September has been a very quiet month for the Secunda branch. With the plant shut down at Sasol we have decided not to plan any activities. We therefore have left out comments for the journal to the Johannesburg branch. They always complained that their stories and reports are not placed and we are scared that they will blame it on the Secunda branch for taking up all the available space. I just hope that it is not the excuse used by the other branches.
Our monthly meeting sponsored by Alpret had an attendance of almost 40. This was the first meeting at Standerton, our satellite branch. Greg Smook, a specialist in Coriolis flow measurement principle, answered all our questions that still remained in our minds. It is clear that in the very near future new plant will be fitted with these devices only and all other measurements will be obtained from them. Carel Stoop and his team had really gone out of their way to make everyone welcome at the meeting and we had great discussions afterwards whilst having something to eat and drink.
Thanks to the Johannesburg branch for the invite to their golf day. The Secunda Branch sent over two teams to participate in their so-called event of the year. We have warned the guys to have their umbrellas handy, and this was in the end true again. We could only manage to finish nine holes and got back to the clubhouse all soaking wet and cold. We believe that they now want to move the day to a different month. Good thinking because it is now the second or third year in a row that the day rained. They must just do it very soon and announce their plans, bearing in mind that the Eskom C&I golf day is the end of January, the Secunda branch has theirs in May and the Witbank branch is planning theirs in September. At our last committee meeting we have decided to send out personal invites to members of the Johannesburg branch committee to catch a few tips. Guys your day was very enjoyable and I believe a great success, we fully enjoyed ourselves and will be there again next year, come rain or snow.
Our year-end function was held on the 16th of November, concluding our branch activities for this year. We plan to have our AGM on 17 January 2002, after which we will plan the activities for next year.
As this will be the last publication for this year, the Secunda branch wishes members of the Institute, other branches and council all the best for 2002. A big thanks to Technews for the support throughout this year. This remains the best magazine and voice of the Institute to our members.
Witbank branch
Yes they are alive and things are picking up nicely. Under the chairmanship of Pieter Smit they had two committee meetings and Instrotec hosted a sponsored evening for their members. If this could have been delayed for a few days I could have reported on their second evening planned for 13 November. The Secunda chairmen held an informative chat with interested people at Kendal Power Station and on the day 15 new applications for membership were received.
Remember to order your SAIMC golf shirt and cap!
Batch orders of more than 50 will receive some discount.
The Secunda branch - we have warned you!
Piet van Rensberg (Chairman)
© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved
printer friendly version