Oxford

Oxford is known worldwide as the home of the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Buildings in Oxford demonstrate notable examples of every English architectural period since the late Saxon period. Oxford is known as the “city of dreaming spires”, a term coined by poet Matthew Arnold. Oxford has a broad economic base. Its industries include motor manufacturing, education, publishing and a large number of information technology and science-based businesses, some being academic offshoots.

The Club’s first clinical meeting in Oxford was held in 1981, the programme being organised by Malcolm Gough, who gave each member his “History of the Radcliffe Hospital” and with his wife Sheila entertained the Society. Professor Peter Morris (subsequently knighted as President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England) of the Nuffield Department of Surgery chaired a Grand Round, introducing Dr Waltke from Wisconsin who presented the case of a woman with a massive umbilical hernia stretching to her knees, successfully repaired with Marlex mesh despite significant co-morbidity. Professor Morris discussed the Radcliffe Hospital’s experience of carotid body tumours. Gastrointestinal problems, vascular prostheses and risk factors for breast cancer were also reviewed.

It was the Oxford meeting of the Association of Surgeons in 1947 that provided an opportunity on 4 July for members to meet up again after the Second World War. At their business meeting they confirmed that the Club should continue (with a preference to enrol older members) and plan future events (such as the visit to Manchester the next year). Those present included A J Blaxland, W Anderson, G T Mullally, B C Maybury, P Mitchiner, Wilson Hey, J B Haycraft, Herbert Williams, Julian Taylor, H H Sampson and Clement Price Thomas (who subsequently became the group’s President) with J B Hunter in the chair.

 

The images above show the Oxford Radcliffe Camera, formerly the Bodlean (Left) and Christ Church College (Right)