Alumni
Fran Dawson
195On Saturday 21st May, the Vice-Chancellor hosted a reunion lunch for over 30 alumni and their guests, all of whom graduated in 1970, 1971 and 1972, to celebrate their 50th Anniversary ‘’Golden Jubilee Celebration”, as part of this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Guest were treated to a lunch, tour of the campus, including the prison, and afternoon tea in Verena Holmes, our new multi-million-pound STEM facility for science, technology, health, engineering and medicine.
Alumni came from far and wide including Sheffield, Oxfordshire and even via plane and train from The Netherlands and the USA. At least four of the couples met at Christ Church and went on to marry and have children, along with a couple who will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary later this year.
It was wonderful to hear guests reminisce, share photographs, tell of friendships forged which remain as strong today as they were 50 years ago, and fond memories about their time at ‘C4’ as it was known then. Many spoke about how strict the College was back in the late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s. With separate male and female accommodation blocks, mingling of the sexes in rooms was strictly prohibited, along with a 10pm ‘doors locked’ curfew. One alumnus recalled waking up to see a whole football team clambering through his bedroom window, having missed the curfew and trying to avoid the wrath of the matron!
As well as much fun and laughter, it was clear that the alumni appreciated hearing how the bonds with the Church and Cathedral remain strong, and how the University has moved forward in such a positive and exciting way since its formation as a Teacher Training College, with around 700 students in 1970. It was a special day which evoked happy memories of Christ Church. We thank all of our alumni who were able to make the event and hope it was an enjoyable day for everyone.
*Photo courtesy of Anna Woodfield.
For more photographs from the day, please take a look at our gallery of photos.
Find out more about our Diamond Jubilee. Discover more about us, join the celebrations, become part of our story and make it a year to remember.
Thank you for an absolutely splendid day!! The event was beautifully organised and each and everyone of us was made to feel special. It was so lovely to be in the grounds of ‘C4’ and see just how many changes have taken place, yet the atmosphere and ethos remain as calm and restorative as ever.
A marvellous occasion, for all who attended. Beautifully presented throughout and meticulously planned too.
It was gratifying to see and hear of the University’s progress over time and its ongoing successes.
It was great to meet up with the attendees, and pleasing that I knew some of those who attended! So many marvellous memories, and some very thought-provoking conversations that threw up so many names and past experiences into the mix.
Time at the event seemed to pass in a heart beat, and made me make a promise to myself to return soon for a short break to further drink in the very special atmosphere of the city and former college.
Sad that many could not make the date, but there is always the next time!
I still get a very warm feeling inside as I glimpse Canterbury from a distance and this is enhanced as the city walls hove into view. There is always a sadness when I leave. Guess it is because of the wonderful time I had there many years ago.
Best wishes
Ian Black
Wow that post took me back to some fun times in Canterbury.
I trust all those in the photo are now happy in retirement .
Lee Crook