Institution of Mechanical Engineers – North East Region
Minutes of Committee meeting held on
8th September 2014, at The Highfield Hotel, East Rainton.
Present:
Mark Jackson (Chair);
Richard Atkins;
Bowman Bradley (Tees);
Chris Briggs (T&W);
Manfred Engel;
Eric Fisher (Hon.Sec.);
Nigel Grant;
Denis Healy (BDM);
Jeremy Lewis (SRG);
Mike Lambert (AD);
Scott Taylor;
Matt Walker (YM).
1. Apologies.
Apologies were received from Jon Gray (Hon.Treas) and Philip Vaughan (Aero).
2. Minutes.
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th February 2014, and the AGM of 13th
May were approved and signed by the Chair.
3. Introduction of new members
Matt Walker was now T&W YM Chair and was replacing James Blanchard ex
officio on the Committee. Mike Lambert would be representing AD in future,
following Alok Krishnan’s move from the area.
The Chair also welcomed Richard Atkins and Nigel Grant who had been elected with
specific responsibilities at the AGM.
3. Chairman’s Report
The Chair had prepared his usual update list, Annex A. Additional discussion
included the points below.
Following the dinner convened by John Jeffrey, Regional Civils Chair, it was hoped
to arrange a meeting with UKTI and other Institutions aimed at the security and
other problems faced by medium sized companies operating in overseas countries.
The Chair had been asked to join the Regional Primary Engineer Group being
launched under the chairmanship of Andrew Esson.
Several members had attempted to use the IMechE Sitefinity Photo Gallery. All
had reported problems and dissatisfaction and it must be assumed that it is not fit for
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purpose. In contrast, the Annual Dinner pictures had been posted on the Hon.Sec.’s
‘flickr’ pages with a link for members to follow. This had been achieved without
difficulty and a creditable total of over 120 views had resulted. It was agreed that
‘flickr’ would be used for posting event photographs until a better alternative could
be identified. [Note: Richard Atkins may wish to explore the various ‘flickr’ group
and gallery options to see if a more coherent grouping can be made available to
Members.]
Caterpillar had invited the Region to visit their test facility and Chris agreed to
progress this visit.
Chris and Bowman were to attend a Design Challenge presentation in London with
the aim of introducing it to the HEI’s in the North East. It was felt that the best way
to initiate involvement with the five Departments likely to be involved would be to
invite their HoDs to an informal dinner.
It was felt that it was too late to apply Survey Monkey to the last Regional Dinner,
but it could be a useful tool in future years.
With present workloads, there is no need for a separate application for admin.
funding. The Hon.Sec. has included a small amount in the current budget
application to cover his present costs.
It was noted that there was renewed interest in Facebook and Twitter from two new
members of the Tees committee. Their interest in exploring social media
applications was welcomed.
The Chair agreed to circulate the Institution’s guidelines for Honours and Awards
submissions. This request comes to the Region annually and a more active
response would be welcomed.
The Tees committee were keen to engage with Hitachi. It was suggested that a
presentation by them on their reasons for selecting the Newton Aycliffe site might
have wider appeal than a general engineering lecture.
The Chair has a booklet on Cragside which was compiled following the plaque
presentation last year. Members wishing to use it were welcome to request copies.
4. Regional Manager’s Report
Denis reported another successful year for corporate, company and MPDS
registrations. Eng.Tech. registration of apprentice training schemes had been
particularly successful.
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It was noted that current Regional applicants could be interviewed in Newcastle in
October and memberships be ratified before the end of the year.
In response to a question about Army Eng.Techs., it was explained that the
Institution had a staff member dedicated to Armed Forces recruitment.
The Regional Dinner had been a particulary valuable tool in developing links with
Regional companies and Denis welcomed his involvement in this activity again next
year.
The impending Get Registered event in collaboration with the T&W YM was noted.
Members expressed concern about the limited percentage of members actively
involved in Regional activities. It was felt that this largely reflected the British
culture of viewing Membership as a qualification. Members with experience of
India reported much greater interest in the potential for networking in that culture.
It was felt that Members working as membership assessors in the Region should be
recognized with an invitation to the next Annual Dinner.
5. Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer was on holiday and had sent his apologies.
The Chair agreed to circulate the budget submission, which Jon had had to make at
short notice during the summer. Circulated separately.
6. Education Officer’s Report
Bowman spoke to his detailed report, Annex B.
7. Divisional Reports
7.1 Automobile Report
Alok’s final report is included as Annex C.
Mike explained that he was currently AD Hon.Treas. and would be proceeding to the
Chair following Alok’s move.
The Committee was healthy with 5 new members and was planning a joint lecture
with the Region on Aston Martin in Newcastle in January.
Cummins have considerable involvement with Greenpower. They were likely to
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become a national Greenpower sponsor and Mike hoped to be able to support one
new car each year in addition to any support from the Branch. The Cummins staff
had responded very positively to their involvement at Croft this year and hoped to
repeat the exercise. Feedback from the Cummins sponsored school was equally
impressive with 10-12 female students likely to apply for Engineering at university,
compared with a normal average of 1-2.
7.2 Railway Report
It was suggested that Stephen Thompson may have reached the end of his term as
Chair, but nobody was able to confirm this.
7.3. Aeronautical Division
The Chair had spoken to Philip Vaughan but there was no written report..
7.4. SRG
Jeremy Lewis confirmed that UK Spec Issue 3 had been launched in February for
full implementation by 2016. Given its relevance to industry in the Region, he
hoped that there would be at least one presentation locally. Involvement with the
local HEIs was also likely.
7.5. Retired Members
Nigel Grant was welcomed and will establish training in the IMechE data systems
with Kevin Manning.
There was a feeling that the proposed NY Moors visit was best suited to May/June or
the second half of September.
Nigel will explore possibilities for an alternative winter meeting with a view to
running the NYorks event in 2015.
7.6. Computer systems
Richard Atkins was welcomed back (as a former member of the Tees committee).
He is already in touch with Kevin Manning and will develop new initiatives as he
becomes familiar with the IMechE systems.
8.Panel Reports.
8.1.Teesside Area
Scott reported that the Committee was in good health with 14 members. Details of
future events are given in his report, Annex D
8.2 Tyne & Wear
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Chris Briggs spoke to his report, Annex E, which listed past and future events.
He has also had conversations with the Chair of the Energy Institute, Barbara Sturm,
and the IET, Tom Fry. It is hoped that additional joint events will result.
7.3. Tyne & Wear YM
Matt Walker was attending his first meeting as YM Chair. The committee had three
new members. Several events were being planned in addition to the Get Chartered
evening at the Vermont: visits to IHC Port of Tyne and Northumbria Water and a
lecture on NDT.
The Committee was doubtful whether is could repeat last year’s hugely successful
Christmas event because of changes to its membership. The Branch advised caution
about moving to a February date: it was felt that a repeat of the Christmas format on
a two year cycle would be more likely to succeed
9. Date of next meeting.
The date of the next meeting will depend on the RSB cycle, which is still to be
confirmed.
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Annex A
Dear All
In preparation for our meting next week, I have prepared my usual list of
issues. Please can everyone have a look and let me know if there
is anything we have missed or that is incorrectly represented. The dinner
committee will be meting at 16:00 so if anyone can spare some time to
help this year your presence would be welcome.
Current Issues
NE Engineering Success. Apprentice & Eng Tech joint event. The Army is
the single biggest employer of this group of people so I have begun to
make enquiries. Q - What do Eng Tech & Incorporated Members want?
NB Collaborative approach following ICE meeting with Chief Exec.
Primary Engineer - What next?
Newsletter. Near You. - Richard Adkins Update Req
After Event Photo gallery now online
Retired members -Nigel Grant Update Req
Caterpillar Quarry Tour Need volunteer
Eng Tech Welcome Letter in place New Member evening at Regional Level
Grant info circulated - new Regional Award initiative - Design Challenge
for Engineers
Dinner 2015
ICE Dinner used Survey Monkey
Funding avail to get admin help
Greenpower - What is needed for next year
Volunteer to look at Facebook and Twitter
Thanks
Mark
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Annex B
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
North East Region Committee
Education Officer’s Report September 2014
The following ‘STEM’ activities have been carried out under the IMechE Banner since
February and I would like to thank the various members who have assisted me.
Approx
Numbers Nature of Event
100
STEM Careers day
for sixth formers
20/03/2014 Engineering Past Present and Future, NRM, Shildon
200
Engineering open
day for yrs 9&10
01/04/2014 Careers Evening, Stokesley School
100
School Careers
Evening
02/04/2104 Careers Day, Middlesbrough College
200
College Careers
Day
21/05/2014 Get Registered' day, Riverside Stadium
25
Guidance for new
and young
members
18/06/2014 Next Steps' Day, Macmillan College
200
STEM Careers day
for sixth formers
20/06/2014 STEM Day, Prior Pursglove College
300
STEM day for year 9
Date
Event
12/03/2014 Women in Stem, Sunderland University
02/07/2014 Greenpower Day, Croft Circuit
60
Organise
/Support
Remarks
Support IMechE 'stand' with banners, bloodhound video and
literature
Support IMechE 'stand' with banners, bloodhound model
and literature
Support IMechE 'stand' with banners and literature
Support
IMechE 'stand' with banners and literature
Support
Supported by Business Development Manager
Support
IMechE 'stand' with banners and literature
Support
IMechE 'stand' with banners and literature
IMechE Event at
Organise IMechE activity day with Greenpower involvement
Greenpower Circuit
Day
I have also attended an IMechE Education Officer’s Conference, in London, on June 13th to
15th
I intend to attend, with Chris Briggs, the final of the IMechE Undergraduate Design Challenge
at Birdcage walk on October 3rd, with the objective of studying the feasibility of extending
this to the North East, hopefully involving our five universities.
The following events are in planning for the near future and will have an IMechE presence:


Presence/stall at the Great Engineers School Challenge (primary school event) at
Shildon Railway museum on October 22nd
Support to the local STEM contractor at an event at the Inspire2Learn Centre in
Middlesbrough on December 12th
Relevant resources now available include three banners and a variety of leaflets which can
be used at ‘STEM’ type events. A professional display stand (below) has been ordered to
support events, with the advice of HQ marketing department. This could also be used for
non-education events.
I would like to hold two ‘Become an Ambassador’
events in the new year, one on Teesside and one on
Tyneside. These would be aimed at encouraging
members to take part in STEM activities. I envisage
presentations from ‘Primary Engineer’, the
Engineering Development Trust, the local STEM
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Contractor and a teacher or head teacher from a local school. I have already commitments
in principle from some of these.
The proposed strategy for the coming year is below. This is based on the overall RSB
Education objectives for the coming year.
Type of activity
Target
Comments
Organise a “become an
Ambassador” event
Register of Local Stem
Ambassadors
Support Education events in NE
Region
Increase in members who are
STEM Ambassadors
One event on each of Teesside
and Tyneside
IMechE Design Challenge
Organise a regional version of the
IMechE Design Challenge
involving the five local
universities, Newcastle, Durham,
Teesside, Northumbria and
Sunderland
Greenpower
Support one primary school
Greenpower/Goblin event
Primary Engineer
Support ‘Primary Engineer’ in
local schools by facilitating
IMechE ambassadors to assist
Complete and improve existing
register
Continuing IMechE Presence at
‘STEM’ events in local schools, in
co-operation with the two STEM
Contractors in Durham/Tees
Valley and Tyneside/Wearside
The following budget has been prepared to support this strategy:
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
Continuing IMechE presence
at secondary school and
college events, target a
minimum of 6.
 Initiate IMechE presence at
STEM events in local primary
schools, target a minimum of
6.
Details to follow visit to the
National Finals in Birdcage Walk
on October 2nd. Funding
currently unknown but assumed
to be outside the current regional
budget
Follows on successful IMechE
involvement at Greenpower
event at Croft last year
Activity Area
Organise a "become an
Ambassador" event
Register of Local Stem
Ambassadors
Support Education events in
NE Region
Item
Teesside Event
Tyneside Event
Complete and improve existing
register
Purchase Zeus 3 bay pop up display
kit
Six Secondary/College Events
Six Primary Events
IMechE Design Challenge
Greenpower
Support one primary school
Greenpower/Goblin event
Primary Engineer
Support 'Primary Engineer' in local
schools by facilitating IMechE
ambassadors to assist
Total
Bowman Bradley
4th September 2014
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Budget
Comments
£350 Previous events have been poorly attended,
therefore suggest 'premium' venues
£350
£0 No budget implications
£1,300 Includes VAT and delivery
£300 Budget implications minimal
£300 Budget implications minimal
£0 Funding assumed outside this year's Regional
Budget
£1,500 Follows on successful IMechE involvement at
Greenpower event at Croft last year
£0 No budget implications
£4,100
To: NE Region
From: Alok Krishnan
Centre: Tyne Tees
[email protected]
Total pages: 2
Date: 28 Aug 2014
Annex C
Automobile Division Centre Report
1
ACTIVITIES SINCE LAST REPORT
Date
Title
No. of
memb
ers
12th
Mar
Clean and Dry? Controlling
Water and Dirt on Cars
23
No. of
nonmemb
ers
20
28th
May
Euro VI Engine System
Development for Hybrid
City Bus Applications
9
11
25th
Jun
Waste Heat recovery using
Organic Rankine Cycle
17
13
2nd July
Schools event at
Greenpower NE Heat
150
29th July
Classic Cars Social Event
10
2
Cosponsorship
Had really good response with
plenty of discussions and
interesting questions.
Short and crisp talk. Mainly centred
around validation of engine
hardware and selection of running
point to provide fuel economy and
OBD benefits.
Very good lecture. Great content
with the right mix of technical and
market information. Delivered with
passion and was entertaining. Was
happy to answer plenty of
questions and had a prototype for
display
Very successful event with over
150 directly involved with the
IMechE activities. Nearly 500
attended the greenpower event at
which IMechE had a strong
influencing presence.
A repeat event after the success of
our 2013 edition. Successful again,
over subscribed as last time. Will
be considering to repeat again in
2015. Many brought their on
classics making the event even
more interesting.
Durham
University
Reco
mme
nded
Y/N
Y
N/A
Y
Teesside
University /
Teesside Region
Y
NR Region /
Cummins/Green
power
Y
N/A
Y
FUTURE EVENTS
Date
10th Sep
22nd Oct
Title
EcoBoost Engine Development
Alternate lecture being investigated.
Could be Smith Electric.
26th Nov
Leyland trucks Low carbon journey
3
17
Comments
Comments
Popular talk by Andrew Fraser
Motor Cycle Land Speed Attempt was
planned, but postponed due to issues with the
bike.
Robert Lawton from Leyland talking on what
is being done to make trucks more carbon
friendly
Co-sponsorship
N/A
N/A
Cummins
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF MEMBERS
Committee has lost 4 members this year and is working to recruit new committee members. The recruitment through Linked In,
Nearyou and email worked really well, and we have 5 new members joining the panel over the last month.
Alok Krishnan is stepping down as Chair and Mike Lambert will be taking the role.
4
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE BOARD (or other comments)
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How Auto related events identified by local panels can be run as joint events in the future. AD already trying to improve our
spread of locations by running joint events with TT and TW panels which used to be centred around Durham previously.
5
COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL REGION
-
6
Still working to improve representation of local universities in the AD panel. Proving to be a challenge.
Joint event with Teesside Region annually.
Trying out same format with Tyne and Wear region for Jan 2015 Aston Martin event.
Greenpower event run very successfully in association with the Region.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRIZES AND AWARDS
Signed: Alok Krishnan
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Annex D
Hi Eric
Please find attached Teesside Committee Report
The Teesside Committee held its first meeting of the 2014/15 year on
Tuesday 2nd September and welcomed a new Committee Member – Mr.
Alan Johnson. The Committee presently has 14 members with all Officer
and Ex-offico roles filled
The Teesside Committee held a joint event with TTAD on 25th June at
Teesside University - Turbochargers by Cummins Turbo Technologies. 30
people attended including 13 non-members.
The Teesside Committee Chair has accepted an invitation to attend the
Cleveland Institute of Engineers 150th Anniversary Event representing the
IMechE – a Heritage Conversazione on 23rd September
Teeside have several events scheduled/being finalise for the upcoming
year, in summary:
Site Visit to Nifco: 15th September 2014
Tees Barrage Visit: 2nd October 2014
YM Social Event: October to complement Denis Healy’s visit to Teesside
University
Technical Talk on Gas Turbine Air Inlet Filtration: November 26th 2014
Teesside Industrial Memories Event: January 2015
Cummins Technical Talk and possible visit: February 2015
AES Seal Technical Talk: March 2015
AGM & Social: March 2015
Get Registered Event: May 2015
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Regards
Scott
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Annex E
IMechE Tyne & Wear Area Committee
Report – Sept 2014
Activity since last Regional meeting (13.05.14).
1. 30th June – Joint Institutes meeting @ Hardwick Hall. MJ & CB attended.
IMechE Regional committee to host next meeting in Newcastle. Need to
include EI (Barbara Sturm) and IET Northumbria Branch (Peter Minns/Tom
Fry).
2. 2nd July – Hyperdrive Innovation talk. 26 attendees
3. 15th July – Renewable Power committee talk. ~30 attendees (tbc)
4. 23rd July – GL Noble Denton Flow Centre tour. 21 attendees.
5. 29th July – Nexus Tamping Machine tour. 17 attendees.
6. 29th August – Meeting with EI Chairperson (Barbara Sturm). Opportunities
for joint events in T&W and Teesside.
7. 1st September – Meeting with IET Northumbria branch (Peter Minns / Tom
Fry). Opportunities for joint events in T&W/Durham.
Forthcoming Activities.
1. T&W Committee meeting – 15th September. 2014/2015 Event Planning.
2. Tyneside Society of Model and Experimental Engineers IMechE Open Day –
Sunday 28th September (Organiser: Chris Briggs)
3. ‘Get Registered’ event – 30th September (Organiser: Pete Collington)
4. MX Club event – Peacocks Medical Group – 6th October.
5. Thomas Lowe Gray lecture – 14th October. Re-run of HQ lecture from Andrew
Jamieson, CEO of Offshore Catapult. Mining Inst. Venue booked but diary
clash for speaker currently being resolved. Potential delay.
6. Teen Tech North East Event – 22nd October, Stadium of Light (what Regional
involvement?)
7. Other events for 2014/15 to be developed:
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a. E-W Interconnector talk from PBPower (joint with IET?) –
Oct/Nov.
b. Joint TTAD Aston Martin talk – 21/01/2105. T&W to arrange
venue.
c. OGN Event – potential to arrange joint event with SUT.
d. Exec.Management Coaching talk – Nick Jackson
e. Joint EI events – Fracking (Teesside & T&W?), and Carbon Storage?
f. Joint IET events – in discussion.
2013/2014 Budget vs Actual Spend.

T&W Spend for year - £5035 (compared to budget £3200).

Budget request for 2014/2015 - £4950.
Chris Briggs, 08/09/14
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