Some who read this diary, my old boss for one who I think is still keeping an eye on me, have been asking why no update on this diary since late July when I got back from Korea and Hong Kong?
Simply put, it’s because there’s been little happening. August is the traditional holiday period and presidential visits and events seem to taper off a fair bit. I have therefore been largely twiddling my thumbs, although there has been far too much washing, ironing and use of the vacuum cleaner in there too for my liking. I’ve also been catching up on e-mails and IOSH correspondence, reading the chat forums on the IOSH web site and writing to various newspapers (the usual suspects of course) to rebut yet more daft ‘elf ‘n’ safety’ stories like the reported “ban” on older persons’ whist games etc. All in all a nice relaxing break, or perhaps the calm before the storm?
I’ve attended a few IOSH meetings including the Board of Trustees, and I also had a very enjoyable visit to the South Wales Branch to talk about the sensible safety message. Thanks to all those that turned up on a very wet day for making me feel so welcome.
Some of the rebuttal letters we’ve had published have had a mixed response from members of the public, some supportive but unfortunately others that still think that all the ills of the world are a result of ‘elf ‘n’ safety’ bans on innocuous events, we still have much to do but at least we are getting noticed. There is a saying “if they are having a go at you then you must be doing something right.”
You may have read by now that we’re sponsoring the World Conker Championships again this year, and we hope to get a lot of positive coverage through the media as we did last time – so John Humphrys and Chris Evans, here we come again. The only blight on the horizon seems to be the one affecting UK conkers this year – seems as if there may not be enough available for the competition and we may need to source from abroad. Any out there who want to form a team and take part too? Have a look at the event website and get your entries in soon before all the places are filled. I hope that I avoid getting a yellow card this year!
September soon and the diary is starting to fill rapidly, looks like the end of the holiday is imminent. It’s also the time of year that the president starts to reflect on what has happened since taking on the role last November and the time when the president elect starts to realise what is in store for them next year!
Comments