The British Association of Removers Conference is back. Steve Jordan reports on the event that took place on the beautiful island of Jersey, in May.
Like all other conferences this year, the Jersey conference for BAR (British Association of Removers) had been promised for three years. After such a long wait, delegates had high expectations. As far as I could see, nobody was disappointed.
The conference was held at the Radisson Blu in St Hellier, a smart hotel overlooking one of Jersey’s many marinas and with the Elizabeth Castle standing majestically in the near distance. Numbers were down from the norm but around 150 delegates was a fair turnout considering the circumstances.
The BAR Conference is a quintessentially British affair: a predominance of home-grown business topics, afternoon tea, dressing for dinner on the gala night, and much sporting of chains of office. Some might think it old fashioned; I rather like it. It’s a gentle reminder that, although many things change, there is no need to abandon our history or our respect for those who give their time freely for the benefit of the Association. Indeed, I was acting as MC for the first time in 12 years, and was delighted to do so. It was a real homecoming and a pleasure to be back.
There’s always a heady mix of business, pomp, protocol and pleasure at the BAR Conference. The new President, Mark Chudley hosted and made sure that Ian Palmer, who was president during the COVID years and possibly the only BAR president not to host a conference of his own (in recent years at least), was recognised and involved. Nick Kerr was given an Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his many years of devoted service to the Association ...
Photos:
Top and bottom - Delegates at the BAR Conference.
Middle - BAR President Mark Chudley (left) and Immediate Past President Ian Palmer.