Not Just Work!
No semi-formal trip to visit colleagues abroad can be all work and no play.
The hosts organized social events alongside the more academic programme. It is a tradition upheld by most academic surgical gatherings, particularly those held outside the home country. Eight wives were also regular “members”. Perhaps sensing an opportunity for a good time, not all the plastic surgeons were even committed microsurgeons!
Phil Sykes, a Consultant at the Chepstow unit and previous Archivist recalls that in Munich, the S&T company “took us to a local restaurant famous for asparagus (spargel), which was in season. It was a long way from Munich airport and we missed the return flight home!”
He says, ”I recall skiing in Austria, rowing of Lake Bled in Slovenia, trips to the Great Wall in China and up Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. While in China the wives went on trips organised by the Party and we were always accompanied by a designated local guide. We exchanged sterling for tokens which were only accepted in “Welcome Stores” open only to visitors”.
Picture to the right is of Tina Sykes and Bill Reid on the Innsbruck trip