Reference
X851
Title
RECORDS OF BEDFORD CIVIL ENGINEERING SOCIETY (1947-1996). The records of Bedford Civil Engineering Society were deposited in the County Record Office on 13th May 1996, by Joseph Jacob (President), Bromham Road, Biddenham, Bedford, MK40 4AA. Some additional records were also deposited on 14th March 1997.
The Bedford Civil Engineering Society was formed in 1946, by Robert Aitken, (head of the trunk road section in the Bedfordshire County Surveyor's Department). The Society was formed to promote an interest in the study of civil engineering and to provide a forum where academically qualified and unqualified engineers could meet to broaden their professional horizons.
Membership was restricted to those engaged in civil engineering or an allied profession. For much of its existence, membership of the Society has been predominantly from the Departments of Transport, County Surveyor's and Borough Engineers. However, the presidency has been held by engineers from a much wider field, reflecting Robert Aitken's desire to encourage a broad spectrum of engineering interests. In 1981, membership stood at 200 (see X 851/4). The Society also boasted quite a few distinguished engineers who have made contributions from time to time e.g. John Mott (French Kier), M.C. Purbick (Chief Engineer, British Railways), Sir. John Howard (John Howard Contractors), and Bill Dawson (WA Dawson).
Early records show that the constitution was first published on the 17th February 1965 (see X 851/4/1) and was adopted at the AGM in April 1965. The only change to the rules was regarding the subscriptions, which was adopted at the AGM in April 1973. The earliest records show that in the session 1947/1948, the annual subscription was 10 shillings (see X 851/1/1). From 1973 to 1976, subscriptions were raised to £1.
Club activities included lectures given by both members and guest speakers (see X 851/6/1-4; X 851/5/3; X 851/1/1), site visits, annual dinners, society meetings and committee meetings (see X 851/3). Ladies Evening was first introduced on 7th April 1952.
Date free text
1947-1996
Production date
From: 1947 To: 1996
Level of description
fonds