Whilst filming at Dale Fort Field Centre, in Pembrokeshire we had a surprise guest drop by. We were on location to attempt to capture the essence of the area on film, to enable us to communicate the impressive variety of unique field sites that Dale Fort has on offer for universities – you can watch the film below.
We knew the Centre Manager and staff would best describe the distinctiveness of the site, as they lead groups in the area daily, and are still motivated and inspired by the place they work. We didn’t expect to capture on film a visit from a past student, who says he owes his illustrious career, in part, to his time at Dale Fort. Read on to discover why Dale Fort Field Centre still has a place in the heart of Dr David Coates, nearly 60 years later.
Discover Dale Fort Field Centre, the perfect location for university field trips
Realising the practicalities in a real environment
Q: First can you tell us your name?
A: Okay. My name is David Coates.
Q: Can you just tell us quickly what your relationship to this place is?
A: In about 1967, I went to University College London to study microbiology, the BSc in microbiology in the Department of Botany Microbiology.
And I remember distinctly in the first year, we came up to Dale Fort Research Centre, for a week I believe it was. I think it was the first time that I began to realise the practicalities of all the experimental work in the real environment of, the sea out there, a very interesting time.
Q: And then how did that affect your career?
A: Well, from that, I thankfully graduated at University College. I stayed on and did a PhD in the US Post Doctorate, on the mode of action of an antibacterial compound. After my PhD I joined the Boots Company in research, set up a research lab for them. And then after two, three years, I joined Johnson Johnson and I spent 35 years of my career, well all my career, with Johnson Johnson initially setting up research, doing research in the UK in the medical field, and eventually running businesses for Johnson Johnson all over Europe and Central Europe.
It’s all about teamwork and the practical aspects
Q: How do you think coming to Dale Fort affected your career path?
A: I think, there are two aspects of it. Obviously, it built teamwork with the people you were at university with, so I think it made you familiar in your environments at university.
I remember distinctly that up ’til then we’d spend a lot of time doing research and experiments in the laboratory, you know, when the graduate students provide you pretty much everything you need.
Whereas when I was here, I remember we were going out getting our own samples and doing studies and it made me realize that, you know, what you do in the laboratory, it’s all about really the practical aspects when you get into the environment.
Q: Do you feel like you got a lot out of being here?
A: Yes. I think I did get a lot out of being at Dale Fort. I mean, the fact that, I think it’s probably 1966, 57 years ago I was here. I still remember the place. And although I’ve lived outside the UK now for over 35 years, on my first trip back to Pembrokeshire, I felt the need to see if I could find Dale Fort and hunt the place out. And here I am. I’m welcomed again, like I was when I first came here as a student, 18 years old.
Q: Does that bring back a nice feeling for you to get all those memories back, seeing this place?
A: Yeah. Really nice feelings coming back. I mean, I had a bit of trepidation driving down there. My wife was saying, are you sure we should be coming down here? And I parked outside the entrance. The place said, no parking. And good heavens, we were greeted by the director here. And, next thing I know, I’m talking to you about my experiences.
It’s not just about the academic research
Q: You’ve touched on the impact this kind of place has on students. So can you just talk to me a little bit about the importance this kind of facility grants students
A: Yeah. I think the value of coming to somewhere like Dale Fort is that you, you realize that everything you do in a university course has got to have practicalities outside. It’s not just about the academic research and the getting the degree. Uh, it’s how what you are studying and what you are doing, uh, relates to something that’s important. And obviously Dale Fort is very important, I would guess now as it comes to all the environmental studies going on, pollution in the oceans, it’s effect on wildlife and everything else.
I was managing director of the Johnson Johnson Hospital Professional Business in Yugoslavia while it was still Yugoslavia, then Slovenia when it was not Slovenia. And then I moved and headed up the business in Poland, and then I went up into the offices in Switzerland where I was running businesses in a region with managing directors reporting to me.
Q: If teachers were considering bringing their students here, what would you tell them?
A: Do they still have the same bitter down at the Griffin or not? Probably Not?
Q: So we’ve got a bar on site now…
A: Ah they didn’t have that then… so..
I think it’s very good for universities to consider bringing students here. For the two reasons really. I mean, the bonding of the group in the university, the year group, because I think we came very early in the year. So it was important, you built people up in an academic environment, but not strictly university academic. And as I say, I think it helps you a lot in understanding, the practical aspects and relevance of what you are actually studying at university.
Q: Do you have any like fond memories that you can call back on that you can tell us?
A: Well I remember quite a few things here.
I mean, I remember the drive up to Dale Fort, I think we must have arrived at night because it’s like coming through a tunnel of trees. And, I enjoyed the week immensely and therefore I felt I wanted to come back and see the place this week. The one memory I do have is sitting outside doing some experiments in the freezing cold. I don’t think it was raining, but if it wasn’t raining, it had just stopped or it was just about to, but you know, once you’ve dried out at a shower and found yourself somewhere to have a nice hot drink or something stronger, it was worthwhile.
We’d like to thank Dr Coates for talking to us, and taking time out to revisit his memorable trip to Dale Fort Field Centre on film.
If you would like to discuss organising a trip for your university please contact our team or view our university subjects and courses.