thought it had been a pleasant evening but wondered if the dinner could return to Apothecaries’, to which Robin Gain remarked that there was a charge for the hall which raised the price of tickets. John Wittich suggested Middle Temple Hall as an alternative and the Chairman requested that those who wished to suggest alternative venues should send then by email to the officers. Nick Bailey said that he had enjoyed the occasion but that it had been difficult to get to. Roger Payton wondered how many of those present would prefer a lunch on the non-Award years.

Fifteen of those present raised their hands. The Treasurer mentioned that this year’s dinner had cost the club £700 whereas last year the cost borne by the club was £2000. However, the club had funds available, and members could choose to subsidise a dinner at a hall. Furthermore he believed that straw polls of those attending the AGM were irrelevant and that it should be remembered that the questionnaire compiled earlier this year on the matter was a more representative sample of members’ views. Robin Gain remembered that about twenty years ago the club did indeed subsidise the dinner but those not attending had objected to supporting something they were not attending.

The Chairman asked the meeting if they would be happy for the committee to continue to discuss this on their behalf; assent was forthcoming.

The Chairman then mentioned something which had been agreed by the committee which was to raise the number of overseas members from 14 to 20 as for the first time a waiting list had become necessary. The resolution was proposed by Robin Gain, seconded by Nima Reid and carried.