Institute of Refractories Engineers 50th Anniversary Ball

Cutlers Hall, Sheffield

Saturday 12th November 2011

	Past Presidents		Cutler's Hall

The Institute celebrated 50 glorious years in style at the historic (“hidden gem”) Cutler’s Hall in Sheffield.

In total 245 members and their guests attended including 21 past presidents dating back to the 1970’s (C.K Walker “74/75 & M.J.Mason “77/78).

It was a marvellous opportunity to assemble the President’s for a group photo and this was arranged in the VIP suite prior to the dinner. It was also pleasing that the Master Cutler (Mrs Pam Liversidge,OBE) wanted to join the proceedings and subsequently posed with the “team”.

Following an excellent dinner; I gave a short speech expounding the virtues of refractories in society and consequently why the Institute was key and then with other members proposed a toast to “Our Guests”.

Neale Parkin, Managing Director of DSF Refractories & Minerals replied on behalf of the guests.

The Master Cutler, prior to her toast proposal to the Institute, delivered an excellent speech outlining the history of the Cutler’s hall, the ceremonies, the company officers and explained the origins of the rather strange looking elephant on Company of Cutlers’ Shield. She also noted how important refractories had been to the metal forming and working industries in Sheffield.

Ken Walker (Past President 1974/75) replied on behalf of the Institute.

A presentation of an artisan glass bowl was made to Mr Alan Hey in acknowledgement of all his hard work as General Secretary & Treasurer.

The “speech” was given by acclaimed after dinner speaker Mr Peter Slack (Derbyshire Hill Farmer) who regaled us with stories of his experiences with ramblers around his farm; quite frankly he was hilarious.

Speeches over; the band “Private Lines” played on till carriages arrived at 1.00 a.m.

All in all, an absolutely excellent evening, nearly two years of planning and everything combined beautifully.

It is important to note however that such events require considerable organisation, in this capacity I would specifically like to thank Jayne Woodhead, Paul Bottomley, Jon Masding, John May and someone I forgot to thank on the night; Ingrid Pears who handcrafted the gifts of glass cuff- links and heart shaped paperweights.

Here’s to the next 50 years!

C.Windle

President

The President (Chris)visited the glassworks of glass artist Ingrid Pears who supplied the glass cuff-links and paperweights for the 50th Anniversary Ball.

Ingrid has been recognised by both government and royalty alike for her export achievements and uniqueness of her creations, however it is her overriding enthusiasm for the art form that shines through.

Ingrid was determined that Chris had a go and supervised the pre-heat of the blow pipe, gather of glass and the blowing of quite a unique form!