On Monday 22nd November 2021, the Institute of Corrosion held its Annual General Meeting. This was an unusual year in that the AGM was on Monday instead of Thursday and this was the first “hybrid” AGM, with both in-person attendance and live streaming for those who could not physically attend. As ICorr Council had found with the 2020 AGM which was held virtually, this provided an opportunity for many more people to participate in the AGM. This year people joined the day’s events from as far away as Vietnam.
The in-person event took place in the Motorcycle Museum at the NEC in Birmingham, and the ability to look around the museum during the breaks was one of the attractions of the venue. All of the motorbikes were presented in gleaming condition and not a trace of corrosion anywhere. For those of us who always seem to be working with the “before” stage with corrosion, it was good to see the “after” condition with all parts restored, holes filled in and intact paint work.
The programme for the day was organised by the Midland Branch and began with an introduction to the training and courses that are currently offered by ICorr and the courses which are given through the Institute’s training partners. There were also three excellent technical presentations which certainly raised the awareness of the current status in those areas. Midland Branch would like to thank the ICorr speakers Chris Spence, Richard Edwards, John Fletcher and Kevin Harold for contributing to and delivering informative presentations on our current training and certification programmes, as well as our industrial speakers, Ian Southerton, Prafull Sharma and Jack Cornes for contributing to and delivering informative presentations.
The AGM itself was efficiently chaired by the President, Bill Hedges, who reminded us all that despite all the difficulties that the covid situation has caused, and in some areas is still causing, corrosion does not stop for pandemics, and that many ICorr members have continued to be extremely busy and this is reflected in the membership and the strong position of the Institute.
Tony Collins, our Honorary Treasurer presented the accounts and these reflected the healthy position of the Institute. Careful protection and investment of the funds was crucial in the current climate, and Tony was thanked for this prudent management.
The list of proposed Trustees and Council members for 2021 to 2022 was shown to the attendees, and all of the proposed were accepted unopposed. The President noted that Trevor Osborne had decided to stand down. Trevor was thanked for his immense contribution to ICorr, for organising and supervising the refurbishment of Corrosion House, managing the investment of ICorr funds (which were growing ahead of inflation), and for being a steadfast member of committees and a wise voice on Council.
The final activity for the AGM was the presentation of the H.G. Cole award. The award was given posthumously to Dr Bill Cox in recognition of his many years of service to the Institute.
Brian Wyatt gave a short speech about the award itself and explained why Bill Cox had been selected. This award has only been made to 4 people since its first recipient, Charles Booker, in 1997. Later recipients included Fed Palmer and Roger Hudson. The requirements for the award are:
• A long-term and consistent history of exceptional commitment to ICorr
• A contribution to enhancing the reputation and standing of ICorr
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To have enhanced the ability of ICorr to improve corrosion prevention and control, on a national and/or international basis, by sponsorship of innovation and/or the support of ICorr training and certification
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To have directly improved the fiscal position of the Institute and/or its offices and/or accommodation
Bill fulfilled these in spades! Within ICorr, Bill was President (1996 to 1998), a member of Council for 20 years, a member of the Training and Certification Governing Board (later PDTC) for 20 years, a member of both the Membership Development and Awards Committees, and he organised successful (and profitable) conferences and seminars on corrosion monitoring and related subjects.
He was critical of those who found it easier to spend ICorr’s funds than to help raise them. He was strong, technically very competent, honest and direct.
This award is particularly appropriate as Bill know Henry Cole well; as Bill started his career Henry was one of his mentors and in later years they would occasionally lunch in London. He is a worthy recipient.
As the fifth recipient of the award, Bill’s wife Anna and daughter Ella were present to receive the award from Brian Wyatt, and Anna Cox thanked the Institute for the award.
As there was no further business or questions from the attendees, the 2021 AGM was formally closed.
The day was considered a resounding success as a hybrid type attendance with in-person attendees and remote access to our members via Webinar. Special thanks to all members who attended, and all of the members who made this event possible.
