Medicine Class of 1980 mark 50 years since they began their studies at Liverpool

Posted on: 5 November 2025 by Dr Helen Grisewood (MBChB 1980) in Community

Medicine graduate Dr Helen Grisewood shares what the Class of 1980 got up to on their return to Liverpool.

A celebration of 50 years since that first day at Medical School, this was a big one! 

Once again, Dr John Hussey, came to the fore and organised a splendid reunion which spanned over three days. On this occasion, the main event was held at The Hope Street Hotel and over 70 were in attendance. 

A small but select group of us arrived on Wednesday 8 October and enjoyed a walking tour of Hope Street and the surrounding area. Conducted by John, a local friend of John Hussey, he interspersed the important sites of the locality with visits to some familiar and some unfamiliar hostelries. It was both educational and entertaining on a sunny afternoon in Liverpool. That evening, a group of 20 strolled down to Zorba’s on Hardman Street. This had been a favourite haunt during the latter years at medical school. 

The Hope Street Hotel was the chosen venue for our prestigious occasion the following evening. The main event began with a champagne reception, accompanied by a string quartet of university musicians. This provided a convivial ambience for mingling and catch-up chatter. Following a short introductory speech and votes of thanks, we enjoyed a well-chosen three-course meal. Finally, we were entertained with a superb compilation of photographs crafted into a video by Dr Rob Bain. After dinner, there was more time to chat before carriages at midnight. Group photographs were taken with the backdrop of our official undergraduate group shot, taken in the Quadrangle behind the Victoria Building. A few party animals among us, withdrew to the lobby and carried on the celebrations into the wee small hours. 

On Friday morning, Caroline Mitchell from the Alumni Engagement Team gave a select few a guided tour of the new Medical School. We all experienced a degree of nostalgia on entering the old Liverpool Royal Infirmary where once we had walked the wards. We were accompanied by Dr Iain Young, Vice Dean of Student Experience and two GEP students. It was most interesting to compare notes about the methodology of teaching in the present day and our own experiences. 

Following the tour, we enjoyed a visit to the Victoria building for refreshments and a tour of the museum and art gallery. 

A special way to celebrate 50 years since joining the Medical School!