Dr David A. Watkins (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1945)

Provided by Simon Watkins

David Ainsley Watkins was born and brought up in Clydach, near Swansea, and was Head Boy at Bromsgrove School. He watched by night for bombs as a student. After D-Day, the students were sent to look after the returning casualties, a harrowing experience. After RAF service, and some locum jobs, in 1950 he joined a practice in Monmouth Street, Bridgwater (now the East Quay Medical Centre) and retired from that fully in 1986. He was a highly regarded traditional family doctor, like his Welsh father before him, and brought many into the world with his midwifery duties. He was a keen sportsman, especially rugby, squash and sea angling, and a follower of sport, holding many offices with Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club. He was a good pianist, classical through to jazz. Modest bets on horse racing and attending the races were an enjoyable retirement activity. David died on 1 January 2007, aged 85. His devoted wife Joy sadly predeceased him by eight days; he leaves three sons; and five grandchildren.