» Issue 4: Spring 2006

Presidents' Report

Barry Brooks

WITH THIS even more vibrant issue of Imperial Engineer – well done Bill, Lynn and the editorial team – you will receive the calling notice for CGCA’s AGM on 24 May. I hope that as many of you as possible can attend to meet my successor, John Banyard. My last two years as your president have gone quickly as we have bedded in the changes that were necessary with the formation of the Faculty of Engineering. Teresa is fully up to speed as our Chapter Manager – proving that we could not do without her.

Imperial Engineer is a good example of this collaboration, allowing us to communicate with C&GC and RSM alumni and with students and staff of today’s Faculty of Engineering which now has engineers of all specialisms.

Did you see the good news? May I take this opportunity to congratulate Past-President Sir Colin Terry on being awarded a Fellowship of Imperial College? He has been at the heart of what we have been doing to take CGCA, and the Chapter, into the 21st century.

As we continue to evolve, one change that seems sensible is to support the development of the departmental societies by nominating CGCA ‘departmental’ alumni representatives to provide advice and links between industry and those societies. For those who would like to play a role here, please contact Teresa.

Since the last edition of Imperial Engineer, we have provided several prestige events. Morton Neal’s reception and private viewing of the Dérain London paintings and other works of art at the Courtauld Institute of Art was enjoyed by nearly 200 of us. In March, 154 Guildsmen, Guildswomen and guests were entertained in the magnificent Ironmongers’ Hall for our Annual Dinner at which Lord David Ramsbotham spoke.

Before you turn the page, may I leave you with a question? Imperial is celebrating its centenary in 2007 (yes, I know that this is 10 years after CGCA’s) and we have been asked to generate ideas to mark the occasion. On the one hand, the College and the Faculty are looking for significant building projects, such as a modern Aero and Mech Eng building on Exhibition Road, and/or improved student common rooms, or a new Faculty students’ union office to replace the ex-store-room currently allocated to CGCU. But could we in CGCA fund something such as a CGCA scholarship, taking the work of the Old Centralian Trust one or two stages further? Such a scheme would show how our 110 year old Association can support engineering students of the 21st century in the most useful way. What do you think? Could you help – with funds and fundraising?

Roger Clegg

AS YOU will see from this edition of Imperial Engineer, it has been a busy time for both the RSM and the Association over the last few months with the Association Annual Dinner, the Christmas Ball and the Bottle Match. From my perspective, it is very encouraging to see that these events have had excellent turnout from both students and alumni reflecting the continuing strong bond between them. Part of the reason for this strength has been the efforts of the outgoing President of the RSM, Leah Glass and her team, who have been extremely diligent, professional and great fun during my first year as President. Many thanks and best of luck with your exams and careers. Saying that, I must welcome in the new President, Seb Turner – you’ve got big shoes to fill!

As I touched on in my last editorial, the membership of the RSMA is spread over 73 countries which represents some logistical challenges in keeping alumni informed and updated as well as I would like. As such, I have the pleasure to announce that the new RSMA website will be launched in early summer. I hope that it will provide a source of news and information (including Imperial Engineer) as well as being used by alumni to keep in contact with the RSMA and each other.

I finish with sad news of the death of Peter Harding earlier this year (see obituary page 27). A truly amazing man, he became President of Chaps in 1945, President of Mines and a member of Links a year later, a member of the 22 Club in 1946 and Imperial College President in 1947. I first met Peter in my first term of college in 1990. He was a perfect gentleman, drank me under the table, had an real zest for life, plus he knew all the words to Eskimo Nell. To me, if you had to define what it is to be an RSM Miner, I’d just mention Peter Harding.