We’ll meet at the redesigned and refurbished Tullie House, Carlisle at 12.00pm for a 2-course lunch at 12.30pm. After lunch, we are delighted that Professor Sheila Crispin has agreed give us a talk entitled “Veterinary Tales” which will cover the challenges and joys of a career in veterinary science and some of the research aspects of her work.

Sheila owns a smallholding in the Lake District National Park, and her time is increasingly taken up with ethical and environmental matters. Professor Crispin has had a varied and fascinating career as one of the country’s top vets and is a Fellow and a Past-President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She grew up in Coniston and after qualifying as a veterinary surgeon worked in a predominantly large animal practice in Kendal, followed by numerous locums with the Highlands and Islands Veterinary Services Scheme in Scotland. She then returned to academia, initially at Cambridge, where she carried out research in comparative ophthalmology across the species, and was House Surgeon to the Veterinary School, Director of Studies in Veterinary Medicine at Girton College and a College Bye-Fellow.

From Cambridge, Professor Crispin moved to a lectureship at the University of Edinburgh where she completed her PhD and then moved to the University of Bristol to specialise in veterinary ophthalmology becoming Professor of Comparative Ophthalmology and head of a vibrant ophthalmology team. She was a member of Defra’s Science Advisory Council. Sheila retired in 2004 and has published numerous papers in scientific journals as well as editing, authoring and co-authoring several textbooks in the field of veterinary ophthalmology.

Please choose in advance from the following menu for lunch and let me know if you have any dietary requirements.

Main course - Salmon with a Dill Lemon Butter with Seasonal vegetables and Potatoes, or Chicken in a Creamy Mushroom Sauce with Seasonal Vegetables and Potatoes.

Dessert - Lemon & Raspberry Cheesecake, or Vanilla Posset with Red Berries Tea or coffee will be served after dessert.

Water will be provided, and alcoholic drinks will be available to buy. The cost (in advance please) will be £25 each. If you would like to join us let me have your menu choices and let me know how you will pay by Friday 26 September.