KCLEA Events 2011
Friday 25th November, 2011
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2011 AGM will be held on Friday 25th November 2011 at 6.00pm in room S0.13 (GFSB1), ground floor of the Strand Building, left off the Reception Area. The meeting will be followed by drinks and nibbles.
The 2011 AGM will be held on Friday 25th November 2011 at 6.00pm in room S0.13 (GFSB1), ground floor of the Strand Building, left off the Reception Area. The meeting will be followed by drinks and nibbles.
Friday 25th November, 2011
Cancelled due to bereavement
We hope to be able to re-arrange this lecture for a later date and will post new details here as soon as we have them.KCLEA LECTURE:
“Fukishima...why should the rest of the world be so worried?... it’s not the worst.... (yet)”
The Lecture is to be given by Mark Whitby who is a King’s Engineering Alumnus (1972) and created Whitbybird, one of the most successful and progressive Civil Engineering Consultancy firms in the UK. He is a former President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (2002). He has not been afraid to put his head above the parapet and is noted for his work on climate change.
More information about Mark is on his website; you will see he has been a busy man and a distinguished Alumnus: www.mark-whitby.com
For other forthcoming events organised by KCLA, please visit the In Touch website. Events are also announced in the latest edition of the In Touch magazine. If you are not receiving your copy, then please contact the Alumni Office directly.
For the next meeting of the Cybernetics Society, please follow the link - Cybernetics Society. All members of KCLEA are welcome to attend meetings, which are held in King's College, Strand.
Previous Events
2011
Sunday 16 October, 2011 - CANCELLED
Kempton Steam Engine Trust, Snakey Lane, Hanworth, Middlesex
The engines that you will see were the heart of the water treatment works at Kempton Park in Middlesex, supplying North London with drinking water taken from the Thames.
As first built in 1897 by the New River Company, the works had two holding reservoirs supplying 12 slow sand filter beds, used two Lilleshall Triple Expansion engines to lift water to the reservoirs and three to pump it to Cricklewood. Steam came from six hand fired Lancashire boilers.
In 1902 the company was acquired by the Metropolitan Water Board who, in 1928, completed the new engine house including the two Worthington Simpson Triples which you will see. Two turbines and a water turbine were added in 1933. The D.C. electrical control board also survives. Each triple was of 1008 horsepower and pumped 19 million gallons per day against a 200 foot head. At 62 feet high they are the largest built in the U.K. They ran 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Steam was provided by six moving-grate boilers. In 1963 the site employed 144 men and delivered 86 million gallons per day.
In 1968 the Lilleshalls were scrapped, their boiler house pulled down and the reservoirs went out of use. In 1980, the moving grate boilers were scrapped and the Triple House ‘went cold and dead’. The electric pumps, housed in the Lilleshall House, now deliver 75 million gallons per day. The site staff currently number 14.
King's Engineer Peter Simpson (1947), who has been involved in restoring and running the engine since 1996, has offered to welcome the King's party and to arrange guides to take us round the engine house.
Contact the Events Secretary.
The engines that you will see were the heart of the water treatment works at Kempton Park in Middlesex, supplying North London with drinking water taken from the Thames.
As first built in 1897 by the New River Company, the works had two holding reservoirs supplying 12 slow sand filter beds, used two Lilleshall Triple Expansion engines to lift water to the reservoirs and three to pump it to Cricklewood. Steam came from six hand fired Lancashire boilers.
In 1902 the company was acquired by the Metropolitan Water Board who, in 1928, completed the new engine house including the two Worthington Simpson Triples which you will see. Two turbines and a water turbine were added in 1933. The D.C. electrical control board also survives. Each triple was of 1008 horsepower and pumped 19 million gallons per day against a 200 foot head. At 62 feet high they are the largest built in the U.K. They ran 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Steam was provided by six moving-grate boilers. In 1963 the site employed 144 men and delivered 86 million gallons per day.
In 1968 the Lilleshalls were scrapped, their boiler house pulled down and the reservoirs went out of use. In 1980, the moving grate boilers were scrapped and the Triple House ‘went cold and dead’. The electric pumps, housed in the Lilleshall House, now deliver 75 million gallons per day. The site staff currently number 14.
King's Engineer Peter Simpson (1947), who has been involved in restoring and running the engine since 1996, has offered to welcome the King's party and to arrange guides to take us round the engine house.
Contact the Events Secretary.
Saturday 17th September, 2011 - CANCELLED
Hog's Back Brewery, Tongham, Surrey
This microbrewery was established in the 1992 in the village of Tongham, just off the A31 between Farnham and Guildford. Its flagship real ale, 'TEA' (Traditional English Ale), has proved to be a favourite of cask conditioned ale drinkers throughout the UK and is the proud winner of many awards.
The first ever brew of 10 barrels (some 3000 pints of beer) began at 6am on 4 August 1992 and rapidly sold out through a handful of local pubs. It now brews over 200 barrels, or in excess of 57,000 pints, per week and supplies over 1,000 outlets.
The original brewhouse was in one part of the complex of 18th century farm barns which house the brewery today. Expansion has, however, been a consistent feature.
Time: 1pm
Duration: 1hr 45mins approx
Cost: £10 per person, includes a generous sampling and a presentation glass at the end.
There are two pubs in the village of Tongham which are understood to offer lunches.
Contact the Events Secretary.
This microbrewery was established in the 1992 in the village of Tongham, just off the A31 between Farnham and Guildford. Its flagship real ale, 'TEA' (Traditional English Ale), has proved to be a favourite of cask conditioned ale drinkers throughout the UK and is the proud winner of many awards.
The first ever brew of 10 barrels (some 3000 pints of beer) began at 6am on 4 August 1992 and rapidly sold out through a handful of local pubs. It now brews over 200 barrels, or in excess of 57,000 pints, per week and supplies over 1,000 outlets.
The original brewhouse was in one part of the complex of 18th century farm barns which house the brewery today. Expansion has, however, been a consistent feature.
Time: 1pm
Duration: 1hr 45mins approx
Cost: £10 per person, includes a generous sampling and a presentation glass at the end.
There are two pubs in the village of Tongham which are understood to offer lunches.
Contact the Events Secretary.
Saturday 27th August, 2011
Kew Bridge Steam Museum and the Musical Museum, Brentford
(Two visits combined with lunch included.)
The heart of the Steam Museum is its collection of magnificent steam pumping engines. These comprise the Cornish engines, which are in their original engine houses, and the rotative engines which have been collected by the museum trust from pumping stations across the country. The overall collection demonstrates the major developments in steam engine technology. In addition to these engines, there are examples of diesel, electric, water and animal powered pumping engines.
The Musical Museum was founded by a King's engineer, Frank Holland. It is around half a mile from the Steam Museum and contains one of the world's foremost collections of automatic instruments. From the tiny clockwork musical box to the self playing 'Mighty Wurlitzer', the collection includes an impressive and comprehensive array of sophisticated reproducing pianos, orchestrions, orchestrelles, residence organs and violin players. Many of these instruments have been restored to playing condition. There are galleries which provide space to demonstrate working instruments once found in the large houses of the wealthy, a street setting with shop windows full of music, musical toys and street instruments, and an explanation on how music was captured and how instruments were powered.
The cost is £14 per person, cheques to be made out to KCLEA or cash. Payment can be made on the day of the visit.
Travel and further details can be found in the Group Visit Brochure (PDF) and the Cornish weekend schedule (PDF).
Contact the Events Secretary to reserve your place.
(Two visits combined with lunch included.)
The heart of the Steam Museum is its collection of magnificent steam pumping engines. These comprise the Cornish engines, which are in their original engine houses, and the rotative engines which have been collected by the museum trust from pumping stations across the country. The overall collection demonstrates the major developments in steam engine technology. In addition to these engines, there are examples of diesel, electric, water and animal powered pumping engines.
The Musical Museum was founded by a King's engineer, Frank Holland. It is around half a mile from the Steam Museum and contains one of the world's foremost collections of automatic instruments. From the tiny clockwork musical box to the self playing 'Mighty Wurlitzer', the collection includes an impressive and comprehensive array of sophisticated reproducing pianos, orchestrions, orchestrelles, residence organs and violin players. Many of these instruments have been restored to playing condition. There are galleries which provide space to demonstrate working instruments once found in the large houses of the wealthy, a street setting with shop windows full of music, musical toys and street instruments, and an explanation on how music was captured and how instruments were powered.
| 10.30 am: | Meet at the Musical Museum (which is opening half an hour early for us). Light refreshments, probably coffee and biscuits. Tour the museum and listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer being put through its paces (the organ has just completed its annual overhaul). |
| 12.15 ish: | Walk to Kew Bridge Steam Museum for a Sandwich lunch. Inspect the engines. |
| 16.00: | End of visit. |
Travel and further details can be found in the Group Visit Brochure (PDF) and the Cornish weekend schedule (PDF).
Contact the Events Secretary to reserve your place.
Saturday 23rd July, 2011 - CANCELLED
Visit to the Mid-Hants Railway, the Watercress Line
Enjoy a journey through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside between Arlesford and Alton, drawn by a steam locomotive. Bring the family and make a day of it. For the enthusiasts it is hoped to arrange a visit to the locomotive shed and the carriage and wagon works.
Contact the Events Secretary.
Further information on the Watercress Line can be found here.
Enjoy a journey through 10 miles of beautiful Hampshire countryside between Arlesford and Alton, drawn by a steam locomotive. Bring the family and make a day of it. For the enthusiasts it is hoped to arrange a visit to the locomotive shed and the carriage and wagon works.
Contact the Events Secretary.
Further information on the Watercress Line can be found here.
Friday 10th June, 2011
Annual KCLEA Lunch
The Engineers' reunion lunch is once again timed to coincide with the Alumni weekend. It will be held in the Council Room in the Strand Campus of King's.
The lunch will commence at 12.30 with a welcome drink, followed by a two course buffet lunch and coffee. The cost of the lunch is £20 a head, to include the welcome drink, with a cash bar for additional drinks.
You are cordially invited to bring guests/partners or come on your own. If there is a demand for it, seating in year groups can be arranged. Why not get a group of your engineering friends together? The event last year filled the River Room at Kings and was enjoyed by everyone.
The Alumni Office will be sending out application forms in due course but to assist with planning, it would be helpful if KCLEA members intending to come to the lunch could let the Events Secretary know as soon as possible.
The Engineers' reunion lunch is once again timed to coincide with the Alumni weekend. It will be held in the Council Room in the Strand Campus of King's.
The lunch will commence at 12.30 with a welcome drink, followed by a two course buffet lunch and coffee. The cost of the lunch is £20 a head, to include the welcome drink, with a cash bar for additional drinks.
You are cordially invited to bring guests/partners or come on your own. If there is a demand for it, seating in year groups can be arranged. Why not get a group of your engineering friends together? The event last year filled the River Room at Kings and was enjoyed by everyone.
The Alumni Office will be sending out application forms in due course but to assist with planning, it would be helpful if KCLEA members intending to come to the lunch could let the Events Secretary know as soon as possible.
2010
Friday 26th November, 2010
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2010 AGM was held on Friday 26th November 2010 at 6.00pm in the Strand Building, followed by drinks and nibbles.
The 2010 AGM was held on Friday 26th November 2010 at 6.00pm in the Strand Building, followed by drinks and nibbles.
Thursday 14th October, 2010
COMMITTEE MEETING
The fourth committee meeting of 2010 was held on Thursday 14th October (Agenda).
• Current position of Engineering Division. The Division is still closing despite the fact that the MSc courses are the most popular in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The Division of Bio-Medicine is now established in Life Sciences. In Engineering the M.Sc. with Business Management is wanted next year.
• King’s Engineer is promised to the mailing house on 22 October so it can be mailed with In Touch on 29 October. Congratulations to all involved as KE has become a template for AO/KCLA.
• A great deal of material for the Heritage Project which would be suitable for a book. The Development Fund would fund 50% of such a project and £10k of sponsorship will be sought.
• The website homepage has been up dated to look more dynamic and updates are being posted on Twitter and Facebook.
• Visits to the BBC TV Centre and Hook Norton Brewery (X2) had been enjoyed by all who attended. Keith Newton is working on ten activities for next year and suggestions include Watercress Line, Hogsback Brewery, Kirkcaldy Testing Museum, Olympic Site and Engineers’ Lunch on 10 June.
• KCLES has organised a book sale and is planning a Technology Fair, careers events with blue chip and international companies such as Hitachi and Exxon Mobil, visits to research labs and car factories such as Land Rover. Evening classes and engineering workshops are planned. A social event is planned for November together with a Xmas party in December.
• Paul Mascarenas, Vice President of Engineering at Ford is to give the KCLEA Lecture on 18 or 20 November at 1.00pm. This event should be publicised widely. Paul is featured in KE and graduated from King’s in 1982.
• The next meeting of KCLA is on 27 October and little of note from 7 July except that an KCLA Giving Committee is to be formed to assist the College Campaign.
• A discussion on the future of the KCLES name is proposed for the AGM agenda.
• Applications for bursaries will be invited in mid-November with a short deadline. There are five bursaries as before.
The fourth committee meeting of 2010 was held on Thursday 14th October (Agenda).
• Current position of Engineering Division. The Division is still closing despite the fact that the MSc courses are the most popular in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The Division of Bio-Medicine is now established in Life Sciences. In Engineering the M.Sc. with Business Management is wanted next year.
• King’s Engineer is promised to the mailing house on 22 October so it can be mailed with In Touch on 29 October. Congratulations to all involved as KE has become a template for AO/KCLA.
• A great deal of material for the Heritage Project which would be suitable for a book. The Development Fund would fund 50% of such a project and £10k of sponsorship will be sought.
• The website homepage has been up dated to look more dynamic and updates are being posted on Twitter and Facebook.
• Visits to the BBC TV Centre and Hook Norton Brewery (X2) had been enjoyed by all who attended. Keith Newton is working on ten activities for next year and suggestions include Watercress Line, Hogsback Brewery, Kirkcaldy Testing Museum, Olympic Site and Engineers’ Lunch on 10 June.
• KCLES has organised a book sale and is planning a Technology Fair, careers events with blue chip and international companies such as Hitachi and Exxon Mobil, visits to research labs and car factories such as Land Rover. Evening classes and engineering workshops are planned. A social event is planned for November together with a Xmas party in December.
• Paul Mascarenas, Vice President of Engineering at Ford is to give the KCLEA Lecture on 18 or 20 November at 1.00pm. This event should be publicised widely. Paul is featured in KE and graduated from King’s in 1982.
• The next meeting of KCLA is on 27 October and little of note from 7 July except that an KCLA Giving Committee is to be formed to assist the College Campaign.
• A discussion on the future of the KCLES name is proposed for the AGM agenda.
• Applications for bursaries will be invited in mid-November with a short deadline. There are five bursaries as before.
Thursday 7th October, 2010
KING'S ENGINEERS' DAY
Details will be announced shortly. Expressions of interest should be sent to the Events Secretary.
Details will be announced shortly. Expressions of interest should be sent to the Events Secretary.
Saturday 11th September, 2010
AND
Wednesday 15th September, 2010
AND
Wednesday 15th September, 2010
VISIT TO HOOK NORTON BREWERY
Location: Hook Norton, OX15 5NX, near Banbury [Map]
(about an hour by car from Birmingham and about 1¾ hours from London)
Cost: £9.50 per person
Two visits have been arranged to tour the Brewery at Hook Norton. The first is on Saturday, 11th September, starting at 11 am; the second is on Wednesday, 15th September, starting at 2pm. There will be an opportunity to sample the products of the brewery at the end of the visit.
Hook Norton Brewery was established in 1849 and is a traditional Victorian ‘tower’ brewery in which all the stages of the brewing process flow logically downwards from floor to floor. The brewing process is powered by steam, using the last commercially working open crank stationary steam engine in the UK.
There are local pubs where a meal can be obtained either before or after the visit and, for the energetic, one of the pubs has a skittle alley.
Please reserve your place on the tour by contacting the Events Secretary before 31st August.
Location: Hook Norton, OX15 5NX, near Banbury [Map]
(about an hour by car from Birmingham and about 1¾ hours from London)
Cost: £9.50 per person
Two visits have been arranged to tour the Brewery at Hook Norton. The first is on Saturday, 11th September, starting at 11 am; the second is on Wednesday, 15th September, starting at 2pm. There will be an opportunity to sample the products of the brewery at the end of the visit.
Hook Norton Brewery was established in 1849 and is a traditional Victorian ‘tower’ brewery in which all the stages of the brewing process flow logically downwards from floor to floor. The brewing process is powered by steam, using the last commercially working open crank stationary steam engine in the UK.
There are local pubs where a meal can be obtained either before or after the visit and, for the energetic, one of the pubs has a skittle alley.
Please reserve your place on the tour by contacting the Events Secretary before 31st August.
(click to enlarge)
Saturday 14th August, 2010
VISIT TO BBC TV CENTRE, WHITE CITY, LONDON
On 14 August a group of 15 KCLEA members with partners and friends visited the BBC TV Centre at White City. They were guided around the centre by actors Zoe and Anthony who gave life to largely empty buildings. An August weekend is clearly a quiet time at the studios. The guides were very successful in getting across the essential flavour of the BBC and its current modus operandi in as little as a couple of hours.
The visit included the extensive news facilities, large studios, the weather centre, the odd celebrity anecdote and asides on BBC politics. Our tour was shared with a family group and the young people, to the relief of the more reserved engineers, took impressive advantage of the opportunities for making a newscast and quiz show.
Of particular interest and some enthusiastic discussion was the revelation that the production of just about all shows are outsourced and that BBC studio time is charged out to the production company in competition with private facilities. The empty spaces lead us to question the supposedly free market economics that have been imposed. It was not clear how the licence payer benefited.
All who attended enjoyed the visit and thanks are due to Keith Newton for the excellent arrangements.
Graham Raven, 21/08/2010
On 14 August a group of 15 KCLEA members with partners and friends visited the BBC TV Centre at White City. They were guided around the centre by actors Zoe and Anthony who gave life to largely empty buildings. An August weekend is clearly a quiet time at the studios. The guides were very successful in getting across the essential flavour of the BBC and its current modus operandi in as little as a couple of hours.
The visit included the extensive news facilities, large studios, the weather centre, the odd celebrity anecdote and asides on BBC politics. Our tour was shared with a family group and the young people, to the relief of the more reserved engineers, took impressive advantage of the opportunities for making a newscast and quiz show.
Of particular interest and some enthusiastic discussion was the revelation that the production of just about all shows are outsourced and that BBC studio time is charged out to the production company in competition with private facilities. The empty spaces lead us to question the supposedly free market economics that have been imposed. It was not clear how the licence payer benefited.
All who attended enjoyed the visit and thanks are due to Keith Newton for the excellent arrangements.
Graham Raven, 21/08/2010
Thursday 1st July, 2010
COMMITTEE MEETING
The third committee meeting of 2010 was held on Thursday 1st July (Agenda).
• Norman had sent the letter to all the earlier subscription paying KCLEA members explaining the decisions at the last AGM regarding the removal of the need to pay subscriptions to open membership for all Engineering alumni.
• Mike Clode reported on the current position of Engineering Division. Representations are to be made to the College but it is very unlikely that the Engineering Division will be saved. Bio-medical Engineering will remain as an applied science.
• The future of KCLES was discussed, including a possible merger with KCLEA. KCLES could continue as an student body for those with an interest in engineering.
• The next issue of King’s Engineer will go out in October.
• A report on the website had been circulated his report. kclea.org had been renewed for another year.
• Keith Newton reported that the walk and the visit to Brooklands had been cancelled due to lack of support. There was strong interest in the BBC TV tour and there are two dates for visiting Hook Norton Brewery. The Engineers’ lunch during the Alumni Weekend was moderately successful with 35 people attending.
• Kevin Firouzian reported that the KCLES is working to increase membership and open the society to all students in particular Computer Science He forsees improvements in events beyond football, eg. chess, and the intention is to include other institutions in events to improve breadth and social aspects. A wider range of visits to organizations such as Airbus, EDF and Olympics are being scheduled.
• The AGM will be held on Friday 26 November and the notice will be included in King’s Engineer and an e-mail sent via the Alumni Office to all engineers for whom they have contact details.
The third committee meeting of 2010 was held on Thursday 1st July (Agenda).
• Norman had sent the letter to all the earlier subscription paying KCLEA members explaining the decisions at the last AGM regarding the removal of the need to pay subscriptions to open membership for all Engineering alumni.
• Mike Clode reported on the current position of Engineering Division. Representations are to be made to the College but it is very unlikely that the Engineering Division will be saved. Bio-medical Engineering will remain as an applied science.
• The future of KCLES was discussed, including a possible merger with KCLEA. KCLES could continue as an student body for those with an interest in engineering.
• The next issue of King’s Engineer will go out in October.
• A report on the website had been circulated his report. kclea.org had been renewed for another year.
• Keith Newton reported that the walk and the visit to Brooklands had been cancelled due to lack of support. There was strong interest in the BBC TV tour and there are two dates for visiting Hook Norton Brewery. The Engineers’ lunch during the Alumni Weekend was moderately successful with 35 people attending.
• Kevin Firouzian reported that the KCLES is working to increase membership and open the society to all students in particular Computer Science He forsees improvements in events beyond football, eg. chess, and the intention is to include other institutions in events to improve breadth and social aspects. A wider range of visits to organizations such as Airbus, EDF and Olympics are being scheduled.
• The AGM will be held on Friday 26 November and the notice will be included in King’s Engineer and an e-mail sent via the Alumni Office to all engineers for whom they have contact details.
Friday 11th June, 2010
ENGINEERS' LUNCH, KING'S COLLEGE, STRAND CAMPUS
This year the Engineers’ lunch was held on Friday, 11 June, at the start of the Alumni Weekend. Once again it was held in the River Room at the King’s Strand campus with its splendid views of the Thames and the South Bank.
The assembled group of former students, wives and partners included graduates from 1947 through to the present day. One of the group, Stan Ridley, only arrived from Vancouver at Heathrow two hours before the event started. His rapid journey to the lunch, by way of his Bloomsbury hotel, required the careful planning for which King’s Engineers are justifiably renowned. Another, Ken Stedman, came from Kuala Lumpur but had six hours in which to pass through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs giving him a much more leisurely journey from Heathrow.
Dr Norman Borrett, President of the KCLEA, welcomed everyone to the lunch and Dr Michael Clode, Head of Engineering in College, gave a report on the present situation with respect to the Department. An unexpected addition to the proceedings was the presentation of glass tumblers engraved with the College coat of arms to the nine members present who had graduated more than 50 years ago. This presentation was made by courtesy of the Alumni Office. During the rest of the lunch, as in 2009, old acquaintanceships were renewed and several new acquaintanceships made. Once again, an enjoyable time was had by all.
It is intended to hold a similar lunch on Friday, 10 June 2011, at the Alumni Weekend and the target is to attract enough Engineering alumni to ensure that the lunch must be held in the Great Hall. Book the date in your diary and bring along a group of your contemporaries.
This year the Engineers’ lunch was held on Friday, 11 June, at the start of the Alumni Weekend. Once again it was held in the River Room at the King’s Strand campus with its splendid views of the Thames and the South Bank.
The assembled group of former students, wives and partners included graduates from 1947 through to the present day. One of the group, Stan Ridley, only arrived from Vancouver at Heathrow two hours before the event started. His rapid journey to the lunch, by way of his Bloomsbury hotel, required the careful planning for which King’s Engineers are justifiably renowned. Another, Ken Stedman, came from Kuala Lumpur but had six hours in which to pass through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs giving him a much more leisurely journey from Heathrow.
Dr Norman Borrett, President of the KCLEA, welcomed everyone to the lunch and Dr Michael Clode, Head of Engineering in College, gave a report on the present situation with respect to the Department. An unexpected addition to the proceedings was the presentation of glass tumblers engraved with the College coat of arms to the nine members present who had graduated more than 50 years ago. This presentation was made by courtesy of the Alumni Office. During the rest of the lunch, as in 2009, old acquaintanceships were renewed and several new acquaintanceships made. Once again, an enjoyable time was had by all.
It is intended to hold a similar lunch on Friday, 10 June 2011, at the Alumni Weekend and the target is to attract enough Engineering alumni to ensure that the lunch must be held in the Great Hall. Book the date in your diary and bring along a group of your contemporaries.
Thursday 29th April, 2010
COMMITTEE MEETING
The second committee meeting of 2010 took place on Thursday 29th April (Agenda).
• Mike Clode summarised the current position of the Engineering Division: some staff resignations; student concerns; focus on development of Biomedical Engineering.
• Following the AGM commitment to provide re-assurance on the value of King's degrees, 31 responses were received by the Alumni Office from Alumni and their companies.
• Al Steger-Lewis reported on progress with the website: redesign going live; synchronisation of domains; Twitter account; email addresses; statistics; King's Engineer/newsletter archive; downloads section; future developments.
• Keith Newton provided an update on Events.
• KCLES has a new committee and industry speakers are being organized. The perpetuation of the KCLES was discussed, along with ideas to update and republish W O Skeat’s history of KCLES.
• The provisional date for the 2010 AGM is Friday 26 November.
The second committee meeting of 2010 took place on Thursday 29th April (Agenda).
• Mike Clode summarised the current position of the Engineering Division: some staff resignations; student concerns; focus on development of Biomedical Engineering.
• Following the AGM commitment to provide re-assurance on the value of King's degrees, 31 responses were received by the Alumni Office from Alumni and their companies.
• Al Steger-Lewis reported on progress with the website: redesign going live; synchronisation of domains; Twitter account; email addresses; statistics; King's Engineer/newsletter archive; downloads section; future developments.
• Keith Newton provided an update on Events.
• KCLES has a new committee and industry speakers are being organized. The perpetuation of the KCLES was discussed, along with ideas to update and republish W O Skeat’s history of KCLES.
• The provisional date for the 2010 AGM is Friday 26 November.
Thursday 28th January, 2010
COMMITTEE MEETING
The first committee meeting of 2010 took place on Thursday 28th January (Agenda).
• Mike Clode summarised the current position of the Engineering Division, staff and teaching in relation to the closure and integration into the new School of Sciences.
• KCLES are arranging 6-7 industry speakers through February and March, a Book Fair and football, pool and chess tournaments. There was a discussion of ways to secure KCLES's future – as the oldest engineering society in the world – once the Division is closed down, which had also been raised at the last KCLA Council meeting.
• The new Webmaster, Al Steger-Lewis, expected to complete a redesign of the site within a couple of weeks, including hosting it outside the College.
• Norman Borrett will write to members regarding changes to the Constitution at the last AGM, asking that they consider and annual donation of £10 now that KCLEA is subscription free. Efforts will be made to obtain industry support to counteract any perceptions that KCL Engineering degrees have been devalued by the closure, and a paper will be produced in an effort to help the College to learn from the closure, with particular reference to the effect on staff.
• Nigel Sharp is in the process of compiling the next issue of King's Engineer and Keith Newton outlined the list of activities for 2010 (see above).
The first committee meeting of 2010 took place on Thursday 28th January (Agenda).
• Mike Clode summarised the current position of the Engineering Division, staff and teaching in relation to the closure and integration into the new School of Sciences.
• KCLES are arranging 6-7 industry speakers through February and March, a Book Fair and football, pool and chess tournaments. There was a discussion of ways to secure KCLES's future – as the oldest engineering society in the world – once the Division is closed down, which had also been raised at the last KCLA Council meeting.
• The new Webmaster, Al Steger-Lewis, expected to complete a redesign of the site within a couple of weeks, including hosting it outside the College.
• Norman Borrett will write to members regarding changes to the Constitution at the last AGM, asking that they consider and annual donation of £10 now that KCLEA is subscription free. Efforts will be made to obtain industry support to counteract any perceptions that KCL Engineering degrees have been devalued by the closure, and a paper will be produced in an effort to help the College to learn from the closure, with particular reference to the effect on staff.
• Nigel Sharp is in the process of compiling the next issue of King's Engineer and Keith Newton outlined the list of activities for 2010 (see above).
2009
Friday 27th November, 2009
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2009 AGM was held on Friday 27th November 2009 at 6.00pm in Room K0.20 Strand Building, followed by drinks and nibbles.
The 2009 AGM was held on Friday 27th November 2009 at 6.00pm in Room K0.20 Strand Building, followed by drinks and nibbles.
Thursday 29th October, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The sixth committee meeting took place on Thursday 29th October with the following Agenda. The closure of Engineering was clarified in that after 2011 there will only be the final year B.Eng and two years M.Eng. The Vice-Principal has accepted an invitation to address the AGM and take questions regarding the closure. On discussing the current situation of the accounts, it was noted that when the student activity ceases there will need to be in place an arrangement for the future use of funds and subscriptions (donations) to KCLEA. Guidance will be sought at the AGM. Although the visit by KCLEA to Fuller's Brewery took place, support was very poor, as was that for other organised events. KCLES reported current difficulty in recruiting new members, but events are planned to take place that may attract more new students to join.
The sixth committee meeting took place on Thursday 29th October with the following Agenda. The closure of Engineering was clarified in that after 2011 there will only be the final year B.Eng and two years M.Eng. The Vice-Principal has accepted an invitation to address the AGM and take questions regarding the closure. On discussing the current situation of the accounts, it was noted that when the student activity ceases there will need to be in place an arrangement for the future use of funds and subscriptions (donations) to KCLEA. Guidance will be sought at the AGM. Although the visit by KCLEA to Fuller's Brewery took place, support was very poor, as was that for other organised events. KCLES reported current difficulty in recruiting new members, but events are planned to take place that may attract more new students to join.
Wednesday 23rd September, 2009
FULLER’S BREWERY, CHISWICK, LONDON W4
A visit is planned to see beer making at the Fuller’s Brewery at Chiswick, followed by a tasting.
Entrance charge: £10 per person
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Meet at The Mawson’s Arms prior to the visit (lunch can be obtained there).
A visit is planned to see beer making at the Fuller’s Brewery at Chiswick, followed by a tasting.
Entrance charge: £10 per person
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Meet at The Mawson’s Arms prior to the visit (lunch can be obtained there).
Thursday 3rd September, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The fifth committee meeting took place on Thursday 3rd September with the following Agenda. The demise of Engineering at King's was the main topic and concern was expressed by all that the arrangements for the students over the next four years are not very well in hand regarding the continuing teaching arrangements. There will also be a knock-on effect with the KCLEA although the committee noted that there are still four years to go, and also quite a large community of existing KCLEA members to continue to address. The medals awarded to students will be phased out, and become awards to members of the association, for example in conjunction with the 13 Club Trophy which has to be handed back each year. The situation regarding bursaries needs careful attention. It is planned to invite Mr Motterhead to address our AGM on the closure of Engineering. It was also suggested that we should take steps now to create an archive of the important things that have been achieved by King's Engineers. A new issue of the King's Engineer magazine is being sent out with the latest In Touch magazine. A link to a copy will be placed here when available. Organised activities for KCLEA have this year been mixed in their support, with two events having to be cancelled. It is hoped more support will be given next year.
The fifth committee meeting took place on Thursday 3rd September with the following Agenda. The demise of Engineering at King's was the main topic and concern was expressed by all that the arrangements for the students over the next four years are not very well in hand regarding the continuing teaching arrangements. There will also be a knock-on effect with the KCLEA although the committee noted that there are still four years to go, and also quite a large community of existing KCLEA members to continue to address. The medals awarded to students will be phased out, and become awards to members of the association, for example in conjunction with the 13 Club Trophy which has to be handed back each year. The situation regarding bursaries needs careful attention. It is planned to invite Mr Motterhead to address our AGM on the closure of Engineering. It was also suggested that we should take steps now to create an archive of the important things that have been achieved by King's Engineers. A new issue of the King's Engineer magazine is being sent out with the latest In Touch magazine. A link to a copy will be placed here when available. Organised activities for KCLEA have this year been mixed in their support, with two events having to be cancelled. It is hoped more support will be given next year.
Saturday 8th August, 2009
HERITAGE MOTOR CENTRE, GAYDON, WARWICKSHIRE
This date is the middle Saturday of the fortnight celebrating 50 years of the Mini.
Adults: £11 Concessions: £9
A pre-booked lunch is available for minimum groups of 12 people:
One course: £6.95 or Two courses: £9.95
There will be a guided tour of the Centre, commencing at 2.15 pm after lunch. The tour will last approximately 2 hours. Meet at the Cafe. There will also be an opportunity to experience ‘off-road’ travel in a 4x4 for an extra £6.
This date is the middle Saturday of the fortnight celebrating 50 years of the Mini.
Adults: £11 Concessions: £9
A pre-booked lunch is available for minimum groups of 12 people:
One course: £6.95 or Two courses: £9.95
There will be a guided tour of the Centre, commencing at 2.15 pm after lunch. The tour will last approximately 2 hours. Meet at the Cafe. There will also be an opportunity to experience ‘off-road’ travel in a 4x4 for an extra £6.
Tuesday 21st July, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The fourth committee meeting took place on Tuesday 21st July with the following Agenda. Most people will be aware by now that the College plans to close the Engineering Division to new students after the intake of September this year. This will effectively mean that there will be no more King's Engineers graduating after 2013. This dramatic move will also impact on the future of KCLEA, since even accepting that graduates have considered it of little value to join the Association over the last 20 years or so, there being no new intake of engineers guarantees the eventual demise of the Association. The committee will be giving full consideration to the future over the next set of committee meetings, taking into account the restructuring of KCLEA to eliminate subscriptions and open it to all King's engineering graduates. The major expediture of the Association has for many years been in providing prizes, bursaries, medals and financial support to current engineering students by way of the KCLES. With this coming to an end within four years, other uses for the funds will be examined. Concern was expressed at the lack of support for two of the events organised during the last couple of months, but on the other hand the lunch was quite well attended.
The fourth committee meeting took place on Tuesday 21st July with the following Agenda. Most people will be aware by now that the College plans to close the Engineering Division to new students after the intake of September this year. This will effectively mean that there will be no more King's Engineers graduating after 2013. This dramatic move will also impact on the future of KCLEA, since even accepting that graduates have considered it of little value to join the Association over the last 20 years or so, there being no new intake of engineers guarantees the eventual demise of the Association. The committee will be giving full consideration to the future over the next set of committee meetings, taking into account the restructuring of KCLEA to eliminate subscriptions and open it to all King's engineering graduates. The major expediture of the Association has for many years been in providing prizes, bursaries, medals and financial support to current engineering students by way of the KCLES. With this coming to an end within four years, other uses for the funds will be examined. Concern was expressed at the lack of support for two of the events organised during the last couple of months, but on the other hand the lunch was quite well attended.
Thursday 21st May, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The third committee meeting took place on Thursday 21st May, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. The 13 Club Trophy was discussed and it was agreed that the case will be repaired and new words will be incorporated into the citation for it in accordance with current practice. Greater use will be made of KCLA Alumni Office for e-mailings and postings regarding matters of interest to KCLEA members. Greater use will also be made of the emerging Alumni website to provide the secure features planned for this one. Some members felt that this present one should be retained substantially as now but with improved graphics. King's Engineer will be mailed twice per year in association with the In Touch magazine, with KCLA also paying towards its cost of production. The format was discussed. A number of KCLEA Events have been organised and details can be found at the top of this page. Further work has been carried out on revising the Constitution to bring it into line with the changes to KCLEA agreed at the last AGM. The 2009 AGM will be held on Friday 27th November.
The third committee meeting took place on Thursday 21st May, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. The 13 Club Trophy was discussed and it was agreed that the case will be repaired and new words will be incorporated into the citation for it in accordance with current practice. Greater use will be made of KCLA Alumni Office for e-mailings and postings regarding matters of interest to KCLEA members. Greater use will also be made of the emerging Alumni website to provide the secure features planned for this one. Some members felt that this present one should be retained substantially as now but with improved graphics. King's Engineer will be mailed twice per year in association with the In Touch magazine, with KCLA also paying towards its cost of production. The format was discussed. A number of KCLEA Events have been organised and details can be found at the top of this page. Further work has been carried out on revising the Constitution to bring it into line with the changes to KCLEA agreed at the last AGM. The 2009 AGM will be held on Friday 27th November.
Thursday 12th March, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The second committee meeting for 2009 took place on Thursday 12th March, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. Copies of In Touch are now being sent out and should enclose a copy to all engineering alumni of the new edition of the Newsletter entitled King's Engineer Issue 1 Spring 2009. Nigel Sharpe was thanked for his hard work in getting it ready and printed. The Constitution of the KCLEA needs to be changed in line with the new arrangements for having no subscription and making all engineering graduates "members" of the Association. The opportunity will be taken at the next AGM to make some other changes in order to reflect the new arrangements being put in hand. The treasurer reminded us of the need to maintain income at least at the current level by asking all current members to continue making their contribution as 'donations' in place of 'subscriptions'. The committee discussed with members of KCLES the level of support funding which their events might need in the coming year.
The second committee meeting for 2009 took place on Thursday 12th March, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. Copies of In Touch are now being sent out and should enclose a copy to all engineering alumni of the new edition of the Newsletter entitled King's Engineer Issue 1 Spring 2009. Nigel Sharpe was thanked for his hard work in getting it ready and printed. The Constitution of the KCLEA needs to be changed in line with the new arrangements for having no subscription and making all engineering graduates "members" of the Association. The opportunity will be taken at the next AGM to make some other changes in order to reflect the new arrangements being put in hand. The treasurer reminded us of the need to maintain income at least at the current level by asking all current members to continue making their contribution as 'donations' in place of 'subscriptions'. The committee discussed with members of KCLES the level of support funding which their events might need in the coming year.
Thursday 15th January, 2009
COMMITTEE MEETING
The first committee meeting for 2009 took place on Thursday 15th January, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. Following on from the decision to alter the structure of membership of the Association, a meeting has been held with the Alumni Office and they have agreed to add any inserts about KCLEA into the next In Touch magazine and send them to all Engineering Graduates on their mailing list. They can also help with reunions, and provide numbers of engineering graduates related to a UK region, or country. The KCLES reported on their activities, which have included football, pool, and badminton. They have produced a Newsletter for current students, and the Christmas Party was particularly well attended. The Events Secretary is planning a number of possible events for KCLEA members and details will be announced on this website.
The first committee meeting for 2009 took place on Thursday 15th January, at 6.00 pm in Room 112 of the Strand Building, with the following Agenda. Following on from the decision to alter the structure of membership of the Association, a meeting has been held with the Alumni Office and they have agreed to add any inserts about KCLEA into the next In Touch magazine and send them to all Engineering Graduates on their mailing list. They can also help with reunions, and provide numbers of engineering graduates related to a UK region, or country. The KCLES reported on their activities, which have included football, pool, and badminton. They have produced a Newsletter for current students, and the Christmas Party was particularly well attended. The Events Secretary is planning a number of possible events for KCLEA members and details will be announced on this website.
