Dr David Side (OK 1946)

Dr Side was a former GP and president of the Basingstoke Lions. He was a prominent and popular figure who practiced at New Street Surgery in Basingstoke – which later moved to Bramley’s Grange. David worked tirelessly in Basingstoke as one of the town’s on-call doctors and also worked at the Shrubbery Maternity Home until his retirement in 1987.

He played a major role in identifying the need for defibrillators in Basingstoke ambulances and he was instrumental in fund raising projects for St Michael’s Hospice, Naomi House and Dove House School.

In retirement David remained active, he continued his work with the Lions, joined Deane Probus and also completed an Open University course in humanities. He was with the Basingstoke Lions for 48 years and was rewarded for his services with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. In 1991, David was a founding member of the Probus club of Deane. David was also a governor for a number of schools in the town including Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College and Maple Ridge Primary School.