You will hopefully have read that SRP hosted a very successful World Institute for Nuclear Security (WINS) workshop in London early in November. I was also pleased that we were able to hold a drinks reception the night before during which SRP took the opportunity to become a member of WINS. Amongst our membership we have a diverse range of people who in some way are involved in security of nuclear material and I can see that the interaction we will have with WINS will be of mutual benefit. Since membership is free at present you could say it was a "win win" situation!

Our Council Meeting this month was held in Birmingham to enable people to also attend the very successful event on "Practical Design of Radioactive Facilities". This was the first time anyone can remember the meeting being held outside London. We met up the night before and had an great social evening in a very good local Indian restaurant (which we eventually found). It really proved an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better in a more relaxed environment and I think the newer members really found it useful.

I also spent a week during November working in Gibraltar. I last visited the place 21 years ago when my brother Graham, who was in the navy at the time, was stationed there. I was amazed by the changes, which if I'm honest I didn't like too much, but they are necessary to ensure Gibraltar's economy remains strong. I know that some of the changes we have been introducing in the SRP have not always been popular but the changes also ensure we stay strong as a Society and continue to grow.

The snows have come earlier this year and I am pleased not to have been affected so far, particularly since I was working at the Low Level Waste Repository at the end of the month. I went to the Thatcham Christmas lights "switch on" Friday evening and combined with the weather it is really starting to feel festive now. On that note I would like to finish by wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead.

Richard I Wilkins