Annual Lunch is a sell out!
Yes, you read it correctly ….. the Annual Lunch has sold out. However, there maybe a few odd tickets still available – so it is worth asking the question and you never know you maybe lucky.
So, this year’s PICT Annual Lunch is being held on Friday 6th June at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London WC1. The change in venue is due to the fact that the RIBA building is now closed for a complete renovation, so was unavailable. However, BMA House is also an iconic building with beautiful outside grounds for pre-lunch drinks and chit chat.
This historic London venue offers a beautiful backdrop to a whole host of events. It is a stunning, Grade II listed building, which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1911 and has been home to the British Medical Association since 1925. It has recently been updated with state-of-the-art facilities and also offers two large outdoor areas.
The building is peppered with historical features, two of the most important and impressive are found within the largest of BMA House’s two outside spaces, The Courtyard. The first is the beautiful wrought iron gates. Again, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the Gates of Remembrance were dedicated by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the opening of BMA House in 1925, to commemorate those lost in the First World War.
The second feature is the central, bronze fountain, which comprises four statues representing sacrifice, cure, prevention and aspiration, in remembrance of the 574 members of the BMA, who lost their lives in World War II.
Today, BMA House offers a unique setting for a variety of events. So, remember when you are at the lunch look out for these special historic features.
BMA House is sited in the heart of Bloomsbury in central London. Bloomsbury was once frequented by literary and political figures like Virginia Woolf and Emmeline Pankhurst and the area was known for its attitude of forward thinking and creative ambition. Also, from the expanses of the British Museum to the winding lanes of Lambs Conduit Street (the narrowest alleyway in London), to the first UK tower block, this area is a fascinating example of old and new architecture.
Also due to its central London location, should guests wish to stay overnight there is a variety of hotels to suit a range of budgets and tastes right on the doorstep of this venue.
PICT’s President John Haslam, would like to remind members that this lunch continues to be PICT’s main fund-raising event, whilst allowing plenty of time for networking and having an enjoyable day. And just to reiterate the quest for PICT remains unchanged – to support those who will, who are, and who have, supported our great industry and who are now in need of support.
Unfortunately, like everything, costs have increased slightly with ticket prices at £140 for members and £160 for guests, which also includes a drink on arrival.
As always, the lunch will be preceded by the AGM – so please do try and come along and support this before meeting with your friends and colleagues. The AGM is always a quick meeting – so will still allow plenty of time before the lunch itself.
If you have not already booked your place at this year’s lunch and wish to check if any tickets are still available please e-mail Anne James at anne@pictuk.com. Also, if you would like to donate an auction item – again, please contact Anne.
I, for one, am excited to see another new venue, and look forward to seeing you all at the lunch – hopefully in warm sunshine sipping a drink or two in the delightful courtyard setting.
Margaret Curle