Around 37 members attended this year’s AGM held at Canterbury Cathedral on the 6 March.
Catherine Fearon (Chairperson) opened the AGM by outlining the successful year that the area had and identifying the goals that the area want to achieve in the coming year. Following this Trevor Clark and Steve Youell went through the treasurer’s report, national report and the secretary’s report respectively. Unfortunately the committee had to say goodbye to Kevin Clark (South East Water) who announced that he would be stepping down after the AGM. Kevin has been a loyal supporter of the Institute for many years and has taken on many roles on the committee including Chairman. Kevin was thanked for all of his work and presented with a parting gift by the area.
The AGM finished with a hand over ceremony from David Walton, the outgoing President to the new President Chris Edmondson (Southern Water). The committee also gladly welcomed David Port (Black &Vetch) as Vice-President. After accepting the chain of office Chris outlined his view of the coming year as President and the challenges that lay ahead within the industry. Our thanks to David for the job that he has performed as President and after Chris’s address we were left in no doubt that that commitment would be carried on over the coming year.
After lunch we were split into 3 groups for a tour of the Cathedral. Our group had a lovely elderly tour lady who had vast knowledge of religious history. Anybody caught talking or not listening was presented with a quiz question. Most of us got these completely wrong apart from Malcolm Hall who seemed to be able to match the tour lady’s knowledge! I believe that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and here’s to another exciting year.
