Secunda Branch
Like most of the previous months this year so far August was no different and again we have provided for the needs of our members.
Our monthly meeting sponsored by ACI had an attendance of almost 45. This was the first meeting at the premises of Wika, and we were afraid that the change might cause a disruption, which could result in fewer members attending.
The meeting also saw some changes to the format with Marius van Rooyen from the Vaal Triangle presenting to us new principles of measuring gas emissions. Instead of the normal formal type presentations we had a very informal discussion. He was hammered with questions from the floor on almost every aspect of gas monitoring. What was intended to be a new technology discussion in the end turned out to include velocity, temperature and flow measurement discussion. Everyone shared ideas and experiences and he had to really dig into his past 18 years of experience in the field for answers. Proving the fact that book knowledge will never be a true replacement for plant on-hand experience. All of the attendees surely have benefited from the evening.
On the 23rd we hosted a spit braai for our golf day sponsors. We brought in some specialists from Mpumalanga Utility Services to show us how it is supposed to be done. They proved to us that all those recipes involving the injection of sauces and herbs into the meat are not adding to the flavour. They did not use any salt or any herbs or spices but allowed the wood and smoke to add the required flavour. I have never tasted sheep as tender as that which was put on the table for us. Sorry for the guys who could not make it, I am sure you will not miss it next time.
Thanks to the Johannesburg Branch for the invite to their golf day. The Secunda Branch will definitely have some representatives and spies there on the day. We have warned the guys that will be there to make sure to have their umbrellas handy. I believe there is a mini golf course at hand in the Bolders Shopping Centre if the rain becomes a problem.
Our year-end function will be held on the 16 November and, like last year, it promises to be a memorable event. Members from all other branches are invited to book a place before it is all sold out. Details will be forwarded to all Branch Chairmen soon.
On 18 October we will host our last meeting for the year, and Alpret will host the evening for our members. Make sure that you attend the evening - we may have a surprise up our sleeve.
Remember to order your SAIMC golf shirt and cap! (Batch orders of more than 50 will receive some discount.)
The Secunda Branch - a force not to be taken lightly.
Piet van Rensburg ( Chairman)
Johannesburg Branch
The infamous Al Capone once said that if something happens once, it happens. If it happens a second time, it is a coincidence, and if it happens a third time, it is definitely enemy action. The SAIMC Branch news for the Johannesburg Branch has been left out of this publication for the second time; we are convinced that it is a matter of pure coincidence.
Our recent visit to the National Metrology Laboratories in Pretoria must rate as one of the highlights of our year. Seldom are guests treated better than we were treated by the wonderful people at the CSIR and you will not see so much technology and internationally traceable standards under one roof anywhere else on this continent. If it does exist, please tell me, so that we can go there and experience it.
It just saddens me that every time the Johannesburg Committee organises an event such as this, the general apathy and total disinterest from our members shines so bright that it dulls the glow of the actual event itself. I have to go so far as to say that even some of the esteemed members of our committee are not always over-anxious to partake in these functions. Guys, I know you live hectic lives and you have budgets, deadlines, meetings, wife, kids and bosses to please, but can we please try to make time?
Another matter that I feel just has to be touched on is the recent Golf Day/Spit Braai organised by the Secunda Branch to thank all their sponsors for their participation in the Secunda Branch Golf Day that took place on 31 May. Piet van Rensburg and his team spared no expense and went to great lengths to make this 'thank you' event a success and, what happened? Nobody came!
Piet is too much of a gentleman to say anything, but from the Chairman of the Johannesburg Branch to those who chose to ignore their invite, I say, 'bad form'. It is inexcusable for professional people in this day and age to flick their chins at such a gesture. To Piet and his team, thank you guys, it was an excellent function.
As the year winds down (again!) the meetings and functions are happening fast and furious: our annual Golf Day is around the corner on 26 October. If you have not reserved your 4-ball at the time this publication reaches you, chances are that it is too late, but there might still be a few left. Hurry!
November will be the last meeting of the year, and like last November we have a great surprise for our members with a totally off-the-wall function to be held on 14 November at Rivonia. Keep an eye out for the invite closer to the time.
Johan Steyn (Chairman)
General announcements
Annual banquet
The date for the annual SAIMC Banquet is set for Wednesday, 7 November 2001.
Venue: Bryanston Country Club, Bryanston, Sandton, Gauteng.
Functions of the secretariat
The functions of the secretariat of the South African Institute of Measurement & Control (SAIMC) have been now been assumed by Cost Time Resource. This contractor will now handle all secretarial functions, including membership management. Should you have any secretarial queries, you can contact Chris, Brian or Gillian at CTR. Their contact details are as follows:
Cost Time Resource
18 Kangnussie Road, Blairgowrie, Randburg
Tel/fax: (011) 888 7163
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