- A warm Irish welcome awaits

In April 2004, the Spring meeting of the BGS is returning to Ireland. There have been three previous events on the Emerald Isle; Dublin (1985), Belfast (1991) and Cork (1999).

It is fitting that this should happen during the tenure of Bob Stout as President.

Northern Ireland has a long history of close association with the BGS and boasts that two physicians from the province were in attendance at the meeting which resulted in the founding of the embryo society, later called British Geriatrics Society, namely Professor George Adams (the second President) and the late Professor Desmond Montgomery. The society recognised this in 1997 by awarding them the 50th anniversary gold medal.

In his book on the history of Derry/ Londonderry, author and historian, Brian Lacey writes, “Derry is built on hills. It is a city of steep streets, of steps and wonderful panoramas. It is a city of perspectives, historical and political as well as topographical. Most people who visit Derry for the first time are struck by its beautiful location and it is often claimed that it has the finest situation of any Irish city, with its position on a lovely curve of the River Foyle and the mountains of Inishowen forming a dramatic backdrop.” We hope that a good attendance will again be given a ‘Cead Mile Failte ’ in the maiden city. On the scientific side there will be a good mixture of guest lectures, clinical updates, platform presentations and, of course, posters. The deadline for receipt of abstracts is December 1st 2003 (see page 25).

The mayor of Derry will welcome the visitors on Thursday evening in the Millennium Forum, and traditional Irish dancing and music will entertain us. The venue of the scientific meeting, St Columb’s Hall, is in contrast to the modern setting of the forum, a wonderful Victorian building with beautifully decorated auditorium. The two venues are a short stroll across the famous walls that remain since the seventeenth century. There will be organised walking tours available, or you can amble around them at your leisure.

At the scientific meeting there will be a pot-pourri of platform presentations, clinical updates, poster presentations and three important guest lectures. Professor Hazzard from Seattle will tell us of his experiences in developing a geriatric programme. Professor McGleenan of the University of Ulster will talk on the difficult issues of consent, capacity and human rights. Our experience at NIBGS of his talks are that they are very thought provoking and stimulate much debate.

We are honoured to have Professor Davis Coakley of Trinity College, Dublin and are expecting another historical gem on Drs Cheyne, Stokes and Adams (remember his lecture in Cork on Irish Poets!)

The Northern Ireland Multidisciplinary Association for Stroke Teams (NIMAST) is joining with the Society in hosting an educational meeting on Saturday morning. Members of the BGS will be joined by colleagues from professions allied to medicine in what should be a worthwhile morning.

Access to Derry is by air to the local City of Derry airport, or to one of the two Belfast airports, City Airport (in harbour area of Belfast) or International (about 15 miles north west of Belfast). Early booking is advised as the cheaper fares tend to disappear, the closer the date of travel. There will be coach transport to Derry provided from all three airports. One can also travel to Northern Ireland by ferry from various ports in Scotland and NW England, if one prefers to bring a car. You might wish to extend your visit to see some of the local beauty spots, such as the world heritage venue of the Giants Causeway. Donegal with its sandy beaches, mountains and excellent fishing is only a few miles away..

The logo chosen for the Spring Meeting is a new statue located at the western end of the Craigavon bridge over the river Foyle. It depicts the welcoming hand being offered to those with whom division has previously been the source of conflict, and reflects the new air of optimism in Derry.

In conclusion I wish to invite you to consider attending what looks like an exciting Spring meeting, and hope that the weather will be as welcoming as your colleagues in Northern Ireland.

2004 Spring Meeting Organising Committee