The West Midland Branch covers the counties of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and West Midlands. It sits at the heart of the country and is at the heart of the transport infrastructure network.

The West Midland is one of the larger Branches in the Institution with membership of around 730. The Branch was formed in 1959 when the Midland Branch was divided into smaller, more manageable areas.

The Branch has provided four Presidents of the Institution and two National Treasurers. These are:

Presidents:

Jock Thompson, President 1962-1963
Ron Bridle 1981–1982
John Cox, President 1982–1983
Alan Onions, President 1985–1986
Cameron Johnston, President 1991–1992

Treasurers:

John Garner, National Treasurer
Stuart Wollaston, National Treasurer

The Branch has always been well represented on IHT’s Council and very much involved with the work of the Council’s Boards. There are 5 members of the Branch Committee currently holding Council positions.

The Committee organises a full programme of technical papers to cover a range of topical and interesting subjects. Meetings are held mostly in Birmingham – the centre of the area – but also across the Branch area. Joint meetings are often arranged with other relevant Institutions.

The Branch also organises site visits to interesting local construction projects. These have included rail freight terminals, airports, major redevelopment schemes, as well as road construction projects.

Each January, the Supper Evening provides a well attended, popular and fun evening with an informal flavour.

The Annual Dinner, held in Sutton Coldfield and preceded by the AGM, is another highlight of the Branch calendar. Always well attended and with entertaining speakers, it remains an event to be seen at!

The Branch has organised the Institution’s National Workshop for over 20 years. The Alan Brant National Seminar, held at the Spa Centre in Leamington Spa, attracts good attendance from across the UK and provides an excellent day of learning and the opportunity for members with similar interests to meet and discuss topics to their mutual benefit.

The Branch has held two ‘Team Challenges’. Aimed principally at younger members, the teams are required to complete intellectual and physical tasks in competition. The day has proved so popular, and such a competitive and fun event, that we have been unable to restrict entry to younger members!

This year the Branch is reviving a Young Professionals Paper Competition.

The annual Skittles evening at Studley is always popular and an excellent social event.

A Branch Golf Competition is held each year and provides a competitive day out. A team is entered each year into the National Locan Cup Competition.

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