Charlotte Mason 1971 & 1972 starters reunite in Ambleside
On the evening of Saturday 10 October 2015, more than 50 alumni, who started together in 1971 and 1972 at Charlotte Mason College (now University of Cumbria), reunited on campus in Ambleside.
Joanne Lusher, university alumni officer explained that Richard Williams contacted the Alumni Association some time ago about the potential in organising a reunion. She said “We are always very keen to assist our alumni in organising their reunions, we have put together a Guide to Reunions which can be found on our here.”
Having been used to dances and parties in the barn during their college days, the group were a little surprised to find the building was now a library and café. But they were all very impressed with the work that has been taking place on campus, especially the new steps which looked fantastic all lit up on the dark October evening.
The reunion itself took place downstairs in the Langdale building. Not the most ideal of party locations but it worked with a temporary bar, 70s music and some delicious food. The evening was enjoyed by all, with lots of laughter and a spot of dancing to some favourite old tunes.
David Barrett, ‘Class of 1975 alumnus’ reminisces about his college days, “My year was the first male intake at Charlotte Mason College. We were outnumbered 7:1 – (not an unpleasant experience!) My intake year (1971) caused many dramatic changes at Charlotte Mason; just one example, in our first year, students could theoretically be expelled if we were found in a hostel of the opposite sex before 10am; by my fourth year we had mixed hostels.
"The ‘surprise’ night-time fire drills were always known about in advance – but I recall one male student (not me) climbing out of the 3rd or 4th-floor window of a female hostel and down the rope fire escape to avoid discovery.”
Harry Hulme, alumnus from the 1971 intake concluded, “The staff were tremendous – they all seemed to really care about us, from greeting us outside to ensure we found the right venue, to joining in with the banter at the bar, and the food was spot on too! Shame I didn't eat more of it, I was too busy having a good time! Thank you so much.”
Read more about the development of the Ambleside campus here.
