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National AGM 23rd June 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 23:47:00 +0100

For Full details of our National AGM please click on the link below

Your Link

2012 National Annual General Meeting will be hosted by our Staffs & Midlands Branch on Saturday 23rd June 2012 at:

Q Hotels Telford Hotel & Golf Resort

Great Hay Drive

Sutton Heights

Telford

TF7 4DT

Tel 01952 429 977

Ask For Bridgette

Family and friends who have not visited this stunning beautiful area may also wish to tour the Ironbridge Gorge during the Saturday whislt the members attend the AGM.

For further details please contact Bill or Sean Gregory at bill@logisticstrainingservices.co.uk

National Council Meeting

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Trentham Gardens,

Stoke Premier Inn,

Trentham Gardens,

Stone Road,

Stoke onTrent

ST4 8JG

National Chairmans' Diary

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:38:53 +0000

National Chairman’s Diary

September: After the National Council meeting in Stafford, Marion and I headed down to La Lavandou in the South of France, stopping on the way down at Dijon. We had a great holiday, relaxing by the sea with the odd glass of wine.

October: Back after our two-week break it was time to travel up the North Road to Pontefract to join members of the Yorkshire Branch for their annual Ladies night at The Kyte Hotel, Darrington. We arrived fairly early to find that Ken and Joyce Morgan and David and Brenda Wynne had beaten us to it. Only one thing to do, meet in the bar. We were joined quite quickly by Jim and Joan Jump and members of the Yorkshire Branch including Keith and Doreen Sykes, who had flown over from Spain for the occasion. As they say in the muck-shifting world “the craic was fierce”. All too soon it was time to get changed for the evening. A nice meal, short speeches, good music and good company, all the ingredients for a successful evening.

Our thanks to David and Gillian and the Yorkshire Branch committee.

November :The first Friday was the date for the Glasgow Branch Gentlemen’s Evening.We had travelled up on Friday morning, the A1 running quite smoothly, crossing the country via the A66, onto the M6 and then on to Glasgow. The Crowne Plaza is on the banks of the Clyde in a quite picturesque location, with the BBC Scotland offices on the opposite bank. After a cup of tea it was time to get changed. Marion and Carole were going out to dinner with Ruby Longmuir and Trish Cochrane while I had been invited to the Top Table at the Gentlemen’s evening. First, a visit to the bar for a drink and chat with Hugh Brown and Alan Toale, then upstairs to join the Top Table guests.We were piped in and served a very good meal, the Glasgow Chairman Don Cochrane presented their Apprentice of the Year with his award and it was time for the speeches. All I can say is “how do they do it”! Jokes and stories flowed like the wine. A fine evening and I was congratulated on wearing my St George’s bow tie and cufflinks.

Our thanks to Don and Trish Cochrane and John and Ruby Longmuir and the Glasgow Branch committee for making us so welcome.

The Annual PEMIC awards took place at Birmingham City University on the 16th. Gerry Bingham had arranged for National Officers and Branch Representatives to attend. I met National Treasurer Gerry Hill and Life President Frank Fiveash along with Peterborough & District Branch Representative Mary Lancaster at Gerry’s house for a light lunch prepared by Carole Hill, then we all travelled to Birmingham for the evening awards ceremony. The foyer was jam-packed with delegates while we waited for the event to start. We were soon seated and National Vice Chairman Professor David Edwards started the ball rolling by announcing the recipients, including Neville Rowell, long time Branch Secretary, of the Silver Medals followed by the prestigious Gold Medals, among the awardees were Chris Miller our National Registrar, and Vic Spilliard, from our Staffs & Midlands Branch. Once again, a different meal, but the good company of fellow CMPE members. The comedians were working hard, hampered by a ‘hardly-up-to-it’ sound system. My thanks to Gerry Bingham for co-ordinating this event and to PEMIC for all the hard work involved.

28th November: Barns Hotel, Cannock was the venue for the Stafford College Apprentice Awards. Marion accompanied me to this special evening. There were approximately sixty people to see these two young men receive their awards. Staffs and Midlands Branch have been holding this awards evening for many years. Photos of CMPE stalwarts Neville Rowell, Chris Miller, Mike Clancy, David Fielden and Andy Webb were among many presenters over the years.

Pat Perry assisted by Pete Roberts both of Stafford College, outlined the events leading up to these awards with excerpts from their college reports. The Staffs and Midlands Branch provide two shields and an amount of money which goes towards tools for the two winners. Jamie Trewen, of A P Webb Ltd was the winner of the Level 3 award and Robert Davies from Land & Water Grp was the winner of the Level 2 award. Friends, family and work colleagues led the congratulations to the worthy winners. Well done to everybody involved.

Next on the evening agenda was a presentation by Sean O’Hara, Midlands Area Sales Manager with Liebherr, videos of the extensive product range were shown. The after sales side of things were summed up by Service Supervisor Jamie Rushton. We saw that a queue was forming which meant that the buffet was ready and the plate of Beef and Ale Pie went down very well. Liebherr had provided some models and Pens for the Raffle and I think that everybody went home with something from Liebherr.

My thanks to Neville Rowell and the Staffs & Midlands Branch members, for making Marion and I so very welcome.

December : Marion and I were invited to the Aberdeen Branch Annual Dinner Dance and so we were looking forward to that. We thought that letting the Train take the Strain sounded pretty good, so for the first time for many years we took the “Rattler” from Peterborough to Aberdeen. The taxi arrived pretty early on the Friday morning and surprisingly we were ready. The train was on time, our seats were reserved and off we went, at Durham a gang of Ladies joined us, they were off to Edinburgh for a hen weekend. I couldn’t believe the things they discussed but with a bottle of champagne to start and then Vodka cocktails it was all in good fun! We had to change trains at Edinburgh which meant a short walk to the next platform, and a pretty much uneventful journey to the Granite City. We checked in, said hello to some of the Aberdeen members and then went to get ready for the evening.

The pre-dinner reception was held in the Bothy Suite and who should be there but a CMPE stalwart John Melville, who was celebrating his birthday that very day. We were joined by Malcolm and Margaret Webb, the Aberdeen Branch Chairman Bill Galley and Vice Chairman Jim Willliamson and their Ladies. After a drink and chat it was time to be piped into the Dining Hall. Some 180 members and guests slow clapped us in, the ladies looking splendid in their frocks and some of the men didn’t look too bad either. The meal was Scotch Broth or Melon, Turkey and all the traditional trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. All served piping hot! Then it was time for the speeches which were short and to the point. The Top table then left the Hall while the table was cleared for dancing. The band, which was sponsored by D & E Mackay, were called The Brothers. They kept the dance floor busy all evening with John Melville showing the youngsters that he can still cut quite a dash. During the band interval the tombola, with over 300 prizes to be won, was drawn. There was an extra draw for an iPod, which had been donated by Miller Plant. Steve Brickie had donated a round of Golf for four players at Donald Trumps controversial new course. This was auctioned by Steve Mackay and went for the princely sum of £1300.00. The Brothers took their instruments for the rest of the evening which finished at 2.00am.

Our train home didn’t leave ‘til 1.00pm so we were not too early for breakfast. Then it was time to pack and make our goodbyes. The first part of the journey was fairly quiet but things changed at Newcastle where Chelsea had beaten the Magpies. We had a fairly strident Chelsea supporter sitting quite close to us and he found an Arsenal fan to taunt, the banter was quite good and made the trip seem shorter. All in all a brilliant couple of days, splendid hosts and very good company. The Scots certainly know how to have a good time. Work hard and then play could be their motto. The Glasgow Dinner and Aberdeen Dinner Dance are certainly evenings that following National Chairman should do their best to attend.

Marion and I were guests of the Peterborough Branch for their annual Christmas Dinner at The Fox, nr Thrapston. Being back with members of your own branch is quite a change, although guests we were able to join in with the banter from Ed Hudson and Branch Chairman Mike Lambert. We took along a quiz which seems to have become a tradition at the Christmas function, I may have had too much to drink because I can’t remember who won it!

May I take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for Christmas and may the New Year bring you Health, Wealth and Good Fortune.

January 2012:The Thistle Hotel, Poole was our destination for New Years Eve. We had spent Christmas with our children and Grandchildren taking in “Last Night of the Christmas Proms” in Manchester along the way.

We made the journey to Glasgow for the Burns Supper laid on by the Glasgow Branch. Never having any idea what was in store we were welcomed by John Longmuir who set our minds at ease. It was not to be a formal dress evening although Don Cochrane was sporting his Highland dress. There were two speakers, who between them, gave the address to “The Haggis”, “Tam O’Shanter”, and so many others. I can say that I’ve not laughed so much or for so long for a long time. Would I go again? Like a shot, with many branches no longer holding a dinner dance perhaps a visit to the Glasgow Branch Burns Supper or the Aberdeen Branch Dinner Dance would make a splendid change.

February: The first National Council meeting of the year. We went over to Trentham Gardens on the Friday afternoon. Soon the Branch reps began to arrive having driven from all points of the compass. We sat down to dinner at 8.00pm, the cracks and remarks causing gales of laughter. At the meeting on Saturday I wasn’t too clever and we left straight at the end of the meeting. I saw my Doctor on the following Monday and he diagnosed “shingles”, it took me a couple of weeks to get over it.

March : Wessex Branch Ladies Night at the Lyndhurst Hotel. We were invited to tea on the lawn in the afternoon. Branch Chairman Mike Farrington had arranged for the weather to be quite perfect and we stayed outside all afternoon. The ubiquitous Pat Bowring had promised to be Master of Ceremonies, a role which he carried out to perfection. The speeches were all kept quite short and soon the floor was cleared for dancing. It was good to see so many people ready to enjoy the evening.

April: Sussex Branch Ladies Night. After an uneventful journey south we arrived at the Brighton Thistle Hotel mid afternoon. I joined Gerry Hill for a swift half before getting ready for the evening activities. Branch Chairman Clive Gray and his committee had sold over a hundred tickets for this function, a real tribute to really working as a team. Marion and I sat with CMPE Life President Frank Fiveash, National Treasurer Gerry Hill and his lady Carole, National Secretary Giv Papp, Long serving Sussex Branch Treasurer Pat Moore and Eastbourne residents Val and Dennis Honeysett. After toasting the Queen and some brief speeches the disco took over. Pat Moore sold raffle tickets and Clive Gray conducted the draw. On Sunday after breakfast we took a stroll through the Lanes before making the trip home.

May: National Council Meeting at Trentham Gardens

June: National Annual General Meeting at Q Hotel, Telford.

Bob Nugent

National Chairman

PEMIC Awards 2011

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:59:00 +0000

Report by Our National Chairman Robert Nugent

The Annual PEMIC awards took place at Birmingham City University on the 16th. Gerry Bingham had arranged for National Officers and Branch Representatives to attend. I met National Treasurer Gerry Hill and Life President Frank Fiveash along with Peterborough & District Branch Representative Mary Lancaster at Gerry’s house for a light lunch prepared by Carole Hill, then we all travelled to Birmingham for the evening awards ceremony. The foyer was jam-packed with delegates while we waited for the event to start. We were soon seated and National Vice Chairman Professor David Edwards started the ball rolling by announcing the recipients, including Neville Rowell, long time Branch Secretary, of the Silver Medals followed by the prestigious Gold Medals, among the awardees were Chris Miller our National Registrar, and Vic Spilliard, from our Staffs & Midlands Branch. Once again, a different meal, but the good company of fellow CMPE members. The comedians were working hard, hampered by a ‘hardly-up-to-it’ sound system. My thanks to Gerry Bingham for co-ordinating this event and to PEMIC for all the hard work involved.

Our National Vice Chairman Professor David Edwards Report:

OPERC’s annual Plant and Equipment Management and Innovation Conference 2011 (PEMIC-2011) proved to be the largest event the professional association had held in its entire history spanning almost 12 years. Over 300 delegates attended throughout the day and evenings activities which were headed by a keynote speech from Lord Dibgy Jones as well as many leading industrialists from within plant and machinery sector. One delegate described the event as being “a triumph!” whilst another described Lord Digby Jones’ speech in particular as being “Inspirational.”

However, the evening’s activities also included the International Awards for Excellence (IAE). These prestigious IAE awards celebrate the outstanding contributions made by professionals throughout the plant and equipment community. Areas of professional or scientific endeavour include: safety, production performance, professionalism, education and training, engineering design or technological advancement. Additional awards are also made to leading academics who have consistently demonstrated sustained leadership and research output at an international standing.

It was a great pleasure to award gold to Mr Chris Miller, CMPE and Mr Vic Spillard CMPE for their outstanding contributions to industry over the years. It was also my privilege and honour to also award Silver to Mr Neville Rowell for his many contributions and support to the Staffs and Midlands branch. Three most respected professionals within the industry and staunch CMPE members too and I was delighted to see that CMPE National Officers and fellow branch members were out in force to support their colleagues.

Professor David J. Edwards

Head of Research and Director of CBIE

Birmingham City University

Announcements

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:57:38 +0000

Next National Council Meeting

Saturday 12th May 2012

Stoke Premier Inn

Trentham Gardens

Stone Road

Stoke on Trent

ST4 8JG

Start 10am

Glasgow Branch Press Release

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Press Release

Glasgow, 17th November 2011

Douglas Gillespie Plant apprentice receives CMPE award for outstanding achievement

Douglas Gillespie Plant (DGP) employee Christopher Ferguson (age 26, from Linwood, Glasgow) has been presented with an award for outstanding achievement by the Contractors Mechanical Plant Engineers (CMPE).

The award was presented to Christopher at the CMPE 51st Anniversary Dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.

Douglas Gillespie Plant, the Glasgow-based fork lift truck specialist, sent Christopher on the Construction Plant Maintenance course at North Glasgow College. The course is for apprentices in Construction and Materials Handling Plant Maintenance who wish to follow a career in the repair and maintenance of equipment associated with the Construction Plant Industry.

The day release course provides learners with good knowledge and practical engineering skills in order to maintain, repair and service a wide range of plant and equipment. Learners must be employed within the industry and can progress from Level 1 to Level 3 throughout their apprenticeship. Successful candidates are awarded the Scottish Qualifications Authority SVQ certification. On completion of the course the college will nominate an apprentice to be presented with the CMPE Award.

The CMPE was formed in 1957, its members being individuals with a common interest in the operation, maintenance and repair of construction plant and machinery. The objective of the CMPE is to broaden the scope and knowledge of its members.

“North Glasgow College is proud of its relationship with the CMPE and in particular the apprentice award where the winner is presented with the CMPE Shield,” said John McGrath of North Glasgow College. “DGP’s Christopher Ferguson showed outstanding achievement in his final year and was a worthy winner of this prestigious award.”

Winner Christopher Ferguson added “I found the course really interesting and it has given me great practical skills for my career in the forklift industry.”

Douglas Gillespie Plant is a family firm occupying custom-built premises in Glasgow's Darnley Industrial Estate. It employs over 30 staff and maintains a rental fleet of more than 600 forklift trucks and sideloaders, servicing customers nationwide.

For further information on Douglas Gillespie Plant, contact Tracey Gillespie on 0141 880 8811, email: enquiries@douglas-gillespie.co.uk or visit www.douglas-gillespie.co.uk. Postal address: DGP, 26 Woodneuk Road, Darnley Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7RQ.

For further information on the Construction Plant Maintenance course at North Glasgow College contact John McGrath, email: j.mcgrath@north-gla.ac.uk

Diary of Events

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:45:18 +0000

Date	Details
10 Feb 2012	National Council Meeting / CoC Committee Meeting, Stoke-on-Trent	more information
	Peterborough Annual Dinner Dance	more information
21 Apr 2012	Sussex Branch Ladies Night / Dinner Dance	more information
	Preston & Fylde / North West Branch Dinner Dance	more information
	Sussex Branch AGM	more information
	North East Branch AGM	more information
12 May 2012	National Council Meeting / CoC Committee Meeting, Stoke-on-Trent	more information
23 June 2012	National AGM	more information
		more information
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