The National Association of Master Bakers’ (NA) 119th annual conference was held in Stratford from April 28 to May 1 and attracted 109 delegates, reports Anne Bruce.

They enjoyed social activities including cocktail parties, a banquet, a church service, a cruise along the river Avon, a Caribbean-themed fancy dress fun night, as well as the Association’s annual general meeting.

The annual conference was chief executive David Smith’s last, as he is to retire in November, after a ten year stint. He will be succeeded by NA senior executive Gill Brooks-Lonican.

The NA conference co-incided with the National Federation of Bakery Students Societies and the Institute of Bread Bakers Alliance annual conference in Southport.