A group of former students who graduated from the University of Worcester 40 years ago returned for a special tour to mark the anniversary.
The group met while training to be teachers at what was then Worcester College of Higher Education, starting their courses in 1978. Most finished in 1981, while others completed an extra year to gain an Honours degree, finishing in 1982.
They all went into teaching straight away, continuing in the profession until their recent retirements, and despite busy lives kept in touch, meeting regularly over the years.
This year, to mark the 40th anniversary since most finished, they returned to see how the University had changed and reflect on their time studying together.
“It’s been so lovely to come back and have a tour,” said Diane Lyon (nee Saint). “It’s nice to reminisce.”
The friends said they were pleased to find the University had retained its friendly welcoming atmosphere, despite some physical changes, and all agreed they would choose Worcester again if they were selecting where to study now.
They said they had fond memories of times spent at The Dive, the Students’ Union bar.
“Worcester had one of the best reputations for teacher training, and it didn’t disappoint,” said Jane Mulligan
“It set us up well for our careers, we all got jobs straight away and stayed in teaching until our retirement,” added Helen McIllmurray (nee Richardson).