Discussion on Dual Designs in Steel and Concrete for Two Bridges on the A46 Newark Relief Road by Mr

Bill Curtin at 70 is still as youthful, vigorous, and impatient, as when I first met him 30 years ago. He still spills over with enthusiasm. G. Shaw

At this time I am very conscious not only of the great honour bestowed on me by the Institution but also of the nature of the tasks that lie ahead during my period of office as your President. I take over at a time when the construction industry is anything but buoyant and thus the problems multiply and the challenges grow apparently sterner. However, this makes it especially opportune now to look ahead and plan for the future; I am still able to look forward with pleasure to the year ahead and to the support and friendship which can be relied on from the membership of this Institution. Professor A.R. Cusens

Niamh McCloskey reflects on her personal experience of the challenging reality of returning to work after maternity leave, questioning whether workplaces truly support women in this transition and highlighting how, with the right support and recognition of the new perspectives and skills that motherhood can bring, we can retain mothers and allow them to thrive in underrepresented industries.