UK Members’ Newsletter
Issue 3: 2011
Welcome from Andrew Filarowski, Acting Chief Executive Welcome to the latest newsletter for UK members, focusing on UK news and activities. I have been a member of SDC for many years, and so it is a great honour and pleasure to take on the role of Acting Chief Executive. I welcome all constructive comments and ideas from UK members. Please feel free to contact me at any time by emailing andrewf@sdc.org.uk, or by telephone on 01274 761777. It has been a busy time for the Society recently. In this newsletter we’ve included a round-up of recent activities, and news of forthcoming events. We are particularly looking forward to being involved in the British Science Festival this year when it visits Bradford. Our training programme goes from strength to strength, so read on for details of two forthcoming UK training courses. We’re also pleased to include updates on the Colour Experience and the UK Regions Forum.
CSI Colour Award and SDC International Design Competition Both these competitions are open to undergraduate fashion and textile design students. A reminder that the brief is now available for the CSI Colour Award – check out our website or Facebook page for details. At time of going to press, we are finalising details of the SDC International Design Competition 2012. Keep checking our website for details, or join the mailing list by emailing: marketing@sdc.org.uk
Day of Celebration At our recent Day of Celebration in Bradford we were delighted to give recognition to two of our 50 year members, George Aird and Charles Myring. The photos below show them receiving their certificates from SDC President, M L Cheung. We’re pleased to profile them below: George Aird George joined SDC in 1961at the age of 29 and at the time of joining he held qualifications in ARTC and City & Guilds Textile Technology. His career included five years as an Assistant to the Head Dyer and Finisher at Brown & Adams Ltd, and he also worked as a Technical Sales Representative with Stevensons (Dyers) Ltd in Derbyshire. Charles Myring Charles joined SDC in 1961at the age of 16. At the time of joining he was a trainee colourist in the printing department at Wolsey Ltd. By 1963 Charles had taken Chemistry as applied to the textile industry level 1 and 2 and the Intermediate City and Guilds Dyeing of Textiles and Ordinary National Certificate in Applied Chemistry (Dyeing). In 1968 he was awarded ASDC with Honours. During this period he was employed by DuPont Co UK Ltd in Leicester. By 1986 Charles was employed as a Sales Director at Parker Dyes and Chemicals and had served four years as a committee member in the Midlands Branch of SDC before joining Clariant UK in 1998 as a Sales Manager. Congratulations to both George and Charles on reaching their 50 year milestone, with thanks for their support of the Society over the years.
Colour Experience update Trainee Teachers Go Back to School The Colour Experience recently hosted an educational visit that was remarkably different to our usual bookings. Instead of school children, we opened our workshop doors to 18 trainee science teachers, who had the opportunity to transport themselves back to the classroom and become learners themselves.
The sessions we provided help to enhance the teachers’ knowledge and understanding of how to teach different aspects of the science curriculum, such as light and colour and the chemistry of dyeing, including halochromism. Ian Stewart, Lecturer in Science Education at Bradford College, who organised the day for his students, commented that, “I would just like to say what a fantastic day we had at the Colour Experience. The 18 students who attended thought the day was interesting, informative and perhaps most importantly, good fun! As prospective science teachers they all agreed that the day provided a valuable insight into the science that they will be teaching next year in schools.” Mr Stewart gave further feedback on the day and stated, “The students particularly appreciated the level at which the workshop was pitched – outlining the properties of light relevant to KS3 and 4. This was done in an imaginative and creative manner and they enjoyed the way in which the presentations were made interactive. “The lab session in the afternoon, making dyes and using them, was an excellent conclusion to an exciting day. The students left with a wealth of ideas as to how this relevant science could be used and delivered in schools. We thank you very much for providing this stimulating and enjoyable experience.” The Colour Experience is hoping to expand these ‘train the teacher’ days to student teachers as they not only assist in furthering their professional knowledge but they also help to raise awareness of our educational activities to our potential future customers, enabling us to reach a wider audience. For more information, please contact Lisa Roberts: email lisar@sdc.org.uk
British Science Festival, 10-15 September, Bradford
Through the Colour Experience we have been involved with the British Science Festival for the past three years, delivering presentations as part of the Young People’s Programme. Richard Ashworth, Colour Experience Manager, will once again be presenting his entertaining ‘Get Up and Glow’ session for KS4 and KS5 students throughout the week. This year the festival will be held here in Bradford, home of SDC. We are delighted to be jointly delivering activities at the heart of the festival with the British Science Association,
through our ‘Explore the Rainbow’ Open Day on Wednesday 14th September, 10am to 6pm at the Colour Experience. The event is free and is open to all ages and will feature the following presentations: •
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How Clothes Got Their Colour presented by Dr Charlotte Nicklas from the University of Brighton on behalf of the British Science Association History of Science Section. (Presentations start at 11.30am, 1pm and 3pm) Why is the World a Colourful Colourful Place? presented by Dr Ben Craven – one of the Colour Group Teaching Fellows. (Presentation starts at 2pm)
You can also come along to Perkin House in the evening of 14th September (7pm-10pm) for a unique event - After Dark: Senses. Senses. You will be able to explore your senses through a range of sensory activities but remember everything may not be what it appears… For further information please telephone (01274) 761776 or email lisar@sdc.org.uk. To book your place at this free event, go to the following: www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival/index.htm.
SDC Training – book now! Introduction to Coloration: Fibres to Coloured Fabrics Date: 13 December Location: SDC, Perkin House, Bradford ‘Of greatest value was how the theory and science of coloration is relevant to us’ Assistant Buyer - Retailer This course focuses on the different fibres available and the techniques used to colour them. It provides the basic knowledge of fibres, dyes, techniques of application and machinery to ensure that everyone in the supply chain understands coloration and talks the same language. Who is it for? Anyone who ensures colour is consistent from design to final garment, this course will provide you with the basic knowledge to discuss colour with authority.
Introduction to Colour Management Date: 14 December Location: SDC, Perkin House, Bradford Do you know the difference between metameric and colour inconstant? Do you understand Dyers Terms, depth, brightness and hue? If you’re struggling to come up with the answers, then this course is for you!
Following our highly successful course earlier this year, trainer Sue Williams will be repeating this course, which is aimed at anyone who works with colour and is involved with its communication. Who is it for? Suitable for anyone who ensures colour is consistent from design to final garment, this course will provide students with the knowledge of the process of colour management in the supply chain to ensure customers achieve the ‘right colour’. The course aims to give detailed practical best practice in visual colour assessment of textiles. At the end of the workshop, the candidate will have practical experience of visual colour decision making and an appreciation of terminology. For further information on any of our training courses and to book your place: telephone (01274) 761776 or email lisar@sdc.org.uk
Fashion and Design advisory group Thanks to all those who attended our recent fashion and design advisory group meeting in London. This was a follow up to a meeting we held earlier this year in the Midlands where we met with lecturers from universities and colleges in the area. Our meeting in London was attended by an enthusiastic group of people working in the retail sector and academia. The purpose of the meeting was to get some feedback from those working in the sector about the Society’s current provision, and to discuss ideas of how this can be developed. We had a lively debate brainstorming a range of ideas of how SDC can offer solutions. If you are interested in being involved, please contact: marketing@sdc.org.uk
Forthcoming events – booking now open! North of England Date: 21 September Time: Buffet from 19.00pm, lecture at 19.30pm Venue: Bradley Park Golf Club, Huddersfield Judi Thorpe will give a lecture entitled ‘Marsden children and their work in the mills’. The lecture links in to a recent publication from the Marsden History Group. The publication gives a fascinating insight into the working lives of the village children and the history of the village schools. It tells the story of children who, in the late 18th century, were transported from the slums of London to work in John Haigh’s cotton mill; the struggles of Richard Oastler to get the working days of factory children reduced to 10 hours and the difficulties that poor
families experienced in finding the money to pay for their children to go to school. Judi trained as a primary school teacher and is a founder member of the Marsden History Group. A bookstall will be available on the night. For further information and to book your place, email jbhirst207@aol.com
The Chemistry of Textiles Date: 17 November Time: 13.30 to 17.00pm Venue: SCI Headquarters, Belgrave Square, London Cost: £20 for SDC members, £15 for students Booking is now open for this half day joint event with SCI. We have an exceptional line up of speakers who will be highlighting recent developments and innovations in the textile industry. Speakers are as follows: • • • • •
The chemistry of the clothes you wear – Derek Heywood Anti microbial finishes – Alain Langerock, Devan Chemicals Innovative silicone solutions for the textile industry – Bertrand Lenoble, Dow Corning Photochromic colorants – Andy Towns, Vivimed Labs Europe Ltd Sustainable fabrics – Cheryl Kindness, Camira Fabrics Ltd
The conference is chaired by former MP Brian Iddon, BSc, PhD, DSc (Hull), FRSC, CChem. The event finishes with a drinks reception (included in the cost!) and for those who wish to stay, there is a free evening lecture which starts at 18.30pm. This will be delivered by Professor Subash Anand and is entitled ‘Nonwoven Fabrics in Healthcare and Medical Devices’. To book your place: book online at www.soci.org, email conferences@soci.org to request a booking form, or telephone 020 7598 1561.
UK Regions Forum update by Sue Williams The first meeting was held in Bradford on 22nd June. This forum was introduced at the request of the UK regions working party in order to improve communications between the UK Regions and the Board of Trustees. The forum has been approved by the board and the title chosen to reflect the membership it represents. The purpose of the committee is to represent the current regional activities and to take the UK Regions forward for future generations. The UK Regions Forum is a sub-committee of the Trustee Board. The committee is chaired by the trustee responsible for membership, currently myself, and the members are made up of regional representatives (currently four), an ambassador, as well as company and college representatives. The current members are Les Mayman (North
of England), Peter Diggle (Midlands), Ian Smith (London) and Paul Santokhi (Northern Ireland). Sarah Marshall from the now closed West of England region is also invited to attend. The chair has asked each region for a suggested representative from a college, a company and an ambassador. The Hon. Secretary is always invited. The remit of the committee is as follows: • • • • • • • • • •
To support the delivery of SDC’s business plan (this will be circulated to all Regional Committees) To report to the Board To work within SDC policies: H&S, Equalities etc To identify and agree a programme of national events To oversee a programme of UK ambassadors ensuring that they are properly skilled to agreed criteria To arrange an annual day of training in Colour Experience (CE) presentations under the supervision of the CE Manager. To facilitate, where appropriate, relationships with senior personnel in industry and academia To work with the membership team at Perkin House to support membership recruitment and retention To work with individual regions to agree and support programme of activity To review and update the UK Regions Forum
The minutes of the meeting have been circulated to the regional chairs to be discussed at their next meetings. I intend to visit each UK region to ensure that the committee members can have direct input. The next meeting is on 12th September at Verivide in Enderby. Please contact me with any queries: susanruth.williams@tiscali.co.uk, tel 07785 225585
ADVERTORIAL SDC Enterprises Celebrate 25 Years of SDC Multifibre Multifibre DW Test Fabric Production
SDC Enterprises Ltd, the trading company established by the Society of Dyers and Colourists to sell colour fastness testing products globally, has recently celebrated the first 25 years of continuous production of their market leading SDC Multifibre DW test fabric. This pioneering multifibre test fabric has been an outstanding success story for SDC Enterprises Ltd, which is recognised worldwide for its consistent production of quality products for colour fastness testing.
SDC Multifibre DW adjacent fabric is a leading edge quality product which is used by dyehouses, printworks, dye and chemical manufacturers, retailers and accredited test houses across the globe. Indeed major UK retailers have, for this reason, specified SDC Multifibre DW in their own standards. The reason is simple. SDC Multifibre DW adjacent fabric is under the completed production control of SDC Enterprises Ltd, in Bradford, UK. This has ensured continuity of product quality and supply to customers and has provided a consistent, assured high quality standard for each metre produced. Thus those involved in colour fastness testing have been able to demonstrate their use of the highest quality material to both accreditors and also to those commissioning the tests. SDC Multifibre DW thus represents 25 years of excellence and of continuing service and support to the textile coloration industry. Apart from SDC Enterprises Ltd’s own in-house quality control testing procedure in accordance with ISO 105 F10 the batches of SDC Multifibre DW are also tested by internationally accredited independent laboratories to ensure consistent product quality. Retail brands worldwide are now familiar with the problems that can arise if inferior quality goods are passed off to consumers as something they are not. If test consumables are not of the highest quality the result can be serious, leading to customer rejection, retailer claims and loss of future business. SDC Enterprises Ltd took the innovative step to introduce a thread that includes visible SDC® logos for identification and micro characters for security purposes to ensure that each metre of SDC Multifibre DW adjacent fabric is clearly identified as SDC. This enables testers to demonstrate their commitment to use the highest quality material to both accreditors and to those commissioning the tests. SDC Multifibre DW is supplied in combination with clearly branded packaging and certificates of conformity. Indeed SDC Multifibre DW can be identified throughout its extensive supply chain, right up to and including the final test report. The certificate of conformity confirms the quality excellence that is the hallmark of SDC Enterprises Ltd’s product range and is free of charge. This clearly identifies batches of SDC Multifibre Fabric DW which contain the security thread. Registered customers benefit from an additional quality initiative instituted by SDC Enterprises Ltd, namely, that the certificates of conformity can be downloaded online at www.sdcesecure.co.uk.### It is this continuing attention to detail in production and through assured quality control procedures that SDC Multifibre DW is now recognised as the major brand worldwide. With distributors in over 50 countries the textile coloration industry globally can be assured of a quality standard second to none and consistency of product quality from SDC Enterprises Ltd, a member of the British Textile Manufacturers Association (BTMA). For further information visit: www.sdcenterprises.co.uk Society of Dyers and Colourists, PO Box 244, Perkin House, 82 Grattan Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD1 2JB, England. T: +44 (0)1274 725138 F: +44 (0)1274 392888 E: info@sdc.org.uk W: www.sdc.org.uk