SPG meeting Thursday 14^th June 2018 at the Rat Inn, Anick

The meeting commenced at 8pm, members having assembled over the previous half hour. Those present in round the table order were Adrian Morley, Ros Sloan, Phil Sloan, Helen Stephenson, James Henry, Mary-Clare Robinson, Brian Angus, David Robinson, Chris Wright, Maureen Angus and Yvonne Henry. Apologies were received from Tom and Catherine Ashcroft, Kath Wright, Judy Sunter and David Appleton.

David A had conveyed the news to Brian that Nick Wright had decided to retire around the end of September, although there was a general assumption that he would continue to advance his astounding career beyond this time. David has counted over 700 papers so far. David and Adrian will be attending Nick’s farewell. SPG members wished Sir Nick a happy, if busy “retirement” and look forward to his attendance at future meetings.

Members enjoyed the pleasant and historic ambiance of the “Rat”. The pub was a former drovers’ inn and we discussed the origin of the name. The Rat website suggests that possibilities include the idea that, the name derived from the inn having formerly been a meeting place for rat catchers, and that the pub was frequented by government spies (rats) at the time of the Jacobean rebellions.

Mary-Clare and David Robinson described a thrilling Rolling Stones Concert at Murrayfield. Mick was as agile as ever, delivering a great performance and Keith said he was “glad to be here, glad to be anywhere”.

Adrian described exciting developments at Beamish. A new electric train has been put into service and he demonstrated innovative art work he is creating beneath the railway track.

James described discussion on modernisation of the organisation of Pathology in the NE of England,  introducing the idea of a single central laboratory with provision of processed material (perhaps digital) to regional hospital path labs.

Members consumed fine speciality ales and a wide variety of dishes from an exciting menu; it was agreed the food was excellent.

It was further agreed that the next ordinary meeting be held on Monday 16^th July, and as usual this will be at Twin Farms, Kenton.

The meeting closed at 10.30pm. Members seemed content that the Rat had been a success.