My year as Chairman has been an interesting one. The branch has provided a series of very interesting talks from eminent people within the industry encompassing all aspects of alternative dispute resolution. I was disappointed, given the quality and standing of our speakers, that the number attending was generally only between 30 and, at the most, 50, when we have a branch membership of some 750. Members have an open invitation to suggest talks or speakers if they would like to see other areas covered.

I would like to thank all those on the committee who have given their support throughout the year. It is regrettable that during the year Bernhard Lippmann had to resign due to ill health. We continue to keep in touch with Bernhard, who has given 10 years service to the branch, and wish him a speedy and full recovery. We were very fortunate that we obtained the services of Helena Brown, a new member of the branch, who has taken over from Bernhard. Anne Kenny kindly filled the gap as she so often does.

As a branch we are very proud of our magazine “News and Views”. It is published three times a year, and circulated not just to the members of the branch but also other interested bodies and branches of the institute. I have received many compliments on the magazine and credit for this must go to Peter Home, and Roger Clarke who has just left the editorial team to be replaced by Peter Cousins.

I wish the branch and its committee well for the future.