07 Jun 2016

AEMT’s 71st AGM at the Vulcan Experience.

A strong turnout of members and associates started the AEMT’s 71st AGM in good stead. The President, Graham Brooker, started by giving many thanks to all those who had worked hard to run the AEMT over the past year from the council and the secretariat. There had been a lot of work in getting a strong structure for the council to grow upon in 2015. Now the council are looking forward to strengthening the board with six more candidates, focusing on the key areas, including training and apprenticeships.

The secretariat’s report started with an analytical insight into 2015’s activities – the figures showed that 2015 had been a strong year with visits to the AEMT website increasing by 250% year on year. The AEMT had trained over 120 different companies in Ex Repair from Oil & Gas Companies to Utilities and Pump companies.

Technically, the AEMT has been well represented on various standards committees (IEC, ISO, EN, BSI, ATEX, IECEx and EU Eco-design.) In September Dr. Martin Killeen, currently the lead lecturer for the AEMT, will join the secretariat full time to develop training. With the extra pair of hands available, our activity on standards committees will hopefully increase, as well as getting feedback to members on the developments at these meetings.

The officers for 2016/2017 were chosen with Graham Brooker remaining President for another year, and Gary Downes becoming Vice President and Treasurer. New council members joining the board include: Gareth Williams of HG Rewinds, Shaun Sutton of Central Group, Simon Brooks of Rotamec, Derry Sheehan of Avonmore Electrical, Dennis Rawl of Exalto and Lucie Hodkova of Exico. Farewells and thanks went to David Rausi at Anstee and Ware, who stepped down from his role on council.

There followed a short discussion on EU membership and Brexit by some of the members at the meeting. A very informal vote after the meeting indicated 6 in favour of remain, 4 in favour of leaving, and 3 undecided. Very similar to the polls at that time.

To finish the day, members were treated to a tour of the Vulcan XH558 Bomber and a fascinating talk on restoring the plane by CEO of the trust, Dr Robert Pleming.

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