About the Society

Harrogate Medical Society

As Harrogate developed from individual hotels promoting their own businesses in the early 19^thcentury to a more sophisticated centre for spa treatments, the local doctors became increasingly frustrated with what they saw as poor management of the Spa. It was a time when Harrogate was in competition with other British Spas but also because of the development of railways, with continental Spas as well. We think of our era as one of easy travel, but it was common for Harrogate doctors to holiday in Switzerland; indeed, Dr Edgecombe captained the English skating team in St Moritz.

In 1884 the medical practitioners had no voice and so established the Harrogate Medical Society to represent their interests. There were initially 14 members, but this had risen to 56 by 1900.  Professional advice to the Commissioners of the Baths resulted in rapid development of the Spa.

The Society quickly developed a programme of lectures for the benefit of members. In 1892 the topics started with Influenza and covered a range of subjects; a preponderance of Rheumatology as you would expect but also surgical, paediatric, and even one lecture about the Leper hospitals of Norway.

Harrogate developed into an international resort with the aid and foresight of its doctors. Within 6 weeks of the end of World War One the Society had submitted recommendations to the Council for further development of the Spa as much of its competition in the form of the continental Spas had been badly affected by the War.

The Society was also in discussion with the Council in 1943 about post-war development of the Spa. This, of course, was superseded by the establishment of the NHS.

Another instrumental member was Dr Margaret E Manning. She practised as a GP in Harrogate for more than 30 years and was elected as President of the Harrogate Medical Society in 1995/96.

Margaret grew up in North Yorkshire, trained at Manchester University Medical School and returned to her Yorkshire roots after qualifying in 1965.

Margaret was the society’s secretary for more than 25 years and  despite ill health Margaret continued to be the heart and soul of HMS right up until her sad death in June 2020. To commemorate Margaret’s, work the Society  have developed an elective bursary to medical students in her memory.

For many years the Society remained the only forum for postgraduate education locally. Our lecture programme continues today, and we also provide one of the only venues where colleagues from different disciplines can meet. Our current membership is just short of 100, we welcome new members and colleagues and look forward to the future. During the pandemic our meetings were held via Zoom. Following the pandemic, we now have face to face and also via  Zoom

We would be delighted if you could join our Society and support its continued success.

You can join as individuals or as a practice for practice memberships.

Joining details below:

Please pay to                           HSBC, 7 Prospect Crescent, Harrogate

Sort code                                40 23 12

For the benefit of                     Harrogate Medical Society

Account no.    50415588

Amount                                    £20

Commencing                            DATE

Thereafter                               annually