The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7468 p275-276
8 September 2007

Society summary

Driver On 17 August, Denys Austin Driver, MRPharmS, aged 92, of 47 Bennett Court, Station Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3WA. Mr Driver registered in 1942.

Evans On 23 August, Fred John Evans, FRPharmS, aged 63, of 166 Woodside, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 4LU. Professor Evans registered in 1968.

Moffat On 12 August, Janice Forsyth Moffat, MRPharmS, aged 39, of 53 Margaret Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire PA16 8EB. Miss Moffat registered in 1991.

Tributes

Preston In a tribute the late Hannah Isabella Preston (PJ, 21 July, p86), DAVID HODDER writes:

Hannah was born on 29 June 1914 in Barrow-in-Furness, the eldest daughter of George and Marjorie Preston. She was later apprenticed to Harry Last, a pharmacist. She studied at Liverpool School of Pharmacy and qualified in October 1938. Her family moved south to Hendon, where she was employed by Lewis and Burrows Chemists for almost 25 years managing several of its branches. She joined the staff of E. Moss of Feltham, Middlesex, in 1962, managing its Allenby Road, Southall, branch until her retirement from full-time employment in 1974. For a further two years she did locum work for the company.

Hannah was a close friend and mentor of my late father, J. L. Hodder, who was a fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. In 1945, when I was born, Hannah became a family friend, as well as providing dispensary experience for my father before his qualification in the early 1950s.

Although not an aunt, she was always there to offer advice and followed my progress with the same enthusiasm for everything she became involved in.

Following her retirement Hannah and her sister moved to Highcliffe on Sea where, until recently, she was an active member of her church and supporter of many charities. People like Hannah are few and far between and will be missed by all that were privileged to have known her. Whenever I visited her there was always the latest edition of The Pharmaceutical Journal close to her chair and I have been told that on occasions when it did not arrive or was late she was on the telephone finding out where it was in order to keep in touch with the latest pharmacy developments.

Tasker in a tribute to the late Gwynne Tasker (PJ, 25 August p218) PETER WORLING writes:

As a colleague on the board of Vestric Ltd, Gwynne Tasker could be relied upon for his wise council supported by his deep interest in the pharmacy profession and many years’ knowledge gained from retail and wholesale pharmacy.

After serving in the army, Gwynne had a long and distinguished career in pharmaceutical wholesale distribution. Originally based at Rowland James, Swansea, the company was acquired by the British Drug Houses. On the formation of Vestric Ltd, by the amalgamation of the wholesaling interests of British Drug Houses and Evans Medical by Glaxo, Gwynne moved to Gibbs Portland Square, Bristol, as regional director for the southern region.

We were both appointed to the board of Vestric Ltd in 1973, Gwynne as operations director. During his time as a director there were many improvements to the services offered by wholesalers. He was responsible for managing changes to the operating systems of the company leading to the introduction of computer-controlled systems in the company’s warehouses. His quiet, kindly manner ensured that he had the loyalty of the company’s managers and that these changes proceeded smoothly.

After retiring from the company Gwynne and his wife Betty moved back to Swansea. My condolences go to his son Peter and his family.

Wilkinson The early and untimely death of Gerald Louis Wilkinson (PJ, 21 July, p86), following his recent retirement, brought sadness to all those who knew him. JOHN L. WOODWARD writes:

Gerald qualified at Bradford where, on his second day there, he met his wife to be, Avril. I first had the privilege of meeting Gerald when he joined the Midland team of the Allen & Hanburys sales force in 1970. He quickly established himself as an authority in many fields and soon became a member of the hospital sales force. He was responsible for promoting the company’s products in the university teaching hospitals of Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham and North Staffordshire.

He was recognised as a fountain of knowledge and a gentleman of integrity who was held in high esteem by all those with whom he came into contact, be they housemen, registrars, consultants or professors. Gerald’s attitude and approach to his work involved helping all the members of the Midland team and he gave freely of his time in order to support everyone, thus enabling them to achieve their objectives. This input was much appreciated by his superiors and he duly attained the position of assistant area sales manager.

“A prince among men” was the phrase that the late Peter Hanbury would use about someone when he intended to pay them the most sincere compliment possible. Those same words may now be used as a fitting tribute to the affectionate memory of such a respected friend and colleague, Gerald.

I knew Gerald well and it was always enjoyable to be in his company at work and socially. We worked together a great deal both in hospitals and also abroad. The last time I spoke to Gerald was just after Christmas when he was enjoying his well-earned retirement. Not missing the current number crunching game, Gerald burnt his business suits and put his ties through the shredder.

He became active in children’s charity work and enjoyed his favourite sport, cricket, having a season ticket at Trent Bridge. Yes, Gerald, “you were always ready with a word of good cheer which brought back the smile and banished the tear”. Our sympathies are extended to his wife Avril, and children, Stephanie and Paul.