ChrisWe 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 

 

Recent posts

F Gas Webinar Nov 25

IOR Webinar on F Gas Phasedown Reform Consultation

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.

Online event
New Bulletins Notification 3

New Technician Good Practice Guides Available

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.

Publication
F Gas Consultation Now Available 1

GB F Gas consultation launched by DEFRA

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).

News
TechTalk Oct 25

Talk on the Future of Compressors Now Available

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.

Recording
AGM2025 2

IOR’s Committees Share Achievements and Plans

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.

Live event