We all know that time does not really pass at a steady rate. 2021 seems like a long time ago, but 2022 has passed in a flash.
The death of the Queen marked a turning point in our national history and many members have written of their involvement in protecting her during her countless journeys on and through the railways, stations and docks of this country.
For the British Transport Police History Group (BTPHG) 2022 was a successful year which built on the achievements of the last 12 years.
* We hosted a large Open Day that gave our members and members of the force an opportunity to see something of the collections we have saved for posterity.
* We have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with BTP that clarifies our respective roles in the management of our heritage and makes clear our commitment to work together in future.
* We have run a series of successful ZOOM presentations that have enabled members and colleagues in other groups to hear about our work.
* We have engaged with national work on police heritage.
* We have started the work of improving the storage and conservation of our collections.
* Our researchers have continued to find out more about our past and to make this information available to the rest of the world.
All of this has been done through the efforts of a small band of volunteers who give up large amounts of their time to make BTPHG the vibrant and dynamic group that it is.
We have been lucky this year to receive considerable financial support from generous members and from the BTP Federation. This allowed us to run the Open Day and to purchase conservation materials for the collection without drawing on our main budget. I would remind you that we benefit considerably when members make regular voluntary donations via standing order. We are not immune to the ravages of inflation and the economic downturn.
We join all in the wider BTP family in congratulating those that have been honoured by HM The King in the New Year Honours, including Nigel “Nobby” Goodband ex chair of the BTP Federation and a good friend to BTPHG.
There are challenges ahead. We will have to move our collections once again now that we know that Euston police station will be demolished. This is the latest in a series of moves that have each taken their toll on the collected material and on those who have to spend their time executing the removal and reestablishment of the archive. We must continue to develop our governance arrangements to be fit for the modern world. But our single biggest challenge is the same as it was last year. We need to be a self-renewing organisation. We will always need new members and new people to volunteer to perform roles on the committee. This process of renewal is not happening quickly enough, and I encourage all of you to recruit new members and to consider how you can support the Group. We especially need younger people who are better able to enable the study of our past using a modern and diverse perspective. We need to move forward without endangering the progress made to date. Our traditional membership base is highly valued, and progress does not mean any abrupt change in direction. As the study of history develops then we should follow these innovations, but in a way that allows the Group to be fully inclusive. We welcome members of all ages, perspectives and backgrounds. History is an exciting subject and ours is especially rewarding.
When I was asked to take the Chair of the BTPHG I said I would do it for two years. The end of this time is approaching, and I will not seek re-nomination in 2023. If you are interested in leading the Group, even if you have not previously been involved with the committee, I would be very happy to discuss the role with you. Alternatively, you could contact the Hon Secretary for further information.
Thank you all for your support.
On behalf of the BTPHG I wish you all a very happy and safe 2023.
Philip Trendall
Chair