Correx 2009 is barely over and we’re desperately trying to fit in AGMs and seasonal dinners and lunches while coping with the traditional end of year panic when folks realise they’ve promised to get something sorted before the New Year. For all those who attended Correx 2009 at the NEC, I do hope you enjoyed the experience. I was in a couple of lively technical sessions and had a thoroughly good time. That said, the seminar areas were a little tent-like in construction and we did suffer for a while from noisy neighbours. It turned out Greenday were practicing in the adjacent Arena and from the constant atonal rumble they generated it sounded like they needed it (alternative aside for the under 30’s - ‘yeh, great, right on.’ I can be surprisingly hip at times, Daddy-O). Amidst this impromptu tribute to MASH, complete with occasional pyrotechnics, we had some truly excellent presentations and I thank all who contributed.

Thank you also to those who responded to me about last issue’s photograph. No correct answers, I’m afraid, and I may have to get the authorities involved with one suggestion (you know who you are), so I will have to tell you the answer. I was outside the famous/infamous Dakota Building in Manhattan next to Central Park where, amongst many other events, John Lennon sadly met his end. The money goes to Children in Need.

My photo this time is from Albania where, surprise surprise, we found some ‘challenged’ reinforced concrete. The EU had very kindly allocated some money to help assess their bridge stock with a view to prioritising the refurbishment and generally improve the infrastructure of the country. As you can probably guess, this is neither going to be easy nor cheap. Good luck to them, I say. Plus, I can now add an Adriatic location to the oft-trailed Mediterranean rust rambles, some places still available. All of them, actually.

Now, while I remember, there was something I was going to mention. Looking through our membership records I realised we have a large number of individuals with long and varied experience in the corrosion business who have been content to maintain their current level of membership for years and years. So while you are taking advantage of the brief respite that the Christmas holiday period brings, why not take a look at the requirements for transfer to professional grade if you’re an ‘ordinary’ member, or to fellow if you are already a professional member. And before you ask, it’s not just an excuse to blag an extra £20-odd quid out of you. Think of it as a Christmas present to yourself – and a boost to the Institute’s professional standing.

So wherever you are, and whatever your traditions and beliefs, have a very pleasant time this forthcoming holiday season and a peaceful and successful 2010. As they say in Albania, Gëzuar Krishtëlindjen dhe Vitin e Ri (A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year).

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