Gold Medal awarded 2009 to Geoff Rudkin

For long and valuable services to the SDC and to OCCA.

Geoff joined the SDC in 1970 and graduated in Textile Chemistry in 1971. This was followed by his ASDC in 1974 and he was awarded FSDC in 1990. His main interest with the SDC has been in education and he has been on many of the committees in that field being Chair of the Education and Qualification Coordination Committee from 1994-97 and subsequently the Education Advisory group from 1997-99 and is a keen advocate of Continual Professional Development. He has been on the Midland Regional Committee from 1977 to the present day serving as Hon Sec and Chairman of the Region, in some cases more than once. Geoff has been an Ambassador of the SDC since 2006 when the scheme was introduced and has forged strong links with colleges and companies. Over the last few years he has given lectures around the country on dyeing and colour accompanied by his trusty microwave and iron! He has also given many presentations as part of a Day of Colour. Geoff has been instrumental in organising successful joint events with OCCA such as conferences and lectures, not forgetting to mention the quiz.