The Royal College of Physicians hosted the BBC’s prestigious Dimbleby Lecture 2010 on Monday 1 February. It was given by author Sir Terry Pratchett … and the College’s Executive Head Chef, David Summerell, took the initiative and organised an impromptu book signing!
David managed to get one of his collection of Pratchett books signed by the author during a break in rehearsals for the lecture, which is one of the BBC’s most important events of the year.
Sir Terry delivered his lecture, ‘Shaking hands with death’, with the help of TV presenter and actor Tony Robinson. Three years ago the author revealed that he was suffering from a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
The lecture is one of the BBC’s most important events of the year, and was attended by many leading figures. It took place in the RCP’s Dorchester Library, which houses one of the UK’s most important collections of medical books, and many other historic items of literature.
“We were very pleased to have been chosen by the BBC for one of its most significant occasions,” commented Clive Ostler, the College’s General Manager, Marketing and Facilities: “With its heritage and significant place in the nation's medical traditions, the College was a very appropriate setting for Sir Terry’s theme.”