The following synopsis of events at this years dinner has very kindly been produced by Simon Owen.
"The CIBSE Yorkshire Region Chairman’s Annual Award Dinner” took place at its regular venue, the Marriott in Leeds and as always was a chance for everyone within the industry to dress up and let their hair down while sharing conversation, looking back at the year that has passed and consider those to come.
Before settling down to dinner the 150 guests enjoyed drinks while John Hotowka, the evenings entertainer made his way around groups of people having a few words and demonstrating his skills at close up magic. When I saw him, and despite having 10 people watching him like hawks, he smoothly made a signed playing card appear exactly where he said it would within the deck and then finally in his wallet – with a zip on it, that was also placed in his inside jacket pocket. I think the only way anyone would have been more amazed is if the card had have turned up in one of their own wallets instead of his!
Mark Connor, the Yorkshire Chairman, welcomed everyone before making a speech about the changes we have seen this year; the developing workload, progress of technology and methodology as well the challenges which have started to rear their heads. Most notably the current pressure on skills and the shortage that is expected to just get worse; while he could have sounded like the voice of gloom within the room as you can see for yourself from the link there was an optimistic finish.
We also welcomed Tadj Oreszczyn, Vice President of CIBSE who immediately got the audiences attention by announcing that he had a particular interest in bed bugs… Thankfully he swiftly moved on from there to talk about CIBSE, what is happening at HQ and how there are interesting challenges ahead for Building Services Engineers as Environmental Engineers. A poignant example of that being the move towards passive systems and how they will cope should carbon dioxide levels reach 1000 parts per million as has been predicted while they obviously will play an important part in helping to avoid that situation..
After a brief awards ceremony recognising the achievements of students from the various colleges and universities within the region who have excelled in their courses it was time to enjoy the evenings meal before John took to the stage for his show, a gentle blend of magic, comedy and banter. While I have seen people tear up a newspaper in front of me before on TV to reveal an unharmed one it is truly remarkable seeing it done live. Please note see it done, but not how!
Hopefully his "recruitment device" involving passing a wooden block through someone's head using two tubes won't catch on, but it was remarkable to watch while Tony Hodges from NG Bailey was a fantastic sport after being volunteered by "friends" and colleagues.
All in all a wonderful evening and a super way to get together, talk about what is happening, hopes for the future and mark what has been yet another interesting year for building services in Yorkshire."
Photos provided by Rebecca Kilburn, please click here for link to her company website
Click on any of the links below to view photographs from the event.
General Photos
Guest Reception Photos
Entertainment Photos
Student Awards Photos
Raffle Photos
07/11/2014 19:45:00