We often hear of the November/December period being referred to as the ‘Silly Season’.
Well, with all the year-end functions and the rush to complete everything in time, I have to agree with this description. Experience tells us that ‘if you want something done, give it to someone who is very busy and it will get done.’
Johan van Jaarsveld
National Council banquet
Every year this event becomes larger and more enjoyable than the year before, borne out by the fact that this year the prestigious Rand Club’s main dining room was filled to the brim with 220 seated guests. This 105-year-old venue with its colonial atmosphere and a combination of the Transvaal Scottish Pipers and the world famous keynote speaker, Professor David Block, was always going to provide a recipe for success.
For the past eight years Kessie Coetzee has voluntarily applied her expertise and given of her time to organise this event. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Kessie for not only her assistance with the banquet but also all her hard work during the annual Golf Day hosted by the Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC.
Apart from the National Council year-end event, functions were held by all our branches and their sub-branches. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Durban, Secunda and Johannesburg events that were very well attended and enjoyed by all.
Although the year is over the work has not stopped. High level discussions with various tertiary education institutions together with curriculum planning and IIG assistance has been taking place over the past few weeks. Plans and activities for 2010 to 2012 are being finalised. Our appreciation goes to the individuals and their sponsoring companies for the assistance given with the guest lecture programme, which has been rolled out in most of our Universities of Technology countrywide.
The Johannesburg branch recently explored the myths, legends and facts (liberally peppered with Irish/Liverpool humour) and tasted the grains used in brewing different beers at their recent Technology evening with a difference – a visit to Gilroys Brewery. Also investigated of course were the health benefits of drinking beer and members were given a step by step overview of the brewing process, along with the final quality check using an unusual measuring instrument called a ‘tongue’. Gil Gilroy (above) raises a glass enthusiastically
On that note: I would like to wish you, our members and your families, all the best over this festive season. Thank you for the support that you have given to our Institute. May 2010 be your best year yet.
Durban branch
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