| Description Of Item | From the collection of John Strong. The recording of Professor John Strong on the genesis of the Conference Centre was made at the request of the Council of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The subjects he discusses: the need for something more tangible to result from the Tercentenary celebrations; appeal in 1970s defeated by galloping inflation; Prince Charles' support of continuing medical education and the conference centre; experience of the London and Glasgow Colleges and the impact of new facilities on their ability to provide continuing education; plans for the new centre eg concourse with good circulation of space and examination space; suggestion by Croom Committee to move the College and objections; 1970s appeal raised just over £250,000 - 80% from fellows and members - and created new seminar rooms and accommodation upgrading; £1million was goal for new appeal (later increased to £1.5million) - to buy land, demolish existing warehouses and build centre; issue of rates bill; fellows and members approached first before industry and charitable trusts; importance of independence of Colleges; Sir John Crofton chaired Appeal Committee and success due in large part to him; no professional fund raisers employed unlike with the 1970s appeal; role of Dr Ian Campbell, College Treasurer; Dr James Syme chaired Building Committee; Dr George Simpson wrote the brief; Kenneth Ryden and Gordon Milne gave their time and skills freely. Approximately 15 minutes - side one only. |