This weeks Volunteer of the Week is Sue Dix. Sue is Chair of the South East Branch. Find out why she thinks it is important to be a member of IFST, and what the South East branch have been up to.
How does it feel to be recognised for the work you’ve done for IFST over the last 12 months.
When I retired I missed the people that I knew during my working life so I volunteer because I enjoy keeping in touch with the food world and the friends I made . To be recognised for doing something that I enjoy is just a bonus.
Why is it important to be a member of a body like IFST?
The food industry provided me with an enjoyable and rewarding career and allowed me to make a working life out of my hobby “eating”. However the industry is constantly criticised, often unfairly, by the media so it is important that we have a body of scientific knowledge used by well educated and trained staff to ensure that we have the best and safest food industry in the world. It is therefore vital that we have a body that sets professional standards, helps us to keep ourselves informed and to represent us fairly to the media and politicians.
You are currently Chair of the South East Branch. Tell us a little about what you are up to.
This year we have our usual mix of factory visits, scientific meetings on topical subjects and the odd social event but we are focusing on trying to involve more of the students in educational establishments in the south east. We are planning to hold a series of special events just for them at time when they are likely to be free.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career in Food Science? Why do anything else?
It’s varied, interesting ,constantly changing and food is a topic that all of your friends and acquaintances have some knowledge of. There is therefore always something to talk about when you enter a room of strangers. Finally, it is unlikely that you will ever be unemployed.
Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.
I’m a keen gardener and prefer to spend my spare time outside growing my own fruit and vegetables.
