For over 500 years, we have honoured Edmond Shaa - Prime Warden of Goldsmiths' Company, Lord Mayor of London and Court Jeweller to three Kings of England. However, it is not every day that we get a glimpse of the stories behind all the rare and interesting artefacts housed in the Goldsmiths' Hall - one of London's best-kept secrets.

The 50 Old Stops that attended the event were welcomed by Clerk and CEO of the Goldsmiths' Company, Annie Warburton, who recounted the close connection between the Goldsmiths' Company and Stockport Grammar School through the ages. 

Next, guests were treated to a tour of the building by resident Librarian, Eleni, who recounted the evolution of the Goldsmiths' Hall site, the significance of Philip Hardwick's influence on the design of the building, and where you might see the Exhibition Hall pretending to be Buckingham Palace in TV and cinema. 

Guests could even see the Goldsmiths' Company's dedication to Sir Edmond Shaa, as his coat of arms was on display.

Upon returning to the Drawing Room, guests could enjoy the drinks and canapés while catching up in the historic surroundings. Director of Music, Michael Dow, and Head of Physics, Heather Fenton, joined us as we looked back over yearbooks and The Stopfordian from days gone by. 

We were also delighted to be joined by our new Old Stopfordian President, Arian Nikkhah (OS 2008). Speaking about the event, Arian said: 'As I look ahead to my two-year term as Old Stops President, I have also enjoyed looking back and exploring a key part of the SGS story this evening.'

As the evening was reaching its conclusion, the Head, Sarah Capewell, spoke about the School's foundations in philanthropy, and the significance of the SGS Bursary Fund in supporting pupils attend the School - regardless of their circumstances. 

Thank you to Annie Warburton and the staff at Goldsmiths' Company for making Monday an evening to remember.