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Mark Hargreaves is in the process of setting up a further Study Day for the Spring, but unfortunately has been unable to finalise details.  Information will be available at the January lecture.

REPORT

STUDY DAY IN SHEFFIELD

On 24^th February a party of 22 members enjoyed a Study Day at the Sheffield Assay Office.

This impressive new office is not difficult to find, being almost immediately opposite the Hillsborough football ground.  It is worth a visit in its own right, even without a Study Day.  We have spotted the “opened by her Majesty the Queen......” plaque in the spacious foyer. (How hard that lady does work for us all.)

Following coffee and introductions our morning programme consisted of two most professional talks (separated by further coffee) from Emma Paragreen.  The idea for the Study Day had grown out of the expertise with which Emma had spoken at our Three Societies' Lunch last November and certainly by lunchtime were all very well informed about the history of Assay Offices, how and why we test precious metals, the British hallmarking system and international marks.  (If you come across a piece of silver marked with the head of a St Bernard dog, you'll know you're looking at something Swiss.)

Lunch was a buffet meal taken in our meeting suite, and none the worse for that.  The Office staff did us proud.

In the afternoon a treat – a tour of the production area.  We though ourselves lucky to hit upon an operative dealing with a heavy bangle which had come in from Bradford and was revealed to be made almost entirely of lead, with the thinnest skin of gold.

Back then to our suite and some fun attempting to identify items that Emma passed among us to spot forgeries.

In all, a 'fun' day.  There were small souvenirs on sale and many of us bought a copy of the 'directory' of hallmarks with which to retain our memories of what we had enjoyed learning.

Our grateful thanks to the good Emma.

                                                                                    MARK HARGREAVES