Mid December, before we were all snow bound the WES flagship anniversary event Shape the Future took place at the IET, Savoy Place, London.  It was an evening of networking, celebration and shopping. Above all an evening of inspiration. Generously supported by key WES sponsor, the IET.

The evening was hosted by our president Jan Peters who introduced a stunning array of inspiring speakers. Dervilla Mitchell gave us an intimate insight into a day in her life project managing Heathrow's Terminal 5. She took us from sorting out the family wash first thing in the morning, through erection of the structure's main frame, discussions with the architect, staff development, to a glass of wine and her daughter's art project in the evening.

Past President Dorothy Hatfield shared the process and plans for the list of 90 inspiring and award winning women engineers and technologists she has helped to compile and which will begin to appear on the website in the coming weeks. And fittingly Katy Deacon was present to receive her award from Karen Burt's father, Professor Sir Cyril Hilsum.

Jo Larmour of Arup shared the results of the safety clothing survey which was followed by a lively discussion ably chaired by Sandi Rhys-Jones which generated marvelous suggestions as to how we can take our celebration of women's achievements in engineering and technology further.  These included a purple hard hatted walk by women engineers across Waterloo bridge which was built (almost) entirely by women and building something adjacent to Westminster Bridge such as a cat walk on which we could show off our purple boots.  Less frivolously it was suggested that we should ask the women of the Royal Engineers to build another bridge in Cumbria.  Please let WES know how you think we could celebrate and inspire across the country.