BTS & BTSYM | CHAIRS’ CORNER
on a visit to the Norwegian Tunnelling Society (NFF). Presentations were received on key projects, and there were several workshops plus social gatherings. Broadly, interesting takeaways included: Norwegian clients typically retain stronger technical capabilities in-house and are willing to take the lead in managing much of the ground associated risks; project delivery is very lean compared to similar projects in the UK; and decisions during underground works are delegated to tunnelling gangs to a greater extent. I extend a massive thanks to Tone Nakstad, who organised everything, and our friends from the tunnelling industry in Norway who took the time to participate, host and engage with the visit programme. It gave me great pleasure, at the June evening meeting,
It was very a pleasing task for Roger Bridge to visit
the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) as a past graduate to present a copy of the BTS 50th yearbook to Professor Andrew Wetherelt, programme director for BEng/ MEng Mining Engineering, at the Falmouth Campus. For many years CSM has been considered a world centre of excellence for mining engineering education. Previously, Roger attended Camborne (founded 1888) where he undertook his degree. It is pleasing to see many graduates joining the tunnelling industry, bringing a different slant to the discipline. In March, a BTS delegation went to Norway
to award this year’s prestigious James Clark Medal to Roy Slocombe for his contribution to the industry and tireless work for the BTS over too many years to mention, which continues today. Thanks to Dickie Dexter for a fitting summary of Roy’s contributions. Roy is well known to BTS members and the wider tunnelling fraternity. Over his time, he has been involved in helping with significant developments and improvements in the tunnelling industry. Of note is his tireless work with the Compressed Air Working Group to ensure we as tunnellers have the best guidance available with the continually evolving techniques and increasing pressures. It was quite fitting that the June meeting was a joint
meeting with the Pipe Jacking Association, a tunnelling method close to Roy’s heart. The evening lecture discussed how such methods can help with important utility infrastructure developments. Thanks to Matthew Donnachie and Max Hepburn for presenting, and Cowi and Herrenknecht for the food and drink sponsorship. It is with sadness that the Gooderham family announces
that Maurice Gooderham, a founding member and long-term supporter of the BTS, has died. He passed peacefully at home on 26 May. Finally, I encourage any of you who are not BTS
members to join. It is very good value, with discounts available for the retired, young and students, and also apprentice memberships. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in tunnelling. Details can be found on the BTS website – and a 50% discount on fees is available to applications from 1 July to 30 September.
38 | July 2026 Top left:
Sir Tony Robinson was guest speaker at the highly successful BTS Annual Dinner 2026.
Top right:
Roger Bridge visiting CSM to present a copy of the BTS 50th Anniversary book..
Centre:
Roy Slocombe received the James Clark Medal for outstanding services to the tunnelling industry from BTS Chair Alastair Smith.
Bottom: BTS representatives were recently hosted in Norway on a knowledge exchange.
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