Presented at the AGM 11th April 2000* Now postponed 'till May

Last Year I reported that we had a good year as far as events were concerned. I am pleased to comment that things have been even better this year with the general number of members and guests attending our events increasing dramatically. However we would still like to improve on this situation.

The season started off with what seems to be our regular visit to Boddingtons Brewery where once again a very convivial evening was had by all. This event I trust will continue, albeit perhaps at a different venue. Are there any breweries in Cheshire?

A very interesting trip was arranged to the Alderley Edge Copper Mines and again it is hoped to repeat this troglodite experience in the forthcoming ceason but visiting a much larger cavernn which is not normally open to the public. More to be announced at a later date.

A fascinating and informative lecture was given by the Millennium Experience Company showing how the dome was designed and put together. A special vote of thanks by Professor John Hearle was given at the end of the evening.

A quiz night organised by our Cheshire members was again a huge success and a big thanks are owed to them for their excellent organisation.

A visit by the Manchester Armed Response Team proved to be a different and provocative occasion, but I beleive by all concerned that it was one of the most interesting events that we have so far arranged - which incidentally took some considerable organising for many reasons.

The visit to Lever Brothers at Port Sunlight again was as popular as ever and we were treated 'royally' by our hosts, in terms of subject matter, refreshments and goodies dag which we all received (no more wash day blues!).  Special thanks to Bill Mooney for his help in this trip once again.

The end of the season finished with a wonderful social evening at the Deanwater Hotel, which I trust we will repeat in years to come.

I would like to give special thanks to Ben Majiyagbe our Secretary and Treasurer, for all the hard work and enthusiasm he puts in on behalf of all our members, not forgetting all the Committe members also for helping to put together the years program. Special thanks to behinf the scenes staff at TI HQ particularly Hanneke van Dijk for all her invaluable help in assisting the Section.

Let us not forget the sad loss of our past Treasurer and long-standing TI member Murdo Macleod. He will be sadly missed as one of the elder statesmen of our section. (I might add a ink to short biography here!)

 So with the next session looming up could we all give some thought to you the members and what you actually want from the Manchester & Cheshire Section, but we cannot do it without your help and comments.

Andrew M Palliser
Chairman, Manchester & Cheshire Section