This week, Ruth Birt is our Volunteer of the Week. Ruth has been working with IFST HQ to coordinate an event which will coincide with our Jubilee Lecture in November. Ruth currently chairs IFSTs Scottish Branch actively encourages the committee to get involved and is always willing to help when needed.
How does it feel to be recognised as Volunteer of the Week?
I am very flattered and I am so pleased that IFST is recognising the efforts made by its volunteers
Why is it important to be a member of a body like IFST?
I have been a member since my student days (the 70s!) and have continued ever since. I think that IFST offers different things at different stages in the student and career path. But I have always believed that having access to resources, especially people who have experienced the same issues as you, is very helpful. One of the key benefits is with networking, the need for which again changes as your career develops. It is also good that those who have been working for many years can share the benefit of their experience with those entering the food and drink business-whether in an informal way at student career events or as mentors. I really enjoy chatting to students and encouraging them into the food industry- there is just so much going on. I have also appreciated the benefits of attending useful scientific IFST events at a reasonable cost.
You are an active member of the Scotland Branch and have in fact been leading it for quite some time, tell us a little more
Going back to networking…having returned to Glasgow after 15 years of working away, I met one of my Strathclyde professors (Dr. John Karkalas) in John Lewis; and then again in my local Tesco; he talked me into joining the Committee-they wanted some input from industry. I joined as a Committee member, then did a few years as Secretary, then agreed to be one of three who would accept to Chair on a rolling 6 months. Since the other two are now no longer active Committee members I am proud to be the current ‘permanent’ Chair. I call for new members coming onto the Committee…and someone to volunteer as next Chair!
You are organising an event which will coincide with the IFST Lecture on 11 November. How is the planning going so far?
We are making good progress. We have located a ‘bespoke event’ venue in Glasgow City centre and I hope to soon finalise a topic with our additional guest speaker to complement that from Mark Price from Waitrose.
Tell us something that not many people know.
From teen age in the 70s until I was too busy when real work got in the way, I collected vinyl records. I have not been parted from them, even in this digital age of integrated sound systems. I have a 1957 Seeburg jukebox, which has pride of place in my kitchen, and I rotate my single collection over (when I have time) so I can still hear all my old favourites.
If you would like more information about our jubilee lecture please contact info@ifst.org. For more information about how to get involved with IFST, please contact Erin Taylor.
