September 24, 2015, by Genelva Meikle

Guest Blog: 1975 -76 Alumni Reunion

Written by Mark Cleverley (Biochemistry and Chemistry, 1975)

At the very start of September 2015, seven former graduates, either from 1975 or 1976, attended a get-together on campus. The programme was overseen by Genelva Meikle and Stephanie Hambling within the Alumni Relations Office, to whom we are most grateful for their enthusiastic input. Genelva had suggested the Orchard Hotel on campus as an accommodation base and this proved to be a popular choice.

The former graduates attending this event were:

1975:

• Mark Cleverley (Biochemistry and Chemistry)
• John Flitton (Economics)
• Neil Ghosley (Geography)

1976:

• Simon Armes-Reardon (Economics)
• Stephen Barnard (English and American Studies)
• Andy Douglas (Medical Science)
• David Harman (Economics)

Some of the group travelled to Nottingham on Tuesday September 1^st and, during an evening venture into the city centre, were able to discover ‘new’ aspects to Nottingham life such as The Royal Concert Hall, The Corner House and of course the tram which now allowed direct travel from the station to the university. The now 60+ group however felt reassured by the ever presence of familiar hostelries such as Yates’s and The Bell in the Square.

The aspect of university life which had originally brought these individuals together to become lifelong friends was the fact that they had all resided at least part of their undergraduate days in Lenton Hurst which was annexed to Lenton Hall. In some cases, the entire three years had been spent there (barring holidays of course). During a former reunion in 1992, we had been allowed to stay in ‘The Hurst’ but since the building is no longer used for accommodation purposes, this would not be possible on this occasion. However, we were eager to at least venture into the old building and to savour some of its atmosphere once more. Upon talking to both Genelva and Stephanie, it appeared however that we might not be allowed to enter The Hurst due to its current use.

On the morning of Wednesday September 2^nd, our party was complete (to include two of our wives) and we were introduced to Nihar Qamar who was our ‘Student Ambassador’ as arranged by Genelva and Stephanie. Nihar escorted us during a two hour plus tour of campus, including the new Sports Hall, Trent Building, Portland Building, Lecture Theatres and happily Lenton Hurst where, after a friendly discussion, we were permitted to step inside and revisit our old rooms (at least from the outside). Our official tour ended at ‘Lakeside’ where a table for nine had been booked. The most obliging and very pleasant Nihar was particular to ensure that all was well before we said farewell to her. After a light lunch, we had some more free time to ‘catch up’ and eventually to freshen up for the evening.

We met up again in the early evening at a one-time regular student establishment for special occasions, namely Reno’s on Alfreton Road. The Italian food served there had always been of high standard and we were not to be disappointed by both the quality of both service and menu that evening. This occasion provided a further opportunity to relate tales and recall incidents, some well-known by many but others forgotten. This meal brought our official reunion day to a close although those stopping over at the hotel had further opportunities to chat as well as to take a stroll through campus in the cool air of an early autumn morning before their homeward journeys.

 

Are you interested in organising a reunion in the UK, contact Genelva Meikle for more information.  Keep up-to-date with The University of Nottingham Alumni Relations team and our activities by visiting our dedicated website, as well as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on LinkedIn