It is good to know that our celebratory 50th issue of 40 pages that came out in January was enjoyed not only among our Branch members in South East England, but also much farther afield. Our Branch Chairman received a message of congratulation from the Irish Branch of the Chartered Institute. And we even had an appreciative letter from a distinguished old member in Western Australia (see under Correspondence).

Soon after celebrating the 50th issue of our Newsletter, we were also celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Branch’s formation. This occasion was marked at our exceptionally well-attended March meeting with a free glass of wine and with a birthday cake, whose 20 candles were duly blown out with a single puff – well almost! – by our guest speaker Tony Bingham.

The obvious interpretation of these events – and I believe the correct one – is that our Branch is in good health and that its activities are well appreciated both by our own members in South East England and in the arbitration world beyond. For this the major share of the credit must go to Derek Ross, who is now retiring as Chairman after a two-year stint. The Branch owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Derek for his leadership over this important period – a leadership that has never been oppressive or distant, but always cheerful and good-humoured as well as determinedly conscientious and energetic. We now warmly welcome Harvey Mason as a worthy successor.

So, with this 51st News & Views the Branch is entering a new era. For now it is in good shape. But its continued health depends – yes, on your Committee, and they will continue to do their part – but also on you the members. Take part in our activities. Support our meetings. And if they are not sufficiently attractive to you, tell us why.

And send us your views on wider issues. In News & Views we try to provide a variety of fare for different tastes. In this issue we have news from Headquarters and overseas, information on Branch events, reminiscences, legal comment, reports and articles both instructive and controversial. This time even our correspondence column has sprouted and blossomed. Keep it up, please. React. Write or e-mail us with your ‘news and views’. While there’s communication, there’s life!