Annual Dinner 2025

This year’s Annual Dinner was held at a new venue which was The Grange in Beddington Park. We had an Indian theme and a great time was had watching some brilliant dancing by a trio of Indian girls. After the speeches, these dancers then encouraged people on to the dance floor where they were taught how to do simple routines – it was great fun.

The President thanked the Honorary Secretary Mrs Anne Pilkington for all the work she puts in over the year to ensure that the society continues to flourish. He presented her with a beautiful patio olive tree. He also thanked our Honorary Treasurer, Mrs Sandra Hill, for all the work she puts into trying to ‘balance the books and get subs paid’.

During the speeches our President, Dr Nick Ford, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Mike Mendall. He then proceeded to read, using a northern drawl, a monologue outlining his year; this was excellent. During the evening, he also gave us frequent interludes with his trumpet! For his finale, Dr Ford then introduced the new President for 2025/2026, Mr Christian Kinmont, and presented him with the Presidential medal and Gavel. It was an excellent evening which was enjoyed by everyone.

Photos and videos can be viewed in the Members section of the website

The President’s Farewell: a Monologue (with apologies to Stanley Holloway)

I were minding my own business back in the day
A retired GP and a bit of a slob
When Agnelo claps his hand on my shoulder and says
“Here Nick you’ve got the job”

T’were a daunting challenge following Ranee
I mean she’s famous and been on TV
Fighting all over the world for women’s health
And boss of the RCOG

After annual dinner when Ranee
Gave me my gong and my gavel
I told everyone the time had come
For charity fundraising and travel

So off in pursuit of adventure
This ageing mountaineering tyro
Grappled with a bloody great hill
By the name of Mount Kilimanjaro

The first Autumn talk was all about skin
But not your typical dermatological spiel
No, Dr Bob told of science and human endeavour
Which, to be honest, had far more appeal

Next up was our very own Mike Mowbray
A climber of mountain and fell
I can tell you there was much more to his talk
Than “Poor Science and the torn ACL”

November’s meeting was quite different
From anything we’ve had in the past
As actor brother Michael and his lively son Sam
Gave us a full on theatrical blast

Mike’s show was tinged with sadness
With news of John Spicer’s massive health fight
But I’m delighted to say our Ethics and Philosophy King
Is gracing our company tonight

No Society year in recent times
Is complete without Khalid’s Annual Quiz
With mayhem and shenanigans based on squid games
It really was the “BIZ”

Moving on to 2025
We’ve had the AGM and been taught cartoon theory
I’m delighted to introduce the new President Elect
Fun and games supremo Dr Ruth Clery

The AGM Speaker was Tim
Inspiring holistic care and Olympic Torches
When you’re stuck up a mountain in a tent leaning at 60 degrees
Can somebody tell me where the porch is?

So now my time is over
Thank you for making it a wonderful year
And we all know none of it would have been possible
Without Anne Pilkington here

Aided and abetted by Sandra
Who carefully manages the cash
She’s the Mike Mendall of accounting
Without his gastro panache

Many photos were taken – these can be viewed in the members part of the website.