Description
WESTERN REGION, DEVON AND SOMERSET AREA
23rd April 2026 at 18:30 for 19:00 at Bridgwater College, Advanced Engineering Centre, BN115/116 second floor of the AEC. TA6 4PZ
Memorial Lecture - Nuclear
Memorial Synopsis
We are hosting a technical lecture in honour and memory of two exceptional volunteers and leaders in the Western Region
In memory of John Earp and Ian Parsons
John Earp, a highly respected Nuclear Consultant and Fellow of both the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Nuclear Institute, dedicated more than 40 years to the nuclear industry. His knowledge, leadership and commitment made a lasting impact across the sector.
John began his career as a mechanical apprentice with the CEGB in 1964 and rose to become Generation Manager at British Energy, retiring in 2001. He held numerous engineering, technical and managerial roles across AGR and Magnox stations, developing deep expertise in the UK Nuclear Site Licence, nuclear safety, and international reactor technologies through his work with INPO in the United States.
Following retirement, John established his own consultancy, helping organisations shape their nuclear strategies. He played an important part in establishing the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and served briefly as interim Director of Nuclear Safety. Later, with Aker Solutions (now Jacobs), he supported the development of an innovative accelerator-driven thorium reactor concept.
John also contributed to major national programmes, including serving on Horizon Nuclear’s Pre‑licence Nuclear Safety Committee for the Anglesey new‑build project, and advising the UK’s Chief Nuclear Inspector on the implications of Fukushima in 2011.
He was a committed supporter of professional institutions, serving on key IMechE committees, chairing the Devon and Somerset Area Committee, and authoring the Institution’s Policy Statement on Small Modular Reactors.
For nearly a decade, Ian Parsons served as Chairman of the IMechE Western Region and Bath & Bristol Area, providing outstanding leadership and energy to the region. Even after handing over the formal chairmanship in 2020, he continued to support the region strongly in the background, remaining a driving force behind the highly successful Cheltenham Science Festival exhibit for many years. Ian led by example — actively organising and attending events, mentoring committee members, championing Women in Engineering initiatives, and strengthening ties with industry and the wider community. His long-standing commitment, quiet professionalism, and generous support left a lasting legacy across the Western Region and the Institution as a whole.
Donations to the British heart foundation would be greatly received, please donate via link below:
https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/donate/your-donation/get-started
Speaker Bio – Richard Machray:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-machray-ceng-fimeche-vr-2253a85/
Richard is an Engineering Director within the Amentum Energy portfolio, where he is involved in leading the technical delivery of projects and programmes across the nuclear new build sector. With over 20 years experience in the nuclear sector, he has delivered multi-disciplinary projects across the UK and Europe including in defence nuclear, and GW / SMR nuclear new build.
Richard is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and actively works to ensure early years engineers are given the opportunities to enable them to gain their professional accreditation at the earliest chance.
Talk:
This talk will give an overview of the state of both Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR) technologies that are currently available or could be available for any potential future deployment in the UK for connection to the electricity grid or for use by private developers. 
Venue - Bridgwater College, Advance Engineering Centre, Bridgwater Campus, Bath Road, Bridgwater TA64PZ.
Time: 1830 meet for refreshments and registration, talk starts 1900
Booking: Please visit the Nearyou website, see links below.
https://nearyou.imeche.org/near-you/UK/Western/Devon-and-Somerset-Area/event-detail?id=23589
Talk 40-50 minutes, with Q&A.
Parking: Ample Free parking, barrier will be raised for the event
What Three Words – Location of AEC Car Park.
https://w3w.co/pace.hurricane.year
Bridgwater College, Advanced Engineering Centre, BN115/116 second floor of the AEC. TA6 4PZ
56 parking places available outside the AEC with overflow parking at the Health & Fitness Block.