I have always had an ambition to write one of my SRP presentations in rhyme. 
A weird thing to aspire to, but something I have harboured for some time. 

But sorry I can’t do that for a whole blog! How is it nearly Christmas again? It is sad to realise the second year of my SRP presidency is starting to come to an end. 

This year has been a whirlwind for me with trips to Eastbourne, Dounreay, Liverpool, Keele, Orlando, Birmingham, and of course a few trips to London. I am immensely proud to represent SRP and people are always surprised to hear we are volunteer run and that I actually have a day job as well as my SRP role. In my view this is key to the positive atmosphere of SRP, while we have an eye on the finances, we are doing what we do to give back to the profession first and foremost. 

December 5th is International Volunteer Day and for this reason I would like to take the time in this Blog to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who are active in running SRP. Being a committee member, chair or secretary is key to ensuring we are delivering for the profession, our members, and the public. We literally would be nothing without you all and your contributions.

I would encourage anyone out there who thinks they could help to get involved. The annual call for volunteers is coming in January – but I know Communications Committee are on the lookout for people (especially those who are good with the socials) but there are always plenty of opportunities across the whole SRP. 

This year has been one of change, with Mr H starting a new job in January so our family dynamic has changed. He was a schoolteacher so was off for all the school holidays but now I am the one (with more leave) who is off for the holidays, so I am already writing lists of all the jobs to do once the kids break up for Christmas.  

In SRP there was a personnel change at the top with Jim Thurston, who stood down from the presidential team, and was replaced by Mike Wood as President Elect. Mike is learning quickly and leading some key SRP deliverables. 

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year – the brass band my family play in have been practicing their Christmas music since late September, they are ready for all their Christmas jobs. They have a total of 15 jobs in the run up to Christmas, and we are prepared with most of the Christmas presents already bought and wrapped. #GetMe

So I get to the end of this, my final SRP blog – I wrote the first one in December 2018 – 6 years ago this month which was a surprise when I went to check. When I wrote that blog, no one knew about corona viruses, or who Kamala Harris was, and I had no clue that becoming President of the Society was on the cards. How the world can change in 6 short years!

Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025 to you all!

Jennifer Humphries 
SRP President
December 2024