THE TEESSIDE BRANCH PHOTO GALLERY
   
Symposiums
   

The entrance to the 2006 and 2008 Symposium venue

Teesside Branch Symposium 2006
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : Brian Unwin
 
Periodically Teesside Branch hosts a Symposium. To date we have organised four such events. The first was held in 1996, the most recent was in 2008. The two most recent ones proved much more successful in attracting visitors from other Branches than the earlier one in 1998.
   
The Symposiums are all-day events and the cost of admission includes refreshments. Guests are greeted with tea/coffee and biscuits, a buffet lunch is served after the first talk, and further tea/coffee and biscuits are provided between the afternoon talks.
 

Preparing teas/coffees

A chance to socialise during the lunch interval
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : Brian Unwin
   
The programme includes three talks, chosen to cover a variety of subjects, including both cacti and other succulents, and a range of geographical locations. The Symposium provides the Branch with the opportunity to invite top quality speakers to travel from greater distances than can often be afforded at the mid-week Branch meetings. Symposium speakers have included (alphabetically): Peter Berresford, Dr Peter Brandham, Graham Charles, Roger Ferryman, Tom Jenkins, John Miller, David Minnion, Professor Len Newton, Derek Tribble and Dr Colin Walker.
 

Dr Colin Walker presenting a talk about Aloes (2006)

Professor Len Newton (2008)
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : John Ellis
   

Graham Charles (2008)

Members and guests enjoying a talk (2008)
Photograph by : John Ellis

Photograph by : John Ellis
   
Another feature of the Symposiums is the staging of a table show. The show provides a talking point and a chance to look at plants brought by other members and visitors.
 

Examining the table show entries (2006)

Plants in the table show
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : Brian Unwin
   
As well as the attraction of several traders selling plants, books and other sundries, the raffle provides another opportunity to invest money with plenty of prizes on offer.
 

An enthusiastic volunteer selling raffle tickets (2006)

The splendid selection of raffle prizes (2006)
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : Brian Unwin
   
The lunch and refreshment intervals gives everyone plenty of opportunity to peruse the trader's stalls and to socialise with other Society members, including a chance to renew acquaintanceships with members from other Branches.
 

Roger Ferryman and Colin Norton deep in conversation (2006)

Entries in the table show (2006)
Photograph by : Brian Unwin

Photograph by : Brian Unwin
   

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