Chris Idzikowski suggested I might write a brief 'pre-history' which could provide something of an 'intro.' to the history of the Society which began with the inaugural meeting in1989. I was happy to do this, particularly as it will mark my 'outro.' as Hon. Secretary - best to leave the introduction until the discussion is finished!
I was lucky enough to be one of the european 'sleepers' who were sponsored by the Upjohn Company to attend the 'Sleep Live-Ins' held at the Sleep Disorders and Research Center, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, under the direction of Tom Roth. I went in September,1986 and was fortunate to make the acquaintance of several enthusiastic and knowledgeable european sleep researchers in addition to our american hosts. I was then able to keep in touch and talk sleep through attending occasional meetings in europe, and learned with interest about some of the European Societies. It seemed time to set-about getting something together in the UK.
I was particularly indebted to Richard Goss, who worked for Upjohn's Medical Science Liaison in Kalamazoo, for supporting the Sleep Symposium at Leeds University on the 27th and 28th October 1988, and providing an opportunity for members of the 1986 and 1987 'Sleep Live-Ins' to get together. It also gave me an excuse to hold a meeting to discuss forming a British Sleep Society, as my mutterings to others had found both interest and offers of help. A photo at the time reveals several smiling 'Sleepers' lined-up on the Psychology Department steps including (left to right) David Parkes, Irene Tobler, Fabio Cirignotta, myself, Chris Idzikowski, Simon Folkard and Robert Poirrier amongst others (Simon Folkard could be described as 8/24ths or 33% a Sleeper!, and an example of our continuing partnership with circadian and other diverse groups).
Minutes from the meeting held between 13.00-14.00 on Friday 28th October 1988 to discuss and vote on the formation of a British Sleep Society reveal that approximately 14 UK symposium delegates were present (from amongst: Greg Stores, Oxford; Ann Sharpley, Oxford; David Parkes, London; Zenobia Zaiwalla, Oxford; Robina James, Janssen, Wantage; Rosena Oozeer, London; Colin Shapiro, Edinburgh; Chris Hanning, Leicester; Inge Windram, Leicester; Lyn Davies, Oxford Medical, Abingdon; Tony Robson, Leeds; Tony Da Costa, Leeds; E. Ragi, Leeds; Laura Thomas, Birmingham; Theresa Powell, Birmingham; Richard Nelligan, SLE, Croydon; with Chris Alford, Leeds, in the chair); as well as 5 European visitors (Luis Ferreira, Portugal; Frances Hagelback, Sweden; Robert Poirrier, Belgium; Alain Renaud, France; and Irene Tobler, Switzerland).
A brief summary of the European Sleep Research Society and constituent member groups, was given by Irene Tobler; and information regarding a 'national' (Belgium) Society was provided by Robert Poirrier. Discussions included such comments as the diversity of a British Society (Chris Hanning); therefore, would such a Society be viable, or would it be better to first join the European Society and then form a British group (Chris Alford)? Colin Shapiro pointed-out the need for a Society as a necessary focus to promote and encourage research.
Two proposals were then voted on (chair abstaining):-
1) That we should join the European Sleep Research Society first, and consider forming a British branch of the European Society second. (5 voted in favour).
2) That we should first form a British Sleep Society, then secondly consider becoming affiliated to the European Society. (8 voted in favour).
A final vote was then taken to decide whether to set-up a British Sleep Society and 11 voted in favour, with the chair again abstaining.
Chris Alford then expressed the view that it would be inappropriate to establish the Society immediately as the symposium had not been widely advertised and many, potentially interested people, were not present. Colin Shapiro then offered to set-up a meeting in Edinburgh for the followoing year (1989). Chris Alford volunteered his services as membership secretary with the purpose of collecting a list of potential members who might then be contacted; both Colin Shapiro and Chris Alford agreed to liaise and contact others in due course.
I note, from these records, how several of those present at the symposium have gone on to contribute their time and efforts most generously to the British Sleep Society, or European Sleep Research Society. I would also like to acknowledge the generosity and enthusiasm of the late Richard Nelligan who did so much to support the 'EEG Brigade'. However, the reservations expressed regarding the diversity of the Society were clearly misplaced. This has been one of the strengths of the British Sleep Society, contributing richly to dfiscussions, as well as promoting a broad and varied programme for the annual meetings. Following the official 'launch' of the Society in Edinburgh, Chris Hanning was elected as Hon. Secretary and Chris Idzikowski as Hon. Treasurer, with the (yearly) Chairmanship being allocated to the organiser/s of the annual meetings until 1994 when these functions were seperated.
Dr Chris Alford, University of West England