Institute of Quarrying Scottish Branch celebrates first President’s Award
The enthusiastic application and effort of the Institute of Quarrying’s (IQ) Scottish Branch in its promotion of quarrying has at last been recognised, winning the coveted President’s Branch Trophy for the first time in its history.
Andrew Gillon, IQ Scottish Branch Chairman, accompanied Ian Christie, Secretary, and Anne Smith, Treasurer, to receive the trophy from Phil Redmond, IQ President, at the recent IQ Fellows Lunch held in the Tower of London.
Andrew Gillon says: “Our branch members were overwhelmed at winning what we see as recognition for ‘branch of the year’. We’ve arranged for the Trophy to be re-presented at the Scottish Branch Dinner Dance on 1 December by previous IQ president, Miles Watkins, so that more than 360 attendees can raise a glass to this fantastic achievement.”
The President’s Trophy is awarded to the IQ branch that strongly demonstrates the promotion of continuing professional development (CPD) activities, engagement with younger members, interaction with other organisations, and the introduction of innovation. Award submissions were judged by a panel of IQ board members.
Andrew Gillon continues: “Similar to many other branches, one of the biggest challenges we face is attracting young people into the industry and encouraging greater diversity.
“Our involvement with the University of Strathclyde’s ‘Engineering the Future for Girls’ summer programme, in partnership with BAM Ritchies and Aggregate Industries, was the standout moment. The highlight of the week was more than 100 female secondary school students experiencing a live on-site blast at Duntilland Quarry, which we hope will inspire many to consider quarrying as a future career.”
Phil Redmond, IQ President, adds: “Congratulations to the Scottish Branch; the judges were extremely impressed with your application and your hard work has been duly recognised.
“The President’s Branch Trophy was this year based on four key objectives of the Institute. The Scottish Branch demonstrated great consistency in building relationships and engaging with their local communities, especially in the area of encouraging diversity in future generations joining the industry. They also progressed the furthest in developing the capability to marry face-to-face meetings with online engagement for members.”
Andrew Gillon concludes: “The President’s Branch trophy is recognition for all our members of the great work we do here north of the border. It can be a real challenge getting together, given the sheer size of the country, so we’ve embraced new web-based conferencing technologies to remove physical barriers to bring us closer together.
“Now that we’ve broken our duck, we’ll be working hard to retain the trophy next year so keep an eye out for news of the work we’re doing over coming months.”
IQ introduced the President’s Branch Trophy in 1996. Past winners include:
- 2017 – 2018 Scottish
- 2016 – 2017 North of England
- 2015 – 2014 North of England
- 2013 – 2014 North of England
- 2012 – 2013 Lancashire
- 2011 – 2012 Lancashire
- 2010 – 2011 Lancashire
- 2009 – 2010 Midlands
- 2008 – 2009 Midlands
- 2007 – 2008 South Wales & North of England
- 2006 – 2007 South Wales & West of England
- 2005 – 2006 West of England
- 2004 – 2005 West of England
- 2003 – 2004 West of England
- 2002 – 2003 South Wales
- 2001 – 2002 West of England
- 2000 – 2001 North of England
- 1999 – 2000 Yorkshire
- 1998 – 1999 West of England
- 1997 – 1998 Lancashire
- 1996 – 1997 North of England
