The President Writes.
It's now four months since I became President, so how has it been so far?-The feed back on my first article was encouraging, and there were some suggestions as to topics that I can write about. The liaison with other societies is proceeding quite well. We are running day and half day symposia with OCCA, there was one in November with North West Branch and OCCA Manchester Section, and one this month with Yorkshire Branch and OCCA Midlands Colour and Coatings Group also an evening meeting with London Branch and OCCA London Section. The IMF are joining us for Corrosion 2007 at Sheffield and we have been in talks with BINDT about future cooperation.

I had a meeting with Jonathan from the publishers and Heather, who looks after our sustaining members, where we thrashed out some ideas for the magazine as a whole, and we decided to have a theme for each issue. We are also considering a question and answer forum, so if you have any queries or problems please send them to Heather at Corrosion House (preferably regarding corrosion issues!!) Although we could include a "Dear Auntie Brenda" page, if you so wish! Any feedback on the magazine would be appreciated.

I have been spending some time at Corrosion House trying to get familiar with the administration, after two nightmare journeys by car, I decided to do the environmentally friendly thing and use the train. Mostly I get a lift from Milton Keynes but if that's not possible, it is lovely walk along the canal from Leighton Buzzard Station. In the office we have four part time staff, which gives us full time cover. There is Cerri who looks after much of the admin including membership issues, Heather who looks after Sustaining Members and liaison with the publisher, Gill who has been with the Institute for many years and generally manages the place. Then there is Brian Weston who looks after the finances and has done so for many years. Sadly he has just been taken ill and has had a serious operation, our thoughts go out to him and his family at this difficult time. Even so he has offered to come in and do the VAT return, now that is dedication of the highest order. We are very lucky to have such a loyal and dedicated team.

For the past twelve months we have been looking at the committee structure and doing a bit of tweaking and reorganizing, to hopefully make things run easier with more liaison and better communication between the various groups. We have some very enthusiastic people who are all volunteers and give their time freely, and we mustn't forget that they also have their "day jobs". This also includes the Branch committees, I will try to visit all the branches and get to know people. Peter Morgan is setting up a new Branch in South Wales, so if you live in that area and would be interested in being part of the South Wales Branch please contact Peter. His details can be obtained from Corrosion House. I have been to London Branch and attended the Yorkshire Branch Christmas Lunch in January, I have had talks with the Aberdeen Branch and always attend North West Branch meetings. So I still have a few to go.

Brenda Peters President - Institute of Corrosion