Could any of us claim that the past 50 years have been unsuccessful, uneventful or dull? And it’s 50 years since we walked out of St Mary’s Hospital Medical School and down London, W2’s Praed Street as newly qualified doctors.

But 50 years on and we’re back together again…..or some of us at least. Around 50% of the class showed up for this reunion (our fifth - ‘88, ‘08, ‘13, ‘18 and now ’23) in Stratford on Avon. Some instantly recognizable even if a little grayer and craggier, some a little less steady on their feet with replaced hips or knees (or needing replaced hips or knees!) and even one or two with rather less hair.

Much hugging and kissing; much reminiscing. Thankful to still be here and remembering our eight classmates who are no longer with us.

And why in Stratford on Avon? No particular reason other than it’s conveniently located (even for the few who made it from Australia, Canada….and of course, California) and there’s plenty to keep us occupied when not eating and drinking! The fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre and an afternoon performance in the theatre of the Bard’s last and least performed play, Cymbeline.

Much talk of whether this will be the final reunion or maybe just one more? But perhaps to be on the safe side, in three rather than five years…..