De actualiteiten van de Lighthouse Club Nederland
a Christmas Message from The Lighthouse Club President
Dear Fellow Lighthouse Club Member
By Christmas it will be six months since I was greatly honoured by being elected President of the Lighthouse Club at the AGM in London on 13th June last. Although I have been a member of the Club for many years both in the UK and Hong Kong I am still on a learning curve as to how the Club and the business of this benevolent fund functions.
What has become very clear to me is that it would not be as successful as it is without the dedication of the volunteers and officers who administer our growing number of branches and benevolent funds throughout the world. We are truly a global organisation. Even more valuable is the input of all its members. I am sure our founder Eddie Ward would have been proud of the way in which the Club has flourished over the years with the growth that has taken place in the Netherlands, Middle East, India and throughout South-East Asia.
And this expansion still goes on for I have learnt that some enthusiastic young members are in the throes of starting a branch in Brisbane, Australia and steps are also being taken to establish a Lighthouse Club in China.
About half of our 10,000 members reside in Europe and, although this is a very active and effective group, the current economic situation is proving difficult for them and they are endeavouring to increase both their individual memberships and corporate sponsorships. All very necessary during these difficult times to meet increasing demands on the Benevolent Fund and avoid eating into the invested capital. Fortunately the economic situation in the Asia Pacific Region is markedly different but fund raising in the course of having fun is still equally important.
I have managed to join in several of our branches’ fundraising events and celebrations during the course of the year. The first was Hong Kong’s 25th Anniversary Celebration and Conference in June which was a great success and a fantastic induction into my Presidency. Next Les Leslie and I, together with our wives Sue and Olive, were treated royally by the Netherlands Branch which was celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Again this was a tremendous event and the Dutch certainly showed us how to be serious at times and then how to party.
In Hong Kong I was able to take part in both the Tunnelling 20 Twenty Conference and the International Tunnel Awards hosted by Emap, the publisher of the New Civil Engineer, with all funds raised being donated to the Lighthouse Club. In the latter case the money raised was split equally between Hong Kong and the UK.
In London the Annual Dinner was held in the ballroom of Grosvenor House on the 14th November. We were fully booked and had more companies attend than in recent years and many CEOs from major companies accepted my invitation to attend some of whom were from major consultants and legal firms. As well as having an enjoyable evening they were clearly moved by “what we are about” and “what we do”. It is important for the UK to follow the Asia Pacific Region model and widen its membership to include all those who benefit directly and indirectly from the construction industry.
John Armitt CBE and CEO of the Olympic Delivery Authority and Rory Bremner were our guest speakers and first class.
It was a great evening in all respects and even better news we raised over £20,000 for the benevolent fund.
My sincere thanks go to all those who have organised the many fantastic events throughout our branches worldwide for they are fundamental to our Lighthouse Club culture.
I believe 2011 has been a great year for the Lighthouse Club worldwide and it would be excellent if each and every one of us could bring a new member into our unique Club to increase its capacity so that we can reach out to even more who need our help.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones the Season’s Greetings and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
With all best wishes
Douglas Oakervee CBE FREng
President
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