West Midlands Association function

The first official function as President has now passed almost without event which I will explain later. On the evening, I left the room punctually only to return at high speed - no not pre event nerves - I forgot the ceremonial chain of office.  

Firstly, I would like to thank the West Midlands Association for kindly inviting me to their function and for their superb hospitality. Secondly, I would also like to thank the Association’s President Anne Bradbury and her family for being excellent company on the night. My earlier comment that the evening almost passed without event, refers to my announcing the Lancashire and Cheshire President as being Colin Farrell as opposed to John and please accept my apologies for the slip.

The enthusiasm and energy of some people never cease to me amaze me. The evergreen Barry Powell managed to locate a party of young ladies on a hen night and proceeded to dance the night away with them. I would also like to thank him for not leading any of the attendees astray by sharing them !!

A message from Kerry, our new President :

I would firstly like to thank the immediate past president Geoff Fisher for his kind words, support and for the advice provided when sharing his experiences of his presidential year with me. Geoff was a model president and the Institute was in safe hands during his tenure and I intend to continue in that vein. Each president brings to the office their own unique style and whilst mine will be different to Geoff’s, I hope it will be as equally effective.

As is tradition, the Presidential handover occurred on the Awards night (Thursday) of the conference week and I was heartened by the congratulations given by many institute members and I hope to be able to catch up with as many members as possible at the various events during the next year.

I was delighted to be allowed to move unaided to the front of the stage. For those of you that have attended any of the Institute’s student revision courses at either Keele or Caerleon you will have noticed that strategically Bob Trahern and Gary Watson locate me at the back of the stage, during what could be loosely described as the “entertainment”. In my view they see me as a threat to their roles. However, I have been reliably advised that I am deluding myself and am simply uncoordinated or more bluntly,  rubbish and this is the least damaging location.

However, I look forward to my new role and position. In addition, am preparing myself to represent the Institute at professional events and championing our cause in particular with the proposals for 21^st Century benefits.

My first official event follows quite quickly on Saturday the 9^th October and is the West Midland dinner dance and pictures of the event will be on the blog next week. I very much look forward to meeting old friends, new and old colleagues and their guests at the events during the forthcoming months.

Kerry pictured with Bob and Gary

Kerry becomes IRRV President 2010-11 Please note that a full set of photographs from IRRV Annual Conference is available from ARM Photography - follow the link here for more details.