Medical class gathers 50 years on

Though the Second World War and time have decimated many among their original group of 133, the medical class of 1953 took the opportunity of their three-day reunion to catch up on news and views, visit UCT's health sciences faculty and some of the province's natural attractions.

It is 50 years since the group graduated from the leafy environs of UCT. Many dispersed to live and work in cities beyond our borders. For this 50-year gathering, 25 medical alumni came from far and wide (some from Canada and the United Kingdom), some renowned names in medical circles, including former UCT Vice-Chancellor, Emeritus Professor Stuart Saunders.

In an-action packed programme, the group were welcomed at a cocktail party by the faculty dean, Professor Nicky Padayachee, who spoke about the transformation the faculty had undergone in recent years. The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Martin West, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey also attended the function, made particularly memorable by sterling performances from the opera singers of the South African College of Music.

Emeritus Professor Sid Cywes (also a 1953 alumnus) and Professor Dave Beatty conducted a tour of the Red Cross Children's Hospital. A bus trip up the West Coast provided some natural highlights (including a visit to an orchid farm and a wine estate) to conclude the reunion.

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