Westminster Medical School 30 year reunion

The Westminster Medical School class of 1982 gathered to celebrate their 30 year reunion in early September in Sussex

The Westminster Medical School class of 1982 gathered to celebrate their 30 year reunion in early September in Sussex. Over half of the 94-strong year group were represented, including three alumni who had travelled from Australia and three from Canada.

The Master of Ceremonies, Nigel Watson (Westminster Hospital Medical School 1982), welcomed guests to a reception held at South Lodge Hotel, Horsham, Sussex with a sentiment expressed by many: “It is interesting to reflect on those days which for many of us were very happy. Our year was small enough that you knew everyone in the year, were friends with many, and some of those friendships remain to this day.” The evening continued with dinner, a slideshow of images from the film “The Boys from Horseferry Road”, and music.

The group recalled embarrassing moments and reminisced about the rivalry with St Mary’s – including the raids that occurred at “The Doss” (accommodation at Brabazon House, Pimlico). Mrs Ready, matron at The Doss, was also fondly remembered for her fierce protection of the students – often heard remonstrating with students’ overnight guests.

The first reunion of the class of 1982 took place at their 10 year mark (1992), and the tradition continued with a particularly large and successful 20 year reunion. Associate Professor Jacquie Chirgwin, one of the event organisers along with Sunny Chinnapha, Florence Hamp and John Perkins (all Westminster Hospital Medical School 1982), said: “We were a small year, we all knew each other well, we were in each other's pockets for years. There is always a plan and considerable commitment to organise the next reunion, even before the current one is finished – a reflection of the wonderful time everybody has”.