News from the Institute Branches – February 2012
East Midlands Branch: East Midlands Branch reactivated
Bryan Webb reports
The first East Midlands Branch meeting for many years took place at NDT Services Ltd on 18 January.It had been said at the first committee meeting that if we could attract ten people to the first meeting (including the committee) we would be pleased. Well, 39 people turned up!
Andy Ward and Tim Creswell of NDT Services had to quickly find some more chairs, but fortunately there was enough food and drink to go round.
The presentation by Steve Lavender, BINDT President, was: ‘The future of BINDT’ .
Steve started with how the Institute was formed in 1976 from other smaller societies, its mission to promote and advance the science and practice of NDT and its motto: ‘To search, to find, to know’. The true motto is actually in Latin but Steve promulgated the idea that the English version should be used.
The Institute started in Northampton at 1 Spencer Parade, and in 2010 relocated to the University of Northampton.
It is a limited company and a registered charity run by a council of elected volunteers and a permanent staff of 25.
The council structure consists of a president and elected members and, importantly, Branch representatives have a voice on the council.
BINDT is a focal point for all matters related to NDT and condition monitoring, providing a treasure trove of knowledge and expertise, including training and examination, technical and research, conferences and publications, and career development up to full degrees in NDT via the University of Northampton.
“Don’t ask what the Institute can do for you!” said Steve Lavender, “Join and see what you can do to influence NDT from your point of view and expertise via Branches, committees and ultimately the council.”
And BINDT has a new strategy for the future – will you be part of it?
The evening finished with a tour of NDT Services’ new facility at Victory Park, Derby.
I would like to thank Graham Tomlinson, Phil Morris (who was presented with a badge for his 50 years as a member) and their staff, who kindly supported the inaugural meeting of the reactivated Branch for the East Midlands. Also, to all of you who attended, please support the rest of our meetings for this session, and if you would like to suggest ideas for meetings please contact a member of the committee.
Certificates of attendance will be emailed to all attendees for CPD points.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 15 February 2012 at Castle Donington.
