This is the final blog I will be writing as President and it is hard to believe that the year (actually 13 months because we moved the Annual General Meeting (AGM)) is coming to an end so quickly.

I was told that just as you start to feel confident in the role it is time to pass on the presidency and for me this has been no exception. I hope everyone enjoyed the Royal Wedding and any celebrations you may have had or attended. Since this was not deemed a formal state occasion because Prince William is not the immediate heir to the throne Presidents were not invited; I therefore had to be content with watching it on the television at home!

April has been a quiet month in terms of committee meetings and the like but in other ways it has been rather hectic as we need to ensure our Annual Report is issued at least three weeks before the AGM. We have managed to achieve this mainly thanks to the efforts of Alan Marsh and Tessa Harris who pulled together all the information and contributions from the Committees and Topic Groups. My thanks to both of them.

You will see that it has been another busy year for the Society with a good deal achieved again. Do take time to read and reflect on this because at times it is so much easier to see what is wrong in our Society and miss many of the good things that have happened. Of course many would have liked to have seen faster progress in some areas but we are reliant on busy volunteers who give what time they can. I hope many of you will be coming to Poole where I will present on our achievements for the year as well as giving my personal feedback. I am currently travelling on the train (which has been delayed!) to the International Committee Meeting which meets around three times a year.

This is where we interact with our Partner Societies in the UK and where SRP acts as a conduit to the International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA). It is a timely reminder that IRPA 13 which is taking place in Glasgow is now only about a year way. Thanks to those in SRP who are already involved and to those who have offered support next year. We really need to ensure a big attendance from the UK so please make every effort to attend – now is probably the time to ensure appropriate funds are requested in your Company budgets. I will be handing over the Presidency (and this blog) to Chris Englefield in Poole who I know will be an excellent President and I am looking forward to his year. I have enjoyed writing these updates and hope you have enjoyed reading them and that it has given you some insight into my year.

Hopefully I will see you in Poole!

Richard