Full Steam Ahead – TSA’s AGM & BIM Session

Published: 18 Apr 2013

TSA’s 33rd Annual General Meeting was held yesterday,  in the spacious and sensational surroundings of the National Railway Museum in York.

Members gathered on the Balcony overlooking the vast array of engines and carriages, enjoying a coffee and Danish pastry before the meeting began.  The AGM was completed fairly quickly, under the chairmanship of Graham Mills of Technics Group.  Graham continues as TSA President, with Stuart Dimond of MK Surveys as the new Vice-President.  Huge thanks go to John Witherden of Aworth Land Surveys who has been an excellent VP for TSA for the last five years.  John continues on Council and the full list for 2013 can be found on the ‘About Us’ page.

Graham Mills then announced that the President’s Award, kindly sponsored by Lockton, for 2013 was to be given to Alison Watson, from Class of Your Own, “For encouraging and enabling young people to discover surveying, engineering, design and construction.” 

Andrew Evans from Topcon, Alison’s main sponsor, accepted the award on her behalf.

PresidentsAward

(Andrew Evans (L) receives the Award from Adam Axtell-Powell of Lockton)

One of the supreme and unmatched benefits of TSA Membership is the opportunity to discuss issues, concerns and new ideas openly and honestly.  Members enjoyed a 75-minute session discussing topics such as education, recruitment, low fees and licensing.  Some new suggestions and approaches to all of these things were noted by Council.

TSALunch

A magnificent buffet spread was then provided, down in the Great Hall and surrounded by breathtaking examples of engineering and motion. 

Enough time was built in to allow members to explore the museum.

The afternoon session was totally dedicated to BIM (Building Information Modelling) with comprehensive and wide-ranging presentations from:

 – Andy Rhoades (BAA) – the client’s perspective
 – Martin Penney and Peter Folwell – talking on behalf of TSA
 – Ian Bush on behalf of Chartered ICES – the Institution’s view on BIM
 – Tracey Stone for AutoDesk – their approach to BIM and the future
 – Paul Bryan for English Heritage – the client’s perspective

The meeting concluded with an explanation about TSA’s new BIM Special Interest Group and then tea and scones on the Balcony.  A fitting ending to a day rich in content!  The feedback has been first class:

“An excellent day, most informative and well worth the journey.”
“As a new comer to the TSA I believe the day has shown me that membership will be very worthwhile.”
“I had a great day!”

To TSA Members who missed out, don’t worry – we are already busy planning a great programme for the Discussion Group meeting on 30th October at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford.  If you are not yet a Member, then why not ask for an Application Form today so you can join us?