Every year since 2002, chartered surveyors living and working in the five counties of Bucks, Berks, Beds, Herts and Oxfordshire get together for their annual conference at Wycombe Swan.

Last week’s RICS Five Counties Conference attracted 270 professionals working in the field of commercial and residential property.

To avoid missing out on coffee and pastries laid on by the organisers on arrival due to a lengthy hunt for a parking spot in the town centre, many coming from the direction of the M40 used the free park-and ride-service at Handy Cross.

Even so, all spaces were taken in the Wycombe Swan car park before the opening session of the day.

Guy Pullen who manages the annual event for organiser 3CPD says the reason Wycombe Swan is a popular venue is because of its size – the theatre auditorium and Old Town Hall together can accommodate several hundred.

He said: “The other reason is because the management can provide a hot lunch for delegates.”

Last Wednesday, 120 opted for the two-course menu with wine in the Old Town Hall rather than walk into town for a snack during the lunch break.

Pictured left to right during the mid-day interval are Jane Barraclough, independent chartered surveyor practising in the Thames Valley and Chilterns who chaired the commercial session in the afternoon when the conference traditionally divides for a separate programme of residential and commercial topics, Gaye Pottinger from 3CPD, Vivienne King from Real Estate Balance and Divina Goodchild, CEO of Lion Heart.