Last month we shared the news of demolition works taking place at the Lancaster campus.
Graduates of the Lancaster campus have been sharing their memories of the buildings and their time as students:
“I have many happy memories of my first year in my shared room on the top floor of Hornby, something that wouldn't be considered today, but fortunately me and my roommate Pauline hit it off. Others weren't so lucky. We had many a happy evening playing Gin Rummy with the two girls from next door, Kathy & Diane.
To eke out my college grant I used to work in the Social Bar, under the inestimable guidance of Cyril! When not working I used to play darts with some of the lads, Barry, Ian and Chris spring to mind, and enjoy a half of Scottish and Newcastle bitter for 8p!!
Living in college meant you had all your meals included. You had a block of hard plastic with your name and photo in it which used to sit in an easel board at the front of the dining hall for you to pick up and present to the canteen staff before you got your meal. I remember the joke about any chicken dinner being seagull!!
It was the days before mobiles so Sunday (cheap rate) meant a long and constant queue for the payphone secreted under the stairs, bung 2p in, ring home and parents would ring you back!
My second year was spent in Gressingham, a much newer building than Hornby and a single room. I had recorded all of my favourite LPs onto cassette and my sturdy Philips tape recorder coupled to a single speaker was much used to listen to Rod Stewart, Dr Hook and Hot Chocolate to name a few.
I remember the anticipation of going to the Porters Lodge every day and eagerly scanning the sheets of names in the window to see if there was a cross (or two if you were lucky) in the box next to your name. Yes, this is how we used to receive any post!
In those days we even had our very own Chippendale, in the form of Dr Chip(pendale) who looked after anyone with any lurgy of the day!
I was at S.Martins before the T was dropped and proud to be a Smartie! Friendships made and memories of the friendly campus will always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you S.Martins.”
Yvonne Parry
“I remember the ‘Going Down’ dinner in 1988. I have very fond memories of the food served in the Old Dining Hall then and at the reception after graduation. I remember the food being very good, especially croissants and petit pain at the weekend.”
Gill Christie
“The news makes me sad. I have many fond memories of this place and the people that lived on campus. It wasn't about wild parties or stuff like that, it was about a small village, and being part of it and close to the people that lived there.
Opening the main window just enough to rest a glass bottle of milk on so that it kept cool. Standing on the path talking to someone several floors up, those little indicators on doors "Sarah is In/Out". The armchairs in each room, so low you were nearly sitting on the floor. The desktops with rings on them from cheap wine in mugs. Belling heaters/grills (they still make them, you know). Laundry days in the bottom of the Queen Margaretha Hall, next to the music practice rooms. Laundry day and drying washing on your radiators.
Locking all your gear in the overhead cupboard over Christmas and Easter because someone on a course would be using your room. The lovely cleaners.”
Steve Pickstock
“I made good friends in Melling and in the years 1987-1991. The old hall saw some fantastic balls and The Willy Tom TV lounge was a must for Neighbours after lunch. Sad to see the disappearing residences but glad to see a small and friendly place planned. The JCR was perfect.”
Wendy Barker
“The friends I made in Melling are still good friends today 36 years on! We danced together in the JCR for four fabulous years, drank in the social bar. So sad to see it being demolished, but not fit for purpose any more.
My eldest daughter (now 23) went to Sheffield Hallam and moved into a brand new flat in 2018. So gorgeous. It's what's needed now. We had to share one bathroom and two toilets between six of us. Sneaking across the corridor in the middle of the night and trying not to lock yourself out!
1987-1991 saw some amazing balls, bands in the JCR and lifelong friendships!”
Cath Heys
“I met my future husband Ian at St Martin's in 1973. We both studied Chemistry as part of our teacher training course and love blossomed over a Bunsen burner. We married in 1977. Many happy memories of studying there. We still live in Lancaster.”
Pam Mcinnes
“Lots and lots of good old memories... Ones that will live with me forever. And of course, the best people I met and love so much xxx”
Jenny Mawson
If you would like to share your memories of St Martin’s College, get in touch alumni@cumbria.ac.uk