Thames Valley Cytology Society

Tribute to Dr Winifred Gray

Report by Dr Elizabeth Hudson

DR WINIFRED GRAY Cytologists will learn with regret that Dr Winifred Gray will soon be retiring. She has been a dependable source of knowledge and experience to all of us in her various professional roles.

To list her achievements risks omitting some because one of Winifred's characteristics is her modesty. Qualifying in Adelaide in 1960, Dr Halley (as she was then) came to Oxford where she assisted Dr Arthur Spriggs and Mike Boddington at the Churchill Hospital in one of the first laboratories in the UK dedicated to the development of cytology. There, I think I can say confidently, that Winifred became a devotee of cytology. Subsequently having completed her training in histopathology and becoming Winifred Gray she was Consultant Histopathologist at High Wycombe for a while before achieving her ambition of appointment as Consultant at Oxford at the John Radcliffe Hospital Department of Cellular Pathology.

Dr Gray has served on the Council of the BSCC and proceeded to become Editor of the Society's journal, Cytopathology. She has built very successfully on the foundations laid for the Journal by the first editor, Professor Dulcie Coleman, and hands it over to Dr Gabriela Kojan this year. At the same time Winifred undertook the formidable task of editing and writing for the comprehensive volume that all UK cytologists have been wanting, Diagnostic Cytopathology. Evidence of this achievement can be found in the well worn copies in cytology laboratories. We are all looking forward to the publication of the second edition later this year. Dr Gray was elected President of the European Federation of Cytology Societies (EFCS) for the year 1997 to 1998 when the combined meeting of the EFCS and the BSCC was held at Oxford. As well as developing the cytopathology at the John Radcliffe and her university and Royal College commitments to teaching and examining, Winifred established a training centre for cytologists in the area from which many in the Thames Valley Society have benefited.

Dr Gray has been a committed supporter of the Thames Valley Cytology Society from its inception in 1972. She was chairman of the Society for three years between 1992 and 1995. She has ensured that Oxford is a regular and popular host for regional meetings. I am always astonished by the amount of work that Winifred gets through. Only a few of her achievements are mentioned here. The number of hours required to accomplish so much at such a consistently high standard is daunting. Yet Winifred is always calm and approachable and willing to give her considered and respected advice to others. We shall miss her quiet charm and presence at our meetings but wish her a long and happy retirement.

Elizabeth Hudson