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

ISA LaunchEvent 1

IOR Industry Skills Alliance: meeting fully booked

2 Mar 2026

Fully Booked - wait list open. The launch of the IOR's Industry Skills Alliance for individuals interested in shaping the future of the skills agenda for the RACHP sector.  Find out more about the event and the role of the Skills Alliance here.

Live event
ior logo square

Members invited to feedback on update and review of IOR Constitution

24 Feb 2026

A review of the IOR Constitution has been carried out to ensure it complies with current Charity Commission guidance and improve the wording for clarity.  Open for consultation and comment by members until 30th April 2026.

Consultation
 ISA Full House

Skills Alliance Event Fully Booked - But Still Many Ways to Join In

23 Mar 2026

The IOR Skills Alliance's first meeting in Milton Keynes is at capacity, but there are still many ways to take part in the alliance's work.

Education
Craig Steve ACR

IOR Board of Trustees Members Honoured at the ACR Awards

23 Mar 2026

Congratulations to Steve Benton FInstR and Craig Girdlestone FInstR for this well‑deserved recognition for their dedicated, often behind‑the‑scenes contributions to the industry.

News
TechTalk Mar 26 1

Recording Now Available for March IOR TechTalk

9 Mar 2026

The recording for the IOR TechTalk on “Unscrambling the Refrigerant Clutter for the Future” on 5th March is now available from the IOR Webinar Channel.

Recording