The SIM F&GP committee members strongly support the Russell Scientific Instruments objections to the new directive 2007/51/EC Council 76/769/EEC restricting the marketing of certain devices containing mercury. The attached letter from the managing director requests interested persons to add their names to the petition as indicated.

The committee asks the members of WCSIM to add their names to this petition as a matter of urgency.

Through its Government Liaison Working Group which it chairs and convenes, SIM has for many years advised and urged HMG to maintain and properly fund the NMS, the National Measurement System (at one time it was under threat). This facility not only gives British industry vital access to accurate standards of measurement, but constantly researches and develops methods for making such standards more accurate and accessible.

We are delighted to welcome the following who have been clothed in the Livery at the Awards Court in February:

Silke Maren ACKERMANN

Jane Elizabeth FISHWICK

John Francis CAUNT

and the following Freeman

Soren DEMIN

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Our three new Arkwright Scholars all agreed to become

Apprentices and were inrolled and bound on 5th February:

Adam Holliday was bound to Bruce Etherington

Matthew Lever was bound to Guy Brocklebank

Mark Salmon was bound to Robert Seaman

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Past Master Guy Brocklebank has been appointed the Livery Apprentice Warden. He will need more Liverymen to act as ‘masters’ to future apprentices.  If you are willing to do this please contact Guy on gpbrocklebank@btinternet .com who will tell you what is involved.

I am delighted to be reporting on this year’s Ladies Only Luncheon because it was such a very special event.  The memories will remain with me for a long time to come.

On 6th November at 11am 40 Ladies and Guests of the Livery foregathered at the Royal Opera House for what proved to be a most interesting and entertaining backstage tour.  We were greeted and hosted by our very new Master’s Lady, June Lowings, who, coupled with Neville’s tireless administration, had ensured that all ran smoothly.