Institution of Mechanical Engineers

PATRON HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Eastern Region, South Essex Area

2008/ 2009 Programme - Chairman’s Letter

Dear Members and Fellows,

Let me start by introducing myself for my second year as Chairman of the South Essex Area of the Eastern Region.  I have been a member of the Institution for over 37 years and have been actively involved in many IMechE activities over that time.

I am also Chairman of the Automobile Division and since retiring from Ford Motor Company spend much of my time working on Alternative Energy for Low Carbon Vehicles and teaching students at Universities.

Once again we have put together a programme of lectures for our local members which are closely aligned to the Institution “Key Themes” defined by the Technical Strategy Board to provide more focus for Institution activities and to allow us to provide a simpler explanation of the priorities of engineers to the media and public.

The Key Themes are:

Energy – Environment – Transport – Education

              Last year we had a successful programme of events around our theme of “The Year of the Environment” and I hope that you enjoyed any of our lectures which you attended. South Essex Area has decided to continue this approach and present a series of lectures this year which address “Energy and Transport”. We hope that you will find something to interest you in all our lectures and look forward to welcoming you to our meetings. Details of all events and venues are shown on the enclosed programme card.

In closing, I would like to thank all the Committee Members of the South Essex Area for their hard work over the years in organising the programme of events. I would particularly thank Mike Cable who has recently stepped down as Treasurer after more than 10 years of excellent service to the South Essex Area. We wish Mike all the best with his future free time, but will not be saying goodbye to him quite yet as Mike will be presenting the after dinner lecture at our first social event in October. This is a return appearance by Mike arising from the popularity of the last presentation he made, so I am sure it will be most enjoyable.

Please feel free to contact me or any of the Committee members if you have suggestions for improving our future events or if you would be willing to join us in organising them.

I look forward to welcoming you to our meetings which I hope you will find interesting and enjoyable.

With best regards

Prof. Richard Folkson

Chairman – South Essex Area