The objective is to remove reliance on cylinder. Newcomers Crandon Diamond who as well as displaying their own cutting wheels and drills demonstrated a flat lapping machine by Heathways Graphite Technology, another 'first-timer' showed a wide variety of glass handling devices using graphite. Smith Industries found their display of tubing and rods drew a lot of attention from delegates. Although all trade stands were of a scientific nature, the art was not ignored. Known primarily for their wide variety of coloured soda tubing and rod 'Plowdens' have developed their lampworking equipment stock, supplying a host of artistic glass workers.
Symposiums provide ideal opportunities for glassblowers to exchange ideas.
This was arranged in a more formal setting by holding a glassblowers forum immediately after the second lecture. Here, several glassblowers raised the concern that the 'Master Glassblower' category is not relevant to the modern day requirements of scientific glass employers. NVQ's have been introduced to address the specific need of employers, but some BSSG members felt standards have diminished over time. At the Society's AGM, traditionally held on the Friday morning of each symposium, a new chairman was elected - Mr Ralph Thompson. Ralph replaces Graham Reed, who steps down after 4 years in the role.