Having done only bits of anatomy, physiology and pathology during my dental studies, my appetite was whetted to do the lot. So I enrolled on a medical course. Many happy memories of student days include numerous (liquid) lunches at the King’s Head with Lawrence Youlten and John Robertson – served by big Jim who, I thought, always looked so pale and ill. Uncertain what I wanted to do when I started (with only vague notions about maxillo-facial work) I eventually settled for ENT. After pre-reg jobs and a spell in physiology, I went to the ENT hospital in Gray’s Inn Road for six months where I was joined by my great friend, Graham Fraser (a Guy’s contemporary about whom more above). We then went together as registrars to UCH, remaining for two years.
For some time before qualifying I had set my heart on a job in the West Country although unaware then that my distant roots were there. So I did my SR training in Bristol and thence to Somerset. I married and had three children (a girl and two boys) with my first wife who died 12 years ago. Save working briefly in New Zealand, I remained in Somerset for 26 years.
Fishing (mainly on Dartmoor and Exmoor but also in Scotland), golf and painting have helped to fill a lot of time before and after retirement. Wendy and I (we married in 2001) live happily in the country, play occasional golf together, walk dogs and travel a bit. I am now in my 80th year. As my energy levels reduce, I spend more time painting watercolours. Profits go mainly to charities. For several years I have done a voluntary class for the old folks in the local British Legion Home. The average age of my pupils borders on 90. Their enthusiasm is boundless. Should I ever reach their age, I should like to think I’ll be painting with the same enthusiasm but I fear not!
This is a forum for exchange of news and reminiscences for the Guy's graduates of 1961 and 1962, belatedly (in the case of 1961), celebrating the 60th anniversary of our qualification this year. See the panel on the right for details of how to contribute. You can enlarge some of the pictures by clicking on them. Please send your news, or that of others you know in the years.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Sunday, 7 August 2011
The late Bill Bunting
Nigel Knight sent me the following:
Bill was born at Grasmere in the Lake District. Before coming to Guy's he had commenced studies in mining engineering, I believe.
Having sustained an injury to a knee he saw a surgeon at Guy's, (possibly Grant Massie).His injury and its treatment caused him to switch to medicine and fostered an interest in orthopaedics.
After leaving Guy's Bill did his senior registrar training at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital in Exeter which included a year's secondment to Truro. I recall his being especially impressed by one of the Truro surgeons - Robert Robins who had a particular interest in hand surgery - something Bill acquired. He arrived in Taunton in 1971 to take up a Consultant orthopaedic post. He was an excellent surgeon, quickly establishing a reputation for hard work, surgical skill and reliability. His patients always came first. He enjoyed teaching and was greatly appreciated by his junior staff. He was a good speaker- a quality which served him well when pressing the claims of his department in committee.
After retiring from the NHS he was busy for several years with medico-legal work.
Many will recall his sharp mind and quick wit - qualities which he did not lose
He had two adopted sons with his first wife. He and his second wife had two of their own.
Not so very long ago he rang me to say Clive Barrett was staying with him. We all had dinner together.
Bill died of motor neurone disease in 2010. His funeral in Milverton Parish church was very well attended. Apart from his family many old colleagues, supporting staff and former patients came to bid him farewell.
Bill was born at Grasmere in the Lake District. Before coming to Guy's he had commenced studies in mining engineering, I believe.
Having sustained an injury to a knee he saw a surgeon at Guy's, (possibly Grant Massie).His injury and its treatment caused him to switch to medicine and fostered an interest in orthopaedics.
After leaving Guy's Bill did his senior registrar training at the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Hospital in Exeter which included a year's secondment to Truro. I recall his being especially impressed by one of the Truro surgeons - Robert Robins who had a particular interest in hand surgery - something Bill acquired. He arrived in Taunton in 1971 to take up a Consultant orthopaedic post. He was an excellent surgeon, quickly establishing a reputation for hard work, surgical skill and reliability. His patients always came first. He enjoyed teaching and was greatly appreciated by his junior staff. He was a good speaker- a quality which served him well when pressing the claims of his department in committee.
After retiring from the NHS he was busy for several years with medico-legal work.
Many will recall his sharp mind and quick wit - qualities which he did not lose
He had two adopted sons with his first wife. He and his second wife had two of their own.
Not so very long ago he rang me to say Clive Barrett was staying with him. We all had dinner together.
Bill died of motor neurone disease in 2010. His funeral in Milverton Parish church was very well attended. Apart from his family many old colleagues, supporting staff and former patients came to bid him farewell.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Tales from the Physiology Lab
Nigel Knight sent me this tale:
Professor Hunt was a stickler for punctuality - and much else as well. Having started a practical class promptly at 09.30 the door opened soon after and the latecomer was asked where he'd come from. The answer was New Cross or some such. After a stern ticking off Hunt started the class all over again. This was repeated each time a latecomer arrived from, say, Islington, Lewisham, Hither Green etc. After the class had re-started four or five times, a brown face appeared round the door. Hunt asked him where he'd come from."Pakistan" came the answer. "in that case" said Hunt "you haven't done too badly"
This reminded me of an episode a few years later, by which time Nigel was a demonstrator or junior lecturer in Physiology, living in the bachelor accommodation in Trinity Church Square. For a student to be late was bad enough, (see above), but for a member of staff, it was unthinkable. One morning Nigel overslept, waking in time to realise that he had to be in the Lab for the start of a practical class in about 15 minutes. Dressing rapidly he ran into the street and stopped a passing motorist. "I'm a Guy's doctor, and need to be at the hospital as a matter of urgency", he said. "Jump in sir, I'll run you there", said the startled but helpful driver, and Nigel arrived with seconds to spare, as the motorist drove off thinking he had probably saved someone's life. He had, of course.
On another occasion someone, I cannot remember who, put a live mouse in the box of chalks and covered it with the board duster before one of Professor Hunt’s lectures in the physiology theatre. It provoked huge anticipation for the students assembled for the lecture. Unbeknown to us, Hunt had been waiting to come in by the lower door, had seen exactly what had gone on and sent his technician off to get a piece of chalk. He was in the habit of starting his lectures by writing something on the board – an erudite quotation to stir up the simple minds or just a single word serving as ‘a peg on which we were invited to hang our thoughts’. On this occasion, Hunt played it out with considerable skill. Nothing was written on the board. Several times he approached the box of chalks as if to take one out and the excitement built to fever pitch – but no! – he moved away again and again and continued talking. After ten minutes or so, he took a piece of chalk out of his coat pocket and finally wrote on the board. At this point, Lawrence Youlten shouted out ‘He knows you know!’ Hunt dissolved in laughter and so did we.
Professor Hunt was a stickler for punctuality - and much else as well. Having started a practical class promptly at 09.30 the door opened soon after and the latecomer was asked where he'd come from. The answer was New Cross or some such. After a stern ticking off Hunt started the class all over again. This was repeated each time a latecomer arrived from, say, Islington, Lewisham, Hither Green etc. After the class had re-started four or five times, a brown face appeared round the door. Hunt asked him where he'd come from."Pakistan" came the answer. "in that case" said Hunt "you haven't done too badly"
This reminded me of an episode a few years later, by which time Nigel was a demonstrator or junior lecturer in Physiology, living in the bachelor accommodation in Trinity Church Square. For a student to be late was bad enough, (see above), but for a member of staff, it was unthinkable. One morning Nigel overslept, waking in time to realise that he had to be in the Lab for the start of a practical class in about 15 minutes. Dressing rapidly he ran into the street and stopped a passing motorist. "I'm a Guy's doctor, and need to be at the hospital as a matter of urgency", he said. "Jump in sir, I'll run you there", said the startled but helpful driver, and Nigel arrived with seconds to spare, as the motorist drove off thinking he had probably saved someone's life. He had, of course.
On another occasion someone, I cannot remember who, put a live mouse in the box of chalks and covered it with the board duster before one of Professor Hunt’s lectures in the physiology theatre. It provoked huge anticipation for the students assembled for the lecture. Unbeknown to us, Hunt had been waiting to come in by the lower door, had seen exactly what had gone on and sent his technician off to get a piece of chalk. He was in the habit of starting his lectures by writing something on the board – an erudite quotation to stir up the simple minds or just a single word serving as ‘a peg on which we were invited to hang our thoughts’. On this occasion, Hunt played it out with considerable skill. Nothing was written on the board. Several times he approached the box of chalks as if to take one out and the excitement built to fever pitch – but no! – he moved away again and again and continued talking. After ten minutes or so, he took a piece of chalk out of his coat pocket and finally wrote on the board. At this point, Lawrence Youlten shouted out ‘He knows you know!’ Hunt dissolved in laughter and so did we.
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Chris Hughes
From pre-reg jobs (61-62) Royal Surrey County via Charing Cross in the Strand to Peterborough Memorial as medical SHO/locum Registrar (63-64) to Kenneth Allanby (excellent consultant)
In Peterborough met Felicity who qualified SRN from The Royal London. By then was SHO for 3 months in Pathology Laboratory at National for Nervous Diseases. Can vouch for excellent culinary reputation of their Doctors mess.
Married 1965 when at New Cross Guys. Felicity was Orthopaedic theatre Staff Nurse. I was Registrar to Kenneth Maclean, Maurice Lessof and Bob Knight.
First son arrived 1967.We reconsidered General Practice. After 6 months Obstetrics at Royal Free joined Eldon Sq Partnership in Reading. “Buying in “ was significant financial responsibility then, virtually impossible now.
Eldon Sq Partnership encapsulates the twentieth century accumulating various extra curricular jobs and coping with workload by limiting NHS lists to 2000.
Eventually had to amalgamate our 3 premises. 1980 to 1984 was lead partner building 2 storey accommodation for 8 partners and 2 trainees.
Admin track record chronologically runs: BMA secretary local branch: GP representative Berkshire HA: Chairman LMC.
1994 part-time retirement for health reasons.
1997 Parathyroidectomy for a benign adenoma and a planned 2 years became 8.
2002 finally retired.
Now fully occupied with golf, gardening and 2 grandsons, who are in New Zealand
7 years ago eldest son emigrated to NZ and is currently NZ director for Van Zanten Lily Bulbs. We have annually visited 2 to 3 months each year for past 7 years.
Have 2 other sons ; an artist; and a florist, his own business: Pot Pourri Flowers Chiswick
Semi retirement enabled me to accept Presidency of Reading Pathological Society 2000-01. Was delighted when Bob Knight addressed a full house on “Keats and his fellow doctors”
1970 bought plot in Copse Mead and built our house. Now very happy to share retirement with Felicity and potter in our well established garden
Monday, 1 August 2011
John Winter
I met Viv Cullum from the Physiotherapy department in the bar after a singing rehearsal at Guy's, but had to ask her to pay for the drinks. We married in 1966.
Being asked to consider radiotherapy, I gave it a six month's trial, then stayed in the discipline for the rest of my working life. A gastroenterologist, whose wife is a member of the Radiotherapists Visiting Society, reckons we are the last true generalists. I followed Tony Waite and John McArthur as consultant and was glad to work in joint clinics with John Hayward, Omar Shaheen and others.
With the amalgamation of London hospitals I was able to work with colleagues from King's and St Thomas', with sessions at the latter.
Colin Keane, heading a newly formed radiotherapy department at Maidstone, asked me to work there part time, with no administrative responsibilities, after I retired from Guy's in 1993. Viv had been appointed Superintendent Physiotherapist in the Forest of Dean, so we moved from Bromley to Coleford and I commuted from Gloucester to Kent for seven years until we both retired in 2000.
We have bought a little place in south Brittany, quarter of an hour from the sea, and visit family in Bristol, Totnes and Edinburgh. We have six grandchildren.
Being asked to consider radiotherapy, I gave it a six month's trial, then stayed in the discipline for the rest of my working life. A gastroenterologist, whose wife is a member of the Radiotherapists Visiting Society, reckons we are the last true generalists. I followed Tony Waite and John McArthur as consultant and was glad to work in joint clinics with John Hayward, Omar Shaheen and others.
With the amalgamation of London hospitals I was able to work with colleagues from King's and St Thomas', with sessions at the latter.
Colin Keane, heading a newly formed radiotherapy department at Maidstone, asked me to work there part time, with no administrative responsibilities, after I retired from Guy's in 1993. Viv had been appointed Superintendent Physiotherapist in the Forest of Dean, so we moved from Bromley to Coleford and I commuted from Gloucester to Kent for seven years until we both retired in 2000.
We have bought a little place in south Brittany, quarter of an hour from the sea, and visit family in Bristol, Totnes and Edinburgh. We have six grandchildren.
Anne Chamberlain
As I did an intercalated degree in Anatomy I am a fraud having qualified in 1962.However Malcolm said ‘ OK ,Come’ so I look forward to seeing many of you .
My memories of Guy’s are incomplete but include the anxiety before anatomy vivas every 2 weeks and the eerie feel of the Dissecting Room in the moonlight .
I remember volunteering (?) for Jack Hunt’s experiments. We swallowed a naso-gastric tube so he could measure gastric acid through the menstrual cycle and were rewarded with 2/6 d which I thought I could save –but I was so hungry I spent it in the Spit.
I was one of Butterfield’s house physicians(doing resident path throughout the night as Sir Russell Brock operated and the patients lost gallons of blood) .We then tried to research clotting in the little lab beside William Gull ward - quaint when I view the complexities of securing research grants now .
After one firm party at our flat in Tooting Bec when Bo stubbed his cigarette in the mustard on his blind side ,David Lintott turned up to help me clear up .I appreciated such unusual behaviour and we married in 1963 and had many happy years and 3 boys together till he died in 1999.He was a superb , innovative interventional radiologist (gastro-intestinal ) at the General Infirmary at Leeds .We chose Leeds because it was near the mountains(for him ) and gave me 25 happy, productive years working with the Rheumatologist, Verna Wright.
The only one in this small team also trained in Rehabilitation Medicine , I became the Consultant in this. There was no-one else in Yorkshire to rehabilitate the younger people with strokes ,head injury or MS .We started a Rehabilitation Unit, gradually adding community rehab teams so that now (I can say it as I am retired ) we have one of the most comprehensive services in the country and one of the most well-known academic depts. The endowment of the Charterhouse Chair into the University of Leeds enabled me to start an academic dept researching disability and rehabilitation.
Walter (Wally) Landers
I have many memories of my years at Guy's.
The foremost, of course,was meeting a Guy's nurse, Janet, who is now my wife of 50 years and who has presented me with three wonderful children. We are now proud grandparents of six grandchildren---- all healthy & well.
Memories associated with people likely to be at the reunion include:
-- helping Malcolm Blacklee get home after 2nd M.B. An exciting trip!!
-- setting up a goal for Malcolm " Curly" Forsythe ( I swear he could not miss it!) in the United Hospital Cup Final (football) We lost 2-1, much to the dismay of our 3-4 supporters, one of whom was Prof.Hazelwood.
--visiting Thatchings after finals & being driven around in a Rolls Royce. I can't remember whose it was now but I know it wasn"t mine.
--my stay in the Old Hostel under the care of dear old Sophie & C,E,O Bill Hanwell
After a great pre-registration year at Southend General Hospital with Bill Hanwell, Chris Bird, Malcolm Blacklee & John Barker I obtained a Senior House Officer post in Orthopaedics & Casualty at Kingston Hospital under Mr, Freebody--- himself a Guy's man. A year later I went into General Practice in the Midlands before leaving for Canada in 1966, supposedly for one year to begin specialising.
Emigration strongly resembled my present golf game------ a series of disasters interrupted by the occasional miracle!! This would be a whole story in itself.
Following my year at the Hamilton Civic Hospitals I needed to find work in order to bring my family home, so I went into a Rural Practice--- initially is was Private Practice but later it was Nationalized.
Country Practice involved all areas of medicine--- delivering babies,Emergency Room Work, Assisting at Surgery & hospital work. I was also a Coroner. All very satisfying & enough stories to write a book.
(e,g. being called out to treat a sick racehorse). I retired 32 years later.
I have sung in the Canadian Orpheus Male Voice Choir & once in Opera. I don't do that anymore.
I play golf regularly. I have resumed violin lessons ( I played as a boy). I have a Russian maestro to teach me--- he is half my size so we get on well.
The rest of the time I can do what I want -- I just have to check with Janet to see if that's what I really want,
After all, she is a Nurse.
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