Create’s Acoustics team are at the forefront of the Institute of Acoustics Eastern Branch for 2024

Create are excited to announce that our very own Jody Blacklock, Technical Director (Acoustics) has been elected as the new Chair of the Institute of Acoustics Eastern Branch. Sam Ward, Acoustic Consultant also takes on the role of Early Careers Group Representative and Mat Tuora, Principal Acoustic Consultant becomes a Committee Member for the first time.

The announcements were made at the Annual General Meeting for the Eastern Branch which took place on Wednesday 22nd February. Jody will replace the outgoing Martin Jones, who has chosen to step away from the role after ten years of incredible service.

“After an exciting ten years as Chair, I am thrilled to be able to pass the reigns to Jody and take my place as a Committee Member. I have every confidence that Jody will continue to keep this branch alive. His six years of service as Branch Secretary will no doubt benefit him in the role, during which he managed to keep our CPD sessions going through the global pandemic. I’m sure we will be in good hands.”

Martin Jones

Jody’s previous role of Branch Secretary will now be taken on by Josie Nixon, the former Young Members Representative. Replacing Josie will be Acoustic Consultant, Sam Ward. This marks another milestone for Sam, who became a full member of the Institute in 2023.  Joining his colleagues, Mat Tuora has also volunteered to become a member of the committee.

“Having three of our team on the committee is great for the business and from a personal perspective, I am thrilled to have been elected to the role of Chair. I will endeavour to not only increase the numbers attending our CPD sessions, but also try to make the sessions more frequent and accessible, utilising modern communications technologies such as video conferencing to enable participation from other Institute members who are further afield. Taking over the role as Chair, in the year that the Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary, is truly an honour. I cannot say much, but I can say that we have some really interesting events in the pipeline, so you will have to watch this space to find out more!“

Jody Blacklock

The Eastern Branch is an active group, founded in 1987, who aim to provide a varied and interesting series of presentations covering the whole range of acoustic activities. The regular branch meetings are organised throughout the region, although based around the Essex area, which also happens to be home to Jody and Sam.

The group aims to hold seven meetings each year with the AGM before the last meeting of the year, in November and an occasional social event in the summer. These are usually evening events but with occasional afternoon sessions to vary the programme and appeal. The current committee is as follows:

• Jody Blacklock – Chair
• Josephine Nixon – Secretary
• Sam Ward – Early Careers Group Representative
• Martin Jones – Committee Member
• John Campbell – Committee Member
• Michael Cheong – Committee Member
• Mat Tuora – Committee Member