Chairmans Report Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. From an APEA perspective I am pleased to report that it looks as if we have an exciting year ahead of us. Our new Business Manager, Jane Mardell, now has her feet well and truly under the table and the Association is benefiting hugely from her expertise. Council have increased Jane's area of responsibility, and she now has a greater input into the production of the Bulletin. Whilst Rob Tunnicliff remains as Honorary Editor, Jane is responsible for the layout of the magazine and is also assisting with gathering information and articles for publication. In this respect I ask you all to give your full support to the Bulletin editorial team and submit any articles or material you think may be of interest, we all want the magazine to be newsy and topical, so please play your part to ensure the Bulletin remains a success. Jane now also has responsibility for the production of the popular and valuable APEA Yearbook. She took over this task from Eileen Taylor who very ably and professionally oversaw last years publication, on behalf of the Council, I would like to thank Eileen for all of her help. Incredibly, almost a year has passed since Brian Taylor suffered his stroke. Brian continues to make encouraging progress, but is frustrated by being unable to drive. I am sure that I talk for everybody when I wish Brian and Eileen a happier year in 2003 and one where Brian sees a full recovery to good health. Last year saw the APEA re-launch its training programme. Our Training Committee Chairman, Brian Baker, has worked extremely hard and with great enthusiasm to prepare and deliver high quality, specialised training at various venues throughout the country. Brian has been ably supported by his fellow trainers who have each shown the same degree of diligence and enthusiasm which has allowed first class training to be delivered professionally and affably. My thanks go to Brian and his colleagues for their relentless work, much of which has been undertaken in their spare time without charge to the Association. To ensure that the training we offer is professionally presented, Council recently made the decision to purchase computer and projection equipment for our trainers use. In future, all APEA training material will be presented using the PowerPoint format, which is visually more attractive than conventional overhead slides, and also allows quick and efficient editing of the training material. Brian Baker and his colleagues on the Training Committee are aware of the continued need to develop training within this specialised industry and are considering widening the scope of the courses currently offered. If any readers feel there is a need for specialised training, or think that they may be able to help with providing training, please contact Brian Baker directly. Please make a note in your diary's for the forthcoming joint APEA/IFFE exhibition and conference to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 4th - 6th March 2003. This event promises to be Europe's premier exhibition for this industry in 2003, and as such you are encouraged to attend. At the time of writing, some 72 exhibitors have registered, representing all sectors of our industry, from equipment manufacturers to specialised service providers. Entrance to the exhibition is free to APEA
members and individual invitations will be sent out in the very near future. If, for whatever reason you do not receive an invitation, please contact Jane Mardell who will be pleased to send you one. To compliment the APEA/IFFE Exhibition the ever popular APEA Annual Dinner is being held at the Metropole Hotel adjacent to the NEC on the evening of Wednesday 5th March. This is a unique opportunity to network with friends and colleagues in ambient surroundings, and as previous attendees will enthusiastically testify it generally turns out to be a night to remember! If you wish to attend, and have not yet bought your ticket please contact Jane, who has a limited number still available - but be quick these are going like the proverbial "Hot Cakes"! This years Annual General Meeting is being held at the Marriott Hotel, in Northampton on Monday 12th May. Calling notices and accounts will be sent out prior to the meeting, together with nomination and voting papers for the selection of Council members. As always, we are looking for new blood, with new ideas to join us on the Council. If you have the time and enthusiasm to assist please let us know. Participation of members at branch level still appears to be varied and very dependent upon the local management of the Branches. Some branches are extremely active, and attract a high number of attendees at their various meetings, whilst others struggle to justify their existence. Please take an interest in your branch, great benefits can be realised by attending regular meetings and exchanging views with friends and colleagues. If the Council can assist in any way in revitalising your branch, please let us know and we will give you every available support. Remember, this association is all about returning benefits to its membership and only by member participation can this be achieved. Concerning membership, we have shown an encouraging increase in numbers in the past few months, and I understand that the majority or renewals are now complete for 2003. However, we do want to increase our number, and I would ask you all to try and introduce at least one new member in the coming year. This really should not be that difficult, as the scope of our industry expands to cover areas such as the environment, this should make APEA membership attractive not only to those active within the Petroleum Industry but also to Environmental Health Officers and others who may be peripherally effected by our industry. In conclusion, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of the Council members who continue to work hard and burn much "Midnight Oil" for the benefit of the Association, your efforts are truly appreciated. I also wish to repeat my best wishes to you all for the New Year and I hope to see you all at Birmingham in March and Northampton in May. Tony Jenner (Chairman)
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