Our Gala Celebrations
On July 13th, we held a Gala Dinner to celebrate 40 years at 104 Tonbridge Road and unveiled exciting development plans for the Clinic site; preparing the ESO for the next 40 years of osteopathic education and our students for their future status as Allied Health Professionals.
Joining us were current and former staff, faculty and students, reuniting in the grounds of Boxley House. The event was hosted by our Chancellor Dr Paula Fletcher and Principal Ian Fraser. We had the absolute privilege of welcoming back to the ESO our co-founder and constant supporter Mrs Margery Bloomfield, who spoke about the School’s early days and of its progression; from a part-time French speaking course in Paris to its home in Maidstone, where its international reputation and influence have flourished.
Special guests also included former Principal Barrie Savory, Vice Principal of the Institute of Osteopathy Susan Farwell, Simon Fielding OBE and ESO Trustee Graham Mason. It was incredibly gratifying to hear our guests talk with such enthusiasm about plans for development of both the School and the osteopathic profession as a whole. Our Principal, Ian Fraser comments,
“The event allowed reflection on the past 40 Years but also offered the chance to discuss the future of the ESO and the profession. The two are closely related with part of the ESO strategy developed to lobby support from all Osteopathic bodies in raising the visibility of Osteopathy. We launched ambitious plans to overhaul our main Clinic building which would see a significant extension adding to the footprint of the building. The new facility will be worthy of an AHP professional status and provide our graduates with the tools to set their, and the professions trajectory on a new plane. We intend to be at the fore of all professional collaboration to work towards a stronger, enhanced awareness of what we can achieve with better exposure.”
Along with speeches, a delicious 3-course meal and live music, there was the chance to take part in our Silent Auction and raffle, raising almost £3,000 on the night for the clinic development fund*. A wonderful evening of celebration.
If you would like more information about our development plans, or would like to make a donation to the Clinic Fund please email Business Development Officer jessicawilliams@eso.ac.uk or call the Chancellor’s Office on 01622 671558.
Our plans
Floor space in the rear building will double to provide an area dedicated to patient care. An exterior lift will provide improved access for pushchairs and mobility impaired patients and an overhaul of the interior will create a high specification clinic health service. The redevelopment will create a light and modern clinic environment; a centre of excellence to showcase our skills and encourage broader recognition of the profession among the public and wider healthcare community. This exciting multidisciplinary hub will also provide a new pathway for our students, enabling them to explore osteopathy’s status as an Allied Health Profession, opportunities for career development and recognition of the profession in the health arena
Event photographs
We were pleased to have a professional photographer on hand to record this very special event. Guests may request individual images for private use. To ask for the removal of an image please email alumni@eso.ac.uk or call 01622 671558 to speak to a member of our Marketing team.
