Welcome to the 2008/2009 session of the Shropshire Local Network (SLN).

Welcome to the winter session (what a chilling thought) of the Shropshire Local Network. I hope you are all enjoying the IET programme of events, which we hope will help warm some of the cold winter evenings.

As usual we have an excellent variety and quality of events on offer to provide something for everyone to enjoy. We have more visits this session, (some we have already had), those to come include a very successful rapid proto-type foundry in Bridgenorth, and Ironbridge Power Station in the summer (yes it is someway off.)

We have some interesting lectures including biometrics the whole story and car dynamics held over from last year. If you fancy your chance at presenting we've got our present a paper evening, where you can win a cash prize.

Details of the events, registration form, etc. can be found on the Events and Calendar Pages. These pages have been integrated into the IET content management system and should be easier to use. With events being available through the calendar option. An electronic copy of the programme is available on our Papers Page.

This year we've added a new venue, being the Council Chamber at Shirehall Shrewsbury which should be interesting and allow for some after event networking. We've already had one event at the Shirehall, being an 17th Edition IEE Regulations update in October which was very successful, (if only we had a bigger crowd.)

Why not join the Shropshire Local Network List Server and get up to date details of events delivered to your desktop. Not required if you have signed up to receive details of local events through your IET space.
As usual we are jointly organising the events in conjunction with the local IMechE. If you have any ideas for future events, venues, dates please contact us, we will gladly consider them.

Connect Representative
Shropshire and the Surrounding Area are looking for a replacement Connect Representative.
This is an extremely rewarding role, assisting local members and their dependents in times of difficulty, trauma and need.
IET Connect, the IET Benevolent Fund (formerly the IEE Benevolent Fund), offers IET members and former IEE members, confidential information, practical advice and financial support.
IET Connect staff are now the first point of contact for new enquiries. This initial contact enables a discussion and analysis of the situation at the outset and the offer of appropriate services. If a need for financial assistance is identified, and financial help is appropriate, then the enquiry is referred to the Local Connect Representative.
A Local Connect Representative needs to be impartial and have good listening skills. The role is mainly concerned with applications for financial assistance.
If you are interested in becoming a Connect Representative or would like more information please email Caroline Hobden, Welfare Manager, (tel 020 7344 5497). Provide a brief background outlining skills or experience that you have which you feel would be relevant to the role. Check out the website for further information.

Professional Registration Adviser
The Shropshire Local Network are still looking for Professional Registration Advisers, formerly membership advisers. These are extremely rewarding roles assisting engineers in progressing and developing their professional membership. One local member is currently being trained but we are still hoping to attract others. If you would like to explore the role in more detail in the first instance please email Simon Hart, who will be able to put you in touch with an appropriate person within the IET professional staff.

IET
The Shropshire Local Network IET has been formed from Shropshire Local Network IEE members and Shropshire IIE members. It has been up and running from the beginning of April 2006. We hope you find our web pages informative and useful. Any feedback on the content or presentation of the information on these pages would be appreciated. Do not hesitate to ask for other information relevant to the Shropshire Local Network that you would like displaying.
Shropshire Local Network IET is part of the West Midlands area. Regular meetings are taking place to discuss and promote regional projects and events, etc. If you would like to get involved and have any thoughts please email them to Simon Hart.