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Annual Conference 2003

Report by David Woodbridge

Wood Solutions: Theory & Practice

The Conference, along with the President's Reception and Conference Dinner, were held on October 8th and 9th at the Copthorne Hotel on the river front in Newcastle upon Tyne. Approaching 70 attended the dinner on the Wednesday and a few short of 120 Institute members, non-members, sponsors and speakers, registered for the actual Conference on the Thursday. Notable this year was the substantial number of people attending from the timber trade and allied industries; a fifty-fifty split between the industry and the specifying professions and end users.

Jim Coulson, President, in both his after dinner speech and the opening address at the Conference thanked the sponsors, in particular the three major sponsors; AHEC, Timbmet and Wood for good, for their generous support. Without such support, and that included all those who contributed in this way to the financial well being of the event, the Institute's Annual National Conference could not be presented in the polished and professional style that has been witnessed in recent years. Nor would the event be able to attract the broad range of distinguished and expert speakers evident from the listing of the 2003 team (see report below).

Jim went on to give a short 'health' report on the Institute. He spoke of a renaissance that had taken place over the last few years and of David Woodbridge's initiatives in this respect, not the least being the launch of the highly acclaimed Foundation Course on Timber. He went on to say that with David's retirement earlier in the year Jim Lumsden, as the new Director, was launching further initiatives, one of which will be a membership drive, a drive in which lapsed members will be encouraged to re-join. In addition to canvassing for new members it was pointed out that there might also be members, both past and present, who might consider applying for a higher grade of membership.

David continues to have an involvement in Institute affairs as the Editor of Wood Focus and the Coordinator and Editor for the major revision and re-publishing of the Certificate Course.

Responding to Jim's speech on behalf of the sponsors Mike Connell (Arch Timber Protection) commented on the tremendous changes that are taking place within the industry, referring in particular to the timber preservation sector. These changes are occurring at an accelerating pace, but he is heartened by the response from the UK and Irish timber industry in which 70% have already taken action or, if not, are currently converting existing installations or installing new equipment. He sees, through this high state of activity, encouraging signs for the future of the industry.

It was appropriate for Mrs Christine Bradshaw (Membership and Office Secretary) to be presented by the President with a handsome bouquet in recognition of her loyal work at Head Office.

The winter issue of the Journal will carry a report on the technical and educational significance of the Conference. The following is therefore intended as a brief overview of the presentations.

The Conference got off to a punctual start with the first of the three sessions, all of which focused on the theme Wood Solutions. Clear, thought provoking and at times controversial, views on Timber from Well Managed Forests and forest certification schemes were presented by Rupert Oliver (Managing Editor, hardwoodmarkets.co) and Simon Fineman (Group Chief Executive, The Timbmet Group). Whilst it is forecasted that the demands for 'certified' timber would grow in the public sector, the level of knowledge held by many of those involved in the specification and use of wood is 'deplorably low'. The need for education in this field is enormous.

The second session was concerned with Timber in Practice with Duncan Mayes (Stora Enso Timber) speaking about innovations in the way in which Finnish redwood is converted, processed, dried and graded to exploit its special characteristics and properties. Gordon Cowley (MD Cowley Structural Timberwork) then approached the topic from an engineering stance, illustrating his talk with views of some stunning constructions.

After lunch the third session, Timber Solutions, was based on building case studies presented by Massimo Alvisi (Renso Piano Building Workshop) and Roddy Langmuir (Edward Cullinan Architects). Roddy spoke of the importance of the interdisciplinary approach to design, the differing national trends and attitudes in timber as a construction material along with the growing challenge of sustainability. Massimo based his presentation on the recently completed Music Garden, a massive development in Rome of three concert halls, a central piazza and a classically styled outdoor theatre. Although it has perhaps been the Rome Auditorium (the largest of the halls) that has received the most publicity, the whole scheme is a stunning achievement and a landmark in the synthesis of wood, travertine, brick, steel and lead.

The social aspect of the Institute's Annual Conference is a very important feature and this year was no exception. With adequate breaks for refreshments and lunch, coupled with the spacious layout of the public areas in the hotel, there was abundant opportunity for delegates, sponsors, Institute officers, members and the speakers, to converse and network.

The exceptionally varied and informative exhibition stands hosted by many of the sponsors added a further dimension to the event. Each stand had an educational input to offer, not the least being in the wide-ranging and informative publications that were made available for everyone. In the closing debate it was announced that the 2004 Conference is likely to be in the midlands and that a location and date will be announced in December.