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November 9th 2011
Twelve members met at Poon’s Chinese Restaurant, Salters Road Gosforth. James Henry was unable to attend pleading prior jazz commitments. We were sorry that Dr. Alec Watson was not present but we but were cheered by news from David Appleton that he was comfortably established in his new home.
The venue was the modified Essoldo Cinema, a capacious space with a welcome absence of music. Previous experience allowed us to avoid the temptation of Mr. Poon’s banquet for twelve. Varied starters and main courses shared generously around enabled us to avoid the feeling of guilt and bloating associated with consumption of only half a chinese banquet. Service and food were both excellent and we should seriously think of a return visit.
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Attempting to cover the many and varied conversations is impossible, but the volume remained high throughout reaching a crescendo with the news that Mary and David Robinson were now Grandparents for the first time ( Daughter Katie , Granddaughter,,Robyn). Sage advise about the joys of babtsitting were offered.
Carriages arrived at 10.00pm and the billing was amicably settled after the usual protests.
PRESENT
Brian and Maureen Angus, David Appleton, Tom and Margaret Ashcroft, Jean and Adrian Morley, David and Mary Robinson,Judie Sunter,Chris and Kathryn Wright
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Monday Feb.12th At the Gosforth Hotel. attended by Tom Ashcroft, Brian Angus , David Appleton and Adrian Morley. Apologies were received from Chris Wright, and James Henry the later producing a very plausible excuse involving grounded planes at Toulouse , and diversions about Europe. We look forward the full story.
Brian Angus was again in the chair and introduced some of us to Rivet catche a beer, so called because of its slightly red tinge. A wide range of topics was covered. DA has been researching a tyneside song of the 17 th century about one Dolly Coxen who appeared to have lost her Sark David thinks this is a children's song but I have doubts. None of the Scots in the group were in favour.of independance though some would accept dual nationality. The recent de-knightification of Fred Goodwin made us think of ennobled acquaintances but concluded that any defects were insufficient for a submission to the forfeiture committee. Bankers were next on the agenda. All agreed that bonuses were excessive with the exception of merit awards which were a reward for admirable service. ( A strong whiff of hypocrisy was noted at this point) The web-master deplored the lack of minutes from the previous meeting and regetted that he lacked Alec,s coercive powers. Literature was not neglected and the Dickens bicentenary. David expressed a general antipathy to Dickens and Pickwick Papers was suggested as an antidote.
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Tuesday March 6th At the Gosforth Hotel. attended by Tom Ashcroft, Brian Angus , David Appleton, Chris Wright, James Henry and Adrian Morley..
The Gosforth Hotel continues to be a quiet and pleasant venue. James Henry was late but had the entirely original excuse that he had been on television, both “Look North” and the ITV version. The reason being the announcement that pathology services at Gateshead, Sunderland, and South Shields were to be centralized to the disused laundry building at the QE, Gateshead. A very large sum some 12 million pounds was mentioned and the change to be completed by next year?
Film discussions included the “ Artist” which Adrian had seen, applause had been noted at this film and “the King,s Speech”, surely a change in public attitude. Reminiscences about Mr. Chris Venables reminded DA of an abortive clinical trial involving both surgeons and physicians. Unsurprisingly it failed to get started since one physician got a clinical toy and removed his patients.
It was agreed that the next dinner would be in May and that the venue would again be Poon’s. DA agreed to canvas a suitable date
Adrian’s tirade about the lack of content from members was spoiled by DA who claimed to have set a contribution, which it seems must have been deleted. No doubt it will appear shortly. There was some discussion about who should write the minutes but having failed toget a nominee the task fell again the webmaster. This cannot continue and the minutes will get progressively more boring until someone takes over!
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Wednesday April 4th at the Gosforth Hotel attended by,Tom Ashcroft, James Henry, David Appleton ,Chris Wright and Adrian Morley. Apologies from Brian Angus. We met in the main bar since our usual room had a leaking radiator. The meeting started with a complaint from DA who claimed his contribution had again failed to be published, ARM apologised and promised to look for it in the deleted section. Amity having been restored we went on to discuss the state of PM pathology and the amazing development by which pathologists could qualify with a minimum of PM experience, and ultimately avoid them altogether.
Discussing the state of education led to a perhaps overlong review by ARM of the book “German Genius” by Peter Watson, which Chris already had on his list. The separation of humanities in the Universities and science into technical schools had resulted in considerable scientific advances. The discussion was notable for the first use of the word philology in a SPG discussion. We then moved on to cosmology and marveled at the increase in the number galaxies etc since our youth. DA recommended the “Four Elements”, this was not as feared a return to medieval-ism but a review of catastrophes etc associated with these natural elements. I forget the author, but remember that he regretted that he had not stolen the sign which said,”Mount St. Helen’s extinct volcano”. CW had a book on the periodic table(?author), a recommended read. DA claimed that statistical analysis, unpublished or reviewed had shown anomalies in the ordering of the rare earth metals.
The flow of thought was aided by TA who kept us supplied with “Wylam ale”, or Beck,s Blue depending distance of travel. We next considered why statisticians had avoid the public chastisement given to pathologists. DA claimed that ignorance and the obscurity of the subject were factors, and claimed some fleeting admiration for Harold Wilson who demanded improvements in government statistics.
Finally it was agreed that a dinner should be held at Poon’s on Thursday May 3rd. at 7.30pm.
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A meeting of the SPG was leld at the Gosforth Hotel on July the second 2012. Those present were Brian Angus, David Appleton, Tom Ashcroft and Adrian Morley.Apologies were received from James Henry and Chris. Wright..........
1) Spectacular storm and flooding in Newcastle and the NE.
A thunderstorm followed by torrential rain had brought Newcastle to a standstill one day the previous week, with widespread flooding and cars afloat. Inrush to drainage systems cause back flow into sewers and internal sanitary systems with messy consequences.
2) Brian recounted some Departmental news.
Professor Alastair Burt has been offered the position of Dean of Medicine at Adelaide Medical School and intends to accept. We wish him and Alison well. It has been claimed Mr Len Fenwick is in dispute with the contractors for the new RVI office block to accommodate Consultant Pathologists and others. The matter allegedly concerns whether the provided specifications are as agreed. The block is a PFI initiative. The costs and merits of PFI were discussed.
3) Adrians painting exhibition
An exhibition of paintings by various artists was recently held at Bywell Churches. As an organiser, Adrian took advantage of his position and arranged his own works in a prominent position. On returning to the gallery at the end of the exhibition in anticipation of a number of lucrative sales, he found his hopes unfulfilled. On inspecting his display, the reason was clear. A large desk had been placed in front of his paintings, obscuring the view. “The best laid plans of mice and men”!
4) Future Guest.
A possible future guest was suggested . At a recent concert in Corbridge Adrian Had met Clive Bloxham whose talented son was the organiser of the concert series and a talented chellist as well. It was unanimously agreed that Adrian make enquiries.
4) Venue and food The hotel lounge was quiet and congenial. David consumed an "all day breakfast" and Brian a bacon roll. Cheese and onion crisps were served later for all. "Rivet Catcher" beer was off as the "cask had gone cloudy", but "Tyke " and "Workie Ticket" were satisfactory substitutes.
The meeting closed at 10pm as usual.
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Minutes of a meeting of the SPG on the 7th of August 2012 at 8pm
The meeting was held in lounge of the Gosforth Hotel. Those present were Tom Ashcroft, David Appleton, Brian Angus, Adrian Morley, Chris Wright and James Henry. Apologies from Mary Robinson
Spam
Adrian presented a Spam email he had received, purportedly from Lady Wright pleading for a loan of £1450 to allow her to get home from Madrid, Spain, having been robbed of all her cash and cards. Adrian had no trouble identifying the letter as fraudulent as the sum was so small; Vera would never ask for so little
Olympics
At the time of the meeting the 2012 games in London were in full swing. The opening ceremony had been a great success and medals for British athletes were raining down. Members commented with approval on the computer graphics integrated in real time into the presentations, showing race progress in various ways, and some agreed that the beach volleyball was a very skillful sport. The parachuting prowess of the Queen was met with general acclaim (it is claimed no corgis were harmed in the filming of the event ).
Croquet
Some members were not aware that David maintained a Croquet History website.The link to this rather specialized site is given below
https://www.scottishcroquet.org.uk/index.php/the-scottish-championship-1870-1914
Cruises
It is not clear to the writer why cruises were discussed. Adrian seemed to have most experience in the matter and recounted dreadful tales of a ship with noravirus infection, formal dinners with stuffy people, and of a pal (a surgeon) who, suffering from haematemesis due to gastroenteritis induced Mallory Weiss syndrome,who had to direct his own treatment.
Birds
Alec Watson once said that he would challenge to a duel anyone who dared to call him a T…….., and although some injudicious members used the word in association with this minute, their names will not be repeated here, assuming future refrain.
Members discovered that Chris, a devoted Twitcher, would soon visit Norway (at a place near Tromso) with his club in order to ring willing birds as part of a bird migration monitoring project
Logwood
Adrian related the time of the demise of logwood imports into the UK as it’s use in general dyeing was in serious decline. However, this trend was soon reversed as logwood is the key material from which haematoxylin is derived (see top picture with link ). Haematoxylin is the blue dye used in histopathology to demonstrate nuclei and other structures. Blackberries were used as a substitute dye source for a while but this was stopped by jam manufactures complaining about the soaring prices of a key material for one of their products, and also by conservationists concerned about the welfare of wildlife in hedgerows.
Banks
The disgraceful and improper behaviour of many Bankers was discussed. One member had switched to a Swedish bank called Handelbanken, which has a branch in central Newcastle, Morpeth and Hexham The reason for selecting this particular bank was that it works on the old fashioned principal of local retail banking only , no association with the world of complex derivative gambling, will try not to sell you investments, and has all the online features of the major UK banks,and is not involved Libor
The Pathological Club of Newcastle upon Tyne
David and Adrian recalled the importance of the Club in determining career progress; it was important to present your work at this forum. They also remembered a talk to the Club by Professor Sir Nicholas Wright. The subject was cellular interactions in cancer, and he used gladitorial cartoons in the style of “Asterix the Gaul” as a metaphorical aid. Apparently this approach attracted severe disapprobrium from Club members, accustomed as they were to more conventional lectures. However the career of the presenter does not appear to have been affected. The Club ceased to operate some years ago as nobody came to meetings.
The Northern Regional Histopathologists Group
James confirmed that this too had ceased to convene due to lack of attendance.
Refreshments
As usual a fine selection of real ales and speciality brews was available and sampled abstemiously by members. Five members had bacon rolls and one a packet of cheese and onion crisps.
The meeting closed at about 10 pm
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Minutes SPG Wednesday 5th September
Present. Brian Angus , David Appleton, Chris Wright, and David Appleton. Apologies from James Henry.
Bird recognition
As well as Alec Watson we have another dedicated birder in Chris Wright who is shortly going to Tromso in the North of Norway in order to record seabird migration. It was suggested he take photographs for the minutes. Others recalled being informed of bird names which seemed to be pretty obvious. i.e. the greenfinch and the American bird with red wings and black body, (the redwinged black bird).
Murky World
The murky world of Scottish Croquet was discussed. Apparently the use of performance enhancing drugs is rife, but members were relieved to note the the SCA has an Anti Doping Officer on its Committee. What are players on beta blockers to do?
Alastair
We have previously recorded the imminent departure of Alastair Burt to Australia (end of 2012), and we now hear that he will be replaced by two people, one NHS and the other a Professor of Pathology. The nature of Alastair’s role was discussed at length. One major objective was to advance the status and quality of the undergraduate medical curriculum and teaching.
Robbery
The experience of members being robbed, especially abroad, was discussed. David related his success in using the “straight-arm fend” in repelling the ringleader of a small group of gangsters intent on depriving him of his money and valuables. He had learned the technique whilst participating in rugby at lower school but ultimately opted for croquet, where moves such as the fend are regarded as impolite.
Rote
Somehow we got onto the topic of rote learning, ie without understanding. Adrian recalled examinations in a foreign land in which the candidates could recite a page about the eosinophil, but fell apart when questioned about its function. That this occurs in many cultures is clear from David’s account of how he passed an English examination in which 7 of 8 questions were beyond his grasp, and the last was about Tam o’ Shanter about which he had received no instruction but knew by heart.
IFAs
Given that we are all pensioners it is no surprise that we have come across IFAs (independent financial advisors). Two of us had advisors who had been involved in financial irregularities. Others had better experience with banks and larger accountancy firms ( Ernst and Young)
Nietsche
Philosophy often comes up, Adrian recalled reading a booklet about Nietsche ( who claimed that God did not exist) in a house which he belatedly realised was full of religious memorabilia. Some one made the point that belief was an integral part of the thought processes of those who claim scientific objectivity.
GP
Most of us have done a little general practice in the earlier parts of our careers. Adrian recalled that Prof. Sir Nicolas Wright ran a locum agency from the RVI pathology department. Perhaps he will tell us if that is true? Brian Angus had done 5 years in General Practice. Adrian had done locums in Allendale and had turned down the offer of this desirable rural practice. Brian recalled that the most grateful patients were those who had their ears syringed (thank you doctor, I can hear again!), and the least grateful were those saved from hypoglycaemia by an injection of glucose (what happened? Who are you? What are you doing here?).
Bells
David recounted at some length the difference between a carillon (21 bells) and a Peel ( nine bells). A Peel is being renovated at Alston and David recounted his efforts to find some-one to play it. A doctor in Lanchester was found who runs a one man Bach Festival. David left after the first half of a concert which lasted 1 ½ hours. Clearly an enthusiast.
Next Dinner
It was agreed that Chris Wright had previously undertaken to arrange the next dinner at Café Lowry. Strangely this came as a surprise to Chris, but the suggestion met general approval and he kindly aquiesced.
Refreshments.
Workie Ticket proved the most popular beer. Members consumed bacon sandwiches and potato crisps.
The meeting closed at 10pm
Addenda
Strange bird
On walking from their home to a previous SPG meeting (Autumn dinner) Brian and Maureen noticed a strange bird in a hedge. It looked like some kind of finch but was almost totally a strange hue of green. On describing the bird to Alec during the meal, and without any change in expression, he ventured “could it have been a greenfinch”
Straight-arm fend
In rugby , ball-carriers run towards defenders who are attempting to tackle them. By positioning the ball securely in one arm, the ball-carrier can fully extend his other arm, locking his elbow, and outstretching his palm. Then, the ball-carrier pushes directly outwards with the palm of his hand onto the chest or shoulder of the would-be tackler. The fend is a pushing action, rather than a striking action.
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SPG Dinner at Cafe Lowry, Darras Hall Thursday 11th October
Many thanks to Chris. Wright who arranged the meal with great efficiency, and even better sorted out the payment of the tab. There was general agreement that the food was excellent.
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David amused one end of the table by announcing that he had had a poem published (under his anagrammatic and gender-neutral pseudonym PEP Dalton) in a women's magazine called Prima. For this he was entitled to a year's free subscription to the magazine but fortunately this privilege was transferable to the friend on whose coffee table he had seen it. Since there was a copy of the opus in his car David might well have recited it had the restaurant only contained the SPG and their spouses, but he decided against; it is, after all, rather pointed to recite a poem on dieting in a restaurant. However, here is the text for the possible amusement of readers of these minutes.
It’s down (or up) to you
This is a shout of triumph, a cry of downright glee,
For I am on a diet and I’m down to 9 stone 3.
I’ve halved my sugar intake, I’m drinking far less wine,
I’m chewing lots of fibre, awfully boring, but that’s fine.
Instead of chicken burgers I’m now lunching on sardines.
(It’s wonderful the way that I can slip into my jeans!)
Sometimes a drop of porridge, or at the very most
Two thirds of a banana on a slice of wholemeal toast.
I’m eating rice and couscous, having cut right down on chips,
And crisps are out, they’ve been replaced by celery and dips.
I don’t go to extremes though, I’m not a health-food freak,
I’m still allowed a little cheese – and pizza once a week.
I can’t believe I’ve done this, my head is in a whirl,
I’ve never been as slim before, well only as a girl.
It makes a massive difference, I’m so much more alive,
And fitter than I’ve been for years – since I was 25.
My tennis partner’s happy that I’m covering more ground,
I seem to have a longer reach for every vanished pound.
Last Tuesday I was brilliant, I had terrific fun;
I know it was all down to me we won 6-2, 6-1.
It’s true I’m rather missing the odd chocolate éclair
And sticky-toffee pudding, oh! their loss is hard to bear;
And as you might imagine, I’d much prefer to eat
A plate of eggs and bacon than a bowl of shredded wheat.
But what I want to say is, if I can feel this good,
And all I’ve done is plan my meals and eat a bit less food,
You certainly can do it. You’ll find that by and by
You too will bring your weight right down. Go on – give it a try!
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Minutes 5th November 2012
Readers of these minutes will be aware that they have been in a state of disrepair for most of the month. The reason is a combination failure of my broadband connection combined with an abortive attempt to install windows 8, which resulted in such disorder in my file system that I have had to reconstruct two websites and re-install Windows 7.
David has sent the following aide memoire .
US election; Tom Lehrer; cooking salmon; the Tickell family; Northumbrian pipes; ukeleles; Barber, Ball & Bilk; Haydn; ash trees; Kielder; wood-burning fires; The History Detectives; clarinets, saxophones, racketts and mute cornetts; Antiqes Road Show and Antiques Road Race; radio; David Shaw; (possibly too) modern piano music; Turing
Chris’s contribution.
Turing and lateral thinkers, Haydn , Mozart, Beethoven and their differing personalities scrabble (and how to play it properly!) Northumbrian pipes / Cathryn Tickell, Mitt Romney - a worry (not now!) Adrian's madrigal, etymology (including 'cliche'),poets reading their poems, the ukelele, Tom Lehrer's lyrics, David's surprising lack of whisky
However, it is of interest to compare the emphases and omissions from these reliable witnesses. David’s story about David Shaw recalled the dry wit a professor of Neurology who addressing a group of endocrinologists deplored the lack of cellular variety and function of the thyroid,compared to the brain and claimed its use function was to keep the larnyx warm in order to transmit the brains thoughts. It was pleasing to note the general antipathy to Mit Romney which led to general reflections on american culture as recorded by Tom Lehrer, who gave up when Henry Kissinger got the peace prize. The memories of Kenny Ball and Acker Bilk illustrate the retention of early memory in the aged, James Henry mentioned that AB had to have an elongate soprano sax to get the bottom notes of “Stranger on the Shore”.
Below: Chris’s holiday snaps from his bird ringing expedition tot he North of Norway. I think the bird may be a Fieldfare, perhaps Alec will tell us?
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Minutes of a Meeting of the SPG on the Tuesday the 9th 0f December at the Gosforth Hotel
Present Brian, David, James;
The lack of service banks provide;
financial institutions failing; the difference between independent
financial advisors and conmen; amalgamation of departments; Colin
Douglas' expose of medicine in Edinburgh; Morgan Moorghen & Bristol;
Becks Blue v proper beer; diets and normal ranges; chips; prospect of
dining in Corbridge; reminiscence of previous dinners; weighty TVs;
absent friends including Alec & Tom; lighter work loads in the late
70s and early 80s; senior common rooms; weddings with particular
reference to canapes; Max Sussman; the thickness of sections in
Sunderland. Thanks to DA for this summary.
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