We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny autumnal weekend for the reunion this year. With 217 alumni joining us at Homerton over three days of events. 'Decades Out' groups included those celebrating 40, 50 and 60 years since their time at Homerton and it was a particular pleasure to welcome Margaret who was at Homerton in 1947.
It was particularly moving to see that the friendships made at Homerton certainly last a lifetime and the impact of those 2-3 years at the College have been felt by our alumni down the years since.
We heard stories of setting up the Student Council, honeymoon nights at the College, cycling to Homerton from Ipswich at the start and end of term. 1940's teaching advice to "cultivate a roving eye" in the classroom, sporting blues, curfews and climbing in through windows, taking a stand on being allowed to wear trousers and being the first Homerton students to live in a flat out of halls and the impact the College has had on social mobility.
We had a wide range of talks and tours for our alumni to enjoy. Dr Alison Wood and Jesi Akinsuyi talked about the history, the impact and the future of Homerton Changemakers; Dr David Clifford continued the debates from June's symposium on Overcoming Class Barriers at Cambridge and Dr Peter Cunningham led a lively debate on the position of Education today following a screening of the New School film of 1947 featuring Homerton College. Stephen Tomkins led two tours of the College Grounds and our wonderful team of student volunteers ran two tours of student rooms.
Our guests enjoyed a superb dinner and drinks reception; lunch and tea with cake in the comfort of the Combination Room. Old friendships were rekindled and new ones forged. A very successful and happy weekend.
