A relatively quiet period ensued after the Irish meetings, punctuated by local Association meetings and a Performance Awards meeting that the President attends in an official capacity.
In early June, I attended the Collection and Enforcement conference in Harrogate that, despite the financial constraints imposed in local government, was reasonably well supported. This was closely followed by the Wessex Association meeting in Beaulieu Motor Museum which commenced at 9.30am. The IRRV Chief Executive and I gave a brief update on topical issues affecting the Institute and left at 10.30am to return to the Rating and Surveyors lunch in the House of Lords, to support fellow Council Member Graham Ryall who has recently been elected as their President. Many congratulations and well done Graham.
The Welsh IRRV Annual Conference was again held in Llandrindod Wells and co-ordinated by the North Wales secretary Islwyn Lewis Jones and his colleagues in the North Wales Association. Another superb conference with a number of notable speakers including Paul Howarth, Paul Sanderson and David Magor - to name a few.
The annual East Anglian Association meeting was held in Great Yarmouth at the races with a number of our members looking for a “flutter”on the horses. From South Wales to Great Yarmouth and back in one day is challenging but nevertheless worthwhile to meet old colleagues and former students.
The week following the Association, I attended a Defas project meeting in Warsaw and opened a conference for Polish Valuers. I am sure the translators would have worked hard to contend with my accent!
I know I have mentioned previously that the Institute is regarded highly by other professional kindred organisations and this was evident in my conversations with other conference delegates.
I left the conference early to attend a House of Commons committee of inquiry on welfare reform, this being the second time the Institute has been requested to provide evidence. This would have been based on the submission from our Faculty Board and underlines the important contribution it makes to the Institute. It is fascinating to observe the political debate and for those interested, the presentation is available on the House of Commons website (reports for the 6th July 2011).
The South Eastern Dinner was hosted by their President and long term friend Patrick Knight in a marquee in Grantly Green. I must thank Pat for the most generous present received during my tenure as President. It was a record of Puff the Magic Dragon, a highly underrated production and the only time I have ever participated in karaoke (extremely badly).
The President’s Annual Reception was in the Churchill War Rooms, an amazing venue, with 250 in attendance. For those not there, it is well worth a visit when you are next in London.
Traditionally, the Reception coincides with the quarterly round of council meetings, and, for the first time, were held in the Institute’s new offices - all designed to save funds in the current climate.