It was a week or so before Christmas, and amidst all the shopping, decorations and company Christmas dinners and everything else to worry about, a gathering of wise men and women came from the East and managed to find room in the Dove Street Inn. Not led by a star, but with the aim of getting together with other business people to have an evening of informal pre-Christmas drinks and a good chat.

Given the close proximity to Christmas, and also that it was the first social event that ISSBA had planned, informally, it was a reasonably good turnout. A good chance to get to know other members a bit better, but in a relaxed atmosphere and with a rather good selection of real ales or whatever drinks of choice were favoured. Of course, work and business was discussed for some but not for the whole evening, as with any gathering of businesses, its always good to do a bit of networking, and know a bit more about other’s businesses too and I personally enjoyed the chats I had with people I hadn’t really spoken with much before. I think most that came would say they’d had a good evening - if not, I assume they would’ve just left earlier than they did.

We are planning on doing more social events, as well as the popular monthly Meet the Members morning networking meetings that we’ve always had, but we do need your help - to know what kind of social events would be popular or interesting for people. Suggestions have already been made for a few events - such as an evening at a comedy club, a quiz night, chef demo/food tasting… but it would be great to have other ideas so that we’re organising the events that you, the members, would like to come to!

Chris Chenery, Chenery Creative - ISSBA events co-ordinator