Spring 2002
From the Secretary
Your newsletter is bulkier than usual because I sub contracted out most of the reportage leaving me to edit. Madam president was generous in her contribution. Your correspondents were willing and indeed Tony Segal's (hand written) copy was filed by early evening on the day it happened! I am grateful to them all.Andrew Clymo
Madam President writes:
The tranquillity of a Sunday evening, in front of a roaring log fire with the unusual prospect of a good television programme about ejector seats, was to be shattered by the insistent ring of the telephone- 'Madam President ma'am (very formal like!) - I will be going to print the day after tomorrow'--------and the rest, as they say, is history.The combination of watching the development of the Martin Baker ejector seat and thinking back to the fun we had at North Luffenham while trying their test rig caused me to reflect upon whether the Association had fulfilled its aims for me.
Way back in 1968 (yes, the Hovis song Springs to mind) I became a trainee general practitioner - the days when becoming a trainee was voluntary and usually lasted a year!
My trainer was Joseph McClory better known as 'Mac'. He was then President of a fairly new and young Association called the British Medical Pilots Association. The Association was holding its Summer meeting in Newcastle and help was needed. Guess who was volunteered to help the boss?
Well, that started my involvement and I am pleased to say the involvement of many more members, including four past presidents from the Newcastle area. Since that first meeting I can reflect upon the excellent fellowship and many longstanding friendships which have resulted. Over the years we have been privileged to experience a wide range of activities and to learn how the world of aviation medicine is changing through the eyes, ears and lips of our members.
Memorable visits to places such as North Luffenham where the development of space clothing and ejector seat problems were being researched. Farnborough - where we learned when not to volunteer for a research project as we stood in a freezing wind tunnel experiencing wind chill factor on a glorious Summer day. Escaping for submariners was tested by the bolder members in a very large water tank with variable depth entry points. Behind the scenes at Manchester's new runway provided insight into the intricacies of the environment. Contact with our colleagues in France with hospitality from 'Moet et Chandon' and candlelit dinner in the cellars of Taittinger at Rheims. Ireland taught us the 'health benefits' of Guinness and gave us our Guinness cup as a reminder. The recent delights of Dundee with a personal tour of the castle so lovingly restored by the author of Pooley's guide -and a fine trophy of a Scottish quaich to add to our heritage.
The wide range of expertise within our Association has been a constant source of inspiration both educational and enjoyable. Sadly we have lost the expertise of one of our most loyal members this year. We say farewell to Ray Outwin who died in December. Ray-your president in 1994- and Rosemary were keen flying members and frequently represented the Association in foreign parts as well as flying to most of our own meetings. Ray will be greatly missed with his great wit and enthusiasm. Our thoughts and sympathy go to Rosemary and family at this time.
With an association, which is nearing its 40th anniversary, it is easy to reflect on past success Looking to the future I am encouraged by the continuing resources we have within our membership. We have a new enthusiastic academic team to lead our Winter meetings. The suggested link with our legal colleagues is underway. Hopefully our younger members will come nightclubbing in Newcastle in September. The Association continues to attract few new members. We need to know what will get them to our meetings. Please tell us. I am well aware that I have reaped huge rewards from my membership and that my personal invitation to join was one of the best invitations I have ever accepted.
I look forward to seeing you all at Sywell.
Frankie Walters.