Six alumni, who graduated from Lancaster in 1975, recently got together for a reunion on campus, organised by Jean Mutton, to celebrate fifty years of memories and friendship. Jean explains:

"Apart from gaining our first degrees, which supported our varied career choices, the other great benefit of university is the lifelong friendships which are forged. It was a huge joy to reconnect with old friends, especially those, who for reasons of geography, we don’t see very often, but with whom we share that familiar and comfortable ability to pick up where we left off. Some of us have met up from time to time, but this was the first time we have had the chance to be together and go back to see where it all began in 1975.

We were very grateful to Professor Radka Newton of the Management School, who generously gave up her time to guide our tour of the campus. She helped us to navigate the many new buildings and changes which have sprung up over the years. It was a happy coincidence that we came on an open day. We were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by many staff and students who were willing to answer our questions, even showing us around the accommodation. We had spent our 2^nd year in flats in Morecambe, as was expected 50 years ago if you could not find anywhere in Lancaster. Living in Morecambe in the 1970s was an education in itself!

We found some significant changes on campus – we admired the magnificent sports centre, saw that the medical centre is now an offshoot of the Architecture department and were surprised to find that our college, Cartmel, had relocated across the campus. For old time’s sake, we had a drink in what would have been the Cartmel bar with fond memories of Cess the barman, a legend in his own lifetime.

Although the library is still in the same corner of Alexandra Square, we were impressed by the way it has been expanded and refitted to suit the needs of students today. In our day we didn’t have the internet, of course, and the library was a cornerstone of study. We all spent many hours there poring over books and journals, but also made use of the extensive stock to explore new avenues of learning and reading for leisure.

All in all, we had a super day on campus and left with a promise to return again soon – maybe a 60-year reunion is on the cards? Can’t wait!"

Radka added: “I spent a day on campus with a group of alumni from 1975, including my friend and mentor Jean Mutton, who guided me through service design for over a decade. Listening to their stories reminded me how special universities are — not just for learning, but for the lifelong relationships and connections they create.”

The group was made up of the following alumni:

Jean Mutton (nee Lowe), Educational Research with Theatre Studies

John Mutton, Physics

Gerry Edwards, Physics

Sue Wilson (nee Beattie), Religious Studies

Grahame McCoyd, Mathematics and Engineering

Glenda McCoyd (nee Tyler), Ancient History