Reunion of St Mary's Graduates

The much awaited reunion of St Mary's Graduates from the 1950-60 decade took place on Sunday 25 September at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly.

The general consensus was that it was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion and fully lived up to everyone's expectations. Some who had not met for over half a century were soon exchanging reminiscences and re-living shared experiences from decades ago. The occasion was best summed up in one of the many 'thank you' letters received after the event. The writer, himself a notable orthopaedic consultant, wrote:

Congratulations again on Sunday's arrangements and for assembling so many friends of so long ago who, despite half a century's ageing process, were soon recognisable by their voices and gestures. What amazes me are the extraordinarily diverse attainments of this group; I think I speak for most of us in believing that as students, we had no concept of future accomplishments or the remarkable distinctions that some would achieve.

Yet we have an Olympic athlete; Master of an Oxford College and knighted; a past President of the RCOG and knighted; yourself, a past Director-General of RAF Medical Services, CB and OBE; a President of the BOA and OBE; an FRS Edinburgh; a past President of the BMA and Professor; various other Professors and many Presidents of Societies. I noted two novelists, seven orthopaedic consultant surgeons and members from Canada and the USA. I do not know everyone, and certainly make no claim to accuracy. The point is that little did we know at the time, that in due course our work would lead to such varying degrees of responsibility and leadership; we certainly didn't consider such possibilities in the middle of the scrum or on our French rugby tours! It would almost make a book."

In addition to those mentioned above by the writer, our lady graduates present had enjoyed equally successful professional careers despite not having joined us in the scrums or on the French rugby tours!

At the end of the afternoon, there was a general request for yet another reunion 'before too long' and arrangements have been made for this to be held same format and venue on Sunday 20 May 2007. The qualification year limits are not rigidly applied so if anyone who missed this last one would like to join us for the next one contacts me Freddie Hurrell on +44 (0)1252 714 190 or e-mail f.hurrell@ntlworld.com, I will make sure they are kept informed of progress.