Every other year when Stone Federation Great Britain's annual meeting is not being held in conjunction with the Federation’s Natural Stone Awards, it moves out of London. 2009 was one of those years and the meeting in November was held in Liverpool. Liverpool was last year’s European City of Culture, and famous for its two massively impressive cathedrals, one Anglican and the other Roman Catholic, both of which members had a chance to visit, accompanied by local architects, the day after the annual meeting.

It was one of 20 CPD events the Federation arranged for architects in 2009.

The annual report itself was automated this year into a video presentation with a voice-over by Simon Hewitt of Signature Stone Ltd, whose voice can also be heard on the Federation Podcast available here.

There were presentations on changes to the law regarding customers and how to survive the recession and a ‘Rocky Horror Show’ of faults found on-site by consultants David Richardson and David Ellis.

The Question of Stone quiz was also back by popular demand, again hosted and chaired by David (Coleman!) Richardson, before a three course Gala Dinner and entertainment in the evening.

Look, no speakers! The annual report was presented on a video rather than having members give reports.	Stone Federation President, Alex Stables.
Tristan Meears-White spoke about the latest changes in the law.	Management Consultant, David Constantine, presented some ideas for surviving recession.

David Richardson co-presented the Rocky Horror Show.	David Ellis showed how stone projects can go wrong.
Concluding with a light-hearted Question of Stone Quiz.	Liverpool's Roman Catholic Cathedral and Anglican Cathedral were visited by members and Architects the day after the AGM.