The branch has been renamed Thames and Chilterns Branch in 2003 as the previous designation of South Midland caused great confusion. The branch area encompasses the counties of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. Thus now the branch name is no longer a challenge to most people’s perception of geography.

 

The branch has a membership of around 720. A programme of 6 technical evening meetings is run between September and March, with a more general topic at the AGM each April. Construction site visits are also arranged when the opportunity presents. Joint meetings are run with ICE ( Thames Valley and Chilterns), ILT and IHIE.

 

We also run a one day technical seminar at Sonning near Reading in October each year, and a half day training session in July on a specific topical subject aimed at young members. A dinner dance is held in November to which we welcome the President and Chief Executive. Other regular social events include go karting, a theatre evening and a summer family day. We also enthusiastically turn out a Locan Cup golf team every year.

 

We believe that the branch was founded in June 1957, this being the first entry in the Committee attendance book. The four County Surveyors and their staff were prominent on the committee in the early years but the demise of those posts and privatisation of their departments has led to consultants, including TRL and contractors now, taking the major roles in branch affairs.

 

Five branch members (all County Surveyors!) have ascended to the IHT presidency, namely Kenneth Summerfield, John Leigh, Mike Hardy, Geoff Potter and Nigel Knott.