Monday 13 October 2025

South Lawn Hotel, Lymington Road, Milford on Sea , SO41 0RF

Monthly Meeting

Alistair Smith  - Say it with Music 

Our  talk today by Dr. Alastair Smith illustrates the power of Music.

Protest, dissent, reflection, control, culture etc. can all be expressed  in Music. Music says things we cannot express. Music can express truth to empower.

“Music is a form of expression that transcends language, politics and national boundaries” - Pablo Casals UN 1958.

Alastair is a former NHS Consultant in Southampton University Hospitals.  In a busy clinical role, music provided support and release from the pressures of the job. The multi-faceted power of music has been a long term interest - not only the combination of music to sustain and enhance health and well being but in a wider context including its relationship with political events and cultures.

Alastair describes himself as an aging, Scottish, retired NHS Consultant.  It is suspected this is an expression of dry Scots humour rather than an admission of senility. Alastair trained in Glasgow in the early seventies specialising in General Medicine and Haematology.  Appointed Consultant Haematologist Southampton and SW Hampshire 1982.  Studied and practised Palliative Care from 2008.
He has worked in the NHS for forty years.

Alastair is a member of Probus ( Sway)