Derry Delights - the old and the new

A packed and varied scientific programme, liberally laced with traditional Irish entertainment - what are you waiting for - book now!

Our rapidly approaching Spring meeting, on 21 - 24 April, promises to be another winner in the Society calendar, so if you have not already made your booking I suggest you do so without delay, as places are going fast.

Travel
It really could not be easier. In fact, I got to Derry for our final site meeting in less time than it takes to get from London to Liverpool. A short hop from Heathrow (just 55 minutes) will find you in Belfast, where a fleet of cars, specially laid on for Spring Meeting delegates, will whisk you through delightful landscapes and tidy green fields packed with sheep, to Derry/ Londonderry. This second part of the journey takes just over one hour, depending on the number of tractors on the road. Of course, you can choose to travel direct to City of Derry airport, which is just a short taxi ride from the city itself.

The location
The city of Derry/ Londonderry has a colourful and eventful past, to which is now added a growing convention industry. The Society has taken over two strikingly different venues for the event. First there is the Millennium Forum – a place of marble, glass and light and a tremendous location for the trade exhibition, poster viewing, receptions and small breakout sessions. Right next door is a period change represented by St Columb’s Theatre, built in 1886 and still boasting original stained glass windows and intricately carved staircases. This will be the venue for the main lectures and sessions. The old and the new combine well together to give the city a quite unique flavour.

Programme
The local organising committee and the Spring meetings secretary deserve a lot of credit for compiling a well balanced programme around exciting sponsored symposia; indeed, one symposium will feature the well know TV presenter Michael Barrett, in what promises to be an innovative and “live” programme. Guest lecturers include Prof William R Hazzard, Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, Prof Tony McGleenan, who holds the Chair of Law at the University of Ulster and Prof Davis Coakley, from Dublin. Add to this the parallel sessions involving a good number of the SIG’s and sections, including the newly “branded” Cardiovascular Section in collaboration with the Falls and Bone Health Section. As usual, delegates will be spoiled for choice and are assured of another BGS conference where matters medical are to the fore.

Social
The Irish need no introduction as being folk who make visitors to the Emerald Isle feel at ease. There will be pipers, traditional Irish dancing, a performance from Different Drums and a jazz band spread over the two main days. If you prefer something a little quieter, how about a game of golf. If you’re feeling less sporty, take a walk around the inner walls of the city or, getting into the Irish spirit (no pun intended), take a distillery tour.

Where giants dwelt
Add to this the magnificent beaches and Giants Causeway just a short drive away. Situated on the Antrim coast the Causeway is one of the wonders of the natural world, having been added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 1986. This spectacular rock formation is made from thousands of columns of basalt rock. Around 60 million years ago, underground volcanic explosions forced the molten basalt to the surface which, as it cooled and contracted, formed into the polygonal columns that are found in the area today. That’s the scientific explanation anyway. More intriguing is the Causeway’s links with myth and legend. Many of the formations carry their own colourful and evocative names like "Giants Well", "Giants Organ" "Wishing Chair/Giants Chair".

So we are assured of all the ingredients for an enjoyable stay. Indeed, why not add a night or two onto your trip and make a long weekend of it? Whatever your plans, I am sure you will enjoy the experience; I look forward to meeting many of you there.

Alex Mair
Chief Executive