First on was Trevor Hay, an Inspector of Health and Safety Manufacturing Section) of HSE, who gave members an update of all aspects of health and safety that apply to stone, focusing on the new Silica Regulations.

Next speaker was Christopher Graham, Partner of Watson Burton, a firm of leading construction lawyers, who gave members an overview of current legislation and highlighted a few areas that they should be aware of.

The whole morning was rounded off in fine style by the Federation s own version of TVs Parkinson Show! Entitled 'Richardson', the incoming President, David Richardson interviewed Tommy Walsh, who has agreed to be the Federation s new Ambassador for stone in 2007.

Members then enjoyed a mouth-watering buffet and then returned for the AGM.

The AGM covered:

Finance                                                                     
Health and Safety
A review of the year                                                    
PR
Hallmarque Scheme                                                         
Europe
Stone Cleaning and Surface Repair                                  
Use of Stone in Building Course
Technical                                                                       
Quarrying
Training
Regions

The AGM complete, delegates were rewarded by a fascinating insight into the world of English wine. During a talk given by Chapel Down Wines guests learnt how to taste wine correctly and were given a variety of wines to savour. They then took part in a quiz to win a bottle of wine. The winner was Stuart Bint of Schlüter-Systems who was presented with his prize at the Gala Dinner later that evening.

Guests enjoyed a four course meal and wine, and were given a brief speech by the outgoing President Colin Goble. He thanked everyone for the support they had given him and wished David Richardson all the best in his new role. He also thanked the staff for their work during his two years and presented them with a token of his thanks.

David thanked Colin and said he would be a hard act to follow. He then introduced the after dinner speaker, Peter Brown, who had recently retired as a Crown Prosecutor in Wales who then entertained the audience with a selection of amusing stories about his life and career.

The whole evening was a fitting end to a successful conference.