17 Aug 2021
We were sad to learn that Chris Lester of the Grismby Ice Factor Great GIFT group passed away over the weekend. Chris was a co-author of a technical paper for the IOR in 2014 on the history of the Ice Factory. For many years, Chris was involved with industrial heritage and was an energetic member of the committee organising Lincolnshire Heritage Open Days as well as devoting much time to deliver talks on the history of Grimsby Ice Factory.
A wonderful ambassador for the Ice Factory and proposals to preserve and redevelop the site based on preserving its heritage, Chris gave his talk to groups up and down the country, telling the story of Grimsby Ice production. He bridged the gap between the heritage and the industrial sector by presenting the paper to the IOR and contributing an Ice Factory timeline to the Institute’s ‘Fantastic Fridges’ educational website. https://www.fantasticfridges.com/CoolingScience/IndustrialIceProductionTimeline
An online version of his history talk from 2020 is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sruQCrUM3o
The paper given jointly with Guy Hundy FInstR is available to download here https://ior.org.uk/technical/buy-documents?id=528&state=b
11 Nov 2025
Hear from DEFRA and industry experts about the impacts and opportunities for the RACHP industry following the launch of the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the HFC phasedown under the GB F Gas Regulation.
6 Nov 2025
Topics of the new bulletins include direct expansion water-to-refrigerant evaporators, electrical safe isolation and determining the wattage of electric heaters.
5 Nov 2025
The outcomes will be used to shape future legislation for our sector. Take part in this consultation to make the views of the RACHP industry heard. Industry groups will be coordinating a response through ACRIB (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board).
5 Nov 2025
The talk by Prof. Ahmed Kovacevic, FREng on emerging technologies in compressors and their systems is now available from the IOR website.
3 Nov 2025
On 29 October, the IOR members met to share their reports on activity, plans and strategies for the future. Seven IOR committees met, including Membership, Education, Environment, Technical, Engineering Technician Group, Women in RACHP, and the Dinner Committee.