Last night the first BPA members dinner was held at Drapers Hall, London. Over 220 members and guests enjoyed the sumptuous surroundings of the venue, taking dinner in the Livery hall, where a series of speakers entertained the guests. The Ernest Davies award for the best article published in Parking News during 2005 was also presented at the dinner.
First to speak was David Holmes, Chairman of the RAC. Mr Holmes spoke about creating a more human face for the parking industry and about the growing demand for parking spaces, a concerning issue which he feels Government has not, as of yet,grasped. To view a copy of the speech click here.
BPA President Nigel Williams then took the podium, making the major announcement that whilst a lot of the BPA’s focus has been on the on-street sector during the past year, the Association is now turning its attention to the off-street sector and aims to introduce a national certificate for off-street Parking Attendants by 2007. Mr Williams also spoke about the need for a compulsory contractors scheme to help regulate the clamping industry. To view a copy of the Presidents speech click here.
The last speaker of the evening was Ian McCaskill, weather presenter for BBC, who entertained guests with stories of his days working at the BBC.
The Toastmaster then invited the Chairman of the BPA Editorial Advisory Board, Alan Clark, to present the award for the Ernest Davies Award. John McArdle, TfL, is this year’s winner, taking the award for his article “Visions of Parking Enforcement, published in the February 2005 edition of Parking News”. Mr McArdle commented “I am delighted to accept the Ernest Davies award and am very pleased to receive this recognition from my friends and colleagues. Such praise is invigorating and will only encourage me to take up my pen again.”
Official photographs of the event can be viewed and purchased at http://www.sharpphoto.co.uk/.
For more information about Drapers hall visit http://www.thedrapers.co.uk/History/1_Intro_halls.html
