CHAIRS’ CORNER
CHAIRS’ CORNER | BTS &BT YM BTS & BTSYM
CHAIRS’ CORNER Updates from the Chairs of British Tunnelling Society and BTS Young Members (BTSYM)
yourself an expert witness when you have never done any work in the US?” he was asked, and Terry replied calmly, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realise that physics in the US is different to the rest of the world!” In June I attended the annual BTS Design &
Construction course at Warwick University. I really enjoyed the week, catching up with the presenters and making new friends. A highlight was guest speaker Helen Nattrass’s speech at the evening meal. She spoke brilliantly about the importance of work-life balance. I know it was well received and a valuable lesson to those at the start of their career. In July, I attended Brunel Museum’s summer party
to celebrate 200 years since work began on the Thames Tunnel. The lovely evening was capped by Ken Spiby presenting a copy of the BTS Tunnel Tales 50th Anniversary book to Katherine McAlpine, the director of the Museum. Our September evening meeting was a combined
BTS CHAIR: JOHN CORCORAN Hi everyone. This is my third ‘Chair’s Corner’ update. I hope you find it useful. I’m into my second year as Chair and growing in
confidence, getting to know the ropes. Everyone has been so supportive and encouraging. It’s turning into a real privilege and a pleasure, although you need an understanding employer - thank you, Morgan Sindall. In May 2026 I will hand over to the current Vice Chair, Alastair Smith. At that AGM we will also announce the next Vice Chair. The succession plan works well. Our industry lost more well-known figures recently:
Anthony Umney (former BTS Chair); Douglas Parkes (twice BTS Chair); Dave Carver; and, Terry McDonald. I attended Terry’s memorial service at the ICE in October, organised by Steve Parker and Tommy Gallagher. Many people gave moving tributes. Nick Butler recalled Terry talking him through expert witness work in the US. Once, getting grilled by a cross-examiner about a caisson failure, Terry explained his extensive experience of constructing caisson shafts. “How can you call
event between BTS and BTSYM. The talk was on the Coire Glas hydro project. It was terrific to see over 170 people attend in person. Many thanks to Strabag for their sponsorship. There was a great atmosphere in the bar afterwards. One of my ambitions has been to work closer with the BTSYM and the current Chair, Arabel Vilas, helped me in chairing the evening. Speaking of the BTSYM, congratulations to Jonathan
Young-Pugh, who was awarded this year’s Doug Allenby Medal. Rewards and recognition are so important, both for the recipient, and as inspiration to others. Talking of awards, applications to enter our annual
BTS Harding Prize Competition are open for young engineers (aged 33 or under, at the end of 2025). Deadline for papers is 9 Jan 2026. A word to our clients and managers: please support and encourage submissions. It was great to see two UK entries make the finals
of this year’s ITA Awards. The Highspeed railway, Long Itchington Wood twin bore tunnels received a Bronze award; and, Chris Prince was highly commended for his paper on use of a polymer innovation, for a new water treatment plant and site-wide recycling of water. Chris previously submitted this paper for the 2025 Harding Prize Competition. John Kinnear chairs our evening presentations Subcommittee and is doing a great job with a very
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