Society Events
The Society’s Annual Convention, held together with the Society's AGM, is the highlight of the year’s activities. It is generally organised by a Branch, or two Branches working together, and is held in one of the larger and more accessible towns in their area, usually in April or May. It provides an ideal opportunity to meet fellow members of the Society.
A typical Convention runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. Activities during the weekend include talks and demonstrations on printing and related crafts, an auction of members’ surplus equipment and supplies, a trade exhibition, a Bring-and-Buy sale, and a display of members’ work. On Saturday evening members enjoy a banquet with a guest speaker. Following the dinner, the annual awards are presented by the President. Sunday morning is usually set aside for visits to local places of interest, including local members’ workshops, and further talks are usually organised.
The Annual General Meeting is held during the weekend, usually on the Saturday afternoon, and various items of business are dealt with including the presentation of the accounts, the election of officers for the coming year, and the annual subscription. The AGM of the Publishing Group is also held during the weekend, usually during the Saturday morning.
Convention 2010 - Bournemouth
The above Group Photo was taken, by Steve Hubbard, before the Convention Dinner.
The Dorset Branch of the BPS welcomed members to Bournemouth for the 2010 Convention. This was the fifth event hosted by the Branch since 1996; it was held in the very comfortable Marsham Court Hotel. It was organised with great skill by Liz Nelson, who unfortunately was unable to attend because of ill health. There was a wide range of presentations which included a talk by Brian Russell on Victorian Wood Engraving, a Video on 'New Every Evening - The Southampton Echo' presented by Pat Swadling, a presentation by Roderic Findlay on 500 years of Typefaces, Ron Watson gave a talk about Simple Bookbinding, Peter White introduced 'Voices Past and Present', Steve Hubbard discussed plans for BPS DVD's on Letterpress Printing and also gave a talk about Computer Graphic Animation, and Bob Edwards gave a talk 'From Dream to Reality - The Publishing of Family History'. Other attractions included Craft Stalls, the annual Dinner (where Ron Prosser gave a fascinating talk about his life in printing), and the ever - popular Bring and Buy Sale.
The Annual General Meeting was a lively affair, the last one to be presided by Ron Watson, who retired after the meeting after nine years as President; as usual he kept affairs well under control with his pleasant and firm leadership. He has been an outstanding President. The new President, Chris Green is very known to members as a long standing editor of 'Small Printer' and latterly as Vice President. At the AGM of the Publishing Group, Arthur Baker retired from the post of Chairman of the Group and Ron Prosser was elected to that position.
2011 Convention - Peterborough
This will be held at the Holiday Inn, Thorpe wood, Peterborough on 8th to 10th April 2011. It will be organised by the Lincolnshire & District Branch. It promises excellent accommodation, good food and a superb atmosphere. Book your place today using the Application Form, which also gives details of the various booking options which are available. The form can be accessed by clicking Aplication Form .
The Holiday Inn Hotel Peterborough is situated just 2.5 miles from the City Centre and the East Coast mainline train station, five minutes drive from the A1 M and opposite a challenging 18 hole golf course. The Holiday Inn, Peterborough West is easily accessible and ideal for the Convention. There is ample secure free parking on site.
A recent refurbishment involved huge investment and resulted in fantastic new facilities throughout the hotel including air-conditioning, wireless internet access and improved bedrooms and bathrooms. With modern, air conditioned meeting rooms, fantastic conference and banqueting facilities, Holiday Inn, Peterborough West provides outstanding facilities for our delegates.
A visit to the Club Health and Fitness Centre will help to ensure your feeling at your very best throughout the day with a range of excellent facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, dance studio, fully equipped gymnasium and beauty salon.
Another great place to unwind is the restaurant and bar. Friendly & informal, it is the perfect venue to relax with friends or colleagues. The restaurant (illustrated here) offers an extensive range of dishes to suit all tastes whilst the Bar offers light snacks and drinks throughout the day.
A detailed description of Peterborough and its many attactions can be found by clicking the website visitpeterborough.com .