The annual general meeting of the WoE branch was held on Monday 18 January 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Filton. The well-attended meeting of over forty members heard Chairman Val Raydon give a concise report on the branch activities and formally thank the committee and members for their support throughout what has been a very difficult year. Both the dinner dance and golf day had to be cancelled reflecting the hard times faced by the industry. On a positive note it is intended to go ahead with these functions this year. Steve Cole gave the Council representatives report. Honorary secretary and treasurer Peter Barkwill then presented the financial report. Despite a lack of income this year the finances are still in a healthy state. The election of committee members then took place. Full details of those names will be available shortly on the WoE website. The AGM concluded with a presentation of awards to the speakers who took part in the members' papers evening in December.

Following the AGM, over seventy members and guests sat down to a supper. The evening's activities concluded with a fascinating talk by Martin Downey, Director - bulk terminal and operational engineering at the Bristol Port Company. Martin is no stranger to quarrying. He was the general manager from 1998-2000 at Doveholes quarry. During this time there was a major refurbishment and upgrade from 2mtpa to 3mtpa, all whilst supplying Manchester airport's second runway. He began by outlining the recent history of the port since 1991 when it was acquired from Bristol City Council on a 150-year lease. Since then there has been a capital investment of some £400 million. Martin explained its many advantages, namely excellent road/rail connections, deep-water access, good security and the closest port to UK population. He then gave details of the revenue breakdown with coal and vehicles as the most significant, together with animal feeds and grains, aviation fuel, petrol and diesel, recycling, sand and aggregates. He also revealed plans for the proposed container terminal.

Martin concluded his talk by presenting a case study in the logistics of bulk coal. He explained its shipment around the globe and how it was likely to change in the future. He gave details of the types and numbers of ships involved in such movements. He then explained the coal unloading facilities and its onward journey to power stations throughout the UK. The port handles over 5 million tonnes of coal per annum. Among some of the jaw dropping statistics Martin revealed, a demurrage figure of 150,000 dollars per day for a failure of the discharge equipment raised a few eyebrows!

Following a lively question and answer session, Robin Piper gave the vote of thanks for a highly entertaining, informative and enjoyable talk by a very accomplished speaker.