Dear Fellows and Members
The pandemic in 2020 brought our planned programme of lecture meetings to a close early in the year and unfortunately continued to influence the regularity of meetings into 2021. Whilst meetings on line "plugged a hole" it was clear that there was not the same momentum as a physical meeting. In consequence the programme of lectures was seriously disturbed. We also found that there was a relucatance on the part of speakers to commit themselves even to a lecture on line. Hopefully that situation is now coming to an end with a move to more normality.
With a new start envisaged as the effects of the pandemic recede, I decided it was time for me to step aside and to hand over the Chairmanship to a younger person. Accordingly I stood down at the last AGM in the Spring 2022 and have handed the Chairmanship to Wael Nofal CEng MIMechE who specialises in structural mechanics, particularly in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry. He is supported by several new members on the Suffolk and N Essex Committee. I wish Wael and colleagues on the Committee a successful future and I hope that you will continue to support him in lecture meetings and committees.
I have enjoyed my period as Secretary and Chairman of the Suffolk and N Essex Area Committee where I have made new friends and have met many varied and interesting people. I look forward to meeting some of you again at future lecture meetings.
With my best wishes to members of the
Suffolk and North Essex Area of the I Mech E
Michael Allen
Past Chairman.