We were very sorry to hear of the recent death of Alastair. Vanda joins me in passing on our sincere condolences to Frances and all the family.

As the last of Alastair’s many presidents, I would like to share a few memories.

At an early stage I was welcomed in typical Alastair style with – at last I have a president who lives in The White House – albeit just a small farmhouse on the A38 at Langford.

Alastair made a huge contribution to our profession as RCVS Registrar in so many ways. The way in which he forged links with government, other professions and veterinary surgeons worldwide was outstanding. As a RCVS representative I followed in his footsteps with the FVE and the European Commission. His name came up so many times as a friend. By using his gentle persuasion he made a significant contribution to establishing the important role of veterinarians in animal health and food safety in Europe through their training and education.

One of the first duties of the new president was to visit all 6 veterinary schools to receive into RCVS membership the new graduates. Alastair was well known to all staff and vice-chancellors and proved to be a most welcome guide and dresser of the new president in the robing room.

There was a practice in 32 Belgrave Square to invite important guests to dinner, such as government ministers, allowing them short breaks in case of a Commons division bell. At a time when we were reviewing veterinary education, Alastair found there was a day when all vice-chancellors were meeting in London. They were invited to dinner with their heads of schools. The menu allowed for items of business to be interspersed between the serving of each course.

We had a final dinner to celebrate Alastair’s retirement as registrar at his own Grays Inn in April 1991. I have kept his thankyou letter – in true Alastair style, in his own writing filling both sides of the page. I also have a photograph taken after the dinner of a seated Alastair with a beaming smile with Jennifer, Vanda and me, which I will pass on to Frances.