Jeremy Featherstone was awarded a first class honours degree by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1983. It was from there that he went up to Cambridge to read engineering at Magdalene College.
Some say that Mr Featherstone was inspired to go up to Cambridge by his fascination with Alan Reece’s explanation of the Buckingham π theorem.
The Buckingham π theorem states that an equation involving n number of physical variables which are expressible in terms of k independent fundamental physical quantities, can be expressed in terms of p = n – k dimensionless parameters.
It is also likely that Mr Featherstone was intrigued by Alan’s account of the observations of the Bishop of Buckingham whilst on the aptly named Bridge of Sighs over the backs.
So, Mr Featherstone was to spend his mornings at Magdalene that year, seeking out various mathematical theorems in the Pepys library before strolling down to the backs to spend the rest of the day philosophizing with fellow graduates and enjoying the sweet taste of wines and strawberries.
Such is the hedonistic existence of a member of the Otterburn Society reading engineering at Cambridge.
Mr Featherstone was so enamored with his time in Cambridge that he decided to make it his home.
Members were therefore please to join him in Cambridge for the thirty seventh annual conference of The Otterburn Society.
Mr Featherstone had developed a carefully considered agenda for the conference and members convened on the Friday of Otterburn at Scudamores.
Punting on the Cam requires a certain technique, different to that employed by members to cross the lake to the island at Otterburn Hall in previous years.
Of those practicing the art that day, few were as entertaining as a man who definitely seemed to be more comfortable behind the wheel than with a pole in hand. Despite this, Mr Flack soon became quite proficient, proving that traditional techniques are not always the best.
Members soon concluded that punts are considerable more stable that the old canoes of Otterburn Hall and members disembarked with glasses and shoes intact to enjoy a well-earned G&T at Scudamores.
From Scudamores, members proceeded to meet the Director of Music and procurement of gentleman’s attire to the society, Alastair Scarborough, at the Societie’s Cambridge outfitters, Ede & Ravenscroft.
Unfortunately Mr Scarborough was not there and neither were the blue suits that Mr Scarborough had been requested to procure.
Ede and Ravenscroft had apparently not received any fitting notes from the Limbe tailoring Company.
Concerned about the lack of a fitting for their new blue suits, members proceeded to Fitzbillies for afternoon tea and then on to King’s College Chapel for evensong.
On the Saturday of Otterburn, members visited the Institute for Manufacturing at the Alan Reece Building, before meeting at the Queen’s Head, Newton for the traditional soup & sandwiches.
As well as enjoying a bowl of the famous Queen’s Head light brown soup, members also enjoyed a traditional local delicacy – a pickled egg, shaken in salt & vinegar crisps.
Members then traveled to the venue for the thirty seventh conference – Madingley Hall.
Chairman of the Otterburn Society, Andrew Jordan, took up his position behind the Chairman’s lectern and welcomed members to the thirty seventh annual conference.
Presentations commenced
The presentations were predictably stimulating and some interesting discussion ensued. Subject matter was diverse including colonial mansions in the far east, a proposed Otteburn – Thyolo rally and ”A hypothesis as to how Terzaghi might have justified the factors for use in his bearing capacity equations.”
Presentations and debate continued until dinner.
An excellent dinner was served, followed by the annual general meeting. Traditional Otterburn dress was worn.
Chairman Jordan invited the Treasurer to present the annual financial report for the year and this was accepted by the members.
The Wolfgang award was presented to Mr Featherstone by the retiring Chairman Andrew Jordan. Mr Featherstone made a moving speech in acceptance.
Dr Mark Cooper was elected Secretary to the Otterburn Society.
Randall Flack was elected treasurer of The Otterburn Society
Jeremy Featherstone was elected Chairman of the Otterburn Society.
All that remained for the retiring Treasurer to do that night was to serve the roast beef sandwiches.
The Treasurer had triumphed and Mr Featherstone was able to relax and contemplate on what had been an excellent Otterburn and look forward to an enjoyable and rewarding year as Chairman of the Otterburn Society.
On the Sunday of Otterburn members enjoyed an impromptu Jazz session, led of the Director of music, Alastair Scarborough.
