Bristol Actuaries' Dining Society

Secretary: Brendan McBride

Tel: 01275 39478

E-mail: wbmcbride@btinternet.com

Society Motto: "Auctoritas in rebus pecuniae delenda est!" (translation upon application). Following the relocation of a number of life offices from London to Bristol in the late 70s, the Society was founded by a group of actuaries wishing to set up locally that conviviality of gourmandising with their professional brethren which so enjoyably forms part of the Institute's social and networking scene in the Great Smoke.

Membership is by invitation, readily extended to Faculty and Institute Fellows alike, male or female, from life office and consulting work in Bristol or the surrounding areas. There is no subscription.

The Society has one Rule only, viz. that there are no Rules, in particular (a) no rule banning speeches, which are nevertheless banned: and (b) no rule providing that Founder Members may not be expelled, which is nevertheless sustained. There is however an initiation ceremony, which, depending on gender, involves table dancing or the consumption of the Society Challenge Dessert.

Membership categories are O = ordinary, those in gainful professional employment, and UD = UnDead, referring to retired actuaries who nevertheless retain an interest in the profession. For a distinguished contribution towards the evening's fraternalisation the Society awards the OBS, or Order of the Banana Split; or the OCC (explanation upon application). There are currently four holders of the OBS, one of such calibre as to have two bars already added to his decoration, and one of the OCC.

The Society dines during the months September through May and issues invitations to members of the Bristol Actuarial Society on the occasion of meetings of that Society. The venue heartland is the Crown Inn, tucked away in the badlands south of Bristol, where a roaring log fire welcomes diners in the winter months. Otherwise the venue moves around Bristol, in eating places where informality combines with good food and modest charges – 'The Clifton Sausage' being favoured.