Page 52 - Eclipse - Autumn/Winter 2024

REUNIONS

RVC Class of 1974 50-year reunion

John Wakely, BVetMed 1974

18 college days. We were shown pictures medicine and surgery comparing
septuagenarians, all male
of how RVC has changed over the
more than favourably to many human
and mostly retired, arrived
years right up to the present day. She
at Hawkshead on Saturday,
hospitals. We were perhaps envious
grateful that they were still
fads of 1974 – is it really that long since
able to celebrate a half century since reminded us of some of the events and of some of the new toys available but
wondered whether there might be too
qualifying as veterinary surgeons. This the last episode of Monty Python? much of a reliance on technology which
represents almost 40% of those of the This was followed by a delicious buffet might not always be available in general
year group still alive, several having lunch. If this is normal student fare, they practice. It was fascinating to learn of the
fallen by the wayside. A few are living are indeed fortunate. The choice was experiences of the current students and
on different continents, some have limited in the old refectory in Hawkshead hope that there wasn’t too much of the
medical problems which prevented their House but in those days they sold milk ‘In our day…’.
attendance and others were unable from Boltons Park for a few pence a pint We are extremely grateful to Vicki,
to be contacted. Most of us were which helped to eke out a maintenance Charlotte and rest of the Alumni staff,
accompanied by very tolerant partners.
grant. Over lunch we indulged in a great clinicians and students for enabling
We have had several reunions over the deal of reminiscence and story-telling. the day to take place, showing us
years but some of us had not seen each There was nowhere near enough time around and for giving up their time on a
other for the full 50 years and although to catch up with everyone. It was Saturday. You did us proud.
name badges help in recognition, voices intriguing to note that the absence of Most of us enjoyed an evening dinner at
don’t change and conversation flowed, male urinals reflected the change in the the Comet Hotel, a few miles up the A1.
reflecting a comfortable familiarity. gender ratio of students!
There may be some diminution of hearing
We were treated like VIPs (which In the afternoon we were shown and eyesight, but the company and
indeed we are). Professor Imelda around the QMHA hospital and some conversation were first rate and we had
McGonnell, Vice Principal (Students) of the other on-site facilities. Wow! a great evening.
gave us an amusing and instructive We have seen the introduction of new It was an unforgettable day. I am
introductory talk in the impressive new technologies during our careers, but immensely proud of my profession,
nurses lecture theatre which is a world RVC really does represent the RVC and the achievements of the
apart from the spartan rooms of our cutting edge, the delivery of complex
class of ’74.

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