The 1960s Decade Reunion Report
Two hundred and sixty friends gathered for the 1960s decade reunion in May 2003. It was a bright warm day and the College buildings and grounds looked their best.
In fine tradition, the day started with Prayers and we were warmly welcomed by the Principal, Vicky Tuck. She wittily reminded us all of outstanding events in the 1960s, but told us the present pupils were amused and disappointed that we no longer lived up to the "Hippy, Flower Power" image of that era!
The Lower Hall was then the meeting arena and the noise crescendoed as friends greeted each other after so many years. However, we all admitted that it was necessary to peer cautiously at labels in order to identify names long forgotten, but mostly faces were familiar and if the name escaped one's memory, then the house, class or team provide a clue! Although we had all been sent a list of names of those attending (grateful thanks for such thoughtfulness!), it still took a moment to put the face now 40 years on to the name on the badge.
The new first formers ventured among us to conduct us on a tour of College. How it has changed since our time! The Rems room is a Drama Studio, the Covered Way is blocked up, the staff room is in the 6th Form Block, Fauconberg Villas is the Principal's and Bursar's offices, the new Art & Technology Block has been built on Fauconberg Garden and the Main Entrance is now in Bayshill Road, not St George's. Many of our generation enjoyed watching the 1953 film of College which was on show throughout the morning and copies were bought as well as orders taken for the new history of CLC.
Lunch in the PH was another chance to meet old friends, many of whom had traveled a good distance to be there. On our table we agreed that life in College had been very full in our day, but the opportunities presented to the present pupils were far more numerous and challenging. College certainly continues to strive for excellence.
In the afternoon we visited our old houses, or a favourite one if it no longer exisited. Again the youngest pupils were our guides and the sumptuous tea provided by the housemistresses caused many hilarious stories to be related about meal times and house rules in the 60s.
In all a really happy and successful reunion and we send greetings to those of our generation who were unable to join us. We thank Vicky Tuck and the College Development Office for inviting us back and arranging such a memorable day and we hope it will not be another 40 years before we meet again!
Mary Juckes (Lawson 1960 - 67, SC)
The 1960s decade representative on the Guild Committee