Alumni and guests are invited to join the Cambridge Society of Edinburgh visit to "Ashfield" HQ of the Edinburgh trades fund, formerly the Trades Maiden Hospital Charity, established in 1704. Ashfield is also the meeting place for the Convenery of Trades of Edinburgh, an organisation within the city dating back to 1562, which consists of representatives of all 15 incorporated trades (guilds in some cities) such as the goldsmiths, surgeons, hammermen and bonnetmakers and dyers.

We will be welcomed at Ashfield by Ian Robertson, Deacon Convener of the Trades of Edinburgh, for a glass of wine and a nibble. Ian will make a short introduction to Ashfield, its history and current role, and show us the  historic records and artefacts that are exhibited in the building. He would like the occasion to be an informal one, based not just on a set-piece exposition from him, but on a question and answer format involving our members. Keith Rutter, our Hon. Treasurer, happens to be Boxmaster of the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers, and will no doubt be able to chip in a bit on his role in that organisation.