President Phil Peel reflects on a busy start to his term

I’m pleased to be able to write this edition of From Birdcage Walk. It’s amazing how quickly the time is passing in my presidential year. It seems just a short while since I took over the reins from Peter Flinn in May and here we are already on the run-up to Christmas.

I’ve been able to attend some really fantastic events so far and privileged to represent the Institution in promoting engineering. These have covered the summer season of challenges (Formula Student, UAS Challenge), where I have witnessed true passion for engineering, innovation in practice and the spirit of teamwork. I acknowledge the commitment shown by all teams in competing. 

I also had the chance to attend and highlight the excellent work of our Covid Taskforce and PICS team in fighting Covid at a parliamentary event hosted by Amanda Solloway MP. I had the opportunity to visit Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil and, hosted by Mike Overd, met some of our members who work there.  

I also acted as judge at the Tom Nevard Memorial Competition organised by the Defence Academy of the UK MOD. One of several categories was to design and build a folding bike and trailer that could be air-dropped to assist casualty extraction. The final test drop from the top of a REME mobile crane was not survived by many teams but provided some real-life lessons of developing and manufacturing against a tight timeline and tough specification. However, it was great fun to watch!

And I have also had the opportunity to spend time with our members and hear from them directly what is important to them. Being based in Switzerland, I was delighted to join the local members as they celebrated our 175th anniversary with a visit to the Feldschlösschen brewery. There’s a lot more engineering involved in brewing than you’d think.

One of the goals of my year is to extend our global reach and promote the activities of our international members.  An important step forward in empowering our members in this was a multi-day event held in September at our One Birdcage Walk headquarters, collectively referred to as the International Extravaganza. It combined networking opportunities and break-out discussion sessions as well as some social time. After the long period of virtual working, it helped to cement personal contacts again and provide a springboard to launching future activities. I would like to highlight the tremendous effort of all the staff, especially Anjali Blagbrough, in running this event. Without all their efforts it would not have been the incredible success that it was.

And in closing, I would like to extend a special thanks to a very special person in the Institution. Joan Gibbins, known to many of us, is retiring after many long years of faithful service. It would not be possible to count the number of people who have been guided, supported and nurtured by her over the years. She was rightly honoured several years ago as a Companion of the Institution to reflect the very high esteem in which she is held by all across the Institution. I wish her a well-earned rest and all the best in her retirement. Her cheerful manner and desire to help everyone will certainly be sorely missed. Joan, thank you from all of us in the Institution.