2004 Annual Dinner

For their 55th Annual Dinner the London section of the Old Cryptians Club returned to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street for the third consecutive year. Thirty five of us sat down for dinner, our highest attendance for five years.

Having learnt from our experience, we held our AGM in one of the bars, the proceedings running that much smoother and faster for being oiled by ale. Last year I was flying blind and very green in my new role as Secretary and Treasurer. This year, as well as remembering to give out the accounts, I was also able to report that we were likely to show an improved financial position for the current year, in contrast to the previous calendar year.

There was broad agreement on the proposal to use some of the Club funds to provide inducements to new members at next year’s Dinner. Furthermore, Steve Fleetwood (1982-90) pledged to build a website for the Club, further expanding the Crypt’s online community.

Formalities over, it was time to retire to the Williams Room upstairs for the meal. This year we were able to enjoy duck and fig pate, followed by steak and kidney pudding. For those with room after dessert, there was even port and cheese. Our speaker for the evening was Peter Hobbs (1949-57), who many of you will remember from Speech Day earlier in 2004. For most of us, it was our first chance to hear about the history of the table in the Crush Hall and the many Nobel scientists who have sat around it. His insights into the pharmaceutical industry and specifically the huge costs and time involved in bringing drugs to market were an eye opener for many.

Peter Butler (1962-69), President of the Old Cryptians’ Club gave an honest, off-the-cuff speech regarding his ambitions for the coming year. Put simply he aims to ensure that the Club continues to go from strength to strength, with as many new faces as possible. Finally, it was a pleasure to hear David Lamper offer an optimistic outlook for the School.

Simon Smith (1982-89). Reproduced from The Cryptian 2005

Attendees:

John Crowe (1934-40)

Derek Forbes (1934-38)

John Goodridge (1940-50)

Alan Humphries (1940-45)

Gordon Cove (1942-49)

Gordon Jones (1942-50)

Roger Phelps (1942-49)

Robert Ireland (1943-50)

Graham Russell (1943-50)

Burford Cupper (1945-53)