December Update from Kerry - and a very Happy Christmas!

Myself, the Chief Executive,  Deputy Chief Executive and Carol Cutler (Chair of Commercial Services) met with the retiring Ombudsman Tony Redmond to thank him for his support of the Institute. Before I provide any further details on the event it is worth reminding all that the Ombudsman is one of the most revered officers in public administration. When asked by him what my choice of sweet would be : the intention was to request sticky toffee pudding however, being tongue tied I asked for “a stiffy” please. Needless to say I was unable to correct my choice with dignity due to the laughter of my colleagues.

November and December is accompanied by a plethora of functions and I recall the prophetic words of previous presidents who have advised me of their burgeoning waistline due to the social aspect of the role. The first being the Rating Surveyors Association in the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly. The event was well supported by many members of the Institute who have membership of the Association and well hosted by the current President John Elcox and many thanks to him for the hospitality extended by the Association.

The following day myself and the Chief Executive were invited to the Association of Chief Estates Surveyors and Property Managers (ACES) in the Fishmongers Hall near London Bridge. ACES represents around 250 public sector bodies and has approximately 300 participating  members. The Immediate Past President Geoff Fisher presented the 2010 IRRV Performance Award for Excellence in Valuation and cited ACES as "punching well above its weight in professional property and valuation circles".   I would also thank the current President Paul Over for the kind invite to the event and if future events follow the standards already set, I feel adjustable waist trousers will be the order of the day!!

The recent Scottish Association’s meeting was in Dumfries and despite the prevailing weather conditions the meeting was well supported. As President it is a traditional to present a “State of the Nation Address” regarding the current status and activities of the Institute. The evening entertainment comprised a Chinese buffet followed by a karaoke or at least that was the plan. Unfortunately, despite the best endeavours of staff, the equipment would not work. However, we did decant to a local hostiliary and myself and the Scottish President (Brian Jeffrey) delivered a magnificent duet to "Daydream Believer" - that is unless you were there and experienced the moment - you may have had a different opinion!

I also attended the London and Home Counties Association quiz hosted by Gary Watson. Although not an official Presidential event, our team of myself, Nick Rowe and Louise Freeth managed a creditable fourth place with my contributions amongst others being the answers to “What was Emily Bishop’s maiden name in Coronation Street" and "What was the Christian name of Noele Gordon’s character in Crossroads?”   I really must get out more !!  

On the 27^th November we attended the East Midlands Association’s dinner dance at the Breadsall Priory Country Club and Hotel in Derby. (SEE EAST MIDLANDS PHOTOS BELOW!) An excellent venue and, despite the weather conditions, most attendees made the venue. The Association’s President Mike Carr presided over the event and my gratitude to him and his family for their company during the evening. The President’s chosen charity was the Alzheimer’s Association and the event raised a substantial sum for the charity.   Well done to everybody.    The only criticism of the event is that no-one rigged the raffle for the President to win a prize.   I mention that failing now to enable the other Associations to remedy the situation at their events! 

Unfortunately, the impact of the snow in Scotland resulted in their Annual Benefits Conference in Crieff scheduled for the 1^st/2^nd December to be postponed and will now be delivered in the New Year.

The East Midlands Association’s Annual Christmas lunch was in Oakham in Rutland and was an opportunity to partake in another superb lunch but - again - in the raffle I was a failure, unlike Gary Watson who won a prize. I recall in his Presidential year he monopolised the raffle prizes at such events.   It was however a pleasure to present Catherine Ellis with her I.R.R.V (Honours) certificate.  Congratulations Catherine and best wishes for the future.

The following day 10^th December involved a meeting at Headquarters of the Performance Awards Panel to discuss the criteria and categories for the forthcoming year. I am sure the awards will be as highly contested as in previous years and look forward to applications from the authorities of readers of the blog.

…….And finally, my last official event of the current year attendance at the Scottish Committee of Inquiry and in the evening the Scottish Association President’s (Brian Jeffrey's) Christmas Reception.   (SEE SCOTLAND PHOTOS BELOW!) The venue was an establishment called the Underground which was described by Fraser Macpherson as a unique venue. He was correct, when you could find the establishment!    During the evening Brian was presented with an award in recognition of his tenure on IRRV National Council.   I was fortunate that he was allocated to my committee, Education and Membership, and his contributions were invaluable.   As Brian has now retired, I wish both him and his wife all the best for their future years together. Don’t forget to keep in touch !!

The year 2010 has flown by at a meteoric pace and I am sure 2011 will be as busy. A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to one and all and I look forward to seeing you next year at Institute events.