Have you ever looked at the photographs of IWFS events and wondered whether something different, something more vibrant, something less boring was possible. Or have you tried to take photographs of food and wine events, and been disappointed with the results?  

In this increasingly visual culture good photographs are a vital means of communication with potential members particularly via our website. The lighting conditions are often challenging, and mastering the technical details is one thing. So what makes a good picture of a typical IWFS event and how do you take them in the available lighting – to flash or not to flash is that the question? Indeed, is good food photography really possible without specialised equipment, a small army of stylists, and all the other things that go with a professional photo-shoot?

With this in mind, the EAC has asked Brian Worley of p4pictures to run a Photography Seminar for members interested in improving their photography skills, particularly in the often difficult circumstances of IWFS events. It will take place in The Library of The Oriental Club, Stratford House, Stratford Place, London, W1C 1ES, from 1300 to 1600 on 12th November 2013. A sandwich lunch will be provided from 12.30. This is the same day as the John Avery Dinner at The Vintner’s Hall. So, if you are coming to London for that event, why not catch an earlier train and join us. Stratford Place is off Oxford Street opposite Bond Street Tube Station.

Brian worked for Canon Cameras for several years and now, with a colleague, runs their EOS network providing help and advice for users of canon EOS SLRs. But he is not just a Canon specialist. He has had experience of a wide variety of other manufacturers, and compact cameras as well as SLRs. As long as you bring a camera with you – this is going to be a hands-on event – it doesn’t matter what it is. He is even happy to accept mobile phones. He will be bringing a digital projector so you will be able to see and critique any photographs you may take during the seminar.

Improving the images on our website and in our publications is very much in the organisation’s best interests, so the EAC has decided to subsidise this event. The cost to members will be just £15.00 a head.  

There has been a fantastic response to the invitation to attend the two events in London on the 12^th & 13^th November 2013. 

The Dinner at Vintners’ Hall on 12^th November has just 12 places left and over 140 have already applied so do apply very soon if you wish to be part of this special evening.  It will be a superb setting for a meal in honour of John Avery, with special emphasis on the wines, which are being sourced from Averys, with advice from John’s daughter Mimi. It has now been confirmed that the Master of the Vintners’ Company will attend. The reception will be at 7pm, dinner at 7.30. The dress is Black Tie and the cost is £125 pp. 

The Luncheon at the Landau on 13^th November has proved to be so popular that the venue is full and we have such a long list of those wishing to come that we have arranged another lunch to run in parallel called  “Roux at Parliament Square”, Great George St, Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3AD.  The aim is that the two will run along the same lines and to the same standards. 

 Albert and Michel Roux take an equal interest in this venue and all the preparations will be under their control. It is located in the heart of Westminster at the Grade II listed home of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and it is a stylish restaurant popular with London’s politicians, socialites and lovers of good food.  With period features and modern furniture, the dining room is a light-filled and tasteful space. Chef Steve Groves was the winner of BBC’s `Masterchef: The Professionals’ in 2009 and worked at Le Gavroche, The Ledbury and The Greenhouse before he was appointed head chef here last February.  The aperitif will be served at the charming, more traditionally furnished Pembury Bar. 

 Albert has advised that it would be a mistake to require the two head chefs to cook the same meal as they are two different individuals with their own style and specialities. Similarly the wines may differ to reflect the food which is being produced,  but both venues will offer the same high standard.  Dave Felton, Chairman of the BGA, will chair this lunch while Yvonne Wallis will chair the Landau lunch. You will also have the chance to meet others  beforehand at the In & Out Club for the Society AGM and/or to hear Michael Broadbent deliver the Andre Simon lecture.

The cost will be the same as for the Landau, £110 pp, and the reception will be 12.30 for 1pm. You are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Dinner at the Vintners’ Hall

Reception at 7pm for dinner at 7:30pm              

Dress: Black Tie                                    Cost: £125.00 per person
Address of Venue: Upper Thames Street, London, EC4V 3BG

The EAC has arranged for a very special dinner to be held in the evening of 12th November in honour of the memory of our late President, John Avery MW. John fulfilled this role with great distinction for many years.  Having previously served on the Council of the Society from 1991 until 2000; he was Chairman of Council from 1996 to 2000. He died on 23 March 2012.  

The dinner will be preceded by an Events Photography seminar, which will be of interest to those who are sometimes involved in taking photographs which will be seen in society publications or on the web site. 

Wednesday 13th November 2013

The Society’s Annual General Meeting and André Simon Lecture

Time: 10.30 am        

Venue: The In & Out Club, 4 St. James’s Square, London, SW1Y 4JU

On the morning of Wednesday 13 November the Society’s AGM will take place at The In and Out Club, St James’ Square, starting at 10:30am. This will be followed by the Annual André Simon lecture which will be presented by Michael Broadbent MW. Michael, a world renowned wine writer, has served as both Chairman of Council and as the Society’s Honorary President. 

Following the morning’s events at The In & Out we have arranged a very special four-course lunch to celebrate the 80th anniversary year of the foundation of our Society. We will finish the AGM in plenty of time for you to make your way to The Langham Hotel for lunch.

Wednesday 13th November 2013

80th Anniversary Luncheon

Owing to the level of demand, this event will be held at two locations.   The Langham is the oldest of the London grand hotels. It is at the centre of cultural London, across the road from the BBC, its bars and marbled halls filled with elegant and recognisable faces from the TV and the arts. The Landau, the hotel’s main restaurant, a striking oval-shaped room with windows overlooking All Souls church, has been under the umbrella of Albert Roux and his son Michel Roux Jr for the last couple of years and has been renamed `Roux at the Landau’. The head chef is Chris King, a young, extremely talented Roux protégé who previously worked at Le Gavroche for five years before moving to Per Se in New York and then to Roux at Parliament Square as sous-chef. His creative cooking bears the Roux stamp of quality, using light saucing that brings out the quality of the fresh produce. The wine list also has the Roux touch, and Sommelier Daniele Ricci is a master at food and wine matching. Service, led by ex-Savoy veteran maître d’ Franco Becci, is impeccable.

Roux Parliament Square is located in the heart of Westminster at the Grade II listed home of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, and it is a stylish restaurant popular with London’s politicians, socialites and lovers of good food.  With period features and modern furniture, the dining room is a light-filled and tasteful space. Chef Steve Groves was the winner of BBC’s `Masterchef: The Professionals’ in 2009 and worked at Le Gavroche, The Ledbury and The Greenhouse before he was appointed head chef here last February.  The aperitif will be served at the charming, more traditionally furnished Pembury Bar.

Albert and Cheryl Roux, members of the St James’s Branch, have already confirmed their attendance at what promises to be a fitting finale to our Society’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.

The cost of luncheon with wines will be £110.00 per person

 Dress: Lounge Suit