Southern Joint Branch: On Friday 2 November 2007, the Branch held their Annual Dinner at the Grand Harbour De Vere Hotel in Southampton.
A record breaking attendance of over 200 marine professionals attended the dinner this year. Reception drinks were kindly sponsored by Caterpillar Marine Power Systems. President of the Branch, Mike Jones, gave an interesting speech about the Branch and its activities, both past and future, while Rev Bill Shackleton responded as guest speaker for the evening.
Dr Stephen Payne, OBE RDI (President, RINA) and Mr Keith Read, CBE (CEO, IMarEST) presented the annual awards for achievement to outstanding local students: Simon Pattison (Outstanding Young Engineer, VT), Thomas de la Haye (Top Final Year Student, Yacht & Powercraft Design, Southampton Solent University), Sally Denchfield (Top Final Year Student, Ship Science, Southampton University) and LMEAs N Skov, G Hinton and Kursner (Top Marine Engineering
Artificers, HMS Sultan), accepted by Commodore Al Rymer.
Jayan Pillai, Executive Committee Chairman, presented gifts to Rev Shackleton, as a thank you, and to Diana Roberts, in recognition of her hard work as Social Secretary over the years, before stepping down this year. A great night was had by all and it is hoped that next year will build on this success. The SJB Council would like to thank all attendees for making this event such a success. Particular thanks to Caterpillar Marine Power Systems for their sponsorship and Rev Bill Shackleton for such a memorable evening.