flowers – to recognise the ‘loss’ of their men folk during their year of office - and to Yazmin Raven who organised the Dinner.

David Stephens C&SS Chair

C&SS. John Barrell (L) & David Ringrow

Friday 29 September

We held a lunch for the sponsors of the 2006 IHT Awards.  It seems likely that all of them (with possibly one exception) will want to continue their support for the 2007 Awards – and we have a couple more sponsors waiting in the wings.

We were pleased to welcome colleagues from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services, Colas, the Highways Agency, Mouchel Parkman and Ringway.

The lunch was an opportunity for David Hutchinson (Past President) and me to thank the sponsors and ask them for any thoughts on how we might improve the 2007 event – to be held on 7 June at the Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

Spent a couple of hours in Endsleigh Street signing membership Certificates (we now officially have our 11, 000th member) and going through the diary with Nichole.

Wednesday 27 September

My second day at the Labour Party Conference.

Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, addressed the main Conference.  The two main points of interest to me were:

• … in my first week in the job as Transport Secretary I moved our discussion on road pricing from the why to the how.

• … in the weeks ahead I will bring forward proposals to change the way buses are run in this country.

I do not know what he meant by the second quote – we shall see!

Later there was a speech by Bill Clinton, in which he outlined the work he now does under the auspices of the Clinton Foundation.  Delegates were left wondering if there was a special point here for Tony Blair with the Clinton view of “life after politics”.

In the evening I attended what promised to be the most useful fringe meeting of the week.  This was organised by the Construction Umbrella Bodies (including the Construction Industry Council, of which IHT is a member).  The topic was: Meeting the Climate Change Challenge: Delivering Sustainable Construction.

Unfortunately there was virtually no mention of highways and transportation as the three presentations concentrated on the building industry – perhaps because the Minister who was present (Angela Smith, an Under Secretary of State in the Department for Communities & Local Government) is responsible for Building Regulations.  Whilst, with another hat on, I personally found this very interesting, it was nothing to do with IHT!

The main message that our industry was giving the Government was that we do not mind being set targets, even challenging ones, as long as we get plenty of notice and know what we are expected to achieve and by when.

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Monday 25 September

The Labour Party Conference in Manchester.  Last year was the first time that IHT had been represented at the Party conferences.  We are trying it again this year, with Mike Slinn attending the Liberal Democrat and David Tarrant the Conservative Conferences.

I listened to Gordon Brown’s major speech.  This was clearly a bid for the Party Leadership rather than a report on the economy or, for example, what he had in mind to help our industry.  The hall was full and I ended up sitting in the media seats, which meant that I was given a copy of the speech and could spot where he deviated from it!

At lunchtime I attended a fringe meeting in the Town Hall organised by Greater Manchester PTE: Integrated Transport Solutions for the Growth of our Cities.  The new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Tom Harris (who replaced Derek Twigg about three weeks ago), was one of the speakers but said that he had yet to get to grips with some parts of his portfolio and so could not respond to several points.  He covers rail, walking and cycling and he has apparently spent most of his time so far dealing with rail issues.

In the early evening I attended a fringe meeting organised by The Northern Way, a coalition of the three Regional Development Agencies in the north of England.  We were addressed by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development, on The Global Economy – a threat or opportunity for the North? Interesting stuff – the North certainly needs to get its act together if it is to compete with the rest of the UK and the wider world.

Then off to a meeting addressed by Stephen Ladyman (Minister of State for Transport): Driven to Distraction: how can we make transport meet the environmental challenges?   This event was sponsored by the Go-Ahead Group, which certainly seems to take its environmental impact very seriously – a model for other bus and rail companies to emulate perhaps (see: www.go-ahead.com and click on Our Responsibility.

Friday 22 September

Our Conference was at Devonshire House Hotel, chosen as it was the only venue in Liverpool capable of coping with over 200 delegates and nearly 50 exhibitors (all expertly managed by Richard Hogg).  Everything went very well.  We had a delayed start as the party of 34 Russians who had booked had not arrived and we did not want to disrupt proceedings with such an influx just after we had started.  Our opening speaker (Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council) had also been delayed.  So we started a bit late!

Peter Blair (the North Western Branch Chairman) opened the proceedings and Richard Crossley & Chris Jackson chaired a session each – impeccably.  After presenting NVQ4 Certificates to John Booth and Sonia Smith (both of 2020 Liverpool), I gave a very short opening speech; I went through it very quickly so that we got back on track – I did not want the ‘proper’ speakers’ to lose out on their allotted time.

After Warren Bradley gave us a political perspective on Liverpool’s regeneration issues, we had excellent presentations from Andy Southern (Atkins), Mike Slinn (MVA) and Paul Lambert (Sheffield Hallam University and Mott MacDonald) before breaking for an excellent buffet lunch in the exhibition area.  Our Russian friends had eventually arrived in time to join us after mid-morning coffee – fortunately the simultaneous translation worked very well, with English-speaking delegates not being inconvenienced by the interpreter.

In the afternoon we started with Ian Walsh (Jacobs Babtie) who I know is easily capable of keeping people awake after a good lunch!  First class presentations by Nick Sharman (Amey), Colin Potts (Laing O’Rourke) and Steve Rowsell (Highways Agency) rounded off an excellent day – in my opinion!

Whilst we were soaking up knowledge in the Conference, a group of Partners’ (led by David & Pam Ogden) were enjoying a tour of Liverpool: Albert Dock, a DUKW tour and a visit to Speke Hall, together with what sounds to have been an excellent lunch at the Airport Marriott Hotel.

The events as a whole could not have been laid on without the generous support of our three main sponsors: 2020 Liverpool (a Joint Venture by Liverpool City Council and Mouchel Parkman), Atkins and Laing O’Rourke – many thanks to all three.

I also must record my thanks to the Branch Sub-Committee which organised the whole event (Richard Crossley, Barry Heaps, Richard Hogg, Phil Mason, Chris Jackson & David Ogden) and Alison Young who, with her team, looked after all the administrative side of the events.

View photos, powerpionts and podcasts from the Conference >>

Mike Slinn Speaking.

NVQ Presentation

Thursday 21 September

Buses were laid on to take delegates from the two main Conference hotels to Blackburne House – where we had a morning of Board meetings and then a Council meeting in the afternoon.  The day seemed to go well – a good venue that kept everyone together.  We took the opportunity of arranging for a photographer to take pictures of everyone on Council, and of the IHT’s staff who were there, so you should see some greater consistency of photos on the website soon.  Then back by bus to our hotels.  In the meantime, Phil Mason led a Technical visit, arranged by Laing O’Rourke, to the huge Paradise Street development.

Back on the bus for a trip to Liverpool Town Hall.  A Reception provided by the City Council in the Small Ballroom and a superb meal in the Large Ballroom.  It really was a magnificent setting – no wonder it has been used in so many films!  The meal was almost entirely composed of North Western food, including sirloin - famously knighted by James I (or James VI if you prefer) near Preston in 1617.  Thanks to Barry Heaps for organising most aspects of the evening.

Speeches by the Lord Mayor, Norman Prince (a Northern comedian) and me brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

Council at Blackburne House.

Lord Mayor & her Consort.

Wednesday 20 September

The start of the Presidential Conference series of events.  Tonight we have an informal dinner for those members of our Boards and Council who are staying in Liverpool overnight in advance of tomorrow’s meetings.  We started this ‘tradition’ last year in Bath to avoid the need for ones and twos to find their way around an unfamiliar city in search of something to eat.  The dinner was a great success and everyone had the chance to meet old friends and make new ones – there was no seating plan!

I said a few words of welcome and made a point of thanking the partners who were with us for lending us their ‘other half’ from time to time - and trying to reassure them that they did really worthwhile work for IHT and its charitable activities.

Thursday 14 September

Durham’s Ramside Hall Hotel for the North Eastern Branch’s Annual Dinner.  This is my first Branch event, although I did four for last year’s President, David Hutchinson, when he was supposed to be in two places at once.  As one would expect in the North East, a good meal and entertaining speakers - led by John Barrell, the Branch Chairman.  Many thanks to John Jeffrey, Branch Secretary, for his impeccable organisation.

John Barrell (North Eastern Branch)

Wednesday 13 September

The last meeting of the Committee which is organising the Presidential Conference next week.  Some last minute things to sort out, but everything seems to be well under control.  The dinner and exhibition have been fully booked for months and we have over 200 attending the Conference – so the success of the whole event should be well assured.

Then straight in to a North Western Branch Committee meeting.  It is a very active Committee with almost everyone having a job to do outside the main Committee.  The Recruitment Sub-Committee has just been strengthened by the arrival of Melanie Clarke, who brings a somewhat younger perspective to its work.

Monday 11 September

The Locan Cup action is today; it is being held at the course in the hotel grounds, so it is very convenient for the Locan Cup golfers, although the Ladies Competition is being held at a different course.  There is also a visit on offer to those who do not ‘do’ golf: a trip on the Norfolk Broads and a steam railway!

I make myself scarce until lunchtime – a very useful and peaceful time with the laptop in my hotel room.  I joined the golfers who started first for lunch and watched as each group of golfers tackled the 18th hole.  I am glad to say that the North Western Branch team were (again) victorious – well done to Peter Blair (see picture) and his seven colleagues.

Peter Blair (North Western) & Locan Cup

Sunday 10 September

Off to Norwich for the Locan Cup.  I do not play golf and this will be about my third ever visit to a golf course – apart from walking across them on public footpaths!  The event starts with a dinner at the Sprowston Manor Hotel.  Most enjoyable, with excellent speeches by David Sprunt (Chairman, East Anglia Branch) and Chris Bulman (Chairman, Locan cup Committee).

Thursday 7 September

Spent an afternoon in Endsleigh Street as I was in London anyway.  This gave Nichole Sansome (she’s Mary Lewis’s PA, but she looks after the Presidential Team too) a chance to go through all the bookings in the Team Diary with me.  There are still a lot missing; some Branches are very slow at coming forward with their dates – so she’ll be doing some chasing next week!

Had a chat with John Smart (Director of Technical Affairs) about a wide range of topics which his Department is pursuing: Conferences, new Guidelines etc.  Also spent a few minutes with Sue Stevens (Director of Education & Membership) talking about N/SVQs.

Then spent a happy half-hour signing membership certificates!

Monday 14 August

The first Executive Board meeting of my year.  All six Board Chairmen are on the Executive Board and, for the first meeting, we invited all their Vice-Chairmen to come along too – so they know what happens if they need to substitute for their Chairman during the year.  We had a really good turn-out, especially as we are in the main holiday season.  A long Agenda included presentations on the implications of being a Trustee, on the financial structure of the Institution and about our developing links with TransAid.  Then we looked at the current financial position (sound), discussed initiatives linked with qualifications and careers advice, agreed to set up a Knowledge Management Panel (to pull together and develop the IHT’s information services for members) and discussed next year’s IHT Awards.

Friday 11 August

Meeting at Liverpool Town Hall to sort out the final details for the Dinner linked to the Presidential Conference.  Everything seems to be well under control – a bit worrying!  We are keen to use the event to promote the North West and so, as far as possible, the food will be locally grown.  To whet your appetite, the main course will involve Cain’s Raisin Beer!  Then we went to see the florist who will be providing the centrepieces for the 21 tables. The IHT’s corporate colours are not the easiest to emulate florally!

Thursday 3 August

Meeting of the North Western Branch’s Seminars Sub-Committee.  There are endless details to be sorted out if the Presidential Conference and all the other events associated with it are to go smoothly.  Bookings are coming in nicely for the Conference.  The Exhibition, with almost 50 stands, is fully booked, as is the Conference Dinner.

Monday 24 July

A package arrives from Endsleigh Street with the latest batch of Membership Certificates to be signed: one of the many pleasures associated with being President.  The next few weeks will be a bit quiet – the lull before the storm – and so I will not be in Endsleigh Street again until 14 August to sign Certificates.  We continue to attract more and more members - thanks to the Branches’ recruitment activities and the efforts of the Endsleigh Street staff.  Whilst growth is not a major ‘at any price’ strategy, it is reassuring to know that we are continuing to grow, unlike most other kindred organisations.

Thursday 20 July

Buckingham Place for a Garden Party as the guest of HM The Queen.  A rare privilege and honour.  David Hutchinson (immediate Past President) and his wife (Jane) were there too.  They had both been before, albeit many years ago, and so knew the ropes: when to go for tea, where to stand for the best view etc.  We didn’t get to meet any of the Royals personally, but were very close!  A really splendid afternoon that Maria and I will never forget.

Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Wednesday 19 July

Presidential Team meeting.  These meetings are designed to ensure that, between us, we keep all the balls in the air!  Thus, for example, we had brief discussions about the Team diary and who is doing what; agreed that the Vice-Presidents would keep the same six Branches to visit as last year (with Chris Jackson taking over 'my' Branches); and made sure that all the appropriate items would be on the Executive Board agenda for its meeting on 14 August.

Had a meeting with a company which is organising a visit to the UK for Russian H&T people.  Their programme will include attending the Presidential Conference.  We agreed all the details and look forward to seeing how many will book!

Friday 14 July

Meeting with the people from Saville’s who are doing the audio-visual work for the Presidential Conference.  I am somewhat out of my depth with all the technicalities but fortunately Richard Hogg, who is on the Branch Sub-Committee which is organising the Conference, is there and I just nod sagely from time to time!

Thursday 13 July

Hear that two candidates will soon have completed their NVQ Level 4 in Traffic Management Systems Engineering.  John Booth and Sonia Smith both work for 2020 Liverpool, which is one of the three main sponsors of the Presidential Conference (the others are Atkins and Laing O’Rourke), so it will be very appropriate to present their certificates at the Conference.  Terry Carter, who has been their Assessor, will also be invited to the Conference as a ‘thank-you’.

Wednesday 12 July

An Exit Interview for Hayley Brown, who is sadly leaving IHT.  One of the Presidential Team does an Exit Interview with everyone who is leaving, to see if we can do anything to improve our staff retention.

Some letters to sign, including one drafted by Duncan Fraser (C&SS Branch) giving the Scottish Executive the IHT’s views on its transport policies.

Get home to find yet more congratulatory cards, letters and e-mails.

Tuesday 11 July

Meeting with Helen Pace (the new Chairman of Member Services Board) and Mary Lewis to discuss the various things Helen wants to achieve in the next year or so. Then a chat with Mary about numerous minor details ranging from the Annual Luncheon to the Presidential Conference.

Then off with Sue Stevens (Director of Education & Membership) to a Reception on the Terrace at the House of Commons hosted by Peter Guest, the incoming President of the British Parking Association (BPA).  Several interesting speeches, including one by Nicholas Soames MP.  A long chat with Ken Huddart (IHT Greater London Branch) and short chats with numerous other parking experts.  The BPA are getting involved in qualifications and I wonder if we can help them?  Sue is off to Majorca for a fortnight but promises to get in touch with the BPA on her return.

Monday 10 July

Thousands of copies of TransportationProfessional must be landing on doormats with my picture on the front.  Hope I don’t put you off your breakfast!  My thanks to Richard Hogg (PA Weather) for the excellent photos.

A meeting of the North Western Branch Seminars Sub-committee which is organising this year’s Presidential Conference.  Very ably chaired by Richard Crossley, he has excellent support from Barry Heaps, Richard Hogg, Chris Jackson, Phil Mason and David Ogden.  All seems to be going well.

Friday 7 July

Mike Kendrick’s funeral.  A huge turnout; the church was full.  The service was a real celebration of Mike’s very full, although too short, life.  Short tributes from our two immediate Past Presidents, David Hutchinson and Mike Sharpe, brought some humour to the proceedings and gave us an affectionate insight into Mike Kendrick.  Many friends from IHT and CSS (County Surveyors’ Society) were there to pay their respects.  There will be a full tribute in the September edition of Transportation Professional.  My journeys were enlivened by the company of Mike Callery and David Ogden (both Past Presidents from the North West).

Thursday 6 July

North Western Branch Committee meeting.  I’m not sure how many I will be able to get to during my year, but I am keen to support Peter Blair, the new Chairman, as much as I can.  We had Chris Jackson’s last report as our Branch Delegate to Council.  Now he is Junior Vice-President, his Branch role is being taken on by Roger Tripp (of GMPTE).  Melanie Clarke, of Alfred McAlpine, has joined the Committee – nice to lower the average age a bit!

Wednesday 5 July

East Midland Branch’s annual conference.  This year it was on Managing the Transport Asset. My Keynote address (The Institution & Best Practice) tried to remind everyone of their responsibility to pass on good ideas and to teach the next generation about how to do things well.  A very good attendance, as usual, and very well organised.  Here’s a picture of some of the speakers:

East Midland Branch’s annual conference

Tuesday 4 July

The fourth in the current series of Chapter 8 seminars.  I am chairing the morning session.  This is my third, so the presentations are becoming very familiar.  About 180 delegates, which brings the total for all four seminars to around 700 – and, no doubt, some unsatisfied demand.

Drove to Cambridge (unfortunately the train was not a viable option).  Dinner with the other speakers and the organisers for tomorrow’s conference.

Monday 3 July

Collected John Smart, Hayley Brown and Nicola Slater from Chester Station and took them to Abergele – they are the IHT staff who are running tomorrow’s Chapter 8 seminar.  Robert Hudleston (Surrey CC), one of the speakers, was on the same train, so he had a free ride too!

An informal dinner for those speakers who were staying in the hotel overnight.

Friday 30 June

Started work on a presentation I’m giving at the East Midland Branch’s conference in Cambridge on 5 July.  I am trying to avoid giving talks as they are very time-consuming to prepare, but Mike Sharpe (Past President) asked me so nicely, I couldn’t refuse!

Thursday 29 June

Lots of ‘thank you’ e-mails to send in response to many kind messages of congratulation.

Dinner in Liverpool with the sponsors of the Presidential Conference.  We wanted to make sure that they were all up-to-date on the progress we have made with the arrangements, number of bookings etc.  Maria and I were joined by Mike Hunter (2020 Liverpool), Alex Watts (Laing O’Rourke) and Ian Whitehead (Atkins), each with a work colleague or partner, together with Richard Crossley, who chairs the Committee organising the Conference, and his wife Sandra.  A really enjoyable evening.  We had a quick tour of the conference rooms, which were being used for a Barclaycard 40th Birthday Party and a Rotary Dinner!

Wednesday 28 June

A meeting with IHT’s Chief Executive (Mary Lewis).  We have had several chats over the last few months about how I can help her to run the Institution and how we can achieve at least some of the things I am keen to get done over the coming 12 months.  Fortunately we are of one mind about everything – so far!

During the meeting Mary had a phone call from David Ogden (a Past President) who had heard that Mike Kendrick (President 1996-97) had died peacefully at home on Tuesday evening.  This is a great loss for his family, his many friends and the profession.   A sad start to my year, especially as Mike was President when I first joined Council and I knew him through both IHT and CSS; he was a really clever and likeable man.

Tuesday 27 June

The Annual General Meeting marks the end of one President’s year and the start of the next.  Most of the meeting is chaired by the outgoing President as it is basically a report to the membership about his year.

David Hutchinson has been a great President and has led the institution with panache, dedication and good humour.  He will be a hard act to follow – but I will do my best!

Right at the end of the AGM, David installed me as the 2006-07 President, saying some more than kind words.  I responded in similar vein and told the meeting that David had chosen a painting as a gift from the Institution to mark the end of his year.

It was then my very simple task to close the meeting and invite those present to enjoy a modest buffet (see pictures at www.iht.org/news/events/agm06.asp)

Alistair Haydock