Welcome to the millennium! All the celebrations and hype have now past and we have to get on with all the promises that we made - remember how we were going to make the world / life bigger, better, cheaper etc.?

Well the South East Branch have jumped in with both feet. We have produced an exciting and interesting programme for the remainder of the millennium (or up to it, depending on your point of view) and into 2001. Details are in the 'Trailers', but highlights are the summer outing to Wisley (for which both sunshine and wine have been ordered), the Branch Surgery, where all your problems can be aired, and the Branch Dinner, at a venue in Brighton not to be missed.

In addition, the Committee have prepared a three-year plan to drive the Branch forward by

I hope to see many new faces at these venues and if you would like additional information please do not hesitate to contact myself or any Committee Member. We're here to provide the Branch that you require.

You may have noticed (at least I hope you noticed) that News & Views is later than usual. This is due to major changes that were taking place in the Committee which the Committee considered should be advised to the Members as soon as possible.

The following Committee Members have retired and we would like to thank them for the many hours of work that they have put in for the benefit of the Branch.

In particular, I am very grateful for the assistance that Paul Darrington has given to me whilst trying to publish News & Views.

Paul Darrington

John Burgess

Geoffrey Beresford Hartwell

John Stockley

I have taken over from Robin Orme as Chairman and Robin will remain as Past Chairman / Vice Chairman. Duncan Shaw will remain as Treasurer and will also act as Branch Representative with Council. Derek Ross and Harvey Mason continue as Vice Chairman and Meetings Secretary respectively. Robin Orme has stepped into the Editorial position for News & Views.

Roger Clarke

Anne Kenny

Ian Wilson

Richard Swan

The Committee realise that the South East Branch is widely spread and that Croydon may not be the best venue for meetings. Also the layout of Croydon Magistrates Court is not ideal for the type of meeting favoured by the Branch, particularly with the different levels of seating and the bar only being open for the buffet. Therefore, we would appreciate your input on how much you like the present venue and your suggestions on alternative venues, whether in Croydon or elsewhere.

The Institute's Headquarters Organisation at Angel Gate is undergoing radical changes which should considerably improve communications with Branches and Members.

In particular, the introduction of new staff to assist in dealing with Branches and Members should help.

But do you know who they are? Well Anne Kenny is Branches Liaison Officer and is now part of the SE Branch Committee and Gillian Patch is External Relations Manager.

There are also proposals to move from Angel Gate to, I hope, a more user friendly address that is more open and accessible to Members. Therefore, it is intended that the year 2000 will bring an open and more Member-friendly organisation than has been the case in the past.

If you have any problems with HQ, News & Views would be pleased to hear them and will publish any letters (after editing if necessary) sent to us.