1956-1965 and 1986 Reunion
13th May 2006
This year’s Guild Biennial was combined with a Reunion for those who left College 1956-65 and also for those who were celebrating 20 years since they last heard The Cornelius March played in the PH whilst they sobbed, some with happiness and some with sadness, but no doubt nearly all with varying degrees of trepidation for what was to come. Now was their chance to exchange experiences and memories.
Some of us were fortunate enough to have attended the Leavers' Concerto Concert on the Friday evening, when we marvelled at the standard of all the musicians and particularly at the poise and talent
of the soloists. An early start on Saturday saw us seated in the PH for prayers to listen to the Principal tell us of the life and times of a College girl who had attended during Miss Beale's tenure. Her letters, photographs and other papers had been sent to Mrs Tuck by her daughter, also a Guild member, who is now aged 94.
Click here to view prayers.
We were then guided to the Lower Hall where we drank coffee and ate delicious pastries; College is so much more civilised and sophisticated now! After the Guild AGM we had many choices of programme: archives; film shows from 1953 and the 150th birthday year; tours; attending the choral society rehearsal; joining activities which included silk screen printing and jewellery making. I chose the latter and went with a group escorted by three enthusiastic, charming and polite LC1 girls, who made sure we did not get lost and saw all that we wished to see.
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Lunch was served in the PH, where we tended to sit with our former housemates or classmates. It was all very informal but an added bonus was that we were allowed to bring a guest and so there was a smattering of brave husbands and partners. Although in the minority they were made to feel very welcome and we even allowed two of them to sit at our table! Much chatter and laughter ensued when memories of past exploits, sporting achievements or in my case, sporting mishaps, were recollected. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. We let the years fall away and the grey hair, thickening(ed) waistlines and turkey necks faded and the teenage girls of yesteryear reasserted themselves.
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Vicky Tuck welcomed us with great warmth and told us of College's plans and achievements. Jenny Tudge, Director of Development, reminded us that College needs its Old Girls to keep in touch and if possible support its development for future generations. Presentations were made on behalf of Guild by the Chairman to members of staff leaving this summer, after lifetimes of service to College.
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A lacrosse match had been arranged between the current College 1st XII and a Guild XII: an excellent game with Guild running out the winners. Tea followed at Farnley Lodge and then there was the option to attend Jazz and Jalfrezi in the evening which included girls, parents and friends of College too. It was a wonderful day, superbly organised by the Guild Executive Committee and the Development Office. Our thanks to College for their very kind hospitality and welcome. “Please may we come back soon?"
Mary Blackburn (Symons, 1956-62)