On 15 March, 17 of us, from various backgrounds and levels of experience gathered for the problem-solving workshop (which complies with the rules for a Branch Surgery for the purposes of pupillage and continuing panel membership). We were divided into three groups, which changed for each of four sessions, each being under the care either of Rod O’Driscoll, Francis Miller or Derek Ross. In all, 14 problems were encountered, which were varied and did not favour any particular specialism. To the delight of at least one delegate, there was a shipping (charterer -v- owner) case.

It is not possible within the space available for this report to dwell in depth on the activities of a full day, but it appeared that all present were very well satisfied. I suggest that the greatest benefits of attendance are not in finding answers to the problems addressed during the day but in developing problem solving skills and, by discussion (argument?), gaining an insight into the way others approach problems.

At £50 plus VAT the workshop was certainly not expensive and, to my mind, was exceptional value for money.

reported by Peter Horne