Possibly the best thing since sliced bread
February 22nd 2010

In its 80th year we note a few things that happened in the year it was formed and what its initial objectives were. The British Compressed Air Society held its first meeting on 8 January 1930 at the same time that sliced bread went on sale in England for the first time – giving rise to the saying that BCAS were possibly the best thing since sliced bread.

In 1930, whilst Frank Whittle was patenting the jet engine, the first Mickey Mouse comic strip appeared, and whilst Mr and Mrs Armstrong celebrated the birth of their son Neil, the British Compressed Air Society was also born.

BCAS was formed following pressure from Government and the primary purpose of the Society was to provide a forum for British manufacturers to consider imports and to encourage the manufacture of products for import substitution. This coincided with Government activity which led to the passing of The Merchandise Marks (Imported Goods) No 9 Order 1931. The inaugural meeting of BCAS was held at the Institution of Civil Engineers. The first meeting was a continuation of the series of conferences of pneumatic drill and air compressor manufacturers held at the Department of Overseas Trade the previous year.

Mr Dunkerton was asked to take the chair. The definitive explanation of BCAS's raison d'κtre can be found in the minutes of the first meeting: "Mr Gaskell asked for more details about the scope and probable expenses of the society. The chairman replied that there was a somewhat similar society in America making such effective propaganda that it was necessary for British manufacturers to combat this, also the need for such a society had been impressed on us all by the Department of Overseas Trade, as well as the Lord Privy Seal".

The objects of the Society were summarised as follows:

To promote and safeguard by all lawful means the interests of British Compressor, Pneumatic Tools and Pneumatic Appliance manufacturers in Great Britain in relation to their trade, and to consider all questions connected therewith, except relationship be-tween employers and employees.

The main topics under discussion during the initial monthly meetings included:

The Merchandise Marks Act – many compressors and Pneumatic Tools were coming into the country without any name or mark of foreign origin.

Standards for the Compressed Air Industry – members were keen to develop a series of Standards.

Definitions and Terms – used in the Industry to be produced in a BCAS booklet.