Geoff’s Honour

by Geoff Ridgway, DGS 1955-63  - (compiled from e-mails from Geoff)

Charlie is standing on a plinth – I am much taller than him!

The OBE is a bit old-hat now!  I got it for services to microbiology in the 2008/09 New Year’s List.  This was somewhat strange as I was a medical microbiologist – working primarily as a hospital Consultant at University College London Hospital*, and not as an academic microbiologist.

I also did a stretch at the Department of Health.  I retired to The New Forest when I left the D. of H.

 

My time at Downer Grammar School

The reason for the extended undergraduate period – 3 years BSc and 5 years Medicine, was a result of spectacularly poor A-level results and a third year 6th form to retake two of them (see my entry on Friends Reunited for details!).

I was advised by David Woosley not to consider a University course as I was unsuited for the discipline required!  This may explain the difficulty I had getting into Medical School originally!  I was able to meet him many years later, by which time I had 3 Bachelor degrees and a higher doctorate – I also taught at UCL for almost 35 years.  I like to think he gave me the stimulus to apply myself better!

Geoff Ridgway, OBE, MD, FRCP, FRCPath

* You know that tall, green-glass tower that has recently materialised on the south side of Euston Road, near Euston Station - Geoff considers that project to be his 'swan song’.  He was one of the design team...   Inside, it is appropriately palacial. - CP