#049

The AIRAH Gavel and Block

AIRAH’s gavel and block were first introduced at the 1955 annual convention, when AC Pritchard used it to call the Convention to order.
 
From that point forward, all of AIRAH’s National Presidents have had their name added to the gavel. When the final space was filled in 1977, MR Brown was the first to be added to its accompanying block.
 
In 2001, AIRAH moved from a federated series of states and territories into one national organisation. President Peter Williams oversaw the first national Annual General Meeting – accompanied by the gavel and block. Since that day, these items have attended all of AIRAH’s AGMs.
 
Of course, pieces of history tend to have some form of mystery. It has recently been discovered that John Shewan, F.AIRAH, our 1995 President, was never added. No one knows why – not even John.
 
John oversaw AIRAH’s 75th celebrations, including the organisation of our time capsule. This artefact will be opened at the Outlook 2020 International HVAC&R Conference and Awards Gala (Nov 8–10 in Sydney).

And, as part of our Centenary celebrations, AIRAH will add John’s name to the block, as well as those of all our past Presidents before 1955.

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