Glaziers’ Hall is unique – not because it actually stands outside the City boundaries, as Gunmakers, Distillers and Architects do so too – but because it is the only one shared by three Companies. Quite how the Glaziers, Launderers and Scientific Instrument Makers got together, much less co-operated on something as potentially contentious as the purchase and maintenance of a Hall, remains a subject of debate. However, it really is an amazing building, with some spectacular rooms looking north across the river towards the Square Mile, and the stunning engineering of London Bridge on its right flank. The Master is holding our Common Hall at Glaziers’ Hall from 6pm to 6.45pm, and then we are moving on to a drinks reception (very necessary after the stress of our AGM!) in the stunning River Room, before enjoying a buffet supper, complete with a performance by the well-known London band: Lady and the Dukes. This will be a fun event and by tradition is confined to Members and guests who are themselves prospective Members. Places cost just £54, so come and enjoy an evening of good food and drink, plus some fine music, with your fellow Members and other CAs whom you think might be interested in joining our ranks.

This is the occasion each year when the Master entertains members of our profession who have risen to serve as Masters that year of other Livery Companies and Guilds. By tradition, the Dinner always takes place in the beautiful Large Reception Room at CAH, and it is a lively and convivial occasion.

We have a fantastic opportunity to dine at the famous Merchants’ Hall, courtesy of the Society of Merchant Venturers of Bristol. The Hall is located on the Clifton Promenade, with lovely views over the river Avon. The evening will start with drinks on the terrace, followed by a black tie dinner. Our guests will include Professor Mark Clatworthy, Head of the award-winning School for Accounting and Finance at the University of Bristol and serial education technology entrepreneur, and Merchant Venturer, Heather Frankham. Places cost £88. The next morning, there is the option to enjoy (1) a two-hour free walking tour in Bristol of Banksy’s murals and artwork, or (2) a guided tour of the SS Great Britain (£16). A pub lunch may be arranged after those tours. This visit should be great fun, and teach us about a famous Guild beyond the City.

This enjoyable and fairly relaxed evening is to be held in Guildhall this year. It gives new Members, who come for free, as guests of the Company, the opportunity to meet and chat to the Master, Wardens, Almoner and other senior officers, and thereby gauge how best to engage with the Livery and make the most of their membership. Dress is smart business attire.