I have been very busy with ILP duties that occupied some weekends, and left me with no time to sit down and write a blog.
So back tracking to 30th April
The afternoon was the Executive Board (EB) Meeting. First thing to report was the appointment of Jo Wilkins. I wish Jo all the best in her new job at the ILP.
Jo@theilp.org.uk
The EB is grappling with Marketing and will be looking to take on a part time marketing specialist. We can then assess how effective this role is in promoting the ILP and what we do.
I then had four hours to kick my heels waiting for the sleeper from Euston to Edinburgh for the Scottish Spring Technical Meeting - Dinner and AGM ( and a bit of golf!) Sleeper is a bit of a mis-nomer for this train. I may have dozed but was not over refreshed when the train pulled into Edinburgh at 7.30am. No worries. A three station hop down a local line and met David Duncan (the Scottish Region Councillor) Had a great game of golf at the local course and congratulations to Past President - David McNair, who was the winner. I did not disgrace myself with 31 points. Good but no cigar.
A great evening dinner and a Glaswegion Footballer regaled us with stories. I had a glass of Talisker Whisky with Ian McCraie, who is President of the SLL and also one of the speakers at the Technical Session the next day.
I would like to congratulate Bobby Borland on an excellent year as Scottish Region Chairman, and also wish Darryl Bullock a great year as the new Chairman.
Thursday 9th May was the Past Presidents Meeting. Great to see Alsitair Scott ,Chris Hardy , Paddy Craven and Shaun Capper, our distinguished Past Presidents. Sorry Mark Burrows and Allan Howard had to give apologies . Watch out for the porposed nomination for the next Senior Vice President and a need for a replacement Vice President in the next E News letter.
The next event was the Midland Region Dinner Dance, held at the Forest of Arden Hotel and Golf Club on saturday 11th May.
Another opportunity for an enjoyable game of golf. Manged joint 1st with Dave Beniston, but lost on count back
I would like to congratulate John Hall and the committee on an exceptional event. After the dinner thjere was an Elton John Tribute band. Great songs and several pictures of people wearing silver or gold star shaped glasses! Everybody had a superb evening.
Friday 17th May was the North Eastern Dinner Dance, held at Durham and Emily Bolt's first official event as the new Chairman. Well done Emily and the committee. A super evening. Trix and I left early on Saturday to go to Suffolk for some time with Grandson. Fish and chips at Southwold on the Suffolk coast line. A lovely weekend with family.
I went to Rugby on 21st of May. No not to the ILP offices, but to he National Association of Memorail Masons (NAMM) for a city and guild exam on assessing graves in church yards. I work for a local authority and we have a number of closed church yards that have to be inspected. I am now qualified and classed as competent. As you can see, competency affects several areas of my work. Not just lighting!
Yesterday was the Lighting Industry Association Luncheon. I sat next to Bill Wright, the New Light Monger Master and Lou Bedocs. We got talking about LED's and how they may affect the human physiology. More research needed.
So that brings me up to date.
Bank Holdiay weekend, so I thought I would get this blog done now and leave the weekened for family.
I hope you all have a great Weekend. I would like to wish Alistair (Scott) and Mandy (soon to be Scott) all the best for their forth coming wedding. I hope all will go well for them.
Next week is the seventh and last Regional AGM. I will be in Ireland for three days. I am really looking forward to going over. Paddy Craven, I hope to have a whisky or guiness with you.
All the best and have a great week
Pete
In difficult times there is light at the end!
