SOCIETY CENTENARY FEATURES
Celebrating 100 O
Te Edinburgh Electrical Society opens up its archives to CABLEtalk to reveal pride in its past and hope for the future
By Stewart McRobert
ne of Scotland’s most revered electrical associations is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary – amid concerns about its long-term future.
The Edinburgh Electrical Society began life in 1919 as The Electric Club. It was formed after the use of electricity became more widespread and the technology involved became of interest not just to universities, but to professionals involved in the sector. The Society, as it soon renamed itself, was founded with a simple objective; ‘to afford members an opportunity to increase their knowledge of the practice and theory of electrical engineering by lectures, reading of papers, discussions and
“It’s fascinating to see the changes that have taken place even just in
the present members’ lifetimes” Alex Lumsden
visits to works’. Current Secretary Alex Lumsden said: “The objectives set out by the members 100 years ago are still the same today. “The intention was to have
meetings about subjects that were of interest even to those who have had little opportunity of learning electrical practices.” There have been hundreds of
meetings, visits and events since the first get together was held in the Free Gardeners Hall in Picardy Place. In a
LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD
For a significant part of their long and varied careers, Alex Lumsden and Ian Dale have been enthusiastic supporters of the Society. Alex, the organisation’s
secretary, began his working life as an apprentice with James Kilpatrick in 1959. He’s been employed by firms such as Steensen Varming Mulcahy, Blyth and Blyth, and RMJM and posted to projects in Dubai, Hong Kong, Libya, Kuwait, Yemen, Bangkok and Russia. His involvement with the
Society dates back to the 1970s. “When I first joined it was the
done thing, “ he said. “It helped you establish yourself in the industry and it was something you proudly added to your CV.” Ian is the Society treasurer.
His career started in the 1950s and he also lists Steensen Varming Mulcahy as a former employer. He moved to local government and spent time with Edinburgh Corporation, Lothian Regional Council and Midlothian Council. He said: “A colleague advised
me to join the Society as I ‘d meet interesting people.” Ian and Alex both believe one of the Society’s biggest
18 CABLEtalk OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
achievements has been its aility to attract high calibre speakers – most of the industry’s local leading lights have addressed members at some point. However, they also know
that today it has its challenges. “Continuity is the main consideration,” Ian explained. “Younger people have other ways to gain knowledge and feel part of the industry. “And they often work long
hours which means they don’t have the time to attend meetings and visits.” Recently, there’s been some
Ian, left, and Alex
success in gathering new members - four came on board in 2018. Ultimately, decisions on the future will be made at the Society’s AGM in April 2020. “We’re really keen to
continue,” said Alex, “but we need the input and enthusiasm of younger people.”
move that guarantees its place in the recorded history of the capital, the Society’s activities are documented in files now stored in Edinburgh Central Library. They show the initial meeting took place on 12 November 1919, with members paying an annual subscription of five shillings – today it’s £10 a year. Two weeks later, the first committee
was formed. Mr T S Munnoch was the inaugural President, while the name The Edinburgh Electrical Society was
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