From Mr N. J. M. Engineer, MRPharmS
SIR,-I travelled to Chemex on Monday, September 4, looking forward to meeting the President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and some members of the Council. On visiting the Society's stand, I found a young man seated before me. When I asked to see a member of the Council, he informed me that none of the Council members was present at the exhibition.
I then went across the hall to the National Pharmaceutical Association stand and was greeted by four association representatives, including the director Mr John D'Arcy. They were not only welcoming but also eager to talk, listen and help and were very professional in their approach.
The following day I telephoned the Society and spoke to Miss Ann Lewis, the Secretary and Registrar, regarding the absence of Council members on the stand. Miss Lewis informed me that Council members attend Chemex on a voluntary basis. I was not impressed.
Chemex is an important event in the pharmacy calendar with large numbers of pharmacists attending. As such, the Society's stand (which, no doubt, is paid for out of membership funds) should be properly manned by departmental staff, a cross-section of Council members and the President.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society is a professional body expecting high standards from its membership. I expect our professional body to clean up its act, portray a professional image and be there for its members when it matters.
Navin Engineer
Weybridge, Surrey