The members were very privileged to have Miss Carys M. Bannister, the countries first and only female brain surgeon, as their speaker.

Born in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, Carys and her sister were taught at home by their Mother using a correspondence course.

Miss Bannister moved to England at the age of 15 to study "O" levels and "A" levels.

At that time only 20% of the intake into Medical School were women and Miss Bannister was only offered a place after winning a scholarship at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School.

Her first experience of neurosurgery was as a junior house officer.

It was only when she entered the Accident Hospital in Birmingham and worked with a neurosurgeon on patients with head injuries that she was impressed by how exciting and challenging it was.

Through her commitment to Neurosurgery with determination and tenacity,She was presented with the OBE for services to Neurosurgery in Manchester.

Through this field she was able to travel the world.

Miss Bannister is now retired and lives in a small holding in the Rossendale Valley.

A lady who has risen to the height of her profession, she remains so unpretentious, filled with humour. An extrodinary woman, an asset to the group.

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