On a sunny Saturday in late June a group gathered together in the small town of Ambleside in the Lake District.
Here to celebrate a milestone anniversary, the Charlotte Mason College class of 1993 traveled from all corners of the country (some even from overseas) to be here at our Ambleside campus to mark thirty years since their graduation.
The Beehive, a building they knew as a common room, was decked out in balloons and bunting, complete with banner and cupcakes bearing the logo of their old student bar.
36 alumni attended, catching up over bottles of fizz and nibbles. A slideshow was organised showing photos from happy student days.
Alumni Relations Officer, Joanne Lusher, along with second year Geography students Max Young and Abby Clarke led a tour of the campus, showing guests how things have changed in the last three decades. Much merriment ensued as the buildings brought back memories, stories were shared through lots of giggles.
Sharon Sanderson, who organised the reunion, said:
“We finally had the reunion we’d talked about for years and years.
The initial nervous excitement expressed by many who were unsure what to expect, disappeared as they walked through the Beehive doors. Everyone’s enthusiastic hellos, warm hugs and firm handshakes made the 30 years apart simply melt away. The personalities that had clicked together all those years ago remerged and it felt like time had stood still. Many stories were shared and different paths and life journeys caught up with. We watched slideshows of old photos, listened to all the music we danced to at the Barn, Sportsman’s and Sugar House. It was absolutely fabulous! The four of us in the organising committee were thrilled with the turn out, initially 36 at the Beehive and one via Skype from Oman. As the night progressed more of our fellow students joined us including a couple from the years above.
Since the event, there has been a new enthusiasm to keep the momentum up, with people reuniting on social media and making plans for future meet-ups.
If any other year groups are thinking of getting together, I would totally recommend it. Joanne Lusher was an amazing help in the planning of the event and I’d actively encourage you to get in touch with her. Don’t let time slip by… I’m so glad we didn’t…”
If you would like to organise your own reunion, we would love to hear from you! You don’t have to wait 30 years! For room bookings, accommodation and catering visit https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/business/conferences/
If you would just like a free tour of campus contact Joanne Lusher at alumni@cumbria.ac.uk