Trinity College Alumni

1957 Students get together again

21 April 2008

Report by Constance Eileen Edwards (neé King)

The restaurant of the Golf Club in Monmouth seems to have become the regular venue for the annual lunch for Trinity students of 1957-59. As usual, it was extremely noisy, with lots of laughter and catching-up on the events of the year. Anyone from the period is invited to join in and can contact Marjorie Parsons, nee Yates, through the alumni office for the date next year. Several people were unable to attend and apologies were received from Irene Lau, Pat, Daphne and Mary Rose. Everyone sent their good wishes to Irene, who has been very seriously ill but is fighting an awesome battle bravely, going everywhere and doing everything.

Most had attended the Alumni Association weekend at Trinity last September that Gwen had made successful by her considerable efforts to locate and persuade ex-students to attend. As promised we put together some comments that we hope will encourage even more ex-students from all years to come to the next event. People preferred to maker their comments anonymously, as they could be more spontaneous.

“The atmosphere was terrific and the food excellent.”

“It was lovely to meet people we had not seen since student days, especially some who had come long distances and said they wished they had become involved before”

“We loved the big displays of photographs – could have spent hours looking at them.”

“The idea of putting fifty candles on the altar in chapel was beautiful and it was spiritually uplifting to be reunited in the Eucharist on Sunday.”

“It was amazing how people were recognisable after so long and how little people’s character had changed.”

“The development and rebuilding of the College is remarkable, though I would have liked to see some of the older lecture rooms.”

As regards future years, it was felt that as much time as possible should be allowed for informal socialising. Most are happy to just talk and catch up with old friends. At such events, everyone seems to revert so it is quite a rejuvenating experience.

Many felt that no individual students should be celebrated in particular at what is essentially an informal event, as it is impossible to know what some have done quietly, while those with a public persona tend to be feted. We felt it was the College itself as a corporate body that should recognise and reward all the achievements of past students in many spheres. I deliberately avoided mentioning any individuals in my after dinner remarks in case anyone felt unrecognised.

Everyone particularly enjoyed the Saturday evening dinner and felt that in subsequent years, as later students came for the whole weekend, we would continue to attend the Saturday evening events at year tables.

It was felt that Owain and Eleri had done well to get the association up and running and there were many appreciative comments about the hard work that had gone into making the weekend such a success. Many also complimented the chef.

Many of our year were already meeting fairly regularly and we hope that other groups will get involved. There must be other “cells” around the country and their involvement should make the annual alumni weekend grow from year to year.