Page 4 - Winter 18-19

Horizons in Water Science – Evidence for Homeopathy?’ held at the Royal Society of Medicine in Wimpole Street on 14th July, the implication was that she was aware but followed this with “it does not fit with what we know in physics, so we cannot take account of it” or words to that effect. This seems to me to have the making of a ‘quote of the year’. I had the obviously mistaken impression that science was all about working at the edge of the unknown.
Despite the persisting negativity, your Committee has been working very intensively over the last year, with monthly meetings and many avenues pursued. I have asked that a working party be formed of a few dynamic individuals who feel they have something to contribute, to formulate a new approach. I have the skeleton of the plan but it needs work to put it together. The pressure on your committee is unrelenting, so volunteers from the wider membership will be gratefully considered.
The magazine is now digital and we hope that you will all sign up to receive it. The IAVH is with us on this initiative so it is likely to expand in its coverage and usefulness. Malene and Phil have worked so hard on this project and on the new website, so your participation is the best way to show your appreciation for the mammoth contribution they have made to our Association and to posterity.
You will read elsewhere of 2019 Conference in Stirling. This is the product of another giant in the Committee, wendy McGrandles. The programme and arrangements speak for themselves and I hope to see you all there.
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Many of you will have read the ‘Cutting edge’ articles that Geoff [Johnson] has produced for us. Again, a mighty contribution.
In singling out these three huge achievements of 2019, it is not to belittle the massive work behind the scenes done by others, not least Peter [Gregory] (Veterinary Dean), ilse [Pedler] (Vice-President), Stuart [Marston], holding it all together and, of course, our new Faculty Veterinary Representative, Barbara [Jones].
All members of the Committee have done their part and I am very grateful to all and to others who have put work in despite not being on the Committee. We are all fighting the corner of veterinary homeopathy, which, in my opinion, is under attack by a modern form of ‘crusade’.
Geoff is hosting the next in the series of ‘local meetings’ (25th March), at which folk can air their issues, bring cases, discuss homeopathy and enjoy each other’s company and support. Geoff is active on Blue Sky and will keep reminding you.
We are still enjoying massive support from CAM4Animals, who have made representations to the RCVS in a very professional and powerful way. I believe it is all grist to the mill and will serve us in the long term, despite the short-term disappointments.
Their work is ongoing.
I have had the good (or bad) fortune to have found a pathogen in a horse hitherto only seen in non- mammals. Interestingly, the laboratory team wants
to write it up and we are working towards that. Quite what the implications are, I don’t know but at this stage I cannot say more, other than the fact that it seems like quite an exciting development and I suspect homeopathy may just receive a mention! This is an example of science working at the edge of the unknown!
I shall end by wishing you all a productive, pleasurable and rewarding 2019, along hopefully with excellent health and diminishing challenges.
I think a few more words from someone who knew stuff might be appropriate:
’All the best Chris
“the important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. it is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.” ― Albert Einstein