The Old Elizabethan Association

Picture shows Jerry Girard, President, OEA, with Mrs Claudia McVie and Professor Gordon McVie

Members and non-members alike were treated to a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening talk by Professor Gordon McVie, at our annual Speaker Lunch at the Farmhouse Hotel on 1 November 2008.

His subject was “Cancer – who gets it, why and what happens next?” His talk made a complex subject easy to understand and all those in the packed restaurant left somewhat wiser about the subject. Professor McVie is at the forefront of cancer research and, though based in Milan, travels extensively with his involvement in several bodies. He also has an important political dimension to his work having lobbied hard against tobacco advertising and for increased cancer awareness and greater research funding. Statistics he showed demonstrated that the fight against cancer is being won on many fronts. He also referred to the multitude of tests and trials being conducted in many parts of the world.

Professor McVie spent some time answering the audience’s questions. Time flew by and everyone found it a thoroughly enjoyable weekend opportunity to meet friends, enjoy a good lunch and learn from a player on the world stage.

Our thanks go to our co-sponsors, Carey Olsen, for their support and to David Nussbaumer for his generous hospitality at the Farmhouse.

Proceeds from the event are being donated to Tenovus, a cancer charity that has been funding the cancer vaccine research unit in Southampton for 30 years, and will be used to purchase an exterior clock for the new Memorial Field pavilion.

More about Professor McVie.