It was Mr George Seed of Leeds who, prompted by informal discussion with neighbouring colleagues, was the driving force to found the society in 1947. Membership was, back then, restricted to the six contemporary counties of Northern England (Westmorland, Cumberland, Northumberland, Durham, Lancashire and Yorkshire). Our boundaries have grown and now stretch down to North Wales, North Derbyshire, Cheshire and across to the Isle of Man. In that distant past, meetings were held three times a year, confined to the teaching hospitals and were on Saturdays. This was excellent training for the ‘Old FRCS’ clinical.
With more formal CPD requirements and falling attendance a few “Young Turks”, proposed a change and in October 2000 Bradford hosted the first Friday meeting with a radical change in the academic programme. The meetings from then on have been hosted every six months. Support from the surgical equipment and pharmaceutical industries has help us to provide an excellent range of academic programmes without charge. Trainee attendance and contribution to the meetings has increased, encouraged by the establishment of prizes and fellowships as funds allow.

I took over as President from Mr Liam Flood at the Darlington meeting in March 2011. A good venue with excellent range of local, trainee and oversees speakers.

We have a change in some council members and thank all for continued support of the Society. The meeting recently hosted by Mr Samit Ghosh, our secretary, and was well organised, well supported by consultants and trainees and well supported by the trade which allows us to offer such excellent CPD without charge.

Our next meeting will hosted by Leeds in March 2012  and by Hull in September 2012. Pay close attention to abstract submission dates.

Looking forward to meeting you all.
Kind regards

Prof Chris Raine ChM FRCS
President NoE